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.
It’s another busy weekend in the Lower Mainland, and we’ve got all the details. Granville Island is hosting Winterruption, with dozens of art-inspired events for all ages. The world-renowned Harlem Globe Trotters are in town, with their one of a kind performance. There are also nature walks, a fish hatchery tour, and an afternoon with snakes and lizards. If you feel like shopping you can check out Blim or an indoor swap meet. And if you’re feeling creative, you can hit up one of several arts workshops or musical performances. There’s so much happening, your biggest challenge could be choosing what to miss!
Art Walks For Strollers
Friday, February 24th, 10 am – 11:30 am, Roundhouse, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Put little ones in their strollers and come for a guided walk through Yaletown. Catherine Pulkinghorn will show you public art and spaces, including some hidden treasures in the neighbourhood: www.roundhouse.ca
Winterruption 2012
Friday, February 24th – Sunday, February 26th, 9 am – 7 pm, times and venues vary, see site for details, Granville Island
Granville Island gives us a reason to celebrate during these cold winter days, with a celebration of art across all disciplines. You can catch live theatre, view and participate in various art displays, and listen to unique music, and there’s lots of kids’ programming (pictured), some of which we’ve listed below but be sure to check their site for all the details . And of course, all of this is set on Granville Island, with its incredible selection of restaurants and patios: www.granvilleisland.com
Friends Of The Library Book Sale
Friday, February 24th, 10 am -7 pm, Saturday, February 25th, 10 am – 4pm & Sunday, February 26th, Noon – 4 pm, Lynn Valley Library, Community Meeting Room, 1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver
Funds raised from this big book sale will go towards the Summer Reading Club and an improved reading lounge at Lynn Valley Main Library. Through previous sales, the Friends of the Library have raised funds for a reading nook at Capilano Branch Library and a study room at Parkgate Branch Library. Good deeds and good deals on books, what more could you want? Bring your own bag (or bags): www.nvdpl.ca
The Harlem Globetrotters
Friday, February 24th, 7 pm, Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
A mix of entertainment and athletic ability, The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their unique show to Vancouver. Even if you aren’t a basketball fan you’ll enjoy watching these ridiculously skilled players show us how it’s done. Tickets available now at Ticketmaster: www.harlemglobetrotters.com
Kids Corner At Seedy Saturday
Saturday, February 25th, Drop-in all day from 10 am – 4 pm, VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Kids can enjoy seed-inspired activities as part of VanDusen’s fun Seedy Saturday annual event: www.vandusen.org
Community Indoor Flea Market
Saturday, February 25th, 10 am – 3 pm, Killarney Community Centre, 6260 Killarney Street, Vancouver
There will be over 70 tables of treasures to explore this weekend at Killarney Community Centre, and what’s more, they’re inside and out of whatever weather this weekend brings! Admission is free: www.vancouver.ca
Sock Puppet Workshop
Saturday, February 25th – Sunday, February 26th, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm, Kids Zone, Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver
Puppeteer Maggie Winston will be leading this workshop guiding kids through the steps to make sock puppets. All materials are supplied, so you just need to bring your imagination and creativity. This event is presented by the Vancouver International Children’s Festival and is free: www.granvilleisland.com
Behind The Scenes At Maplewood Farm
Saturday, February 25th, 11 am & 2 pm, Maplewood Farm, 405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver
Getting a chance to check things out behind the scenes at the farm is always popular, so be sure to pre-register and hold your spot soonest. Best for kids ages 3+, you get a chance to look at how the farm operates checking out activities such as egg collection, animal grooming, setting up feed, and exploring “Staff Only” areas: www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
Radical Reptiles Return!
Saturday, February 25th & Sunday, February 26th, 11 am – 4 pm, TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
The West Coast Society for the Protection and Conservation of Reptiles will introduce you to snakes, geckos, and other reptile friends, while also talking about how we can help with protection and conservation efforts. This show is included with Science World admission: www.scienceworld.ca
ArtStarts: MaObong Oku
Saturday February 25th, 11 am-Noon & 1 pm-2 pm, 808 Richards Street, Vancouver
ArtStarts is a free monthly workshop for families that features a diverse selection of multi-disciplinary artists. This month at ArtStarts MaObong Oku leads a true African cultural drumming experience guaranteed to get you moving as your family explores space, rhythm and expression: www.artstarts.com
Imagine And Explore: Rocking Around The Clock
Saturday, February 25th, 1 pm – 2:30 pm, Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver
This monthly outdoor nature walk is for kids aged 3-6, accompanied by an adult. This month’s theme is the sounds that spring makes in the forest. Pre-registration is required: www.dnv.org
Duh Hockey Guys
Sunday, February 26th, Noon – 4 pm, Kids Zone, Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver
Duh Hockey Guys are “elite hockey professionals” and stilting sensations known for their “crooked” referee and their spontaneous games of road hockey with pint-sized future hockey heroes. If you’re brave enough to challenge Duh Hockey Guys to a game of “two-on-two” hockey you’ll want to drop by this free event that’s part of Granville Island’s Winterruption Festival: www.duhhockeyguys.com
Blim Monthly Community Market
Sunday February 26th, Noon – 5 pm, Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver
This community market focuses on nurturing and promoting creativity within the community. Not limited to crafts, you’ll find food, fashion, vintage items, records, and much more: www.blim.ca
Zumba Family Party Class
Sunday, February 26th, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Gym D, Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver
The latest craze in fitness, Zumba blends dance with easy to follow aerobics moves to create a workout that is so fun you’ll look forward to doing it again! This class is a fundraiser for Queen Victoria Parent Advisory Committee: www.britanniacentre.org
Pink Shirt Day
Wednesday, February, 29th, all day event, National event
Five years ago, two students in Nova Scotia wore pink shirts to school to stand up to a bully who had targeted a boy in a pink shirt. Since then, Pink Shirt Day has become a national campaign to raise awareness about bullying. You can join the movement by wearing your own pink shirt, or pick up an official Pink Shirt Day t-shirt at London Drugs or online, with all proceeds supporting Boys & Girls Clubs and the CKNW Orphans’ Fund: www.pinkshirtday.ca
Farther Afield:
Friends of the White Rock Library Annual Book Sale
Friday, February 24th – Sunday, February 26th, 10 am – 4:30 pm, White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista, White Rock
Get great deals on fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, specialty items, and more. All while supporting your local library: www.fvrl.bc.ca
Pro-D Loonie Skate
Friday, February 24th, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Bill Copeland Sports Centre, 3676 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby
For just a dollar you can get skates, a helmet, and some ice time, but they do have a strict 3:1 child to adult ratio, so keep that in mind: www.burnaby.ca
Lantern Festival
Friday, February 24th, 4 pm – 8 pm, Haney Place Mall Central Court, 11900 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
Bring the family to Centre Court at Haney Place Mall to make a lantern while enjoying live entertainment. Then bring your lanterns to participate in the lantern parade at Memorial Peace Park at 7:30 pm. There is also a poetry contest: www.mapleridge.ca
Gingerbread House Parent Participation Preschool Open House
Saturday, February 25th, 9:30 am – 11:30 am, 7111 Number 2 Road, Richmond
Come see the facility, meet the teacher, and ask any questions you have about Gingerbread House Parent Participation Preschool. Space is available in the 3s and 4s programs for September 2012.
Great Expectations Baby Fair
Saturday, February 25th, 9:30 am – 1 pm, North Delta Recreation Centre, 11415 – 84th Avenue, Delta
Families who are expecting or have young children, as well as the professionals who support them, will love this free event showcasing products, services, and resources for young families in the area. There will be prizes as well as activities for toddlers: www.deltaecd.com
Free Children’s Carnival
Saturday, February 25th, 11 am -2 pm, 22165 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge
Bring the whole family for a day of free games, crafts, food and prizes sponsored by Pathfinder Youth Centre Society in conjunction with Service Canada and local community supporters. There will also be a bouncy castle, face painting, and raffles: www.mapleridge.ca
Riding the Rails at the Surrey Museum
Saturday, February 25th, 1 pm – 4pm, Surrey Museum, 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey
Train enthusiasts will love this afternoon of model train displays, crafts, and other activities. This event is by donation: www.surrey.ca
Early Pregnancy Workshop
Saturday, February 25th, 2 pm – 4 pm, The Birth Tree, #103 – 4841 Delta Street, Delta
If you are between 6-20 weeks pregnant, this workshop is for you. You’ll come away more informed about your pregnancy and how to prepare for baby. Please call 604.928.0620 for details.
4Cats Capitol Hill Open House
Saturday, February 25th, 3:30 pm -5:30 pm, 4Cats Capitol Hill, 4676 Hastings Street, Burnaby
Come tour the studio and participate in some hands-on workshops to get a feel for how great the classes are at 4cats. Bring the whole family to paint, spin, and mold the day away: www.4cats.com
Thrifty Foods Free Family Skate Night
Saturday, February 25th, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, Moody Park Arena, 701 – 8th Avenue, New Westminster
Get some exercise and connect as a family on the ice this Friday night. This bi-monthly free skate is sponsored by Thrifty Foods: www.newwestcity.ca
Faculty Concert: A Celebration Of Czech Music III
Saturday, February 25th, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Your family can get to know Czech composers while enjoying beautiful violin and piano music. You’ll hear some well-known pieces as well as some North American premieres. To reserve tickets call 604.664.1636: www.placedesarts.ca
Hatchery And Nature Trail Tour
Sunday, February 26th, 1 pm – 3 pm, Little Campbell Hatchery, Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club, 1204 – 184 Street, Surrey
Volunteers will be available at the hatchery this afternoon to help you learn about fish on the Little Campbell River. Drop by for a tour of the hatchery, nature trail, and salmon spawning grounds: sfgc.ca
Antique Appraisal
Sunday, February 26th, 1 pm – 3 pm, Port Moody Station Museum, 2734 Murray Street, Port Moody
Do you have a family heirloom you think could be worth some money? Bring it by the Port Moody Station Museum for an appraisal by expert Al Bowen. Get two appraisals for $15, cash or cheque only, and pre-registrations are required. Call 604.939.1648 for details: www.portmoodymuseum.org
Heritage Sunday At Minnekhada
Sunday, February 26th, 1 pm – 4 pm, Minnekhada Regional Park, 4400 Oliver Road, Coquitlam
At Heritage Sunday there will be a scavenger hunt, tours of the grounds, and crafts to take home. Wear clothes suitable for the weather, as you’ll be outside: www.metrovancouver.org
Richmond Art Gallery Free Sunday
Sunday, February 26th, 1 pm – 4 pm, Richmond Art Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
This is a free drop-in event where the whole family can make art together. Volunteers from local high schools run this program, researching and developing projects for families to create together: www.richmondartgallery.org
Culture Babes Parent And Child Concert
Sunday, February 26th, 1:30 pm, Studio 102, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby
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 is the first concert event, Treasures of the Czech Classical Tradition, with Roger Mangas and Monika Pfau. Tickets must be purchased in advance: www.culturebabes.ca
Coppelia
Sunday, February 26th, 2 pm, Port Moody Arts Centre, 2425 St. John’s Street, Port Moody
Every doll has a story, and this one will make you laugh. A comic ballet in three acts, this show is for the entire family: www.pomoarts.ca
Swap Meets This Week:
- Kids’ Swap Meet
Saturday, February 25th, 9 am – 2 pm, Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 176 Street & 60 Avenue, Cloverdale
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!