That’s it. Go back inside and stay there.
We’re usually big advocates for sending people outside to explore this amazing area of ours, but what with the air quality health index hitting extreme risk territory – as the region sits at 10-plus on the scale this morning – we’re searching for ways to get you back inside.
This is especially for anyone who may have a house full of restless children who are feeling cooped up in these final couple of weeks of summer vacation. But here are some ideas for anyone in Burnaby and New Westminster who needs a change of scenery and for whom outdoor time is not an option:
1. HIT THE MOVIES.
Movie theatres are air-conditioned, with delightfully clean air, and hey, what better way to kill a couple of hours than by tucking in with the latest summer blockbuster? Those with young folks can enjoy such offerings as Christopher Robin, Hotel Transylvania 3 and Incredibles 2 (at Cineplex Metropolis). Christopher Robin’s also playing at Landmark Cinemas at New West station.
2. HIT THE LIBRARY.
For New Westminster residents, don’t forget that the main branch will be closed from Aug. 21 to 27 as part of the library’s major renovation project. But the Queensborough branch is open. And Burnaby’s four libraries also offer an assortment of programs and events along with the usual drop-in fun. In fact, you can see a Monday morning screening of Curious George (the Will Ferrell version) this morning at Metrotown, at 11 a.m. There’s also a summer “crafternoon” at McGill branch on Thursday, Aug. 23 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. See www.bpl.bc.ca/events for listings.
3. HIT THE NEW WEST WATERFRONT.
It’s cool, spacious and air-conditioned – not to mention fun and full of food. River Market is an excellent place to just hang out for awhile, what with the abundance of yummy food options and places to sit for a coffee, and the little play place for kids upstairs. Or you and your kids can drop in to take part in the Tiny Crafts summer sessions – write a letter to the fairies, make a soap with a scent, write a poem and more. Just look for the signs at participating merchants. There are also some special events – a Zumba drop-in for ages 14 and up tonight (Monday) at 7 p.m., and a Pamola Bakery baking class for the five-and-under crowd on Tuesday at 10 a.m. (You have to sign up ahead for that one.) Check out www.rivermarket.ca for the details.
Then, right next door, there’s the Fraser River Discovery Centre. It’s open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are two floors worth of exhibits, with a lot of hands-on and interactive ways for kids to get interested in all things related to rivers and water stewardship. Children under two are free, and kids 2 to 12 are only $3. Students and seniors pay $5, and adults $6. Check out www.fraserriverdiscover.org.
4. HIT THE MALL.
Even if it’s just to spend an hour having a coffee in an air-conditioned space, the local malls will give you a chance to escape the air for awhile. For those with restless kids, Lougheed Town Centre has two play spaces (one for the littles upstairs, and one for the bigger kids downstairs). Brentwood also has a popular play place for the small set. Or go treat yourself to lunch at Royal City Centre, or Metropolis at Metrotown. If you’re super lucky, maybe the lineups at Uncle Tetsu’s at Metropolis have finally died down and you can see what all these cheesecake fuss is about. Throw in some back-to-school shopping, and you’ve got it made.
5. HIT THE ANVIL CENTRE.
Have you been inside the Anvil Centre yet? It’s a fun place to spend some time, with or without the kids. Check out the New Westminster Museum, with its hugely popular People Gotta Move exhibition featuring a LEGO downtown New Westminster that will keep kids (and big people, too) amused for a very long time. Pay a call on the next-door New Media Gallery, where GYRE features three light-based installations exploring ideas of infinity. And swing by the Community Art Space for the latest exhibition, featuring work from Artists in the Boro. It’s at 777 Columbia St. See www.anvilcentre.com.
6. HIT THE SKYTRAIN.
Get the kids on board and make today your day to take a trip to an air-conditioned destination. Science World’s one good option (you can add on the OMNIMAX Pandas film and the Pixar exhibition for extra fun). See www.scienceworld.ca. Or why not Vancouver Art Gallery? It’s also a short walk to SkyTrain and you can explore a host of exhibitions. Sundays are a special family day, with programs for kids from noon to 4 p.m. See www.vanartgallery.bc.ca.
7. HIT THE POOL.
Though the outdoor pools may be less attractive in this air, you still have a number of indoor pools to choose from. When it comes to the most amusement for the small set, you can’t go wrong with the pool at Edmonds Community Centre – with waterslide, playground, lazy river and splash features. There’s also an indoor playground for toddlers at the community centre, so you can extend your visit with the small people. Other pools include Canada Games in New West, and Bonsor, C.G. Brown and Eileen Dailly in Burnaby.
Got another air-conditioned idea to share? Email Julie, jmaclellan@burnabynow.com.
