Browsing “The Playground”

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.

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.

Last year I did post on FREE open practices offered by the Canucks.  It’s a great way for families to catch a glimpse of their local hockey heroes without shelling out the big bucks it would normally cost to see the Canucks play.

If Saturday can’t come soon enough to see the Canucks in action, I just learned via the Canucks on Facebook that they will be offering two FREE scrimmages tomorrow (January 16th) and on Thursday (January 17th) at 7pm.  The only thing you have to do is register , print your confirmation email and show up.  Seats are first come first serve there is a limit of 4 people per reservation.

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.

All these rainy days in the city has made for lots of snow higher up.   You don’t need two planks or a board to enjoy the local mountains.  Here are some family friendly activities offered by the local mountains that are a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season:

Grouse Mountain

Until December 24th, Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas is a one stop Christmas wonderland.  Children can visit Santa’s workshop and let the big guy himself know what they want, say hi to Dancer and Vixen, skate on an outdoor pond, warm up with some classic Christmas films, stroll through a gingerbread village and more.  If you are looking for a White Christmas than look no further than Grouse Mountain.  All activities included in the skyride admission.

For fearless bigger kids (minimum 70 lbs.), check out the zip lining tour.  Guides will take you to five different zip lines and each one gets increasingly higher and higher. All the lines are dual so you can ride along side your child and soar above snow covered trees.  The tour lasts about two hours.
5 line tourse are $109 per person and 3 line tours are $70 per person.

…READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY>>>

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.

Usually art galleries aren’t the first place that comes to mind when you think “kid friendly” but on November 24th and 25th the Vacouver Art Gallery gives kids and parents the opportunity to create together in a fun, educational and inspirational environment at the Family Fuse Weekend.

For two days, artists, actors and musicians are on hand at the VAG for fun and informative workshops, tours and activities designed specifically for the whole family.  Family Fuse Weekend is presented three times annually and offers new ways for children and parents to view, discuss and think about art.

Here is a list of all the great things you can expect to find at this weekend’s Family Fuse:

…READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY>>>

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.

With boots on our feet we spent a foggy October morning at Westham Farm to pick some Halloween pumpkins.  Only 40 minutes from Vancouver and on the other side of a bright green swing bridge in Ladner, while visiting this island oasis one is immediately transported to a quiet, idyllic country side.    There is lots to see at Westham Farm – goats, cows and bunnies, a lovely produce stand, rows and rows of vegetables and flowers and a haunted house for tiny ones to help get everyone in the Halloween spirit.  Everywhere we turned there was something that catches your eye – a wall covered in vintage farming tools, an old pop machine, a rusted car and lots and lots pumpkins.

…READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY>>>

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.

October is here which means Halloween is just around the corner.  Halloween festivities are well underway in Vancouver and this week we had our first grisly and ghoulish family outing to the Ghost Train at Stanley Park.  Put on once again but the very creative folks at Mortal Coil, this year’s theme is Scary Fairy Tales.  Make sure you put the Ghost Train on your list of things to do this Hallloween – it’s the perfect mix of terror, humour and fun.

It’s always such a treat to ride the miniature train at night.  The dark forest is eerie on its own and the folks at Mortal Coil definitely use it to its full spooky potential.  The ride takes you along various vignettes of classic fairy tales with a haunted and gruesome twist.

…READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY>>>