Winter can sometimes feel endless during this time of year. The glitter of the holidays is gone, we’re back in the grind of work and school, and spring seems far on the horizon.
That’s why Winter Wander is the perfect way to shake off the blues. This cheerful day of family fun takes place in Vanier Park on Saturday, February 2 from 10 am to 5 pm. So clear your weekend now and make plans, because February 2nd will be here before you know it!
Winter Wander 2019
Winter Wander lets you visit all five of the park’s museums and cultural institutions for only $5 per person (children under five are free!) and it’s a great opportunity to experience history, science, art and music at an affordable price, with lots of kid-friendly activities to keep your children engaged.
Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Maritime Museum or the Museum of Vancouver. Your admission includes entry into these attractions, as well as the Vancouver Academy of Music and the City of Vancouver Archives.
It promises to be an action-packed day! Here are some of the many cool things to do as you wander through the park.
Explore outer space
Blast off into the universe at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. Kids can see live science experiments, touch a rock from the moon (one of only five places in the world you can do this), and try to lift a real meteorite. Be sure to take in a show at the Planetarium Star Theatre, where galaxies, nebulas, black holes and other astronomical wonders are projected onto the theatre’s domed ceiling. spacecentre.ca
Celebrate our seafaring heritage
At Vancouver Maritime Museum, visitors can walk the decks and tour the interior cabins of the historic St. Roch, the first ship to travel the treacherous waters of the Northwest Passage. Children can operate a submersible and explore replicas of the forecastle of Captain George Vancouver’s ship or the bridge of a tugboat in English Bay. The day will be rounded out with nautical-themed origami, visits with Parks Canada interpreters, and lively music by Lazy Jacks Shanty Crew. vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
Discover our city’s stories
There’s so much to learn about our city, and the Museum of Vancouver is the ideal place to start. Show your children the colourful neon signs that once lit up the town, and see how Vancouver has evolved over time. Find out how we’re connected to local animals, plants and nature in the Wild Things exhibit, and enjoy a beautiful collection of 450 works of Haida art in the Haida Now exhibition. museumofvancouver.ca
The City of Vancouver Archives will have favourite items from their collection available for viewing. Some of the artifacts displayed last year include a ticket to a Beatles performance at the PNE in 1964 and a contract for a Chinese opera singer from 1914. vancouver.ca
Enjoy inspiring performances
What is that beautiful music you hear? Throughout the day, students from the Vancouver Academy of Music will showcase their talents, playing a variety of instruments and diverse musical works. vancouveracademyofmusic.com
Although Bard on the Beach doesn’t set up its tents in Vanier Park until the summer, actors from the group will perform at Winter Wander, adding a dramatic flair to the day’s events. bardonthebeach.org
Wander the park
We haven’t even mentioned the gorgeous setting of Vanier Park, which is an attraction in itself. In between museum visits, stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the crisp air, take in scenic views of the mountains and city, and stop by the food trucks to keep the family fuelled. Winter Wander is a wonderful way to keep any winter doldrums away.
Tagged under: Vancouver,Winter Wander,Winter Wander 2019
Category: events,outdoor-play
