what to do, what to do?
Filed Under Events | May 28, 2009
It’s a weekend full of much-anticipated annual events celebrating spring, community and kids. It’s also the 11th Annual A World of Smiles Telethon this Sunday to benefit the BC Children’s Hospital.
You’re Not the Boss of Me: Understanding Resistance in children between the ages of 3 and 11 years
Thursday, May 28th, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, St. James Community Square, 3214 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver
Struggling with disobedience, rebellion, belligerence, passivity and non-conformity with your tot? While these are normal reactions in our kids, it’s easier to deal with them if we have strategies on how to handle your child. Get a handle on resistance from Dr. Deborah McNamara. Call 604.730.2590 or email kaccs@yahoo.ca to reserve tickets.
Lynn Valley Days
Saturday, May 30th, 7 am – 4 pm, Kirkstone Park & Lynn Valley Park, North Vancouver
It all starts with a pancake breakfast at Kirkstone Park at 7 am. That’s followed by a parade from Kirkstone Park to Lynn Valley Park and top it all off have fun at Lynn Valley Park from 10 am – 4 pm: www.northvanrec.com
12th Annual European Festival
Saturday, May 30th, 10 am – 1 am, Scandinavian Centre, 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby
With 32 cultural display booths, a children’s tent packed with crafts and fun, a bouncy castle and marketplace tent full of products from across Europe, this is an event that both educates and entertains: www.eurofestbc.ca
Healthy Kids Day
Saturday, May 30th, 10 am – 3 pm, Langara Family YMCA, 282 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver
With the goal of raising public awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, this event includes inflatable play centres, pony rides and sports activities. You’ll also find lots of info on local programs and services: www.vanymca.org
29th Annual Sheep Fair
Sunday, May 31st, 10 am – 4 pm, Maplewood Farms, 405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver
On the last Sunday of each May, Maplewood Farms celebrates the “Rites of Spring”. There’ll be sheep shearing, a food concession, pony rides and face paintings, plus you can check on the rest of the farms regular denizens: www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
ArtStarts on Saturdays
Saturday, May 30th, 11 am & 1 pm, ArtStarts gallery, 808 Richards Street, Vancouver
Take part in fab, free multi-disciplinary workshops led by some of BC’s best children’s performers. This Saturday it’s a Joe Ink workshop for kids from two to 12 that’ll get the whole family dancing: www.artstarts.com
Children’s Peace Festival
Sunday, May 31st, 10 am – 3 pm, Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver
Here’s your chance to bring your violent toys and video games and make peace art with them, all in the name of celebrating the Olympic truce. Visit their stations, they’re closed from Noon – 1 pm for the opening ceremonies, and get your face painted, do origami, solve a conflict with a peacemaker video game and more. You can also enjoy a French storytime and craft: www.wartoystopeaceart.com
Salmonberry Days Community Fair
Sunday, May 31st, 11 am – 3 pm, West Memorial Park, Dunbar Community Centre Grounds, 4747 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
The Dunbar Community Association wraps up their month-long Salmonberry Days with games, crafts, activities and lots more fun. Last year this community event included a bouncy castle, rides and heaps of pint-sized fun: www.dunbarvillage.ca
Free Family Day at Science World
Sunday, May 31st, 11 am – 5 pm, Science World, TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Science World is turning 20 and to start the celebrations they’re offering free admission this Sunday. While you’re there why not enter to win two tix for a flight to an Asian destination from EVA Air and check out BC Hydro’s Power the Games Tour. Note: OMNIMAX films aren’t free: www.scienceworld.ca
Portobello West Fashion and Art Market
Sunday, May 31st, Noon – 6 pm, Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1755 Cottrell Street, Vancouver
Portobello’s always packed with heaps of styling finds. This month you’ll find yoyomama reviewed faves like Cielo Kids, Cici Art Factory, dollynboo, Redfish Kids and lots, lots more. And that’s just for your tots. Don’t even get us started on what you can find for yourself, your hubby and your home: vancouver.portobellowest.com
Farther Afield:
5th Annual Surrey Children’s Festival
Thursday, May 28th & Friday, May 29th, 9 am – 3 pm & Saturday, May 30th, 11 am – 8 pm, Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Avenue & in the surrounding Bear Creek Park, Surrey
This kiddie fest includes free performances from family faves the Kerplunks and Will Stroet, and you can also get tickets to the likes of the Circus INcognitus, Bobs & Lolo and SAM2. Plus there are lots of interactive onsite workshops: www.surrey.ca
Community Block Party
Friday, May 29th, 11 am – 2 pm, Vancity Building, No. 3 Road & Westminster Highway, Richmond
Local businesses and community partners are throwing a family-friendly block party with entertainment, prizes and giveaways: www.rcdrichmond.org
Moody Elementary Community Fun Fair
Friday, May 29th, 4 pm – 8 pm, Moody Elementary School, 2717 St. John’s Street, Port Moody
Moody Elementary is going all out with midway games and prizes, a bouncy castle, dunk tank, concession, face painting and lots, lots more: www.citysoup.ca
40th Annual Seabird Island First Nations Festival
Friday, May 29th – Sunday, May 31st, Seabird Island, 5 km East of Agassiz
This celebration of First Nations culture includes War Canoe races, a soccer tournament for children, youth, men and women, traditional displays, a salmon BBQ, a chance to make traditional arts and crafts and lots more: www.seabirdisland.ca
SOS Children’s Village Run
Saturday, May 30th, 9 am – opening ceremonies, 10 am – Run/Family Walk begins & 10:15 am Entertainment and Silent Auction, Richmond Olympic Oval, 6111 River Road , Richmond
Run or walk in support of SOS Children’s Village BC, which helps BC’s children in foster care. The 1K walk along the Middle Arm dyke is perfect for families: www.sosbcrun.ca
Small & Cute Outdoor Kids Art Show
Saturday, May 30th, 10 am – 4 pm, 14012 32nd Avenue, Elgin Corners, South Surrey
Let’s hope the sun shines on this outdoor kids art show at babycheeks. Artisans include Lizzie Gray, Beetlings Designs, Homeworks Etc, Apple & Cheese Studio and many more. Call 778.292.0495 for more details: fraservalleypulse.com
35th Annual Alexandra Festival
Saturday, May 30th, 11 am – 10 pm, Camp Alexandra, 2916 McBride Avenue, Crescent Beach
This year the festival is adding a Family Fun Zone (open 11 am – 6 pm) to their over 60 high-end crafters and artists. There’ll also be a children’s art auction and live entertainment all day – and night: www.campalex.com
Children’s Play Fair
Saturday, May 30th, 11 am – 4 pm, Centre Court, Lansdowne Centre, 5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond
In honour of Child Care Month, the Richmond Child Care Development Advisory Committee is hosting this fair full of activities for kids including arts and crafts, storytelling, music, entertainment and snacks: www.richmond.ca
Bugs, Snails and Spider Trails
Saturday, May 30th, 11:30 am – 3 pm, Minnekhada Regional Park, Coquitlam
Kids from three to five can explore the world of insects, but they’ll need to register in advance by calling 604.432.6395: www.metrovancouver.org
Como Lake Fishing Derby
Sunday, May 31st, 7 am – Noon, East side of Como Lake on Gatensbury Street, Coquitlam
Pint sized fisher people won’t want to miss out on this chance to cast a line and win prizes for everything from the largest fish to the smallest fish to the strangest catch of the day. While the kids are busy fishing parents can enjoy a pancake breakfast cooked by the Coquitlam Kinsman Club: festivalcoquitlam.citysoup.ca
Kids Only Swap Meet
Sunday, May 31st, 10 am – 1 pm, West Richmond Community Centre, 9180 No 1 Road, Richmond
Clean out your closets and sell your kids’ old clothes, toys and accessories, or stop by and stock up at this fun, free community event: www.richmond.ca
Going Green:
LiveSmart BC Program: Improving Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Wednesday, June 3rd, 7:30 pm – 9 pm, Peter Kaye Room, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
At this energy efficient workshop for detached and semi-detached homes you’ll learn how to qualify for federal rebates and tax credits. Admission is free but seating is limited: www.vpl.ca
We wanted to remind you to always call or visit the website for event info before you head out just in case any changes have been made since we posted it. And of course, have fun!
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