Spring is just around the corner. I swear it. But if you’re home with small people and you feel like you just can’t wait one more minute for nice weather so you can get back outside to hit the parks, never fear. There are plenty of ways to keep yourselves busy around Burnaby.
Here are but a few:
DROP IN TO TODDLER DANCE CLASS
Join in the fun at Groovin’ Babies Dance Class at Brentwood Town Centre, running Wednesdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. It’s designed for toddlers on the go to interact and dance with parents or caregivers. You don’t have to be a dancer, and you don’t have to be fit – just turn out prepared to have fun.
It happens in the children’s play area, on the lower level by Sears.
You can register online at www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com or call 604-492-3688.
TRY SOME ZUMBA, BABY!
Over at Lougheed Town Centre, you can take part in Zumba for Moms and Babies, running Fridays from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Babies can stay comfy in carseats or strollers while moms dance and interact to the rhythms of cumbia, salsa, belly-dance and more. No charge – and dads, friends, grandparents and aunties are welcome, too.
It happens in front of London Drugs (on the lower level). See www.lougheedtowncentre.com.
ENJOY SOME DROP-IN FUN AT WESBURN
The City of Burnaby and Burnaby Public Library have teamed up to offer drop-in fun at Wesburn Community Centre, 4781 Parkwood Ave.
On Monday, Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon, you and the kids can drop in to enjoy an Imagination Playground – with large modular blocks that kids can stack and move around – plus ride-on cars, slides and more. You can also check out the pop-up library, which gives you a sampling of the offerings from Burnaby Public Library. You can browse, borrow and return material, learn more about the library and even get a library card. Check out www.bpl.bc.ca/events or call Kelsey at 604-436-5426 for information.
Another drop-in also happens on Monday, March 27, also from 10 a.m. to noon.
VISIT BURNABY VILLAGE MUSEUM
It’s a great way to spend a morning, an afternoon or even a day, and the village is open daily during spring break, March 13 to 24. It’s open 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and you can check out everything in the village – the print shop, the blacksmith forge, the one-room schoolhouse, the silent movies at the theatre and more.
Gate admission is always free, and carousel rides are $2.65 each, so it’s a very affordable day out.
The village is at 6501 Deer Lake Ave. See www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca or call 604-297-4565 for details.
DROP IN FOR FUN AT BONSOR
Bonsor Recreation Complex has a number of drop-in programs to keep your family busy.
For the preschool folks (kids aged one to five, with adult), there are Tiny Tikes sessions that offer sports equipment, slides, tunnels and ride’em toys, plus activities and songs led by an instructor. The drop-in fee is $1 per person, and the sessions run from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. on Thursdays until March 9, and Saturdays until March 11.
There are also Loonie Gymnastics sessions by drop-in, also for one- to five-year-olds with an adult. They’re on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. until March 6, and Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. until March 8.
Call 604-297-4597 or see www.burnaby.ca for more details. Other rec facilities also have a variety of drop-in programs – be sure to pick up a city Leisure Guide for all the details, or download one from the city’s website at www.burnaby.ca.
DO SOME CRAFTS
Drop in to the Cameron library branch (9523 Cameron St.) to enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Charm Crafts session. It’s on Friday, March 17 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Kids can make their own lucky charms to wear. Caregivers must accompany kids 10 and under.
The program is free, but sign up at www.bpl.bc.ca/events or call 604-421-5454.
TRY SOME KIDS’ YOGA
If you want to see how yoga can help the young people in your life, why not check out Chi Kids? Artspace Children’s Art Centre offers Saturday classes from April 1 to May 27, with eight one-hour group lessons. Check out www.thechikids.com for details.
There are also ongoing drop-in girls’ youth yoga sessions on Fridays at 4:15 at Bonsor Recreation Complex, for kids aged seven to 13. Drop-in session costs $4.81, and it’s open to all levels. For information, call 604-297-4597.
Do you have an item for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related info to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
