Happy spring! Well, the weather’s been cooperating at least some of the time, so I hope everyone has had a chance to get out there and enjoy the season in our fair city.
With summer looming, now seems like a good chance to remind families about some of the many fun activities available for us all in the city.
Before I start with some new ones, a reminder to stop by the petting farm at Queen’s Park. Remember, it’s open again for the season, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily until Sept. 1 – your kids (and you) can enjoy visiting with goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits and more.
And, without further ado, here are a few more tidbits for spring and summer fun in the city:
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Feeling arty?
River Market has been hosting a series of free arts workshops and performances for families, courtesy of ArtStarts.
The next one is set for Sunday, June 1, with sessions at 11 a.m. and at 1 p.m. This month's featured performer is Anne Glover, a storyteller who creates figures out of a loop of string.
It's ideal for kids aged four and up, but everyone is welcome. No pre-registration is needed - just drop in to River Market.
Check out www.rivermarket.ca for details, or see http://artstarts.com/weekend.
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Want to get active as a family?
Don’t forget about the free swim and gym sessions on the first Wednesday of each month at Canada Games Pool.
The Westminster Savings-sponsored sessions offer free family access from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Canada Games Pool is at 65 East Sixth Ave.
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Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Sapperton Street Festival.
This year’s festival takes place on Sunday, June 8.
The event organizers promise live street performers, musical groups, bouncy? castles, clowns, games, mini-doughnuts, pancake breakfast, rock climbing wall, ?marketplace vendors and much more fun for families.
The festival is a non-profit community event put on by theSapperton Business Association, with help from local businesses and residents, and proceeds go towards the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation.
Check out www.shopsapperton.com.
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Ready or not, school’s almost out - and that means your three- to 12-year-old readers can have a great time taking part in the library's popular summer reading club. Registration for this year's club starts June 9 at the main branch (716 Sixth Ave., uptown) and June 10 in Queensborough.
A special kickoff party is set for 3:30 p.m. on June 18 at the main branch at June 25 at 3:30 in Queensborough.
Check out nwpl.ca for all the details.
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Here’s another fun idea for families – the outdoor piano in the park.
Queensborough Community Centre invites everyone to play the hand-painted piano in Ryall Park.
“Tap into your inner Mozart with this unstructured free-spirited and fun opportunity to sing, dance or simply play!” a write-up says.
It’s free – just drop by the bandshell anytime between June 23 and Sept. 1, or call 604-525-7388 to find out more.
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Also on the outdoor entertainment front, don’t forget that the city is jam-packed with outdoor performances and fun at the Queen’s Park Bandshell, Ryall Park and Hyack Square.
This year’s performance series kicks off Sunday, June 15 at the Queen’s Park bandshell, with the Royal City Concert Band celebrating its 80th anniversary with a 2 p.m. concert.
The Ryall Park series starts July 2, with a 1 p.m. performance by David Cassel, and the Hyack Square Friday night dances start July 4 with a night of zumba.
For the full concert listings, check out the city’s Active Living Guide (page 77) – you can pick it up at community centres and city facilities or you can see it online at www.newwestpcr.ca.
Do you have an idea for Family Ties? Send suggestions of interest to local families to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
