As the back-to-school season rolls in, make sure there is room for some quality family time on those busy schedules! If you’re looking for some ideas, here are a number of fun family friendly activities to check out around the Lower Mainland.
Check out a Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
Head out down to the Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden on Sunday, September 7th to help usher in the Chinese Moon Festival. An important traditional event, the festival honours the full harvest moon, which is meant to symbolize peace and prosperity. The festival is also an occasion for family reunions. From 5 pm – 7 pm, families can enjoy live traditional music and legends of the mid-autumn moon, while munching on delectable moon cakes. After the sun sets, send wishes to the moon by placing floating lotus lanterns in the pond.
Go on an aerial adventure
Want to take a breathtaking aerial journey over Canada without actually leaving Vancouver? You can do just that at FlyOver Canada, a new mustsee attraction. This family-friendly flight simulation ride offers spectacular views which are sure to thrill your entire family. The entire experience takes 30 minutes; you first enter the pre-show area where you enjoy an audio-visual show of Canada’s finest scenery. After a quick pre-flight briefing, you can board the flight deck and soar over iconic Canadian landscapes. Purchase tickets at FlyOver Canada ticket booths located at Canada Place or get them online at their website (www.flyovercanada.com)
Explore the Maritime Museum
As the weather gets nippy, museums are just the place to spend a cozy, cultured afternoon with the family. While Vancouver has a handful of museums to pick from, one of my favourites is the Maritime Museum at Vanier Park. The museum’s triangular glass structure was built around St. Roch, the first ship to ever sail through uncharted waters to cross the Northwest Passage and the High Arctic. Kids (and adults) will have a blast exploring this historic ship. You can climb abroad, walk the decks and tour its interior cabins. Children will also have some hands on fun at the Children’s Maritime Discovery centre, where they get to operate a submersible. Round off the day by checking out some of the museum’s interesting nautical collections and their gorgeous model ships.
Get a Taste of Yaletown
It’s no surprise that families who regularly dine together are more close-knit. Get in some dinnerbonding time at the 10th annual Taste of Yaletown festival this fall. This dine out festival runs from October 16 – 30 and participating restaurants all over trendy Yaletown will offer a selection of featured menus, at set prices of $25, $35 or $45. This year, the festival will also have lunch menus and a portion of profit from every meal served is donated to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Be sure to check their website (www.yaletowninfo.com) on September 23rd for the list of participating restaurants and make reservations at your favourite one!
Enjoy the Fall Foliage
Nothing quite says fall than when the trees are decked out in vibrant shades of red, gold and orange. Take in the stunning fall foliage at Stanley Park and make a day of it. You can bike, rollerblade or just stroll along the scenic Stanley Park Seawall. With its gorgeous views of the mountains and city, this is one of the best spots in Vancouver to take photos – take the opportunity to snap a couple of great family pictures. Feeling hungry? Head out to the Prospect Point Restaurant for some causal, kid-friendly food or pack your own lunch and enjoy it together at one of the many picnic tables.
