Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in vancouver, CN

An Annual Tradition: The Pacific National Exhibition

August 27, 2009

We try every year to spend at least a day at the PNE every August. Running this year from the 22 August until Labour Day (the 7 September) the day before school starts you have this full weekend and next week to go.

A few things to help you and your preschooler get the most out of the day.

Bring a stroller or wagon. If your child doesn't usually use a stroller but can sit in an umbrella stroller if need be, bring it. There is tons of stroller parking and you can give your shoulders a rest from having to carry an exhausted child around. Even if you don't use it for your child you can use it to carry the stuff you will have with you. (Having a luggage tag with your name on it will help with the stroller parking attendants.)

Bring drinks and snacks. This will make the trip a lot less expensive even if you do get some mini-donuts from the concession.

It might be a good idea to put your child in a pull-up even if they don't wear them anymore. It is a lot less fun to change a preschooler accident because you couldn't get to a bathroom on time.

Check out the entertainment schedule online. This way you can figure out the best time of day to go. If you want to wing it there is always lots going on and you can find lots of different animals to look at and rides to go on.

Try to go at a time where your child is freshest. For some this may be the morning and some this may be the afternoon after a nap. There will still be lots to do.

Bring some cash. It is always easier to get cash before than during. Also check out the paper for coupons for the gate pass, you can usually buy it beforehand and save.

Most of all have fun. Enjoy the crowds and make the most of it before the school year starts. Happy end of summer!

Favourite Lists

June 16, 2009

I have written for Being Savvy Vancouver for over a year now and I have loved finding new places to explore in the lower mainland. In looking over my tuesday list over the last year or so, there are a few that I think are especially relevant to the summer weather we have been having. So I have decided to do a best of list of my Tuesday lists.

The best and all encompassing list is my "99 Things to Do in Vancouver." This list has links to all kinds of activities you can do with your child in the lower mainland and a little bit beyond.

Another great list is "Kid and Parent Dates" where there is a list of some great restaurants to have a kid friendly meal with your child.

Looking for a place to have a playdate with another parent and your kids? "Playdate Anyone" is the list for you.

If you check out these lists you should have plenty of things to do over the summer. Have fun and play safe.

Easter Weekend in Vancouver

April 09, 2009

There are lots of Easter weekend activities happening at parks and community centres all over Vancouver. Some I mentioned in last weekends post, like the skating at Kits on Saturday, but there are a lot more activities everywhere.

Stanley Park has lots going on at the Miniature Train and Farmyard. Meet the new baby lambs and alpacas, take a ride on the train and join in the easter egg hunt. The egg hunts are daily all weekend long. Open Friday through Monday over Easter, 11am-4pm, rain or shine. Call 604-257-8531 for information. Also at Stanley Park the Discovery Walk: Egg Hunt! April 12, 1-3pm, Stanley Park. Celebrate the day by "hunting" for eggs of all kinds, from insects to geese, to see how they fit into the life cycles of Stanley Park's animals. Meet at the Lost Lagoon Nature House. Adults $10, Members & Children $5. www.stanleyparkecology.ca

Friday, April 10, 9:30am-12:45pm, Killarney Community Centre. The Egg Hunt will take place outdoors (weather permitting). Please pre-register. Call 604-718-8200 to register. 1-3 yrs 9:30am-10:15am (parent participation required for 1-3 yrs); 4-6 yrs 10:45am-11:30am; 7-12 yrs 12:00-12:45pm. Members $2.50/child; non-members $3.50/child.

Saturday, April 11, 12:30-3pm, Renfrew Park Community Centre. Entertainment, face painting, crafts and our famous Egg Hunt. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Limited space, $4/child, call 604-257-8388.

If you have an event for preschoolers in the lower mainland that you would like featured in our Thursday posts please email Beingsavvyvancouver@gmail.com.

Animals and Science, What More Could You Ask For?

by Gwendolyn Floyd

December 16, 2008

Looking for a great gift that won't take up any more of your precious real estate? I know that I am always trying to make sure that the gifts my son gets will fit in our small space. This why I am recommending a number of memberships for places that your preschooler will love. Science World : Children 3 and under are free so you only need to buy a membership for the adult until  Read more...

Weekend Fun

by Gwendolyn Floyd

October 17, 2008

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Look no further, there are several fun activities for you and your child. The fall book sale at the main branch of the Vancouver Public Library started yesterday and goes all weekend. A great chance to stock up on all  Read more...

Nothing to do this weekend? Visit a Farm.

by Gwendolyn Floyd

September 19, 2008

With fall harvest in full swing and fall starting officially on Monday t5his weekend is perfect for checking out some of our local farms. Many farms are open to the public and kids and adults alike get a kick out of seeing where our food comes from. Over the next week the Vancouver  Read more...

Fall Fun? Try Apple Picking

by Gwendolyn Floyd

September 08, 2008

I love fall and almost everything about it. I like the cool crisp air, sunny days, leaves turning, the out of character hot days and the harvesting that goes on. I am thinking this year about taking my son apple picking before the baby is born. I would like a chance to spend some more time  Read more...

Corn Mazes, Another Sign of Fall

by Gwendolyn Floyd

September 03, 2008

With fall well on its way, and not much time left before the almost daily rain starts, it is time to do as much outdoors as you can. With this in mind I am suggesting going to a corn maze. Fun for the whole family most of the local (well lower mainland) corn mazes also have hayrides, petting  Read more...

What's Up This Weekend: 16-17 August

by Gwendolyn Floyd

August 15, 2008

While I may wish I was on the other coast this weekend, (two birthdays and a wedding I would love to attend) there is still a lot to do this weekend in Vancouver. The biggest thing happening this weekend is the opening of The Fair at the PNE Vancouver . Open from August 16 th to  Read more...

Three Days In and Around Vancouver: Day 1

by Gwendolyn Floyd

July 08, 2008

While many of the activities in the plans for days 1, 2 and 3 are available all year round, I expect that most people would be coming to Vancouver for the summer or early fall. I have tried to put most of the activities into areas where you can take public transit if you need to, but I would  Read more...

Best Day Trips Around Greater Vancouver

by Gwendolyn Floyd

June 03, 2008

Whether you live in Vancouver proper or in the Greater Vancouver Area there are lots of day trips within an hour. I am going to highlight five that we have done with our son and will do again. 1: Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta, BC. Located on Westham Island the sanctuary is exactly that, a safe haven for both the birds and people. With lots of duck that will eat from your preschoolers  Read more...