Are you at home with a baby or toddler? Thinking longingly of the days when you used to read grownup books and enjoy adult conversation?
If you sometimes find it tough to get in your “me time,” the New Westminster Public Library has an answer.
The library hosts a regular Bring Your Baby Book Club, giving parents a chance to get together and discuss current adult novels while their small folks come along and play. The club is recommended for parents with kids from infant up to age 24 months. It next meets on Tuesday, March 15, and then again on Tuesday, April 19.
Register at 604-527-4667 or [email protected].
AN ARTY SPRING BREAK
Still looking for fun for spring break?
It’s not too late. A new and awesome idea just crossed my desk – the Creative Artworks Spring Art Camp being offered at Anvil Centre, led by artist Melissa Thorpe.
The class will give young artists a chance to explore a variety of materials and mediums, working in drawing, painting and collage. On the final day, families are invited in to see a showcase of all the work the kids have created during their week at camp.
It’s set to run Monday to Thursday, March 21 to 24, with sessions for five- to eight-year-olds from 10 a.m. to noon, and nine- to 12-year-olds from 1 to 3 p.m. The registration fee is $60. Call 604-527-4640 or see www.anvilcentre.com/register.
EASTER IN THE PARK
Easter’s coming – and that means it’s almost time for the annual family fun in Queen’s Park.
Easter in the Park festivities are on Sunday, March 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is geared to kids aged three to 10, with entertainment, crafts, face painting, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Bunny and kids’ games among the fun. The petting farm and the concession stand will also be open for the event.
It’s all free – and it usually gets very busy, so be sure to stop by early. Call 604-777-5121, or just stop by Queen’s Park to check it out.
ART SPLASH FOR KIDS
Here's another one for all the tiny Picassos and van Goghs out there.
If you and your small person are interested in art, the city’s new spring Active Living Guide has a couple of great offerings for you.
You can sign up for Art Splash, for two- to four-year-olds, running on Saturday mornings from April 2 to May 7 at the Anvil Centre. It gives kids and parents a chance to explore a host of different materials and techniques to create multimedia fun, and supplies are included. It costs $65; call 604-527-4640.
Or, if Centennial Community Centre is handier, why not try out Parent and Tot Art Time, also for the two- to four-year-old crowd, with parents .That’s on Thursday mornings from April 7 to May 5 and costs $42; call 604-777-5100.
ART ON THE STREETS
If your arty kid is a little older, here’s a great idea – and best of all, it’s free.
Kids aged five to 12 years old are being invited to take part in Art in the Streets, helping out with a new street banner public art project. Youngsters will work with a professional artist to design a one-of-a-kind street banner that will be displayed on city streets.
The free sessions run Saturdays from April 9 to June 4 (no class May 21), with five- to eight-year-olds meeting from 10 a.m. to noon, and nine- to 12-year-olds from 1 to 3 p.m.
It’s free, but register by calling 604-527-4640.
SIGN WITH BABY
And another one for those parenting babies: A new session of Baby Sign Language classes is starting up soon at the Centennial Community Centre.
Parents can learn 30 to 40 signs to help work with their baby and encourage early communication – and, hopefully, help reduce some toddler frustration when words just won’t keep up with wants.
The classes run Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon, April 12 to May 10. It costs $60. Call 604-777-5100.
BOARD GAME MEETUPS
Love board games? So do these folks – and you’re welcome to join in the fun.
For those who haven’t discovered it already, there’s a regular all-ages board game meetup on Sundays in the community square at River Market, running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
You can bring your games and join in with other folks who like board games, too.
Check out www.rivermarket.ca for more details.
Do you have an item for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related ideas to Julie, [email protected].
