10 Ways to Make the Most of Spring Break 2017

1. PlayDome at BC Place

Western Canada’s largest indoor carnival is back from Wednesday, March 22 to Sunday, March 26 at BC Place. Perfect for kids and the young-at-heart, PlayDome features over 45 exciting rides and attractions, with returning favourites including the “Tornado” and “Alien Abduction.” And of course, there will be no shortage of cotton candy, mini doughnuts, whirling lights, and the always fun (but painstakingly difficult) carnival games.
Tickets are $29 for a Dome pass (valid for a full day, all rides), $49 for an ultimate pass (five days, all rides), $8 for a guest pass (required to enter as a spectator), and children under two are free (not permitted on rides for safety reasons)

2. Spring Break at Burnaby Village Museum

Burnaby Village Museum is opening the gates for 12 days of family-friendly activities and adventures. For $6, explore the village with a museum Adventure Guide, where little ones can enjoy a craft and activity-filled journey around the museum and a complementary ride on the famous Burnaby Village Museum carousel (recommended for ages 8 years and older or 5 years with an adult partner). The historic museum has lots to offer that will appeal to the young and old, including silent black-and-white movies, an old-fashioned general store, a original print shop from the ’20s, and a one-room schoolhouse from yesteryear.
March 13 to March 24; 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; entrance to the museum is free, Adventure Guides are $6, carousel rides are $2.65 each

3. Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in The Hat at The Waterfront Theatre

Dr. Seuss’ classic tale, The Cat in the Hat returns to the Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island from now until March 26. This iconic physical theatre experience was originally adapted by Katie Mitchell for the National Theatre of Great Britain and is a must-see for all Seussians and lovers of make-believe.
Click here for detailed ticket info.

4. The Vancouver Gem and Mineral Show

Amethysts, turquoise and garnets galore! Lovers of gems, crystals and all things shiny flock to the annual Vancouver Gem and Mineral Show, occurring this year from March 24 to Sunday, March 26. This year’s event takes place in the PNE Forum and will feature a wide array of vendors showcasing products from the gem and jewellery industry, including the avant-garde master jeweller, German Kabirski.
Click here for detailed admission information.

5. Beauty and The Beast on the big screen

Be sure to check out the new adaptation of the animated classic, Beauty and The Beast, premiering March 17 in theatres. Starring Emma Watson (Harry Potter), Dan Stevens (Downtown Abbey) and Luke Evans (The Girl on the Train), this family-friendly flick may be the first film in a while that the whole family wants to watch.

6. Celtic Village and Street Market

Be sure to frolic down to the Celtic Village and Street Market on March 17 and 18. Robson Square will be hopping with music, dance, food and shopping, with a bounty of Celtic treasures made by local artisans available for purchase. The weekend-long festival will feature popular Celtic music groups Delhi 2 Dublin and The Paperboys on the Car2Go Main Stage and Howe Street Stage. The event will also offer traditional highland games demos, B.C.’s best pipe bands, amazing street performers, festive vendors and face painting. Village and market dwellers are encouraged to get in touch with their inner Irish by wearing as much green as they can.
Friday, March 17, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ($10 cover charge beginning at 7 p.m.) and Saturday March 18, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ($10 cover charge beginning at 7 p.m.)

7. Whistler Family Après

Presented by the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Province of B.C., Family Après is a free event focused on winter fun for the whole family. The event takes place all Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. from now until March 29 at the Whistler Olympic Plaza Stroll, and features a bevy of kid-friendly outdoor activities and entertainment.

8. BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5k run

Register as a team, charity or individual for the annual BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5k run starting in Stanley Park Pavilion on March 18. This all-ages run starts at 9:30 a.m., and awards, donation prizes and best costume prizes are awarded by 10:45 a.m. Afterwards, be sure to check out the Granville Island Brewing after-party in Stanley Park for good food, great music and green beer for the adults.
Click here for applicable fees and deadlines for this event.

9. All-ages brunch at The Blarney Stone

Start getting in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with the whole family at The Blarney Stone in Gastown on Sunday, March 12 for a family-friendly, all-ages Irish brunch. Your littles can enjoy face-painting, hula-hoop fun, Irish dancers and an appearance by Neezar the stilt-walker while you sip on a Guinness and enjoy traditional Irish pubfare.
Starts at 11 a.m.

10. Granville Island Kids Market

With its plethora of kid-friendly activities and shops, the Granville Island Kids Market is a dream space for any little (or big) kids who love creative play. With “The Adventure Zone,” a four-level play area and “Circuit Circus,” an old-fashioned arcade, along with over 25 shops that sell everything from books to dress-up supplies to games, it is an entertaining place to spend a rainy Vancouver afternoon.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.