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.
This weekend is all about the harvest – think apples and mushrooms – and celebrating our neighborhoods. Plus there are books to buy, writers to see in person, and spawning salmon. Looking for more to do? Don’t forget our Halloween HQ, packed with spooktacular events. And weekends are perfect for a visit to the pumpkin patch. Have fun!
2nd Anniversary Sale at Lussobaby *Some exceptions apply. Please see in store for details. |
Book Launch: The Case Of The Missing Deed
Thursday, October 13th, 6 pm, Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks, 1740 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver
In The Case of the Missing Deed the Teaspoon Detectives, five determined cousins, solve this culinary mystery for young readers. And tonight you can join local author Ellen Schwartz for a book reading while enjoying culinary treats from the book itself. The event is free. Call 604.688.6755 to RSVP: www.bookstocooks.com
8th Annual Vancouver Celebrates Diwali Festival
Saturday, October 15th – Sunday, October 23rd, various locations, see site for schedule, Vancouver
Diwali’s worldwide festivals are a unifying celebration of light over darkness, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Vancouver Celebrates Diwali is a South Asian arts and culture festival open to all cultures and communities, and their slogan is “Light Your Spirit.” Take part in dance events, workshops, a cultural extravaganza, and more: www.vandiwali.ca
Eek-O Friendly Costume Swap
Saturday, October 15th, 9 am – 1 pm, 272 East 1st Street, North Vancouver
Be a Hallowgreenie and bring a costume to swap or donate to the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, and then take any costume you need from the contributions of others. You’re being eco-friendly by saving materials, resources and packaging, and pocket-friendly by saving money. Adult and kid costumes and accessories all welcome, but please make sure they’re clean and on a hanger. There’ll be colouring and face painting for kids: www.lavishandlime.com
Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 15th, 9 am – 2 pm, West End Farmers Market, 1100 Block of Comox Street across from Nelson Park at Mole Hill, Vancouver
Celebrate the deliciousness that is the harvest by enjoying everything squash, apples, and pears! There’ll be recipes, info and cooking tips, and demos. Plus, if you’re that way inclined, you can enter a pie in their competition: www.eatlocal.org
Trail Troupers – Mushrooms!
Saturday, October 15th, 10 am – 11 am, Pacific Spirit Park, 12th Avenue and Blanca Street at the Lily of the Valley trail entrance, Vancouver
These monthly nature walks in the park are led by youth volunteers and this month’s theme is “Mushrooms: Fungal Forest Friends.” Their goal is to educate children and families about the importance of protecting and preserving the forest while connecting with nature. Best for kids from 0-10 (with an accompanying adult): www.pacificspiritparksociety.org
Bake For A Cure For Breast Cancer At The Baker’s Market
Saturday, October 15th, 11 am – 3 pm, Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre, 7646 Prince Albert Street, Vancouver
For one day only the Bakers Market is charging admission; the $1 you pay to get in will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Feel free to wear pink, and we suspect there’ll be a lot of pink baked goodies to enjoy as well: www.bakersmarket.com
Apple Festival
Saturday, October 15th – Sunday, October 16th, 11 am – 4 pm, UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver
We’ll be at the Apple Festival again this year and we hope you come by to say hello – if you need a little incentive we’ll have prizes! This super family-friendly event includes a lot of apples (of course), plus apple-themed crafts and activities, and it’s a great opportunity to explore the Garden as well: www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca
Family Splash
Saturday, October 15th, 1 pm – 3 pm, Karen Magnussen Pool, 2300 Kirkstone Road, North Vancouver
North Shore Credit Union presents this free family swim that includes an arts and crafts table, face painting, shaving cream fights, a water balloon relay, swim level assessments, and more: www.northvanrec.com
Light The Night Walk
Saturday, October 15th, Check In: 5:30 pm; Program begins at 6:30 pm; Walk Start Time: 7 pm, Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park, Vancouver
Every year, all across Canada, people come together for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS’s) Light The Night Walk to bring help and hope to people with blood cancers. With the goal of bringing light to the dark world of cancer, walkers carry illuminated balloons: www.lightthenight.ca
Odyssey of the Mind
Sunday, October 16th, 11 am – 4 pm, Science World at Telus World Of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Odyssey of the Mind and the Creative Problem Solving Society are bringing their mind-boggling problems to Science World. You’ll be challenged to solve hands-on problems, using everyday materials to discover unique solutions only you can create: www.scienceworld.ca
Rainforest Rambles: Forest Fractals
Sunday, October 16th, 1 pm – 2:30 pm, Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver
Kids from 5-8 are invited to discover the beautiful shapes and patterns of the forest and make nature art with them. They’ll also learn about forest animals and plants, and the place they call home. Pre-register by calling: 604.990.3755: www.dnv.org
Fungus Among Us: Mushrooms Galore
Sunday, October 16th, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Stanley Park Nature House, Lost Lagoon, Stanley Park, Vancouver
Do toads really sit on stools? Learn fun facts about Stanley Park’s blossoming fungal flora with botanist Terry Taylor, who will enlighten us about the fungus among us, and its importance to the forest ecosystem. Pre-registration recommended by emailing programs@stanleyparkecology.ca, or calling 604.257.8544: www.stanleyparkecology.ca
Vancouver International Writers Festival
Tuesday, October 18th – Sunday, October 23rd, various times and venues, see site for details, Vancouver
With an objective of advancing literacy by introducing young readers to the wonder of books, there are school and kid-friendly events and resources for young readers and writers at this respected annual event: www.writersfest.bc.ca
Mini Med School
Wednesday, October 19th, 7 pm – 9 pm, Chan Centre for Family Health Education at the Child & Family Research Institute, 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver
This year the Child and Family Research Institute is presenting a four-part series on Immunity as part of their Mini Med School. The first session will be a general introduction to the immune system, covering what it is, its components, and why we need it: cfri-training.ca
Farther Afield:
Healthy Kids Preschool Fair At Edmonds Community School
Thursday, October 13th, 9:30 am – Noon, Edmonds Community School, 7651 18th Avenue, Burnaby
Visit with a health nurse and other community agencies specializing in preschool services, as they will be on hand to answer your questions. For kids there’s an indoor playground, activities, and crafts: www.burnaby.ca
Maple Ridge Library Fall Book Sale
Thursday, October 13th, 5 pm – 8:30 pm, Friday, October 14th, 10 am – 8:30 pm, & Saturday, October 15th, 10 am – 4:30 pm, Maple Ridge Public Library 130-22470 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge
It’s The Friends of the Maple Ridge Public Library’s annual Fall Book Sale. You can support your local library by stocking up on previously loved books to while away those long winter evenings: www.fvrl.bc.ca
Kids Clothing & Toy Swap Meet
Saturday, October 15th, 9 am – 2 pm, St Patrick’s Elementary School, 22589 – 121st Avenue, Maple Ridge
Swap meets are great place to stock your nursery, or to update your little one’s toys and gear for less. Admission: $2.
Nature In My Backyard: Native Plants In Your Neighbourhood
Saturday, October 15th, 10 am – Noon, Green Timbers Urban Forest, (14600 Block – 100 Avenue), Surrey
Take part in hands-on stewardship projects benefitting the environment. Discover local trees, plants and wildlife; plant native plants; go for a nature walk; and more, all while learning how to become an eco-hero. Best for kids ages 5 and up. Be prepared to get dirty: www.surrey.ca
Dig In! Tree Planting
Saturday, October 15th, 10 am – 2 pm, Historic Dixon Property, 6120 Glover Road, Langley
Learn how trees and plants encourage health habitats for salmon and wildlife. Supplies and refreshments are provided, but it’s on you to dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. Be sure to register in advance by email waterweeks@tol.ca , or phone 604.532.3511: www.leps.bc.ca
Block Watch 25th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, October 15th, 10 am – 3 pm, Fleetwood Community Centre, 15996 84 Avenue, Chuck Bailey Rec Centre, 13458 107A Avenue, Newton Cultural Centre, 13530 72 Ave, Clayton Hall, 18513 70 Avenue, and Semiahmoo Mall, Surrey
Interested in starting up a Block Watch in your neighborhood? Here’s your chance to learn how and find out about crime prevention programs in your community: www.surrey.ca
Delta Fire Rescue Open House
Saturday, October 15, 10 am – 3 pm, Firehall #1, 4645 Harvest Drive, Ladner
Fire Prevention Week 2011’s theme is “Protect your Family from Fire!” Learn about keeping yourself, your family, and your community safe from fire: www.corp.delta.bc.ca
Releaf Tree Planting – Cougar Creek Park
Saturday, October 15th, 10:30 am – 1 pm, Cougar Creek Park, 6889 123rd Street, Surrey
Plant a tree to help make your local park better. They provide the equipment, you provide the manpower! Drop by, plant a tree, and enjoy Cougar Creek Park: www.surrey.ca
2011 Community Resource Fair
Saturday, October 15th, 11 am – 3 pm, Haney Place Mall, 11900 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
Here’s where you can find info relating to health, safety, social, developmental, and recreation programs and services in your community. There will also be a scavenger hunt, story time, puppet show, giveaway, and more: www.mapleridge.ca
Maple Ridge Leisure Centre & Greg Moore Youth Centre Anniversary Celebrations
Saturday, October 15th, 11 am – 3 pm, Maple Ridge Leisure Centre, 11925 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
The Maple Ridge Leisure Centre and the Greg Moore Youth Centre are having a birthday party with prizes, free “try-it” fitness classes and swimming, and awards. And it wouldn’t be a birthday party without cake: www.mapleridge.ca
The Smurfs For Variety
Sunday, October 16th, 10 am, Hollywood 3 Cinemas, 7125-138 Street, Surrey
Variety Coin Kid, Kaden and his family are hosting this screening of The Smurfs Movie with all proceeds benefitting Variety! Get your tickets by emailing salimamanji@gmail.com , or call 778.873.7253: www.variety.bc.ca
Kidstuff Only Swap Meet
Sunday, October 16th, 10 am – 2 pm, Bonsor Recreation Complex, 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby
Clean out your kids’ closets and sell their unwanted stuff, or pick up bargains of clothes and gear for kids under 12, plus maternity wear.
Kids Only Swap Meet
Sunday, October 16th, 10 am – 1 pm, Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
Stock up on new and gently used items for babies and beyond: www.richmond.ca
Return Of The Salmon
Sunday, October 16th, 11 am – 3 pm, Kanaka Creek Regional Park, Fish Fence on 240th Street north of Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge
The spawning salmon are returning to Kanaka Creek in Maple Ridge and this is your chance to witness this incredible event: www.metrovancouver.org
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!
Open house not in Ladner today!!!