vancouver: what to do, what to do?
Filed Under Events | September 29, 2011
Welcome to yoyomama’s weekend guide! Your go-to list of family friendly fun things to do with kids in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
September is winding down, but October is fast on its heels with lots of fun family activities and celebrations. You can fill your tummy with tasty baked goods at the Baker’s Market, celebrate the Chinese Culture, or check out the Bellies to Babies Celebration. Farther afield, you have two apple festivals to choose from where you can taste different varieties of apples and apple goods; improve animal habitat at Green Timbers; and check out a variety of Kids Swap Meets. Across Canada communities are celebrating Culture Days, and around the world moms and babies are taking part in the Breastfeeding Challenge.
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Discover Dance! Louis Riel Métis Dancers
Thursday, September 29th, Noon – 1 pm, Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie Street, Vancouver
Come and enjoy some of the most celebratory Aboriginal dances by the Louis Riel Métis Dancers. You’ll tap your toes along with the dancers as they perform polkas, jigs, and reels. This noon hour dance is suitable for all ages: www.thedancecentre.ca
Breastfeeding Challenge
Saturday, October 1st, 10 am, various locations around the world, see site for details
Started in 2001 in British Columbia, the Breastfeeding Challenge has evolved into a worldwide friendly competition to see who can get the most babies breastfeeding at one time. There are several locations in the lower mainland participating, and some are offering prizes and refreshments. You can find a listing of site hosts on facebook, as well as on the site: www.babyfriendly.ca
The One-Eyed Troll
Saturday, October 1st, 11 am – 11:30 am, Champlain Heights Library, 7110 Kerr Street, Vancouver
Music, comedy, and improvisation combine when the Trollsonds perform a Scandinavian folktale. Suitable for ages 4 – 11, this half hour show has limited space so place arrive early: www.vpl.ca
Baker’s Market
Saturday, October 1st, 11 am – 3 pm, Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre, 7646 Prince Albert Street, Vancouver
Cookies, croissants, brownies, cupcakes, scones, tarts, preserves … need we go on? Like a farmers market, minus the veggies and plus lots of baked yumminess, the Baker’s Market starts this Saturday and continues every week until December 10th. There will be everything from professional bakers, to amateur and student bakers, to “Mompreneur” bakers, to bakers with gluten-free and vegan goodies. Free parking, free samples, and free admission: www.bakersmarket.com
PEDIGREE® Adoption Tour
Saturday, October 1st, 11 am – 5 pm, Toronto Dominion Plaza, 700 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
With so many dogs in shelters, the makers of PEDIGREE® are working hard to raise awareness of how people can help. Find out how you can help shelter dogs, either by adopting, donating, or volunteering. There will be hands-on activities, and you can watch the PEDIGREE® Adoption Stories videos starring Booties and Phoenix, actual Canadian shelter dogs. For every video view, PEDIGREE® is donating $1 to help more shelter dogs find new homes. You can also view the videos on their site: www.mypedigree.ca
Chinese Culture Festival
Saturday, October 1st, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Renfrew Community Centre, 2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver
Enjoy traditional Chinese food, music, martial arts, and dancing at this celebration of the diverse Chinese culture. The event is free, but you will need a ticket, which can be picked up at the Renfrew Community Centre office: www.vancouver.ca
That Barista Thing
Sunday, October 2nd, 11 am – 4 pm, Library Square Promenade, corner of Robson & Homer Streets, Vancouver
If you love your specialty coffee, you’ll love this celebration of Barista Culture. There will be family-friendly activities, including a latte art etching workshop, craft tables, teal leaf reading, and more. With free coffee and lattes for the grown-ups, and hot chocolate for the kids: www.thatbaristathing.com
Inca Tales And Dinosaur Trails
Sunday, October 2nd, 11:40 am & 1 pm, Science World at Telus World Of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Come learn about dinosaur trackways with Dr. Garnet Fraser, an amateur paleontologist. After the show, you’ll be given a chance to make tiny tracks of your own: www.scienceworld.ca
Young Naturalists’ Club: Fungus Among Us
Sunday, October 2nd, 1 pm – 2:30 pm, Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver
Come learn about the incredible variety of mushrooms in the forest. This walk is for members of the Lynn Valley Young Naturalists’ Club. Ideal for children ages 5 – 13, accompanied by an adult: www.dnv.org
Connect Your Kids To Nature
Sunday October 2nd, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Lost Lagoon Nature House, Stanley Park, Vancouver
Brings your kids to the Nature House where you’ll get tips on how to engage your children with nature and outdoor activities. Your host will be environmental educator Brian Herrin: www.vancouver.ca
Bye, Bye Birdie
Monday, October 3rd, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, or 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver
Spend an hour with your 3-5 year-old exploring the plants and animals of the temperate rainforest. You’ll hear stories, do crafts, and spend time outside: www.dnv.org
Twilight Tuesday
Tuesday, October 4th, 6 pm – 9 pm, Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Are you a member of the Vancouver Aquarium? This special evening is for you! You’ll get a guided tour of the Amazon gallery, including behind the scenes. There will be crafts, face painting, a visit from Bobs & Lolo, and more: www.vanaqua.org
Farther Afield:
Lil Rascals Kids Swap Meet
Saturday, October 1st, 9 am – 1 pm, Chilliwack Heritage Park, 44140 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack
You’ll find new and used items for kids (infants through teens), as well as maternity items, sports equipment and more at this one stop swap. There will also be bouncy castles, crafts, and face painting for the kids. You’ll be glad you made the drive! ATM machine and concession on site: www.lilrascalsswap.com
Culture Days
Saturday, October 1st, 9:30 am – 6 pm, & Sunday, October 2nd, 11 am – 6 pm, Kiosk Court (entrance from No. 3 Road), Lansdowne Centre, Richmond
Richmond is celebrating Culture Dates with art displays, activities, and a book signing of City Councilor Bill McNulty’s book, Steveston – A Community History. There will be a play dough station, and a make-and-take Halloween card activity for the kids: www.richmondartscouncil.org
Kid’s Swap Meet
Saturday, October 1st, 10 am – 1 pm, North Langley Community Church, 21015 96th Avenue, Langley
Bargains abound at this swap meet. Your $1 admission helps fund women’s programs.
Greening Green Timbers
Saturday, October 1st, 10 am – 2 pm, Green Timbers Urban Forest Park, 100 Avenue, between 144 & 148 Streets, Surrey
Help Green Timbers help the animals by enhancing wildlife habitat around the lake. You can plant a tree, help clean up the shore, build a birdhouse, and learn to fish. You can also get your face painted, and enjoy a BBQ lunch: www.surrey.ca
South Delta Baby Fair: Great Expectations
Saturday, October 1st, 10 am – 2 pm, Ladner Community Centre, 4734 – 51st Street, Ladner
Parents of infants and toddlers, as well as expecting parents, will find loads of information on how to support baby’s early learning. You can also enjoy the literacy corner and baby book café: web.deltasd.bc.ca
Meet Trevor Linden
Saturday, October 1st, 11 am – 1 pm, CIBC Walnut Grove 20191- 88th Avenue, Langley
The new CIBC Walnut Grove branch is celebrating their grand opening with a BBQ, face painting, a clown, and other entertainment. Trevor Linden will be there, and rumour has it he’ll be signing autographs!
Heritage Apple Day Event
Saturday, October 1st, 11 am – 2 pm, Heritage Area on Allard Crescent, north of 96th Avenue and 4km west of Fort Langley
Apple season is in full swing, and the whole family gets to celebrate. Try different varieties of apples, enjoy live music, and watch as artists paint landscapes before your eyes. There will also be games and crafts for the kids: www.metrovancouver.org
Steveston Fire Hall Grand Opening
Saturday, October 1st, 11 am – 4 pm, Fire Hall No. 2, 11011 Number 2 Road, Richmond
The Steveston Fire Hall is celebrating their grand opening and you’re invited! There will be fire hall and fire truck tours all day, plus face painting, cake, food, and Snorkel the Clown will visit. There will also be information displays: www.richmond.ca
Nikkei Fall Fair
Saturday, October 1st, 11 am – 5 pm, National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
The Nikkei Centre is being transformed into a Japanese Farmers’ Market and Japanese day market. You’ll find cultural vendors, food, entertainment, and family activities. Entrance is free, and free parking is available: www.tourismburnaby.com
Canada Culture Day
Saturday, October 1st, Noon – 4 pm, The ACT Art Centre and Theatre, 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
Add your leaf to the Tree Of Creativity celebrating the Arts Council’s 40th anniversary. You can also take a tour, check out the backstage, and participate in family fun activities: www.theactmapleridge.org
Zany Zoetropes
Saturday, October 1st, 1:30 pm – 3 pm, Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
Invented as early as 180 AD, Zoetropes are some of the earliest animation instruments. Your kids will learn all about them, including how to make one at home. Pre-registration is required, so please call 604-592-6956 to book your spot: www.surrey.ca
Moms Unite “Kids Stuff Swap Meet”
Sunday October 2nd, 10 am – 1 pm, Southarm Community Centre, 8880 Williams Road, Richmond
Moms Unite is holding a kids stuff swap meet, where you’ll find over 75 tables of toys, books, clothing, and more. It’s a great chance to stock up! Admission is free.
Applepalooza
Sunday, October 2nd, 10 am – 2 pm, The Community Orchard, Gilbert Road at Dyke, Richmond
Tasty apples await you at the Apple Orchard, where you’ll also find pies, chutney, and other apple baked goods. There will be a salmon BBQ lunch, as well as live music. You can purchase apples and apple goods, too: www.richmondfruittree.com
Ioco Ghost Town Day
Sunday, October 2nd, Noon – 4 pm, Ioco lawn bowling green, intersection of Ioco Road and 1st Avenue, Port Moody
Ten years running, this community festival celebrates the history of the old town site. There will be pony rides, carnival games, pumpkin decorated, a model Thomas the Train, and more. There will also be community booths providing information on heritage and the environment: www.portmoodymuseum.org
Family Day At Place des Arts
Sunday, October 2nd, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Celebrate the arts with presentations from two artists, Jennifer McAuley and Jim Keayes. You can also drop into three different all-ages art workshops: Primary School for potatoes, Give Leaves the Brush, and Bag the Animal. Admission is free: www.placedesarts.ca
Richmond Nature Park Nature Walk And Animal Show
Sunday, October 2nd, 2 pm – 3:30 pm, Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Highway, Richmond
Come for a walk through the bog and learn why they are called ‘the lungs of the earth.’ Stick around from the animal show, where you can meet small, live ambassadors of the bog: www.richmondnatureparksociety.ca
Breastfeeding Celebration
Wednesday, October 5th, 11 am – 1 pm, second floor atrium, Maple Ridge Public Library, 130-22470 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge
Part of Breastfeeding Week, the theme of this celebration is making breastfeeding a 3D experience, between mother and baby and with the support of their community: www.mapleridge.ca
Craft It With Wool
Wednesday, October 5th, 1:30 pm – 3 pm, Surrey Museum, 17710-56A Avenue, Surrey
This hands-on class will teach your tot how cloth is made. Preschoolers can try weaving and felting, and will bring home their own hand-made woolly sheep. Pre-registration is required, so please call 604-592-6956: www.surrey.ca
Do you have an event you would like to see in our weekend guide? Then send us your details and we’ll help you get the word out. Looking for a feature listing? Contact Erin, our Director of Sales and Marketing, for more information.
And 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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