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

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.

Endings and Beginnings

June 08, 2009

This week is the last week of preschool for my 4 year old son. He has become very attached to his teachers and the group of kids he has learned to play cooperatively with over the past ten months. Now begins the summer activities. I decided to hold off on day camp and classes until the middle of July, and so far I only have 3 weeks of planned activities, even if they are only a half hour swim lesson each day for two weeks. I am trying to decide if this is enough or should I fill more of his days.

So with that in mind, I am half planning a series of day trips around the lower mainland. I hope to make some of them play dates with friends from his preschool class, and I am still looking for an age appropriate drama or dance class. I am starting to become aware that he needs a chance to get on stage.

We have a membership to the Aquarium, so we are planning to go several times over the summer. It will be interesting to watch the newborn beluga grow over the summer. We will make at least one trip to the Zoo, though I think that will be with the whole family as I can't take the tired feet of a 4 year old and an infant at the same time all by myself. (I think we will bring his bicycle along to make the trip easier.) I plan to spend some time checking out all of Vancouver's Splash Parks and outdoor pools. I will update you on the best ones according to the preschooler.

I am sure I will be able to keep us busy until school starts again in September, but it sure makes me wish for a backyard so we don't always need to go out for our entertainment. It would be lovely to be able to just throw us all out in the backyard. How do you keep your child busy during the summer with or without a backyard?

Best Places to Take in the Spring Blossoms

April 07, 2009

While almost every street in Vancouver if finally starting to bloom and green up there are a few places that are exceptional in the spring. With the daffodils and tulips just starting to bloom and the cherry trees and rhododendrons starting to bloom spring is finally starting to feel like, well, spring. So where do you go to take in lots of spring beauty? I am so glad you asked.

For beautiful well kept gardens in Vancouver proper you can't beat either Queen Elizabeth Park or VanDusen Gardens. Both have exceptional gardens full of flowering trees and spring bulbs. If you take in QE Park you can also take in some Par 3 golf as well. If VanDusen is where you decide, take your kids for a spin through the hedge maze.

If you want to make a weekend of it heading across the water to Victoria is a safe bet. Butchart Gardens is beautiful and is like a combination of both Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Gardens. Then head into the capital itself for a walk around the Provincial Legislature and the Empress Hotel. The gardens at Royal Rhodes University are also well worth a look. Just don't get frightened if you hear shrieking from the trees, that is just the peacocks.

A Day Out With Thomas

March 09, 2009

Do you have a train mad preschooler? Does the name Thomas make them incredibly excited? Do you know the names of several very useful engines? "A Day Out With Thomas" may be just the ticket. With a life sized engine painted like Thomas your preschooler will be excited to meet the "real" train.

This year Thomas is coming back to BC and the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. For two weekends, June 6 and 7 and June 13 and 14 between 8 am and 6 pm, rain or shine. Tickets are $20 for ages 2 and up, and include entrance to the park and a 25 minute train ride pulled by Thomas himself.

Take pictures with Thomas and Sir Topham Hat, and enjoy the rest of the activities. Make sure to take a ride on the miniature train as well. A ride through the park on a small track is almost more exciting than the ride on the big train.

Having taken my son 2 years ago I can fully recommend the day. Make sure to get your tickets early and get to the site well before your train time. I also recommend bringing some drinks and snacks, though there will be food vendors there. Strollers are welcome and there is stroller parking for when you go on the train. Also make sure to bring rain gear because, well we are in BC. I would also recommend bring some cash as there is a big merchandise tent as well. This is where we bought his wheeled backpack 2 years ago. It has worn well as his swimming gear bag and has been right across the country at least 4 times.

Have you been with your children? What did you think? Would you go again? To check out where Thomas will be next, especially if you are reading from somewhere other than Vancouver, here is a link to his schedule all across North America.  If you can't make it to see Thomas the Railway park is well worth the trip to Squamish in itself.  We try to go a few times a year.

99 things to do in Vancouver Before You Grow Up (or at Least Your Kids Do)

March 03, 2009

As I recall when I started this list last year I didn't get very far. That is not because there aren't a hundred and one things to do here, but because I find it hard to put them all down in one place without saying way too much about them. So today I am only listing and linking where I can, but I will write more on these places in later posts.

So now in no particular order we will now reveal our top 99 things to do in Vancouver before you grow up:

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...

What's Up for 23-24 August

by Gwendolyn Floyd

August 22, 2008

We again have a lot of activities that might interest you for this weekend, especially if we can get rid of the rain. The events are happening all over the lower mainland so there should be something for everybody. There is still The Fair at the PNE Vancouver . Open from August 16 th to September 1, 2008 from 11 am to 11pm or so. Fair Gate passes are free for those under 6 and  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...

We're Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo, How About You?

by Gwendolyn Floyd

August 13, 2008

Unless you live in Langley or Abbotsford, the Greater Vancouver Zoo is a little bit of a trip to get to, but I think that for a great day trip it is worth it. There is a lot to see, a few great places to eat lunch, and a miniature train to boot. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch and some drinks and snacks because like all zoos I have been to the concessions are very expensive.  Read more...

Packing for the Beach

by Gwendolyn Floyd

August 04, 2008

August's theme at the Savvy Source is Down By the Shore and will take us to beaches, swimming pools and other sources of water throughout the month. Luckily Vancouver has no end of places to get wet and the first thing you need to know is what to pack for the beach. We are almost  Read more...

A Little Further Afield: Ferry to Victoria

by Gwendolyn Floyd

July 28, 2008

Living in Vancouver we are close to the water but not really the Ocean. Every once in a while it is nice to head to Vancouver Island and really smell the salt air. The ferry is expensive so while a day trip isn't the best bang for your buck, a weekend isn't really too expensive and is a nice break for the family. (If you can get dropped off at the ferry terminal, walking on and taking  Read more...

What to Do This Weekend

by Gwendolyn Floyd

July 18, 2008

It is Friday and another weekend is upon us. So what is in store for this weekend? Lots of music and festivals. First up, the Vancouver Folk Festival . While a little expensive for the adults in the household, kids 12 and under are free. There is a ton of family friendly  Read more...

Bonus Activities for the Three Day Vancouver Guide: Sports Teams

by Gwendolyn Floyd

July 11, 2008

Vancouver has a number of professional and semi-professional sports teams to go see in any season. I like to go to some of the football games and the Western Conference Final we went to a couple of years ago was fantastic. Depending when you are here you can take in Canadian football, hockey  Read more...

Three Days In and Around Vancouver: Day 2

by Gwendolyn Floyd

July 09, 2008

For day two we go across the Lion's Gate Bridge and explore the North Shore and Bowen Island. The North Shore is know for great skiing and hiking and beautiful homes. During the summer most of the snow comes off the mountains, though this year it is being a little stubborn. Photo by: Anthony Floyd Start off day two by going to Capilano Suspension Bridge and Tree Tops  Read more...

Bonus Activities for the Three Day Guide to Vancouver: Kid Friendly Attractions

by Gwendolyn Floyd

July 09, 2008

In the three day guide to Vancouver the days were pretty packed with things to do. However there are still a number of other great things to do in Greater Vancouver and I thought I would list some of our favourites. Photo By: Anthony Floyd Greater Vancouver Zoo . Located  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...

Cultivating a Green Thumb: VanDusen Botanical Gardens

by Gwendolyn Floyd

June 02, 2008

In Vancouver we are very lucky to have many parks and gardens around to play and learn in. One of my favourites is the VanDusen Botanical Garden . Located on a reclaimed Golf course, the garden is a lovely respite from city life. With lots of programs for children ages 4-11 Saturdays and Sundays all year long, family time in the garden can be fun and educational. Exploring topics  Read more...

What to do Outside when the Sun Shines (Finally!)

by Gwendolyn Floyd

May 29, 2008

I live a 15 minute walk from Granville Island so my son and I spend a lot of our time there. On a sunny day, or even a cloudy day there are lots of things to keep us both busy. On a typical day there are several things we might do and a few that we always do. 1: The first place we need to stop is the playground and waterpark. During the winter the waterpark is not turned on but it  Read more...

Best Ways to enjoy Stanley Park in the Summer

by Gwendolyn Floyd

May 27, 2008

Stanley Park is huge and this post will hardly scratch the surface of all that you can do in the park. However, during the summer there are a number of things that would be great fun to do with your preschooler. 1: The Stanley Park Seawall. I would suggest that the best way to see the seawall is to bike around it. Setup to go around counterclockwise, most people obey this. As  Read more...