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.

The kind folks at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa invited us to spend a night at their hotel and enjoy the hot springs, go on a nature walk and explore Harrison on a quadricycle.  Just a 90 minute drive (when the traffic is light) from Vancouver, it makes for a great quick family getaway.

Our room was great – modern, comfortable, cleans and it had a small fridge which is a must for me when traveling with a small child.   And the view was beautiful (see above)!   Our first order of business was to don our white resort walls and head to the pools.  That’s right – pools…as in more than one.  There are 4 pools at the resort – an adult only pool, a larger pool with surround benches and a water feature, a lap pool that is the coldest of the bunch and in indoor pool and hot tub that is open until 1am.

We spent most of our time in the larger pool  which is surrounded by lots of trees and rocks which made it quite the oasis. With it’s no entry access and benches along the side, 2 year old Sadie was able to explore the pool on her own made quick friends with other kids. She loved racing into the warm pool.  If I didn’t have to rush off to a spa appointment (heaven!) I would have stayed in that pool for hours.  Pool time for dad and Sadie, facial for mum – win win!

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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.

Don’t let the rain fool you but the local berry season is well underway and there are a lot of local farms that let you pick them yourself.  It’s the perfect way to kick off the summer season so put the kids to work and go berry picking! And by the way, don’t things always taste better when you pick them yourself?

Strawberries are the first to arrive – starting in early June and lasting until mid July.  Raspberries and blueberries have the same season and start early July.  Get out early in the season for the best pick

Sadie and I picked berries last year at GJ Farm out in Richmond (call 604-272-4033 for availability) but typically they are open from 9 – 6 daily.    We got there early in the morning to beat the summer sun and spent a solid hour picking the 1 pound minimum.  I’m sure we could have reached a pound more quickly if Sadie spent more time pickin’ and less time eatin’.

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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.

Some of my earliest memories is finding out once and for all Who Stole the Cookies from the Cookie Jar with  Sharon Lois & Bram and singing along to I am a Pizza with Charlotte Diamond at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival (VICF).  I am really excited to make new memories with my daughter at this years festival taking place May 29 – June 3 on Granville Island.

Centre around the theme Storytelling, professional performing artists from Taiwan, Italy, UK, USA and Canada will be performing 15 shows, in eight Granville Island venues, including five indoor and two outdoor Festival venues, and one free outdoor stage. In addition, the festival will host hands-on arts activities such as face painting, sock puppet workshop, circus skills, the Twist & Toddle play area, claymation workshop, a Soundscape and much more.

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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.

Victory Gardens and Collage Collage have partnered for a day of planting and decorating. The event will feature the launch of the Victory Gardens and Collage Collage Garden Kit and will offer the chance to plant, decorate and get your hands dirty!

Families can purchase a custom “MAKE&GROW” kit to decorate as well as fill with plants specially selected by Victory Gardens. Collage Collage will be on hand to help with painting and embellishing, and Victory Gardens will assist with plants to createa beautiful limited run planter to take home + watch grow.
Cost:  $30/planter box kit all materials provided.

Head over to Collage Collage (621 Kingsway) on Sunday, May 20th between 2:00 and 4:00 to get gardening!

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.

In the name of exercise, vitamin D, quality family time and leaving the car at home, we spend every spare moment we can exploring Vancouver on two wheels.  Cycling with kids is an enjoyable way to get active as a family but there are lots of things to consider before embarking on your family bike ride. Here are the ABC’s of biking with kids according to Jared Walker, BC Biking Expert for Opus Bikes.

All about Safety
Think about safety first, especially if this is the first ride of the season and your bike has been in storage over the winter.  A tune up to make sure all the nuts and bolts are tight, and the chain is properly lubricated, is essential before going on a ride.

Make sure your bike is still the right fit – have your child stand over their bicycle and check to see where the crossbar of the bike reaches their legs.  Road bikes should leave 1 to 2 inches of space and mountain bikes should leave 3 to 4 inches of space.  It it’s a little off, the solution should be a simple seat adjustment.

Educate your child about the rules of the road, for cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles.  It doesn’t have to be a one-time lesson, but as you go about your daily routine, keep them aware of their surroundings and teach them proper hand signals.

Make sure your child has the appropriate gear for a bike ride – including a helmet that fits snugly and gear that makes them visible in their surroundings.  Bright clothes and reflective tape can make a huge difference.

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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.

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Tomorrow is  Star Wars day and I have the perfect way for you to celebrate – the official grand opening party for the new Lego Store at Oakridge Centre.  From May 4th – 6th, at the West Galleria in Oakridge Centre you  can help a real LEGO Master Builder construct an 8 foot tall model of the sassy astro droid, R2-D2.  In addition to bragging rights, you’ll also receive a free Certificate of Achievement for helping.

Hours:
Friday, May 4: 11 am – 7 pm
Saturday, May 5: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday, May 6: 11 am – 6 pm

Visit the new store this weekend and and take advantage of these special offers (while supplies last of course):

Friday: Free LEGO Minifigure T-Shirt with a $35 purchase
Saturday: Free Limited-Edition LEGO Store Set with a $35 purchase
Sunday: Free Exclusive Minfigure Set with a $35 purchase