It’s almost that time again: spring break in BC. The two-week school closure runs from March 15 to 26 in the majority of districts across the province. With many day camps on hiatus this year, and a limit on travel, it may seem daunting to even ponder planning ahead, but there’s still plenty to do in the region to keep kids busy and safe. Here are a few options that are sure to entertain a wide range of ages – and parents and caregivers, too:
The Silver Screen
Twiligith Drive-In | twilightdrivein.net
Head back to another era with a night out at the Twilight Drive-In. The region’s only drive-in theatre was practicing social distancing before the term existed – it’s outdoors, there’s lots of space (a little extra right now, too) and it’s a great family-only activity. Movies run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through winter, then expand to additional shows in the warm season. Bundle up, bring along a lawn chair or two, and enjoy a double feature.
On the Hunt
Geocaching | geocaching.com/play
Want to enjoy the great outdoors, work together as a family, and have some fun? Then consider spending an afternoon (or a whole day) hunting for a geocache or two. Geocaching uses clues and the GPS on your phone to help locate secret “caches” anywhere in the world. But don’t take the treasure home – simply hide it again for the next group of hunters. There’s tons of information online to get started and a great app that’s popular with geocachers around the globe.
Make the Team
BC Sports Hall of Fame | bcsportshall.com
Is your little sports fan missing the action this year? Head over to the BC Sports Hall of Fame for a healthy dose of sports, stats, and more. Nearly 500 individuals and teams have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since it was founded in 1966, and the exhibits and programs showcase the accomplishments of this diverse group of athletes. From memorabilia to gear to historical records and more, the Hall is full of facts and fun about the unique history of sport in the province of BC.
Parkour Party
Penzer Parkour Park | langleycity.ca
Penzer Parkour Park in Langley draws fans from around the region. There’s a bike park with jumps, a basketball court, a skate park, a climbing area for kids, and – the biggest draw of all – a full-sized parkour course with walls, obstacles, swinging bars and more. If the kids have some steam to blow off, and you’re blessed with a clear dry day, Penzer Park (at 19914 47A Avenue) is the way to go.
Floral Festivities
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival | vcbf.ca
Hop in the car and head out for a big, beautiful, blooming tour – of the local cherry blossoms, of course. The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival posts an interactive map to let local residents know which areas of the city are in bloom throughout the season. The map includes more than 2,500 locations of ornamental cherry trees, including about 50 different types with everything from pink to blush to pure white cherry blossoms.
Back to the Future
Fort Langley National Historic Site | pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/langley & pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/georgia
Travel into the region’s history with a visit to Fort Langley National Historic Site, and explore life in the mid-1800s. The fort features a variety of buildings and interactive learning opportunities, but not all facilities are open with current restrictions. If you’re in the western part of the region, consider instead a visit to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, to learn more about the historic fishery on the West Coast, in the heart of Steveston.
Discovery Days
Fraser River | fraserriverdiscovery.org
Dive right in (symbolically speaking, anyway) to the Fraser River, with a visit to one of the region’s most unique educational facilities. The Fraser River Discovery Centre is dedicated to the discovery and celebration of one of the world’s largest rivers (which is just metres away from the facility) through sharing stories from both the past and present. The centre offers rotating exhibits and programs to help visitors understand the river’s central role in the life and history of BC.
Snow Celebration
Skiing/Tubing/Snowshoeing | savvymom.ca/seeking-snow
Whistler may be the most well-known name, but local snow seekers know that some of the province’s best options are right here at home. From Grouse Mountain, Cyprus Mountain and Seymour Mountain in North and West Vancouver, to Hemlock in the eastern end of the region, there’s plenty of choices close to home for those looking to spend some time on the slopes. And if skiing isn’t your thing, check out the options for tubing and snowshoeing. Check out our full round-up of snowy fun throughout the region for more details.
Tagged under: Vancouver,outdoor play
Category: events,attractions,outdoor-play
