There are tons of fun events happening in the city this summer, so get outside with the kids and revel in the fact that these activities are all free or next to nothing.
Teddy bear picnic on
Don’t forget the teddy bear picnic on Saturday, July 26 at the Burnaby farmers’ market.
The annual event starts around noon in the city hall parking lot, where the market is held.
There will be tiny teddy bears hidden around the vendors’ tables throughout the market, and children are encouraged to hunt for them, keep one, and then join the storytelling circle, which includes juice and cookies.
The market is at 4949 Canada Way.
Free music show
Edmonds People in Community is hosting a free musical performance series in Edmonds park this summer.
The shows are always on the last Sunday of the month, so the next one is scheduled for Sunday, July 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The performances take place in the new outdoor plaza, which is just behind the Edmonds Community Centre on 7433 Edmonds St.
The free series showcases local musical talent in a family-friendly atmosphere. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, stay a while and enjoy the show.
Street party
The annual Burnaby Neighbourhood House summer barbecue series has wrapped up, but there’s still a chance to attend the yearly block party and open house on July 31.
The party runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 4845 Imperial St. There will be a low-cost barbecue; $1 will buy you a hotdog (veggie or chicken), drink and chips.
There will also be entertainment and fun activities the whole family can enjoy.
This event is also an occasion for the neighbourhood house to say goodbye to their old location, as they are moving into a new space close to Metrotown in September.
Canoeing at lake
Metro Vancouver is hosting an evening of canoeing on Burnaby Lake, on Friday, Aug. 1 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The session is geared for people 13 and older, who want to practise basic canoe skills. Cost is $21.25 per person.
Register online using barcode 5734.
Free pony rides
If you’ve got kids who love horses, don’t miss this event.
The Burnaby Horsemen’s Association is hosting a free, open house family-friendly event on Sunday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be free pony rides (lineups start at 10:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.), barn tours, info on riding lessons and horse demos.
There will be a concession selling food and drinks, and there’s free horse manure for gardeners. The event will be at 9080 Avalon Ave., on the east side of Burnaby Lake. For more information, go to www.burnabyhorsemensassociation.com.
New play area
Who doesn’t love splashing around in the water and keeping cool? The City of Burnaby has just reopened the Confederation Park playground, which features a new water play area.
The renovated playground now has 700 square metres of rubberized ground cover, a climbing structure with a slide, seesaws, spinner bowls, pint-sized picnic tables, swings and more.
The water area, which opened last year, has jets, channels, water pumps and weirs, so kids can manipulate the flow.
The playground and water area are in Confederation Park, at Beta Avenue and Albert Street in North Burnaby.
Explore nature
Head outdoors on Saturday, July 26 for Hawk Eyes and Rabbit Ears, a special event to get kids exploring the sights, sounds, smells and textures of nature.
The event runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Burnaby Lake Nature House, at 4519 Piper Ave. The fee is $12.23 per child, and the event is for kids aged three to five. Register through the Cameron Recreation Complex, by calling 604-421-5225 and quote barcode 344366.
