Well, since it looks like March has decided to come in like a lion (or at least like a very grumpy cat), I’m guessing there are a lot of parents out there desperately searching for ways to keep the small folks busy and amused.
Never fear, we’re on the job for you – and since there’s so much happening in this fair city of ours, we’ve decided to split up our coverage by neighbourhood.
In this edition of Family Ties, I bring you a roundup fun for the small set in Edmonds. (Watch future editions for the other corners of Burnaby.)
Let them do Lego
Who doesn’t love Lego? Kids aged four and up are invited to take part in the Lego Club at the Tommy Douglas branch of Burnaby Public Library, 7311 Kingsway. It meets on Tuesday, March 15, and you can drop in anytime between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Caregivers must accompany kids 10 and under. You don’t have to register ahead.
Get crafting
For older kids, there’s Teen Makerspace, also at the Tommy Douglas library branch. It’s on Thursday, March 10 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. This edition is about making seed balls – supplies and instruction are included, and youth in grades 6 to 9 can make their own seed balls to take home. It’s free, but you have to register ahead – see www.bpl.bc.ca/events.
Sign Language Storytime
The Tommy Douglas Library offers regular family storytime sessions, in American Sign Language and English, for kids of all ages and abilities with parent or caregiver. Deaf storytellers and children’s librarians present songs, stories, rhymes and crafts, and ASL interpreters are provided. The next two sessions are on Saturdays, April 2 and April 30, from 2 to 3 p.m. Email [email protected] for info, or see www.bpl.bc.ca/events.
Get arty
Edmonds Community Centre offers a range of art programs for small people, all detailed in the new Burnaby Leisure Guide (pick one up at city rec centres, or download at www.burnaby.ca). Among some of the fun ones I found: Li’l Picassos for three- and four-year-olds, starting April 19; Li’l Sculptors, for three- to five-year-olds, starting May 1; Act, Play and Sing, starting April 21 (ages three and four); First Steps (Creative Dance) for ages two and three, starting April 12; Preschool Tap (ages three to five) starting April 22; and Kinder Ballet (age five) starting April 22.
Get active
When playing in the park just isn’t enough, why not register your child for a sports or activity program? Again, Edmonds Community Centre has a wealth of offerings. There’s Yoga Dance for four- and five-year-olds, starting April 11 and Preschool Sports and Games, with a variety of options including soccer, floor hockey and basketball, starting April 6. Again, check out the new Leisure Guide for all the details.
Get into the dirt
What kid doesn’t love digging in the dirt? Three- to five-year-olds can try out Little Green Thumbs, a gardening program that includes digging, planting and nurturing their own plants, plus related art and play, kicking off at Edmonds Community Centre April 4 and running Mondays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. See Burnaby.ca/webreg (barcode 368118).
Experience Japanese culture
The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, at 6688 Southoaks Cres., offers Sunday Family Corner sessions from noon to 4 p.m., where families can drop in for free to enjoy hands-on fun making Japanese-inspired crafts, origami and toys. Upcoming sessions are on March 20 and April 17, and it’s all free. Check out centre.nikkeiplace.org for all the details.
And, when all else fails, my last suggestion:
Abandon your children
Yes, just leave them in someone else’s care. Luckily, the Edmonds Community Centre offers childminding services, with a 730-square-foot playroom that caters to newborns to five-year-olds. While you work out, take part in a fitness class or play some squash, you can leave the small folks in the centre. It’s open weekday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. Check out the current Leisure Guide or call 604-297-4838 for updates.
Do you have an idea for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related ideas to Julie, [email protected].
