Summertime, and the livin’ is easy – unless you have bored kids on your hands, in which case it may make you crazy.
Never fear, New West has plenty on offer for families and kids of all ages. Here are a few of the upcoming happenings we’ve found for you:
GET READING
Raise a reader by getting them started young – and there’s no better way to celebrate literacy than by joining the New Westminster Public Library’s Summer Reading Club.
Kids aged three to 11 can sign up, and they can earn stickers and other prizes by reading at least 15 minutes a day. Those who complete seven weeks of reading can earn a summer reading medal, presented at the club’s closing ceremony in September.
Summer Reading Club kicks off June 22 at both branches (uptown and Queensborough), with a party from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Check out www.nwpl.ca for all the details.
And don’t worry, teens haven’t been forgotten – there’s also a Teen Summer Reading Club for the 12- to 18-year-old crowd, and registration also starts on June 22. Find out more at the library’s website or call 604-527-4677.
CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
The Queensborough Children’s Festival is always a hit, and this year’s edition is set for Saturday, June 18 from noon to 3 p.m.
The fifth annual event includes interactive play, crafts, live entertainment, food and more, and the fun goes rain or shine.
It’s free, so be sure to drop in to Ryall Park (outside the Queensborough Community Centre at 920 Ewen Ave.) to join in.
BRING YOUR BABY BOOK CLUB
If you’re a new mom or dad and you’re home with an infant or toddler, this one’s ideal – the New Westminster Public Library runs a regular Bring Your Baby Book Club, meaning mom and dad get time out for adult conversation but don’t have to worry about finding care for the kidlets.
Bring your small human (suggested age is up to 24 months) and come ready to discuss The Rosie Project, by Graeme Simsion. The next session is on Tuesday, June 21 at 1 p.m. at the Anvil Centre.
Register at 604-527-4667 or email [email protected].
GET READY FOR HIGH SCHOOL
If there’s a young person in your house who’s getting ready to start at NWSS in the fall, be sure to check this one out.
The New Westminster Public Library is hosting a special information session, How to Transition to New Westminster Secondary School, on Friday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to noon., to help young teens feel more prepared for the new world that awaits them.
To register or for more details, call the library at 604-527-4667 or email [email protected], or contact Maniya Rafiei, settlement worker at New West schools, at 778-628-0111.
CULTURAL EXPLORATION
If your family hasn’t checked out one of the free ArtStarts workshops at River Market yet, this month would be a great time to start. The next in the monthly workshop series is set for Sunday, June 26, with sessions at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
This month’s featured artist is Fana Soro, who’ll lead an interactive workshop that explores the social and cultural significance of West African instruments and music. It’s aimed at kids aged five and up, but everyone is welcome.
You don’t need to pre-register – just drop on in to River Market at 810 Quayside Dr. Check out www.artstarts.com/weekend or www.rivermarket.ca for more details.
NATURE PACKS FOR KIDS
Do you look after a group of preschoolers or young elementary-aged kids? The City of New Westminster offers Nature Packs – nature activities in backpacks suited for groups of preschool or school-aged children (suggested age three to eight years).
It’s $1 per child to book, and you can call 604-777-5121 to reserve. The nature packs are available in July and August.
POP-UP MUSEUM IN THE PARK
Have you taken your kids to the museum yet? Well, the museum is coming to them – all summer long in city parks.
The New Westminster Museum will be on hand in local parks with artifacts from its teaching collection, along with different activities, crafts and games. The fun happens Thursdays from 12:30 to 3 p.m., and it’s set to kick off on July 7 at Moody Park, followed by July 14 at Queen’s Park, July 21 at Ryall Park and July 28 at Sapperton Park.
All the sessions will be drop-in by donation. Call 604-527-4640 to find out more.
Do you have an item for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related ideas and events to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
