Welcome to The Playground, a place for Vancouver families. Every Wednesday I post a roundup of upcoming family-friendly events and activities. I’m always on the lookout for fun stuff to do, so if there’s something happening that you think I should know about, contact me. THE PLAYGROUND IS SPONSORED BY:

Hey Vancouver, my name is Jason and I’m the new editor of The Playground. I was born and raised in Alberta but moved to Vancouver back in 1999, so I’ve been here long enough for the city to feel like home. I have two young children—Evan is three, Ana is one—and both love to get out and explore.

First I want to say thanks to Kim for all of the work she has put into The Playground, it’s a big act to follow. As before, if you hear of any family-friendly events that I should know about, let me know.

So, what’s up in the coming week? Thanksgiving! The leaves are falling, the air is getting cooler and it’s harvest time; my favourite time of year to get out and explore beyond the city boundries.

On Saturday, October 9th, Fort Langley hosts its 15th annual Cranberry Festival. The day includes a pancake breakfast, cooking demos, live music, mini train rides and more. While you’re there, you may want to check out the Fort Langley Canoe Club’s Voyageur canoe race on the Bedford Channel. The festival runs from 9am to 5pm.

For those that prefer apples over cranberries, Bowen Island is hosting its Applefest at Davies’ Heritage Orchard in Crippen Regional Park. The event is free, runs from noon until 2pm on Saturday the 9th and will have all kinds of apple-related items. Also, if your kids are anything like mine, the ferry ride to and from the island will be a big hit.

If you’re looking to celebrate Autumn a little closer to home, Capilano Suspension Bridge is celebrating with their Harvest Festival all weekend long. You’ll need to pay admission, but the kids will enjoy the Rainforest Explorers Program, live music and crafts.

As for me, I’ll be way out in Agassiz—my wife and I are taking the kids to see this year’s record-breaking Sockeye run enter the Weaver Creek Spawning Channel. Weaver Creek has an excellent setup for viewing the fish and gives the kids a very intimate look at an incredible natural phenomenon. The peak spawning period is from the 15th to the 20th, but there should be plenty of fish to see this weekend. Pack a lunch, take the long way via Lougheed Highway and make a day of it. Weaver Creek is open from today until November 1st.

Kim mentioned it last week, but I want to remind you that the Stanley Park Hallowe’en Ghost Train opens on Saturday. This year, the annual favourite features hat making, face painting and the Children’s Haunted Farmyard. It runs until Hallowe’en, but tickets are in hot demand, so get on it.

Hey look, a map!