Welcome to The Playground, a place for Vancouver families. I’m always on the lookout for fun stuff to do, so if there’s something happening that you think I should know about, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Unlike our neighbours in the east,  we in the lower mainland can’t participate in the long standing Canadian tradition of skating on frozen ponds  in the winter. Here enters the Robson Square Ice Rink – a FREE, city run outdoor public skate rink in the heart of downtown Vancouver.  It got a face lift right before the Olympics and it’s a great place for families to hit the ice and skate under some colour lights, music and most importantly – fresh air.

Skating on the rink is free but there are skate and helmet rentals available for a few bucks (helmets are mandatory for those under 12).  Thanks to the renovations a few years ago, there are lots of benches to lace  up and some secure storage lockers to. The rink itself isn’t too busy – comparable to a public skate at a community centre but things can get pretty hectic around the rental window and the seating immediately around it so I found it best to grab the skates and lace up on one of the benches further down from the main rental area.  There are also large blue plastic walkers for those who need the extra support.  Be sure to bring some toonies and loonies for a post skate hot chocolate from the concession stand.

The Robson Square Ice Rink is open daily from 9am – 9pm on Sundays through Thursdays and 9am to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.  Every Friday night there are live DJs from 6 – 9pm until February 22nd and live music every Saturday from 6 – 9pm with the following performers in February:

Saturday, February 2, 2013
Tom Arntzen & The Hit Zone

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Van Django

Saturday, February 16, 2013
The Strays

Saturday, February 23, 2013
Rumba Calzada

Come February 14th, the rink promises a fun and romantic Valentines night complete with an amateur skating competition for the public to participate in.  Perfect for latharios looking to woo their dates with their impressive prowess on the ice.

If the weather is warm, call the Robson Square Hotline 604-646-3554 for closures.