The family fun doesn’t end once Christmas Day has come and gone – and neither does the need to find ways to keep the kids busy.
Whether the weather outside is frightful or delightful, parents can rest assured of finding plenty to do for the whole family this holiday break. We’ve searched around and come up with this list of ways to keep the small humans busy over the Christmas break.
HERITAGE CHRISTMAS
Yes, Christmas Day may have passed, but the 12 Days of Christmas have just begun – and Burnaby Village Museum’s Heritage Christmas celebrations are continuing. The village, at 6501 Deer Lake Ave., has fun happenings on offer every day – with entertainment, kids’ activities, a scavenger hunt, carousel rides, and much more as you stroll around the festively decorated village streets. The village is closed Dec. 24 and 25, but it opens again Dec. 26 and is open 1 to 9 p.m. daily until Monday, Jan. 2. See www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca or call 604-297-4565.
MOCHITSUKI DAY
This traditional Japanese end-of-year activity is always a hit at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Cres. Everyone is invited out to try their hand at mocha pounding. You can watch demonstrations, taste mochi, and buy mochi and other Japanese food. It runs Thursday, Dec. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission is free. See www.nikkeiplace.org or call 604-777-7000 for information.
MOVIE SCREENINGS
Brace yourselves. Queen Elsa and Princess Anna are back on the big screen – and everyone gets to sing along. Yes, it’s a Frozen family movie night at the McGill library branch, 4595 Albert St., on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. Bring the whole family and warm up your vocal chords for your best renditions of Let It Go, Do You Want To Build a Snowman, In Summer, and all your other favourite tunes. Parents must accompany kids under 10. No registration is needed; just drop in, but be sure to be early since space is limited. See www.bpl.bc.ca/events for details.
There’s also an afternoon movie screening on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at the Metrotown library branch, 6100 Willingdon Ave. Finding Dory is showing starting at 2 p.m. Adults must attend with kids under 10. Free tickets are available in the children’s department starting one hour before show time. See www.bpl.bc.ca/events for details.
HANDS-ON FUN AT THE LIBRARY
The Burnaby Public Library offers a number of hands-on programs over the holidays.
On Friday, Dec. 30, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., kids aged four and up can drop in to the McGill branch (4595 Albert St.) with a caregiver to have fun with the library’s LEGO collection. It’s a drop-in program, and you don’t need to register.
On Friday, Dec. 30 from 2 to 3 p.m., everyone can turn out to the Cameron library branch (9523 Cameron St.) for a winter Makerspace session in creating New Year’s hats. Registration is required. Call 604-421-5454 or see www.bpl.bc.ca/events.
On Friday, Dec. 30 from 5 to 8 p.m., youth in grades 6 through 9 can take part in a casual board game night (snacks included) at the McGill branch, 4595 Albert St. The event is free – you just need to sign up at www.bpl.bc.ca/events.
On Saturday, Dec. 31, kids and families can turn out to the Metrotown branch (6100 Willingdon Ave.) from 11:15 a.m. to noon for a Happy “Noon” Year storytime and countdown party. You don’t need to register, but adults must accompany kids under 10. See www.bpl.bc.ca/events.
ILLUMINATION 2017
The Eileen Dailly Pool is getting into the holiday spirit to usher out the old year on Saturday, Dec. 31. The special New Year’s Eve swim, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., includes indoor fun and activities followed by a free fireworks display in Confederation Park at 9 p.m. It costs $5 for the swim. Fireworks are free, but kids 16 and under must attend with adult. See www.tinyurl.com/NYESwim for info.
TOONIE SKATES
On New Year’s Eve, you can take to the ice at Kensington for a skate from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with face painting, crafts and games included. It costs $2 per person, including skates and helmet.
On New Year’s Day, join in the fun for ice skating, face painting, crafts and games at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre on Sunday, Jan. 1 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. It costs $2 per person (skates and helmet included), and it’s for all ages. See www.tinyurl.com/PolarBearSkate for info on the skating sessions.
NEW YEAR REC PROGRAMS
While you have a few moments over the holidays, don’t forget about a new session of recreation programs starting up in January. As always, the City of Burnaby’s parks, recreation and cultural services department is full of offerings for all ages. So whether you’re looking for arts, sports, swimming or skating, there’s bound to be something on offer. See www.tinyurl.com/LeisureGuide2017 to download a guide, or pick one up at a Burnaby rec centre.
Do you have an idea for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related info to Julie, [email protected].
