Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are upon us – and we’re on the job for you. Our reporters are out and about the city exploring the best options for summer fun of all kinds, and we’ll be bringing you our tips throughout the season.
In a special look at what’s happening for the smaller set, here’s Janaya Fuller-Evans’ destination list, Top 10 kids’ spots:
There’s lots for tots to see and do, in Burnaby there’s sure to be something for you.
For girls and boys, for mom and dad, there is plenty of summertime fun to be had.
You can visit the ducks on Burnaby Lake, or go to the library for a reading break.
Get creative at Art in the Park, or stroll the farmers’ market for a wee lark.
Looking for something to keep the little ones busy on these long, hot summer days? The city has a wide variety of activities and destinations for kids, from toddlers to teenagers. From city parks to our two popular museums – Burnaby Village Museum and the Nikkei National Heritage Centre and Museum – there is plenty going on indoors and outdoors throughout Burnaby.
1 Burnaby Village Museum: One of the most popular spots in the city, if not the region, the museum has the added bonus of being completely free. While visitors do have to pay for carousel rides and any snacks or meals at the ice cream parlour, the village itself is open to those who want to meander – or toddle – through the buildings. The blacksmith is worth checking out – kids of all ages are fascinated by the work done at the blacksmith shop. The museum has special events on all summer, from ice-cream-making workshops to free summer theatre performances. For more information, go to www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca.
2 Deer Lake Park: While visiting the museum, take a walk through surrounding Deer Lake Park. Or better yet, come back for a picnic, and take the kids to the Burnaby Art Gallery. If you visit on Sunday, Aug. 9 between 1 and 4 p.m., you can take part in a family-friendly art project, as well. There is plenty to do at the park – lakeside strolls, the rhododendron garden, the playground, and the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. Plan ahead and make a day of it.
3 Burnaby farmers’ market: Grab breakfast or lunch at the Burnaby Farmers’ Market and introduce the kids to a variety of foods they may have never tried before. There are baked goods, fresh produce, and usually a couple of food trucks on site. There’s also a kids’ table with toys to keep them occupied, and fun events planned throughout the year. The market takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the city hall parking lot, 4949 Canada Way. For more information, go to www.artisanmarkets.ca.
4 Explore all there is to offer in city parks: With well over 100 parks throughout Burnaby, including neighbourhood parks and playgrounds, there is always smewhere nearby to take the kiddies for a little fun. There are playgrounds galore, some with spray parks, as well as many with a sandbox for the little ones. Many city playgrounds also offer activities for kids during the summer. For more information, go to www.burnaby.ca/Things-To-Do/Explore-Outdoors/Play-Areas.
5 Art in the park: Looking for a creative outlet for the kids in your life? Art in the Park is free for all ages and runs throughout July in city parks. Professional artists work with kids on projects including clay sculpting and mandala-making. For information on dates and times, check out the city’s calendar of events, www.burnaby.ca/Things-To-Do/Calendar-of-Events.
6 Civic Square: Things get quite melodic in Civic Square over the summer, with the summer Sunday concert series. There are also children’s activities on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, an interactive community visual arts project and outdoor movies in August. For more information, go to www.burnaby.ca/Things-To-Do/Festivals-and-Events/Summer-Fun-at-Civic-Square.html.
7 Visit the ducks: Playing in the sandbox or running through flower gardens are all well and good, but a true outdoor delight for children involves the local wildlife. Burnaby Lake offers kids the chance to commune with crows, dally with ducks and babble away with the blackbirds. And since it’s a hotspot for local birders, the wee ones might even get a chance to see something more exotic. Bring a pair of binoculars and if the birds don’t hold your interest, wander along the forest pathways for a respite from the city hullabaloo.
8 Nikkei Centre: If you and the little ones have had enough of the great outdoors, there is indoor fun to be had, as well. The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centres hosts art and cultural exhibits, and also holds frequent events, from workshops and book launches to walking tours. There are also the free monthly Sunday Family Corner toy-making sessions, held from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 26 and Sunday, Aug. 16. For more on this and other events, go to centre.nikkeiplace.org.
9 Burnaby central railway: All aboard! What child hasn’t dreamed of riding the rails? That dream can be fulfilled in miniature at the Burnaby Central Railway, near Confederation Park. The train runs from Good Friday until Thanksgiving Monday on weekends and statutory holidays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to burnabyrailway.org.
10 Burnaby Public Library: In Burnaby public library branches, there is a wealth of activities that go beyond the page, engaging new readers. Some don’t even involve books at all – take Lego Club, or board game drop-ins. Burnaby Public Library has four branches, covering each section of the city – McGill and Cameron in North Burnaby, and Tommy Douglas and Bob Prittie Metrotown to the south. For more information, see www.bpl.bc.ca.
