The events listings are categorized by the following areas of the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley:
Vancouver;
South Delta, consisting of Ladner & Tsawwassen;
North Delta, Surrey, Cloverdale, South Surrey and White Rock;
Langley;
Burnaby;
Tri-Cities of Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam;
North Shore, including North Vancouver, West Vancouver and the local mountain resorts of Seymour, Grouse and Cypress);
Whistler & Squamish.
Vancouver
January 2 & 3
Seussical the Musical
Waterfront Theatre, Vancouver
The stories of Dr Suess come to the stage in a musical adventures for families and young people. Join Horton the Elephant. Gertrude McFuzz and the Cat in the Hat!
Ages: Carousel Theatre productions have an age policy of 5 years and up. Babes in arms are not permitted. There are five special Toddler Matinees for Seussical the Musical on January 2 & 3 at 2:00 PM. For these performances only, there is a special age policy of 2 yrs and up.
Admission Rates: $26/Adults; $13/Children/Youth; $20/Seniors
Now to January 6
Holidays at the Aquarium
A holiday scavenger hunt, face painting, touch pools and animal shows every half hour. Watch for Bee Bop Beluga and sing along with entertainers Bobs and Lolo, and more.
Winter Hours are 9:30 am – 5:00 pm except for shortened hours on December 31 and January 1. Consult website http://www.vanaqua.org/ for details.
Admission Rates: $20/Adults; $15/Youths/Students/Seniors; and $12/Children (4-12). Kids under 3 are free.
At $115, their annual family membership is a great deal, if you plan to attend more two days in a year.
Twelve Days of Christmas Tradition
at the Vancouver Maritime Museum
Special activities are planned from 1 pm to 4 pm each day from December 26 to January 6 that include crafts, boatbuilding, storytelling, and gallery tours. All activities will be included with admission to the Museum. The Museum will be closed on December 24 25 and will close at 3 pm on December 31.
Bring in a non-perishable food bank item and receive 12% discount on all admissions and memberships. FOr more info see the website http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/page153.htm
H.R. Macmillan Space Center Shows
1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
Admission fees: Child/Student/Youth (5-18) $10.75; Adults $15
Family Day Pass (includes 5 people; 2 adults max) $45.00
Show: Harold’s Solar System
Harold, the Star Projector, guides the audience through this planetarium presentation featuring current space imagery to highlight our Sun’s family of planets, the Big Dipper, and the stars and planets visible in the night sky. This educational show is a fun and engaging look at our solar system complimented by Harold, your entertaining host.
Ages: This show is designed for ages 6 and up.
Place: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Planetarium Theatre
Time: 11:00 am daily
Show: Nightwatch: The Astronomer’s Passion
Get passionate with this live astronomy show! This 40-minute show in the Planetarium theatre combines spectacular effects with the real-life enthusiasm of local astronomers for the night sky. This show includes a brief introduction to where the field of astronomy came from, followed by one of our astronomers presenting a live talk on constellations and planets that can be seen at night.
Place: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Planetarium Theatre
Time: 12:00 pm daily
Show: Christmas on the Coast
Twinkling stars, beautiful west coast imagery, sparkling city lights and traditional Christmas music by acclaimed Canadian performers combine to create an instant holiday classic at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre this season. ‘Christmas on the Coast’ is an engaging new planetarium show that launches December 8 and will run in the afternoons throughout the holidays, through to January 6. Celebrate the holidays with family and friends by enjoying familiar scenery with concert quality sound in Vancouver’s landmark planetarium.
Place: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Planetarium Theatre
Time: 1 pm daily
Show: Our Vanishing Sky
Our Vanishing Sky, an exciting new exhibit at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, explores the question: what in the world is light pollution and what is it doing to our planet? By simple definition, light pollution is light that is not needed or wanted, including lighting that is too bright. Through educational text display panels, looped video presentations, interactive activities and a Planetarium show demonstrating the before-and-after impact of night light pollution on major cities around the globe, Our Vanishing Sky educates visitors about the disturbingly negative effects of light pollution on their lives and what they can do about it.
Place: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Planetarium Theatre
Time: 2:00 pm daily
Show: Sky Stories: A First Nations Journey
Experience the night sky as never before in our Star Theatre, through the stories, dances, cultural practices, and traditional beliefs of the First Nations of BC and the Yukon. Follow Raven as we fly through time and space to learn about the 13 moons of the Wsanec, experience an origin story of the Gitksan, and marvel at the beauty and meaning of the Northern Lights. This multi-media presentation features the work of First Nations storytellers, academics, dancers, singers and actors, in traditional and contemporary forms.
Place: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Planetarium Theatre
Time: 3:00 pm daily
Show: A Day in Space
As the International Space Station is now being constructed, see what it’s like for the astronauts who live and work in a micro-gravity environment. Discover the answers to the often-asked questions: how do you eat, sleep and go to the bathroom in space?
Place: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre: GroundStation Canada Theatre
Time: 10:30 am, 4:30 pm
Show: Rocket Lab
Learn all about the principles of rocketry in this look at the history and science of rockets. Participate as a bottle rocket is built and launched; and help out in this interactive presentation about how rockets work.
Place: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre: GroundStation Canada Theatre
Time: 11:30 am, 3:30 pm
Show: Colour of Fire
Some stars are red, some are blue, some might be yellow. What creates these colours and what do they tell us? Explore this fascinating topic with our blazing new show. This 20-minute live show uses fiery demonstrations and blazing effects to explore some burning issues in astronomy.
Place: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre: GroundStation Canada Theatre
Time: 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm
Show: Dizzying Heights: Your Body in Orbit
This new 20-minute live interactive show deals with the questions of balance and space sickness in the micro-gravity environment of Earth’s orbit. With the help of Canadian Astronaut research and through a series of stomach staggering, live demonstrations, we let audience members experience the disorientation of space motion sickness (or SMS) right here on earth.
Place: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre: GroundStation Canada Theatre
Time: 1:30 pm
Vancouver’s Science World is featuring “OMNIMAX Extra Big Movie Nights”
— Two great films for only $15!
Friday Nights: 7:30 pm
Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs & Dinosaurs Alive!
Saturday Nights: 7:30 pm
Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey & Dinosaurs Alive!
For more info or movie descriptions visit www.scienceworld.bc.ca
Cost: $15/person/double Omnimax film feature.
Regular Omninax admission is $11/kids, $13/youth/seniors, and $16/adult.
January 12, 2008
Bird Walk
VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
Meet at the Garden entrance. Join Jeremy Gordon from Nature Vancouver for a beginners’ birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Limited to the first 20 people.
Time: 10 am
Free for Members or with Garden admission. For more information on Nature Vancouver, visit www.naturevancouver.ca.
The Backyardigans: Quest for the Extra Ordinary Aliens
Queen Elizabeth Theatre , Vancouver, BC
Performance Times: Two performances on Saturday, January 12, 2008; at 1 pm and 4 pm
Ticket Prices: Tickets are $28.50 per person plus service charges
The Backyardigans will be live on stage! Tickets are on sale now, available through Ticketmaster.
This show is also playing at the Bell Center for Performing Arts in Surrey on January 10 & 11
January 20, 2008
SuperSunday: Art for Families
Vancouver Art Gallery — 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
On the third Sunday of each month, the Gallery is transformed into a fun-filled space for families (children age 12 and under) to learn about art together. Artists, staff and volunteers engage families in hands-on activity areas, where children and adults draw, paint, create, watch and participate in performances, and learn about art together.
Hours: Noon - 5 pm
Admission Rates: Complimentary Gallery admission for children age 12 and under on SuperSunday. Admission is free for Members.
Suggested donation for materials: $2
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Captain Nasty’s Junior Pirate Schools at the Vancouver Maritime Museum
Young pirate trainees, ages 3 to 5 years, and their parents discover more about these seafaring bandits through pirate stories, hands on activities and real life adventures. An adult must accompany each child. Pre-registration required.
Time: 10 am to 11:30 am
Cost per child with adult is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Cost for an additional adult is $10. Phone 604 257-8300 for information and registration regarding these popular programs. Other dates: February 9, February 16
Vancouver Public Libraries
For children programs, please consult the online calendar at www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca/cgi-bin/Calendar/calendar.cgi?audience_idx=9 and Teen calendar is at www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca/cgi-bin/Calendar/calendar.cgi.
North Shore, including North Vancouver, West Vancouver and the local mountain resorts of Grouse, Cypress and Seymour
Now - January 1
Cypress Mountain SnowShoe Tours — HOLLYBURN MEADOWS Interpretive 2-hour Tour
SnowShoeing has exploded in popularity in recent years and once you experience it you’ll appreciate why. The Hollyburn tour is a great introduction to snowshoeing. Trek through snowy mountain forests and meadows with a stop at historic Hollyburn Lodge for a hot drink. Experience the beauty of nature amidst the magic of winter.
Ages: 6+
Times: Every day for the holidays, from December 22 - January 1 we will be running the tour at 10am, 1pm, and 7pm with the exception of not having the 7pm tour on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
www.grousemountain.com
Complimentary with your Annual Grouse Mountain Membership, Winter Season Pass or Grouse Mountain Admission (ranges from $12 for kids to $33 for adults).
Snowshoe rentals are complimentary for this session.
Now to March 30
The Mt. Seymour’s Toboggan Park
is a designated area where families can enjoy the excitement of tobogganing and the magic of playing in the snow. Inflatables not permitted in the Tobogganing area.
Ages: All
Location: Mount Seymour
Hours: Now to March 30th, 7 days a week 10 am - 4 pm. From March 31 to April 6 open weekends only, 10 am - 4 pm. Visit www.mountseymour.com/gno
Thursday, January 24
Behind the Scenes
at Maplewood Farm
405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver
Times: 11 am, 1 pm
Registered children participate in activities such as egg collection and washing, animal grooming, setting up feed and exploring “Staff Only” areas; duties will take about one hour. Children must pre-register for one of the sessions; fees include parents with child. To register please call 604 929-5610. Each time slot is limited to 15 children so book early.
Cost: $10 per child.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Behind the Scenes
at Maplewood Farm
405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver
Times: 11 am, 1 pm
Registered children participate in activities such as egg collection and washing, animal grooming, setting up feed and exploring “Staff Only” areas; duties will take about one hour. Children must pre-register for one of the sessions; fees include parents with child. To register please call 604 929-5610. Each time slot is limited to 15 children so book early.
Cost: $10 per child.
South Delta: Ladner & Tsawwassen
Now - December 30, 2007
Winter Wonderland Skating
South Delta Recreation Centre
1720 – 56th Street, Delta BC
Winter Wonderland Skating Hours:
Thu. Dec. 27: 1-4:30 pm
Fri. Dec. 28: 1-4:30 pm & 6-9 pm
Sat. Dec. 29: 1-4:30 pm
Sun. Dec. 30: 1-4:30 pm
January 1, 2008
Teddy Bear Skate
South Delta Recreation Centre
1720 – 56th Street, Delta BC
Hours: 3 - 4:30 pm
Bring in a food donation for free admission!
January 2, 2008
Everyone Welcome Skate
South Delta Recreation Centre
1720 – 56th Street, Delta BC
Hours: 7:30-9 pm
January 3, 2008
Teen Pizza and Games Night
Come to the library to play a variety of board games and enjoy some free pizza. Registration required.
Ages: 12 to 19.
Time: 5 - 8:30 pm
Location: Ladner Pioneer Library
January 4, 2008
Everyone Welcome Skate
South Delta Recreation Centre
1720 – 56th Street, Delta BC
Hours: 7:30-9 pm
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Family Skate
South Delta Recreation Centre
1720 – 56th Street, Delta BC
Hours: 2-3:30pm
Wednesdays, January 16, 2008 - onwards
Manga Drawing Club for Teens @ the Ladner Library
For Manga fans between the ages of 12 to 19 who want to practice their drawing! Newest manga drawing books & novels will be on display for inspiration. Registration required.
Ages: 12 to 19
Times: 3:00 pm-4:30 pm
Location: Ladner Pioneer Library
North Delta, Surrey, Cloverdale, South Surrey and White Rock
December 30, 2007
Surrey Chip-In tree recycling
at the Newton Athletic Park
Event is by donation, with all proceeds going towards the Surrey Firefighters Charitable Society. Event also repeats on January 6, 2008
Now - January 5, 2008
Winter Ice Palace at the Cloverdale Arena
Cloverdale Arena — 6090 176 Street, Surrey
The Cloverdale Arena will host its 10th annual Winter Ice Palace. The arena will be transformed into a frozen pond atmosphere that will bring back the good old days. This is a very popular event that the whole family can enjoy.
Admission is $3.50 per person, skate rentals are additional.
For hours and more information, please call the arena at 604-502-6410.
Now - January 6, 2008
Winter Swim to Win at Surrey’s Indoor Pools
The holiday swim program at Surrey’s indoor pools offers prizes, games and activities every day.
Visit www.pools.surrey.ca for more information, locations and daily schedules.
Now - March 9, 2008
Art by Surrey & White Rock Secondary School Students
displayed in the lobby of the Surrey Arts Centre — 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Works by students from the Surrey School District’s Secondary schools (including those located in White Rock), accomplanied by artist statements and teacher plans. Part of the annual Fine Arts Festival does Beaux-Arts, and event organized by the School District to recognize programming in Surrey schools.
January 5, 2008
Tong Louie Family YMCA Open House
There will be free: tours, rock climbing, bouncy castle, kid’s activities, face painting, prizes, and fun for the whole family!
Hours: 10am to 2pm
Tong Louie Family YMCA is located at Hwy. 10 & 149 Street (14988 57 Avenue)
January 6, 2008
Surrey Chip-In tree recycling
at the Newton Athletic Park
Event is by donation, with all proceeds going towards the Surrey Firefighters Charitable Society.
January 6 & 7, 2008
Firefighters’ Magic Show
at the Bell Performing Arts Centre 6250 144 Street.
For more info, visit www.bpac.sd36.bc.ca/pubeventlisting.htm or call 604-681-5779.
Showtimes are as follows:
January 6, 2008 at 4 pm and 7 pm.
January 7, 2008 at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
Tickets are: $20.00 for the first ticket; $10.00 for each ticket thereafter, plus GST.
The Backyardigans: Quest for the Extra Ordinary Aliens
Bell Performing Arts Centre — 6250 144 Street, Surrey
Performance Times: January 10 & 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Ticket Prices: Tickets are $28.50 per person plus service charges
The Backyardigans will be live on stage! Tickets are on sale now, available through Ticketmaster.
This show is also playing at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver on Saturday, January 12th at 1 & 4 pm.
January 25, 26, 27
Disney’s High School Musical – The Play
Bell Performing Arts Centre — 6250 144 Street
Performance Times: 2 pm matinee and 7:30 pm evening shows
Ticket Prices:
$32.00/Adult; $28.00/Students & Seniors; $24.00/Child under 12.
Call 604-507-6355 for more information.
White Rock
December 28-29-30, 2007
Winter Wonderland Skate
Live entertainment, skating, crafts, games for ultimate family fun.
Call the Arena Info Line 604.541.2171 for days and times or visit www.city.whiterock.bc.ca for more information.
Times: December 28-29-30 1-7 pm daily
Cost: $7 per person, or
$25/family of upto 5, including rentals;
Spectator admission $2.
January 2 - 5, 2008
Family skate at the Centennial Arena
Call the Arena Info Line 604.541.2171 for days and times or visit www.city.whiterock.bc.ca for more information.
Times: January 2, 3, 4, 5 from 1 to 2:30 pm
Cost: $2.25 per person; skate rentals $2.50
$15 per family (max.5), including rentals.
Sunday, January 6, 2007
White Rock Firefighter’s Local 2407 Christmas Tree Chipping
at Centennial Arena, 14600 N. Bluff Road
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Hot dogs and refreshments on site. All donations go to charity.
See www.wrfirefighterscharity.com/ for more info.
Langley
January 2-3-4, 2008
Winterfest Day Camp
A fun day camp filled with arts, crafts, games and activities sure to entertain and keep even the most active children having fun. Sign up for individual days, or all 3! Times and costs available at www.city.langley.bc.ca.
January 4, 2008
Late Night Skates for Teens Presents “Live on the Ice”
Suitable for teens (13-18 yrs)
Time: 9:45 - 11:45 pm
Location: Canlan Twin Rinks, Langley
For more info, call 604-514-2940 or visit www.city.langley.bc.ca.
Admission: $2, skate rentals extra
Burnaby
Tri-Cities of Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam
Whistler & Squamish
See Vancouver area events for families & kids for other months:
Vancouver Area Family Events: February 2008
Vancouver Area Family Events: March 2008
Spring Break Activities in and Around Vancouver BC
Add a Resource
Do you know of a great family event in Greater Vancouver/Fraser Valley? If so, let us know by submitting a comment below. If we find your event appropriate, we will add it to our listing.