Spring Events CalendarSpring has sprung and there is no denying the promise of warmer days just around the corner. With a squish underfoot, winter is finally thawing its way out of sight and out of mind. Time to trade in the snow pants for rain boots and start jumping in some puddles! And if you’re looking for anything else to occupy your family, here are a few springtime suggestions.
When: March 16 to April 24, 2009
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden, various locales around the city
Inspired by the traditional Sakura festivals of Japan, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival features a host of events, including Cherry Jam Downtown, Bike the Blossoms, Sakura Days, Cherry Scouts, Under Heaven’s Dome, Tree Talks and Walks, and Cherry Trolley Tours. This ephemeral miracle of nature unites people in celebrating spring, and is guaranteed to make your spirits soar. Come enjoy it while it lasts!
When: May 11-18
Where: Vanier Park
Tickets are now on sale for this fun-packed festival featuring live music, theatre, storytelling, puppetry, circus arts and more! Enjoy a little culture with the kiddies!
When: March 28, 20:30-21:30
On March 28th, at 8:30 pm, Vancouver and its residents will join millions of people around the world in turning off the lights for Earth Hour. This annual event is a global lights-out phenomenon, coordinated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Let’s come together and support real action on climate change.
Get Outside
While Vancouver boasts milder winters than its urban counterparts to the east, there is still a great deal of pent-up hibernation anxiety that needs to be expelled like a demon. Get outside, people! Take a hike. Go for a ride. Or just gaze out at the Pacific from a park bench perch. Babies need fresh air too, and can take in the view from a backpack or stroller! Here are some great places to get your outdoor fix:
Amazing views to be had at this beach—city skyline, ocean, and mountain views. This is the perfect place to throw down the picnic blanket, fly a kite, toss a Frisbee, and soak up the warm spring sunshine. Flanked by Locarno and Jericho beaches. You can’t go wrong!
This reserve contains spectacular landscapes and features a paved road for in-line skaters and cyclists, and trails for hikers and cyclists looking for more rugged terrain. Nestled inside the forest is Rice Lake where you can try your luck at fishing.
Bowen Island is the perfect daytrip for families to relax and enjoy a variety of interesting activities all in one place. Take a short ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay and allow yourself to be lulled into a slower pace.
Spring Cleaning
Spring is the perfect time to clean and purge. Out with the old and in with the new! If you’re a parent, you know that last year’s clothes just won’t do. They grow like weeds!
It’s Garage Sale season, and bargain-loving parents can also participate in a number of great toy and clothing swaps. Here are just a few ideas to help you get started!
Kids’ Stuff Swap Meet
When: March 22, 10 am – 1pm
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre, 480 Broughton St., Vancouver
Kid Stuff Swap Meet
When: March 28, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Gleneagle Secondary School Gym, 1195 Lansdowne Dr. in Coquitlam.
Kids Toy and Clothing Sale
When: March 28, April 18th, 9 am – 1pm
Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 6050 -176 St. in Surrey
L’IL Rascals Kids Swap Meet
When: April 4, 2009
Where: Chilliwack Heritage Park, 44140 Luckakuck Way, in Chilliwack
-- Sarah Simpson
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