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

Fusion, Folk and Active Kids

July 16, 2009

This weekend there is the gamut of kid and family friendly activities and I have chosen some of the best bets for you and your children.

In Surrey this weekend is the annual Fusion Festival. A two day event the Fusion Festival is a culturally diverse extravaganza of food and entertainment. Best of all the Festival taking place in Holland Park is free. All entertainment at all stages is free and runs the gamut of types of music, theatre and dance. Food is a little expensive, but you if you bring a picnic you are set. There is very little shade though so hats, drinks and sunscreen are a must.

In Vancouver the Folk Festival in Jericho park is back in full force. A staple of July in Vancouver for over thirty years, passes for adults are expensive, but kids under 12 are free. As it is packed with performers from around the world it is a hit with people from all over the lower mainland.

Agoo Kids Active Day is a fun charity event for Canuck Place. With a performance by Bobs and Lolo, bouncy castles and Phoenix Gymnastics running a kids obstacle course you kids should have a ball. Tickets are $7 per child, adults are free and it is running from 10 till 3 at Kits Arena.

What are you doing this weekend?

Another July Weekend

July 09, 2009

This weekend there are a few activities I thought I would point you to.

Today and tomorrow at the main branch of the Vancouver Public Library there is the summer book sale. This is a great opportunity to expand your book collection.

Starting Friday night, Theatre Under the Stars in Stanley Park is presenting Annie. The start time is 8pm and runs on alternating nights until the end of August.

Saturday afternoon at Coal Harbour Community Centre there is Rock'in in the Park. Lots of fun and music from 12pm to 3 pm.

Sunday at Deer Lake Park the Vancouver Symphony is playing their annual free outdoor concert at 7:30 pm. Get there early and stake you blanket space.

Have a great weekend!

Bagpipes, Kilts, Jazz, Bouncy Castles and More

June 25, 2009

Another weekend is upon us and here are my picks for this weekend's family fun.

Sunday 28^th June 2009 from 11 am to 4 pm Little Mountain Neighbourhood House and Riley Park Community Centre host an annual festival celebrating our unique and diverse community. The festival is a family event with activities and entertainment for all ages at little or no charge to the public.

Saturday the 28^th June 2009 from noon until 6 or so the BC Highland Games are being held at the Perry Percy Stadium. Full of traditional competitions, the games include dancing, piping and heavy throwing competitions. Have you ever wanted to see a real live caber toss? This is your chance. Kids under 6 are free and Adults tickets are 13 dollars.

Sunday at the Ridge Theatre on Arbutus and 16^th Movies for Mommies has branched out into Toons For Tots. At 10:30 am your child can see Super Why and Sid the Science Kid on the big screen. The sound is turned down and the light are on low. This may be the best way to introduce your child to the wonder of the big screen. Cost is $8 for the child and the accompanying adult is free.

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival starts this weekend. Saturday and Sunday Gastown will be filled with free concerts at two locations. Starting at 1pm and going until 8 pm this is a Vancouver tradition you do not want to miss.

Have a great weekend!

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

June 19, 2009

One of the great things about living in Vancouver is realizing that at the end of June you have a whole host of free concerts to take in. The Vancouver International Jazz festival has been around forever and every year has a multitude of fantastic free concerts around Vancouver. From June 26th to July 5th and also at special venues on Granville Island on Canada Day (July 1st), you have a chance to take in great jazz artists from around Vancouver and the world.

On June 27th and 28th you have the Gastown concerts set up in two venues, the Maple Tree Square at Water and Carrall, and The Steam Clock stage at Water and Cambie. Starting at noon and going till after 6 both nights, you can choose the best time for you kids and check out who is playing. The nice thing is because it is outside and free, so if the kids act up all you need to do is walk to another stage or head home. There are a number of kid friendly restaurants and coffee places nearby for the inevitable caffeine fix/bathroom break.

On July 4th and 5th the venues move to the Roundhouse Community Centre or close by. There are 4 venues, but I would suggest going to the venue at David Lam Park stage. This stage is around a big open field with several playgrounds in hearing distance of the concerts. It's a way for you to get some time listening to some good music while giving the kids a place to run, jump and play without bothering anyone.

Canada Day at Granville Island is a whole experience in itself. With all kinds of things for the kids to do from face painting, to activities at the False Creek Community Centre, they also have a number of free jazz concerts to end the festival.

For more information about the ticketed venues please visit the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society.

Another Summer Weekend

June 04, 2009

With the warmer weather comes tons of fun for the weekends. With so much to choose from I will highlight a few things.

West Vancouver is having its community day with a parade starting at 9:45 am, and other activities in the Civic Centre. From personal experience the floats are very competitive, and a lot of the schools put together floats. For more information check the website.

There may still be tickets available for A Day Out With Thomas for this weekend, but there are definitely tickets left for next weekend. If you have a Thomas obsessed tot Squamish is the place for you next weekend. Make sure to get your tickets now so you are not disappointed.

I have already mentioned the Bowen Island Children's Country Fair, and that this is where we will be this Sunday. If you have a yearning to take a short ferry ride, Bowen is beautiful place to be.

In case you haven't heard the Vancouver Museum has been re-branded as the Museum of Vancouver. As part of the re-branding they have a new exhibition VeloCity, exploring the history of bicycle transportation in Vancouver. To celebrate the opening come take a self-guided Tour de France themed scavenger hunt and art activities that explore Vancouver's cycling revolution.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Surrey Children's Festival

May 28, 2009

This weekend starting Thursday, the Surrey Children's Festival is once again taking over Bear Creek Park and there are some fabulous acts ready to entertain. A great mixture of ticketed performances and free performances and activities there is something for all.

The ticketed performances are geared toward different age groups and tickets can be purchased by phone from the box office or at the door. We are going to see our favourite Vancouver duo, Bobs and Lolo. If you haven't seen them yet make sure to see them this weekend at the Leapfrog Stage. They will also be at the Bowen Island Children's Country Fair. (Click the link, this is amazing!) There are still tickets for Bobs and Lolo's Saturday concert and ticket prices are very reasonable.

There are a ton of other free activities as well including face-painting, a preschool play zone, mehndi stations, circus school, a place to learn how to do some South Asian dance and many more. I fully expect to have a very tired little boy at the end of the day.

To get the most out of your experience here are a few tips:

• If there is a concert you want to see, call the box office and book your tickets for pick up on the day.

• Make sure you have drinks, and sunscreen, and hats for all.

• Pack a blanket to sit on for the free performances.

• Remember your camera.

• Have fun!

Books, Stories, and Baseball

May 01, 2009

Stories are the theme of this weekends what to do list. With three literary events for kids and a concert featuring baseball, a fun and educational time can be had by all.

Starting Friday 1 May, the West Vancouver's Children's Literary Festival Booktopia runs until Saturday 9 May. The opening reception of the art exhibit is Friday May 1^st with an exhibition of art work created by local youth. From preschoolers to graduating students there is a wide variety of work. The exhibition runs until May 31^st. Next Saturday, 9 May, there is a presentation of the Jungle Book with puppets. Ticket are $5 and are available at the door or in advance at the Kay Meek Centre or the West Vancouver Memorial Library.

There is the Spring Book Hatching at the main branch of the Vancouver Public Library on Saturday 2 May in the Alice MacKay room on the lower level. A celebration of the release of the latest books by local children's authors and artists. The afternoon will feature presentations, displays, a book sale and the chance to meet your favourite BC author or illustrator.

Agent Story is making a visit to Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush. On Saturday 2 May from 1pm to 3pm Agent Story will entertain the troops with storytelling at 4387 Main Street,Vancouver. Come and cheer on these made in BC stories written and performed by Laura Thomas. This is gear to the 3 to 8 crowd.

As a part of Music in the Morning's Family Musik series, Play Ball is the brainchild of Composer, conductor and commentator Rob Kapilow. Using the poem Casey at the Bat as the basis for this concert, Play Ball is a major blend of music, comedy, audience participation. Having heard Rob Kapilow interviewed you are in for a big treat, all the while enjoying an engaging musical education. The concert starts at 3pm Sunday 3 May at the Chan Centre. Tickets can be purchased through the Chan Centre box office (in person only) from 12pm to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, and on performance days from 12pm until intermission. You can also purchase through Ticketmaster.

Classical Kids

March 24, 2009

When I was writing about music play-lists yesterday I remembered the Classical Kids music by Susan Hammond that I have from my time as a music teacher. I love the stories and the way that they introduce classical music and composers to children. The stories are involving and take the listener on a journey that explains the music they are listening to.

Music Makes the Rainy Day Better

March 23, 2009

As a weekend of sunshine makes its way into another rain filled week I am working to make the days filled with fun, and maybe fitting a little work time for me. To this end I am making new play-lists to go along with the free play, track making and a barrage of "Whys."

There are a couple of kids albums that don't make me crazy and get put into pretty heavy rotation as well as tons of adult music that we love. My son is just as likely to be singing The Ramones or U2 or stuff from Fred Penner or a song he has made up on his own. I think the key to a good play-list is fun tunes that both you and you kids enjoy. Luckily a lot of the time preschoolers enjoy the music you like to play, especially if you take the time to get up and sing and dance with them.  Here are a few albums I would recommend for children and adults.

Music Makers and Shakers

March 02, 2009

Have you ever said "I don't have enough percussion instruments in the house?" Yeah me too, all the time! While I am kidding a little bit about the lack of percussion instruments in our house, there are times when a home made instrument can be a lifesaver. There are lots of easy ways to make a quick instrument.

The quick shaker is a really easy craft and only requires a yogurt container or other small container with a tight fitting lid. Taking into account the child you are making this with and choose the appropriate size. Try different sized of rattles inside the shaker. Some interesting sounds are rice, pasta, beans and chestnuts. If this isn't going to be around children under three you can also put jingle bells inside for a different sound. Try decorating the shaker with stickers or labels that you child has coloured.

We have also made some drums with the lidded yogurt containers and ice cream containers. Have fun playing with the different sizes and checking out the different sounds each of them makes. For an even lower sounding drum use dishwasher detergent buckets. Wooden spoons make great drum sticks, or if your house is like ours use daddy's Rock Band drumsticks. This may be the life saver when you are trying to get through a Rock Band song and your child has their own drums.

The real coup is that once you have had enough you can recycle the lot. How about that for fun?

Nutcrackers

by Gwendolyn Floyd

December 12, 2008

When I think of Christmas performances, I always think of The Nutcracker. There are at least two different ballet companies performing The Nutcracker this weekend. The Goh Ballet presents The Nutcracker on the 12 th and 13 th of December at 7pm at the Michael J. Fox  Read more...

We Review Toys Too

by Gwendolyn Floyd

December 02, 2008

I now direct your attention to the book and toy reviews at the Savvy Source main site. If you are looking for a gift for your preschooler this is a good place to start. These five toys are ones that are in our house and are well used. Fisher Price Kid Tough  Read more...

Holiday Traditions in Vancouver

by Gwendolyn Floyd

December 02, 2008

In a city as big as Vancouver there is always lots to do around the holidays especially for Christmas. I will be exploring the other holidays later in the month, but for today's list I am exploring some of the Christmas Traditions that my husband and sons enjoy each year. Number one is something that you could well do for any season, but we go every Christmas Eve.  Read more...

Music, Junkology and Lights

by Gwendolyn Floyd

November 28, 2008

Are you up in the air as to what to do this weekend? Well you have lots of different things to choose from. How about a trip to Science World on Saturday? Junkology with Dr. Recycle Creative re-use of man-made refuse. Come join Dr. Recycle and his imaginative  Read more...

One Elephant Came Out to Play

by Gwendolyn Floyd

September 25, 2008

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! A very important announcement for the weekend that will be fun for young and old alike! Sharon and Bram (minus Lois) will be playing the Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver this  Read more...

Extra Classes for the Preschooler: Dance

by Gwendolyn Floyd

September 17, 2008

In this series I am highlighting a few of the classes you can find around the city, especially at community centres. There are so many Community Centres that I will only highlight some. To find a community centre closer to you check out the Vancouver Park Board's web site for more information. West Point Grey Community Centre has Ballet, and Jazz with spaces left. Classes  Read more...

Extra Classes for the Preschooler: Music

by Gwendolyn Floyd

September 11, 2008

In this series I am highlighting a few of the classes you can find around the city, especially at community centres. There are so many Community Centres that I will only highlight some. To find a community centre closer to you check out the Vancouver Park Board's web site for more  Read more...

Scottish Dancing for Tots

by Gwendolyn Floyd

August 29, 2008

My son just finished four classes of his first dance class ever. When I was searching for some preschool enrichment classes this summer for Being Savvy Vancouver I came across Kinder-tartan dance classes for the 3-5 year old. My son loves to dance at home so I thought I would give it a try. I  Read more...

Sea Shanties Galore

by Gwendolyn Floyd

August 21, 2008

I am excited to share some of my favourite sea shanties, though I am not entirely sure what makes them a sea shanty over a folk song. After looking it up it makes perfect sense, a sea shanty was a rhythmic song sung by sailors to make the work go faster. With that in mind I will take you  Read more...

Summer Music: Celtic Edition

by Gwendolyn Floyd

August 14, 2008

Though I now live on the left coast, I am still firmly rooted in the east and it seems that summer brings this out in my music. I must admit is is not just my Nova Scotian roots that make me feel this way about Celtic music but my Irish roots as well. Even though I have not been there yet, I  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...

Authors and Illustrators In and Around Vancouver

by Gwendolyn Floyd

July 07, 2008

One of my passions is children's literature and the effect good books can have on children's imaginations. As a teacher I was able to foster a love of books of all kinds with children and now with my own son I am doing the same. An easy way to do this is to find really good books with  Read more...

Sounds of Summer

by Gwendolyn Floyd

July 01, 2008

Growing up on the east coast bagpipes are always a sound of summer to me. Whether is be in a parade, an outdoor concert or a summer festival, bagpipes are everywhere. When I moved to the west coast the bagpipes were still there (hello, world famous SFU Pipe Band resides here) but not as  Read more...

Festivals, Stories and Jazz, Oh My!

by Gwendolyn Floyd

June 27, 2008

Another weekend is upon us and this one seems to actually have some good weather forecast. This last weekend of June has a number of great events planned with lots of kid friendly activities. First off is GreekFest at Boundary Road just south of 29 th Ave. Running from Friday 27  Read more...

What to do This Weekend

by Gwendolyn Floyd

June 19, 2008

As June starts its wrap-up there are a number of events you can take in with your children. This weekend has a number of free events including the Dragon Boat Festival and the Jazz Festival. The Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival runs both Saturday and Sunday the 21 st and 22 nd of June. This year all activities are free, including lots of music including the Trews. The  Read more...

Extra Classes for the Preschooler: Keeping Busy During the Summer

by Gwendolyn Floyd

June 17, 2008

There are a lot of extra classes and activities for your preschooler out there. It is hard to know what, if any you should be putting you child in. I am going to point out a few of the more interesting classes I have seen online, and some that I have taken with my son. I have a music background and I can't think of anything more enriching than music classes. That is not to say  Read more...

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

by Gwendolyn Floyd

June 13, 2008

One of the great things about living in Vancouver is realizing that at the end of June you have a whole host of free concerts to take in. The Vancouver International Jazz festival has been around forever and every year has a multitude of fantastic free concerts around Vancouver. From June 20th to 29th and also at special venues on Granville Island on Canada Day (July 1st), you have a  Read more...