Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are almost over, and the kidlets are looking for something to do before the cold, rainy weather sets in. Our reporters have been out and about the city exploring the best options for summer fun of all kinds. In a special look at what’s happening for the smaller set, here’s Janaya Fuller-Evans’ destination list, Top 10 kids’ spots.
There’s lots for tots to see and do, in New West there’s something for you. For girls and boys, for Mom and Dad, there is plenty of summertime fun to be had. You can cool down at the Loonie skate, or go to the library for a reading break. Watch movies in Queen’s Park, or stroll the market for a lark.
Looking for something to keep the little ones busy on these end-of-summer days? The city has a wide variety of activities and destinations for kids, from toddlers to teenagers. From city parks to the Anvil Centre, there is plenty going on indoors and outdoors throughout New Westminster.
1. Rainbow Playland – Tikes don’t need to head to Vancouver to visit Playland, as there’s the Rainbow Playland at Queen’s Park. OK, it’s a little more low-key, and there aren’t any carnival rides or games, but it’s still a place that delights children. There’s the petting farm right nearby, two playgrounds and a spray park. There are also free live performances at the Bandshell on Sundays. For more information, click here.
2. City parks - With well over more than 40 community green spaces in New Westminster, including neighbourhood parks and playgrounds, there is always somewhere nearby to take the kiddies for a little fun. There are playgrounds galore, some with spray parks, as well as many a sandbox for the little ones. For more information, click here.
3. River Market – There is plenty to see and do at the River Market, where the little ones can get a bit of respite from the hot, hot sun while taking part in a range of activities. From baking classes to mini music drop-ins, there’s always something going on at the market. And the Vancouver Circus School often has drop-in classes for kids and adults alike. For more information, click here.
4. Royal City Farmers Market – Grab a snack or even dinner at the Royal City Farmers’ Market, and introduce the kids to a variety of foods they may have never tried before. There are baked goods, fresh produce, and often a couple of food trucks on site. There’s also a mini farmers market play area, a play area on the grass near the food trucks, and Music Box New West provides free activities for the kids at each market. Markets run on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. at Tipperary Park. For more information, click here.
5. Irving House – Let the kids travel back in time by visiting the 1865 Irving House. The community heritage site offers a view of life in the 1800s, with the help of costumed guides who can fill you in on details about the home. Irving House is at 302 Royal Ave., and is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, from noon to 5 p.m., until September.
6. Anvil Centre – One of the city’s newest buildings also houses much of its history, as the New Westminster museum is located there. Anvil Centre has plenty going on this summer, from craft Thursdays to family Fridays, as well as ongoing museum exhibits. The Anvil Centre is located at 777 Columbia St. For more information, click here.
7. Loonie skates – Chill out with the kids at Loonie skates at Moody Park Arena until Sept. 6. Loonie skates take place Mondays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 604-525-5301.
8. Fun in the sun – New Westminster Family Place has been offering its Sun Fun activities for babies to five-year-olds on Thursdays this summer, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The events are free, and include bubbles, art and outdoor play. Parents are asked to bring a lunch, drinking water, sunscreen and hats. The last Sun Fun event takes place Thursday, Aug. 27 at Queen’s Park. For more information, click here.
9. Summer movie series – Nothing brings the family together like a good movie. The summer movie series offers family-friendly movies on Friday nights at Queen’s Park Stadium. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the movies begin at dusk. The movie showings are weather-dependent, so if the skies look grey, call 604-527-4634 to confirm things are going ahead. The last two movies are Aladdin this Friday, Aug. 21, and Big Hero 6 on Aug. 28. For more information, call 604-515-3775 or click here.
10. Libraries – While encouraging kids to read is a wonderful reason to go to the library, it isn’t the only one. At the New Westminster Public Library, there is a wealth of activities that go beyond the page, from babytime to teen-focused events. While many of these activities take place at the main branch, the Queensborough branch also has activities of its own. For more information, click here.
