The Parents on Campus Blog will take a break during the summer term and will be back again in September. This, however, does not mean there is not plenty of things to do on campus and in the Lower Mainland! Here is a list of suggestions for fun spring/summer activities for the whole family:
Enjoy a free and sunny outing at one of Vancouver’s many beautiful beaches, such as Kitsilano Beach, Jericho Beach, or Second Beach by Stanley Park. Even if it’s raining, there’s at least one beach that will stay dry: the 6pack indoor beach in Richmond. The price is $7 per child per session, but could be worth it on a miserable rainy day.
There are also plenty of other free nature experiences nearby. Habitat Island close to Olympic Village is a perfect stroll for small toddler feet. Or go visit the raccoons, herons, and ducks by the Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park (just make sure to admire those raccoons from a distance!), then swing by Second Beach for a dip in the sea, a stop on the playground, or an icecream at the concession. If you live on campus, you could also take the children on a little hike on the UBC Endowment lands.
Too much outdoors? Spend some playful hours at the Creekside Community Centre Playgym in Olympic Village.This drop-in gym for toddlers have lots of exciting equipment and only costs $1.50 per child.See schedule on the website for drop-in hours during the summer: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/creekside-recreation-programs.aspx
Museums are also a good option for the rainy days, albeit admission is frequently expensive. However, the Vancouver Art Gallery has Pay-What-You-Can Tuesdays, where admission from 5pm-9pm on Tuesdays is by donation. You can also apply for a free Vancouver Inspiration Pass that gives free access to many museums and gardens. Sadly, this pass is not available to parents living on campus, but if you live elsewhere in Vancouver, this is a good way to make summer fun more affordable. UBC’s Museum of Anthropology is free for students and children 0-6years, and have new exhibitions opening in May and June. Plus, the totem poles are amazing! There are also hundreds of drawers with artifacts that are just waiting to be opened by children’s hands.
Consider going on a transit ride. Vancouvermom.ca lists her favourite five transits with children here:
http://vancouvermom.ca/best-of/five-favourites-transit-with-kids/. Vancouvermom regularly blogs about family activities and is well worth checking out for suggestions.
The ArtStarts Gallery downtown are continuing their popular, FREE weekend workshops over the summer: In May, Anne Glover will weave fantastic stories and figures out of a shoestring, and in June, visual artist Kiki van der Heiden will teach feltmaking. Make sure to check out the program at: http://artstarts.com/weekend
Lastly, do not forget the Point Grey Fiesta taking place from June 20-June 22. This is a weekend of mainly free family fun in Trimble Park and surrounding area. There will be a parade, pancake breakfast, bike decoration contests, and much more.With the exception of the carnival rides and midway games, Fiesta entertainment and children’s activities are free of charge.
Happy Summer!