SPOTLIGHT ON ...
Sanity-saving fun for littles (and their parents)
SO I’M GOING A LITTLE CRAZY WITH COOPED-UP KIDS. HELP!
Yes, winter can be a rough time to be a parent, with all those rainy days keeping the little people cooped up inside. Never fear, New West parents have lots of options for getting out of the house – even if you’re not one of those organized types who remembered to sign up for all kinds of registered programs. The options listed below are all offered on a drop-in basis.
MY KIDS NEED TO BURN OFF ENERGY. WHAT CAN WE DO?
QUEEN’S PARK ARENEX (604-777-5121) is destination central for keeping kids active. Here are some highlights:
- Motoring Munchkins: This drop-in for one- to six-year-olds runs Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 to 11:45 a.m. and Fridays from 9 to 11:45 a.m. and again from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Kids can play with balls, toys, trampolines, swings and more and join in group activities. Kids under one are welcome for free, and there are baby-friendly toys on offer.
- Parent and Tot Gymnastics: Kids and parents aged one to six can take part in gymnastic fun at drop-in sessions on Mondays from 9:30 to 10:25 a.m., Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:25 a.m., Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:25 a.m. It’s $4 to drop in.
- Gymnastics and trampoline: Kids aged three to 14 can get air during these fun sessions on Saturdays from noon to 12:55 p.m. and 2 to 2:55 p.m., with a $4.25 drop-in fee.
QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY CENTRE (604-525-7388) also offers great options for folks in the ’Boro.
- Indoor Playland: One- to six-year-olds and their caregivers can enjoy bouncy castles, pirate ships and more on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a $3.75 drop-in fee ($1.25 for each additional kid).
- Family Open Gymnasium: Families with kids aged five and up can join in a variety of sports and activities (no instruction provided) on Saturdays from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m.
VANCOUVER CIRCUS SCHOOL (604-544-5024) is another active spot for small folks and their caregivers, on the second floor of River Market. There’s Circus Parent and Tot Drop-In on Tuesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. (ages six months to five years). It’s $10 per child, $5 per additional child, with adult. On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you can also drop in for Big Top Toddlers, also for kids up to age five. It’s $5, or free for children under one year. See www.rivermarket.ca or www.vancouvercircusschool.com for all the details.
OK, TODAY WE JUST DON’T FEEL LIKE RUNNING AROUND. GOT A MORE MELLOW OPTION?
Mini Music Drop In: Music Box New Westminster offers free Friday drop-ins at River Market for kids aged nine months to five years and their caregivers. Join in singing and dancing at one of two sessions: 10 to 10:45 a.m. or 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. See www.rivermarket.ca or www.musicboxnw.ca or call 604-553-1176.
New Westminster Public Library: The library’s two branches offer free drop-in Babytime and Preschool Storytime sessions. Babytime (for the under-two crowd) is on Fridays at 10:15 a.m. at the main branch at 716 Sixth Ave. and Mondays at 11 a.m. at the Queensborough branch (920 Ewen Ave., in the community centre). Preschool Storytime (ages two to five) is on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. at the main branch and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in Queensborough. (Note: There’s no storytime during spring break, March 14 to 25.) See www.nwpl.ca for details.
Coffee Chat for Caregivers: Queensborough Community Centre offers coffee chat sessions for caregivers with children from infancy up to age three, with complimentary coffee and tea, guest speakers and a chance to socialize with other parents. It’s on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and it’s free.
River Critters Baking Class: You may have a Master Chef Junior in the making. Or maybe just a bored kid. Either way, turn out to River Market Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. for this class led by Katia Mayo from Pamola Bakery for kids aged five and under. Kids can get their hands into dough and create treats to take home. There’s an $8 fee, and you need to sign up ahead through www.rivermarket.ca.
New Westminster Family Place: Family Place (101-93 Sixth St., 604-520-3666) has family drop-ins every day of the week from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Call ahead or check their online calendar at www.nwfamily.bc.ca for any holiday closures or special pre-registered programs.
StrongStart: These early learning centres are free for kids aged zero to five, with their parents or caregivers. They offer a safe place for kids to play, with activities led by an early childhood educator including stories, music and art. They run at local schools when school is in session (note that March break is March 14 to 25). It’s offered at Richard McBride (331 Richmond St.) Monday to Friday from 8:50 to 11:50 a.m.; Connaught Heights (2201 London St.) Monday to Friday from 12;30 to 3:30 p.m.; and Queen Elizabeth (921 Salter St., Queensborough) Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. You just need to bring proof of your child’s birthdate (e.g. a birth certificate) the first time you show up. Check out www.tinyurl.com/StrongStartNW2016 for all the details.
Got another favourite place to drop in in New Westminster? Email Julie MacLellan, [email protected] with your ideas.
