vancouver: what to do, what to do?
Filed Under Events | October 27, 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.
The days have been so gorgeous in the lower mainland (but definitely colder, have you gotten out your mittens yet?) and it’s lovely to get outside and enjoy the weather. You can go on a nature walk, learn all about mushrooms, or stomp some grapes at a winery. If you want to stay warm inside, check out the library’s book sale or the wedding swap. With less than a week until Halloween, it’s a great time to check out a pumpkin patch, or drop in on some crafts, pumpkin carving, skates, or other Halloween activities.
Vancouver Public Library Fall Book Sale
Thursday, October 27th, 10 am – 9 pm, Friday, October 28th – Saturday, October 29th, 10 am – 6 pm, & Sunday, October 30th, Noon – 5 pm, Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver
The Vancouver Public Library is selling off thousands of books this weekend. With prices ranging from $0.75 – $2.50, you may want to bring several bags with you so you can stock up. This is a cash only, all sales final, bring your own bag affair. Be warned, if you arrive within a half an hour of closing, you won’t be permitted to enter the sale, so head down early: www.vpl.ca
Discover Dance! Ache Brasil
Thursday, October 27th, Noon – 1 pm, Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie Street, Vancouver
Come and enjoy the energy of Brasilian dance at this noon hour performance. Part of the Dance Centre’s Discover Dance series, this performance is suitable for all ages. You may even find yourself dancing along: www.thedancecentre.ca
Science World After Dark – Deadly deductions: A Night Of Killer Fun
Friday, October 28th, 7 pm – 10 pm, Science World at Telus World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
This adults-only evening will help you get into the Halloween spirit as you dress up as your favourite detective or crime-fighting hero. Arrive promptly at 7 pm as the murder mystery begins right away. Tickets are $18 and include one free drink at the cash bar: www.scienceworld.ca
Baby & Family Fair
Saturday, October 29th – Sunday, October 30th, 10 am – 5 pm, Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre East, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
The Baby & Family Fair is home to hundreds of vendors offering goods for families, great food, information, and services. You’ll find seminars and hands-on demonstrations of the latest and greatest in the baby and family universe. Bring your kids along; they’ll love the Creative Corner Area: www.baby-fair.com
ArtStarts Puppet Adventures With Kellie Haines
Saturday October 29th, 11 am & 1 pm, ArtStarts, 808 Richards Street, Vancouver
Kellie Haines and her puppet friends have an intergalactic musical adventure to share with your kids. Afterwards, learn how to transform a sock into a puppet friend of your very own. Be sure to bring a sock! This program is free: www.artstarts.com
Hillcrest Centre Official Opening And Open House
Saturday Oct 29th, 11 am – 3 pm, Hillcrest Centre, 4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver
Some of us have been enjoying parts of Hillcrest Centre for some months, but it’s finally finished and it’s time to celebrate! Come for skating, swimming, story time, a puppet show, live entertainment, and other activities for all ages. And of course, cake: cfapp.vancouver.ca
Portobello West
Sunday, October 30th, 11 am – 5 pm, Creekside Community Recreation Centre, 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
Portobello West is your must-shop destination for the best of Vancouver’s artisans and local designers. You’ll find clothing, jewelry, purses, art, artisan chocolates, and so much more: www.portobellowest.com
Culture Babes Visits Shore, Forest And Beyond: Art From The Audain Collection
Wednesday, November 2nd, 9 am, Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Having kids doesn’t make you less interested in arts and culture, so Culture Babes is planning monthly events where you can bring your little ones and not worry if they get a bit noisy. This month they are visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery’s exhibit Shore, Forest and Beyond: Art from the Audain Collection. If you’d like to join, you must RSVP in advance at culturebabes@gmail.com. Tickets are $30 for adults, and children under 4 are free: www.culturebabes.ca
Farther Afield:
Walk Richmond – Horseshoe Slough
Thursday, October 27th, 7 pm, Horseshoe Slough Walk, Woodwards Landing, One block west of No.5 road off Dyke Road, Richmond
Head on this one-hour guided walk, and you’ll get your exercise plus learn about local trails. This week’s walk is pet-friendly, so Fido can go off-leash. Strollers are welcome. And since it’s Halloween, feel free to come and walk in costume: www.richmond.ca
ROCKtoberfest!
Saturday, October 29th – Sunday, October 30th, 10 am – 5 pm, Kyle Centre, 125 Kyle Street, Port Moody
Watch dull stones change into shiny treasures, see rock and mineral collections from around the province, and learn about many aspects of the lapidary hobby. There will be demonstrations, prizes, food, and much more. If you or your kids have any mystery rocks in your collection, this is your chance to have an expert identify them: www.portmoody.ca
Fraser Valley Wedding Swap
Sunday, October 30th, 11 am – 3 pm, Fort Langley Community Hall, 9167 Glover Road, Fort Langley
Whether you are a bride-to-be looking to save some money while still having the wedding of your dreams, or your special day has come and gone and you are looking to pass on some of your things, this swap is for you. With everything from gowns and tiaras, to candy jars and chair covers, this is a one-stop shop for excellent wedding deals. Tickets are $5 (cash only please) and kids under 5 are free: www.fraservalleyweddingswap.wordpress.com
Mushroom Show
Sunday, Oct 30th, 11 am – 4 pm, Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
The Vancouver Mycological Society knows their mushrooms, and they are looking forward to sharing some of that knowledge with you. Learn all about the fungi you can find in our forests this autumn: www.richmond.ca
Monster Mash Grape Stomp
Sunday, October 30th, Noon – 5 pm, Township 7 Vineyard and Winery, 21152 16th Avenue, Langley
It’s harvest time at the winery, and you can get hands on (and feet on!) with the grapes. There will be a children’s play area, new wines, and a live house band. Bring a picnic or purchase from the charcuterie menu. The Grape Stomp competition is from 2 pm – 3 pm, but if you want to participate you’ll need to RSVP ahead of time with your team name, and remember to wear old runners or be prepared to stomp in bare feet. And we can’t forget that it’s Halloween, so there will also be pumpkin decorating and colouring: www.township7.com
Firehall Centre For The Arts Family Concert Series Featuring Purple Pirate
Sunday, October 30th, 2 pm – 4 pm, Firehall Centre for the Arts, 11489 84th Avenue, North Delta
Come for arts and crafts and check out The Purple Pirate at the Firehall Centre this weekend! Doors open at 2 pm, and the show starts at 2:30 pm. Neither a musician nor magician, The Purple Pirate uses comedy and dance to spread positive, self-esteem building messages to children. Tickets are $25 for a family of four, or $7 per person: www.corp.delta.bc.ca
Movies for Mommies Burnaby: Puss ‘N Boots
Wednesday, November 2nd, 12:30 pm – 2 pm, Dolphin Theatre 4555 Hastings, Burnaby
Movies for Mommies now has a Burnaby showing, every other Wednesday. This week catch Puss ‘N Boots, and learn more about the suave feline we all got to know in the Shrek films. Doors open at 11:30 am, and if you come early you can get in on a free baby photo shoot with MCS Photo, or take part in a craft session with 4Cats Arts Studio: www.facebook.com
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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