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Celebrate your family at one of these fun, local events
Nothing brings people together like sports, and nowhere celebrates athletics better than the BC Sports Hall of Fame. The HoF is located at gate 12 of BC Place, and, for this weekend only, kids 12 and under who are sporting red mittens will receive free admission. The Hall will be featuring exhibits to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the 2010 Winter Olympics, including real medals, a podium, and a highlight reel playing on the big screen.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., February 7 to 9
Cost: Adults $15; seniors and youth $12; kids under 12 free with red mittens
For a day of dizzying fun check out the carousel at Burnaby Village, where they’ll be hosting events that are perfect for young kids. You can turn back the clock to the golden days with fun heritage games, an art activity, live entertainment and unlimited rides on the vintage carousel. Make sure that you snag a spot by pre-registering, or, if there’s space, just drop in.
When: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., February 9
Cost: $6.50 per person
The ice hasn’t melted yet so this Family Day, take advantage of a classic Vancouver experience. Grab the kids and head down to the heart of the city for the festivities in Robson Square. The Robson Square Ice Rink will be celebrating Vancouver’s families by offering free skate rentals, free hot chocolate, and music all day long.
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., February 9
Cost: Free
Take a breath of fresh air in the great outdoors with Nature Fun by the Fire. Warm up by roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire while you hear wildlife stories and sing campfire songs. Guests will learn all about how creatures survive West Coast winters right in the middle of the picturesque forests of the Pacific Spirit Regional Forest. This free event is perfect for nature lovers of all ages and available on a drop-in basis.
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., February 9
Family Day at ArtStarts is all about getting creative with the people you love most. They’ll be hosting family-friendly activities from yoga, to storytelling, to a screening of Fantastic Mr. Fox. On top of all that, they’ll be running art stations for the entire day that focus on the theme of family, so kids and parents alike can get their hands dirty and their imagination flowing.
When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., February 9
The whole city of New Westminster is getting in the spirit of Family Day with fun and free events all over town. At The Anvil Centre, there will be table hockey, a virtual graffiti art activity, magicians, board games, and lots, lots more. If you’re up for a little learning, head to The Fraser Discovery Centre, where they will be hosting a Mad Science demonstration and a hands-on archaeology dig. From there it’s just a hop, skip and a jump over to the River Market for live performances and arts and crafts.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., February 9
The Vancouver Art Gallery is the perfect stop to inspire the artist inside. For Family Day they’ll be offering free admission to kids under 12 (when accompanied by an adult) and have arranged special events to engage even the little ones. For hands-on crafts visit The Making Place, and check out their Art Agents program for talks and activities to help appreciate art.
When: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., February 9
Cost: Adults $20; students and seniors $15; kids under 12 free with an adult admission
Get out of town without having to go to far with a trip to the North Shore. Just a 15-minute SeaBus ride out of downtown is the Lonsdale Quay Market where they’ll be throwing a Family Day party. The day kicks off with story time and then a family dance class. Stick around to decorate your own picture frame, get your face painted and enjoy the live entertainment.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Febraury 9
Curious kids will love a trip to Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park, and this Family Day is sure to get set their minds racing. Escape from the West Coast winter chills and discover a tropical world. Kids will explore how tropical birds like parrots and finches have adapted to their environment, and how tropical plants survive the hot climate. The event is free with admission to the conservatory and available on a drop-in basis.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., February 9
Cost: Adults $6.50; students and seniors $4.50; children (3-12) $3.25
The 7th Annual Children’s Art Festival is back and bigger than ever with exciting events and activities that aim to enthrall. The Imagination Playground will have art projects from balloon twisting to mask painting, as well as live performances. The Sonic Garden will give kids a chance to experiment with sound shakers and vuvuzelas (remember those World Cup fans?), and can even try their hand at yarn bombing, spray art, and face painting.
When: 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: General admission $5. Extra classes may be more