The more things change, the more (good) things seem to stay the same. At least when it comes to the local kids’ scene, as the changes going on mean more of what we already like! Here’s what’s happening with some of your (and our) favourite kids’ places around the city:
Arts Umbrella
Long a Granville Island institution, Arts Umbrella recently opened two new locations in South Surrey and Central Surrey, bringing their programming to B.C.’s second largest city (which also has the province’s largest school system). The new locations are at The Shops at Morgan Crossing, and Park Place Central Surrey: www.artsumbrella.com
Beansprouts
This beloved Main Street store, known for new and consignment clothes, has expanded beyond their brick and mortar location to take their offerings online. While they can’t offer everything online that you’d find when you drop by Beansprouts, it still gives a good feeling for what they’re all about: www.beansprouts.ca
Crocodile Baby
Speaking of the Shops at Morgan Crossing, Crocodile just moved their Surrey location here from Peninsula Village. They’re handily located right next door to Mink Chocolates (which is reason enough to stop by as far as we’re concerned), and across from Carters/OshKosh: www.crocodilebaby.com
EiO!
While they’re no longer in their original location, you can still find EiO! as a department in the new BeautyMark location on Pacific. They’re stocked with goodies for kids up to age 4, and have brands such as SkipHop, Boon and Plan Toys. And you can browse their great selection of beauty goodies for yourself while you’re there: www.beautymark.ca
Granville Island Toy Company
Have a Playmobil addict on your hand? Then you’ll want to check out the space next to Granville Island Toy Company’s Main Street location. Formerly Main Street Baby, it’s now Vancouver’s only Playmobil specialty store stocked with the full Playmobil range. And their baby section is now housed in the main GITC store: www.toycompany.ca
Kaboodles
A staple on 10th Avenue and Granville Island, Kaboodles recently opened in the space EiO! just vacated (see above for more on that!) on Cambie. We haven’t had a chance to stop in yet, but we’re sure it’s a welcome addition to the neighbourhood: www.kaboodlestoystore.com
Lavish & Lime
This North Van-based online store has expanded, opening their Warehouse Shop to the public at 272 East 1st Street in Lower Lonsdale. Perfect for browsing Lavish & Lime’s selection of non-toxic, eco-friendly gear in person! It’s open Monday – Friday, from 9 am – 5:30 pm, and there’s a play table set up to keep your kids busy while you shop: www.lavishandlime.com
Little Earth
As of June 1st Little Earth on Hastings is under new ownership. New owners (and mums) Kerstin and Lara have a vision of creating a truly community-based store that’s also a hub for parents to connect. They’re hoping eventually to offer all local (or at the very least, Canadian-made) goods in their store: www.littleearthvancouver.com
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.
This Kits staple has a new outpost on Main near 26th. Offering the same great menu (with nary a chicken strip in sight!) and a Natural Pod-based play area, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they also offer take out. This super family-friendly joint is already hopping: www.rockymountainflatbread.ca
We’ve pounded the pavement and done our research but we’re sure there’s news we’ve missed (and we haven’t even covered new stores around town). Feel free to update us on our Facebook Page with news you think we need to know about so we can plan a follow up piece and keep our readers even more in the know!