Spring has sprung – and so has an abundance of family fun around the city.
My past few columns have explored some of the offerings in the Edmonds, Metrotown and North Burnaby neighbourhoods. This week, I’m turning my attention to the Lougheed Town Centre area and some of the highlights of what’s on offer for kids and families.
STORIES FOR SMALL ONES
If you’re parenting a small person, then you’re well aware of the value of getting out of the house for fun and interaction with other people.
The Burnaby Public Library’s Cameron branch (in the Cameron Recreation Complex, 9523 Cameron St., behind the mall) offers regular storytime fine for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Babytime is on Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m., running from April 5 to May 31. geared towards everyone from newborn to early walkers. Toddler Time, for walkers to 2.5-year-olds, runs Mondays at 11:15 a.m. from April 4 to May 31. And Preschool Storytime, for 2.5- to five-year-olds, is on Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. from April 5 to May 31.
Check out www.bpl.bc.ca/events or call 604-421-5454 for information.
There’s also a regular Saturday storytime at the Lougheed mall, running at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays in front of London Drugs. April’s sessions are devoted to the books of Bob Shea, and the stories are always followed by a fun, related craft. April 2 is Self Standing Portraits, April 9 is Giant Fish, and April 16 is Candy Land Gingerbread Kids.
Check out www.lougheedtowncentre.com for the current schedule.
CRAFTY KIDS
For slightly older kids – those aged four to 12 – the Cameron library branch also offers a number of spring papercraft sessions. Kids and caregivers can drop in to join in paper crafts and activities on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m.
Upcoming sessions are set for April 3, 10 and 17- keep an eye on the library’s events calendar at www.bpl.bc.ca/events for all the dates and details.
TIME FOR TEENS
Of course, the classic “hang out at the mall” never goes out of style, and with Lougheed Town Centre right on hand, it’s an easy one to enjoy.
But there are also other offerings. At the Cameron branch of Burnaby Public Library, for instance, there’s a teen book club. It meets monthly on Thursdays, with a different book up for discussion each month.
The April meeting is set for Thursday, April 21 at 4 p.m. in the library at Burnaby Mountain Secondary School (8800 Eastlake Dr.), where students can meet author Maggie DeVries. The discussion will centre around DeVries’ book Rabbit Ears.
Thursday, May 19 will feature Jo Treggiari’s Ashes, Ashes.
For questions about the teen book club, contact Rachel Yaroshuk, teen services librarian, at 604-297-4809.
GET ARTY WITH KIDS
Even the smallest artists and performers have a chance to have some fun at the Cameron rec centre.
The city’s new spring Leisure Guide has a host of offerings at Cameron.
The centre is hosting a Mixed Media, Baby program for two- and three-year-olds and another for four- and five-year-olds, starting June 2. Small singers can enjoy Young Tunes, for two-year-olds and up, starting April 7. And tiny dancers (and future dancers) can have fun in Baby’s First Dance and Toddler’s First Dance, starting April 4. There’s also Creative Ballet for three-, four- and five-year-olds, starting April 14,
For more on these and other offerings, pick up a Leisure Guide at city facilities or download one from www.burnaby.ca.
Do you have an idea for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related events and information to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
