Wow, it seems Christmas is just behind us, and the Family Day long weekend is already just around the corner. (That’s Monday, Feb. 8 for those who may not remember.)
If you’re looking for some ideas of things to do to keep the small folks busy on that extra Monday, never fear: there’s lots on offer in New Westminster.
Here are some of the highlights:
RIVER MARKET
The popular riverfront destination (810 Quayside Dr.) is once again offer Family Day festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out all the goings-on, including a bouncy castle courtesy of Vancouver Circus School, balloon twisting by Korki the Clown, carnival games, table hockey, face painting, and an ArtsToGo workshop offered by the Arts Council of New Westminster with hands-on creative crafts for the whole family.
At 3:30 p.m., Vancouver Circus School (on the second floor) will offer a free public demonstration, and Music Box New Westminster will be hosting chalk art and crafts.
Check out www.rivermarket.ca for all the details.
FRASER RIVER DISCOVERY CENTRE
While you’re on the river, don’t forget about the fabulous Fraser River Discovery Centre right next door (788 Quayside Dr.)
It has interactive exhibits and programs for all ages going from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including family activities, games and crafts.
Check out www.fraserriverdiscovery.org for all the details.
SAMSON V
Another waterfront stop is available at the Samson V, where you can climb aboard between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to learn about the working river and life on a snagboat paddlewheeler. You can take part in a scavenger hunt around the vessel, learn to tie sailor’s knots and make nautical crafts.
Call 778-773-1498 for details.
ANVIL CENTRE
Once again, this downtown hot spot (777 Columbia St.) is a hub of family fun for the holiday. The Family Fun Zone will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and it’s jam-packed with things to do.
Among the offerings are performances by Ishdafish, dubbed “The Clown Prince of Folk,” magic by Peter Rooke and a photo booth presented by The Stage New West.
Kids can enjoy face painting, clowns, arts and craft stations and kids’ activities at a variety of community group tables. There’s also youth entertainment in the theatre as part of the Youth Zone on the third floor, and there will also be a Nintendo game zone for the electronically inclined.
Families are invited to pop in to the New Media Gallery to check out OTIC: Systems of Sound and make ear accessories to take away. On the history from, visitors can also enjoy heritage activities like button making and stained glass creation.
Plus, there will be a preview of the Boulevard Gardens of New Westminster exhibition by the Garden Gals in the Community Art Space.
And, while you’re there, you can learn more about the draft New Westminster food truck policy and offer your thoughts on what you think about food trucks in the city.
COMMUNITY CENTRES
The city’s community centres are getting in on the fun.
In Queensborough, pop in to the Queensborough Community Centre (920 Ewen Ave.) for a morning of family-friendly activities from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – bouncy castles, face painting and crafts, among others. The weight room will be free for families (13-plus years) from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Centennial Community Centre (65 East Sixth Ave.) is also getting in on the fun with a day of activities that starts with a 9:20 a.m. fitness class and winds up with a performance by kids’ entertainer Tony Prophet from 2 to 3 p.m. Throughout the day, you can enjoy a core fitness class, a cycle fit class, dance, yoga, Tiny Tot playtime, art activities and more.
Meanwhile, over at Century House and the Youth Centre (620 Eighth St.), you can stop in between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and find out what the joint facility is all about. You can take part in intergenerational activities like a fitness class, cookie decorating, parent versus kid jeopardy, open gym sports and more, or enjoy an art display and games. (Call 604-519-1066 for Century House or 604-515-3775 for the youth centre.)
QUEEN’S PARK
Families can make a couple of stops in Queen’s Park (604-777-5121).
At the Arenex, there’s an all-ages gymnastics and trampoline session from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and another from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Adult participation is required.
Then meander over to the greenhouse for a tour and a chance to create your own little garden to take home – that runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
SKATE AND SWIM
Make a point of getting active on your extra day off, with a free public all-ages skate at Moody Park Arena (701 Eighth Ave.) from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and another from 6 to 8 p.m. Skate rentals are free both times.
Over at the Canada Games Pool (65 East Sixth Ave.), there’s a free public swim and free access to the fitness centre from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Green Thunder waterslide is open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and there will be family activities – races, face painting and the giant whirlpool among them.
Check out www.tinyurl.com/NWFamilyDay2016 for details on all of the above events.
Do you have another parenting- or family-related event or idea to share? Email Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
