(almost) free fun in the sun
Filed Under Stuff, Tips & Tricks | June 23, 2009
We’ve got some fun, easy ideas for whiling away the lazy, hazy days of summer:
One of our new favourite places to head for a walk en famillie is the newly developed Southeast False Creek Seawall. Stretching from Science World to Granville Island, it’s a morning’s adventure in itself including a pedestrian bridge or passerelle in the proper parlance; viewing platforms with huge stone steps leading right down to the water; and custom-designed giant chairs for lounging and smaller ones for twirling. If your kids are on foot be prepared to be constantly stopping to explore. But if your kids are confined in a stroller or bike trailer you’ll cover lots of ground. The only glitch? If you start at the Science World end, parking can a bit pricey.
What tot’s summer arsenal is complete without a fishing or butterfly net? It offers them hours of by-yourself entertainment as they troll the tide pools or chase bugs. Whether you’re going to the beach, a lake or the park, they’ll find something they want to catch in their nets. We snagged ours – which came in a rainbow of colours – from Welk’s on Main Street for a mere $2 each. We’re pretty sure they’re not sustainable, local or plastic-free for that price, but sometimes when something offers hours of active fun, it still gets a passing grade.
And the timing’s ripe for strawberry picking, which is always fun, if messy. We find it helps to have one adult per child, and preferably an extra adult so you can get some serious picking done. Not only can you save money by picking your own berries, but you’re also living the 100 Mile Diet. Here’s where you can find local berries, we just wish it was easier to find organic U-picks. And be sure to peruse these handy berry picking tips before you hit the road. Looking for ideas for what to do with some of those berries? Try this yummy, fresh, fruitful Canada Day cake.
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