Goats and bunnies and pigs, oh my.
Yes, for those of you who have animal-obsessed small humans in the house, it’s that time of year again.
The Queen’s Park petting farm opens for the season again this weekend, starting Saturday, May 21. The farm – which features goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, bunnies and ducks for the small visitors – is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. right through to Sept. 5. Farm attendants are always on hand to help the kids get the most out of their visit, whether it’s by brushing the goats or feeding carrots to the rabbits.
It’s free, but you’re encouraged to leave donations.
And, of course, being so handily located right next to the Queen’s Park playground, stay and make a day of it.
See you at the farm!
BABY TALK FOR NEW MOMS
Moms with infants, if you haven’t already checked out Baby Talk, be sure to do so soon.
The Wednesday afternoon sessions are offered at Centennial Community Centre, with public health nurses coming out to lead discussions on a series of parenting-related topics – and, more importantly, to give new parents a chance to get out of the house and meet other moms who are facing the same challenges and joys.
The published schedule includes a presentation from a chiropractor and a discussion on parenting toddlers on May 25; a car seat talk on June 1; and the ever-popular discussion on sleep on June 8.
Infant feeding is in the spotlight on June 15, planning for daycare on June 22 and adjusting to parenthood on June 29.
(Note that the schedule is always subject to change, so if you want to be sure what the weekly session is about, call 604-777-6740.)
Sessions are free, and you can just drop in to Centennial, 65 East Sixth Ave., every Wednesday from 1 to 2:45 p.m. No registration is needed.
YOUNG MAKERS WORKSHOPS OFFERED
Do you have a handy kind of kid? Families are invited to drop down to River Market on the first Sunday of each month to take part in Young Makers Show and Tell.
The event, geared for kids aged six and up, is always free, and you can drop in between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to enjoy hands-on demonstrations, workshops and activities.
Parents are encouraged to stay and supervise – and help out.
Check out www.rivermarket.ca for the details – or just stop in on Sunday, June 5 to join in the fun.
SUMMER ART CAMPS SET
Looking for summer fun? Here’s an early heads-up about new summer arts camps for kids in New West.
The Arts Council of New Westminster is hosting Art Waves summer camps at the Gallery at Queen’s Park. Young artists can learn new drawing, painting, mixed-media and printmaking techniques, experiment with a variety of different materials, play games and meet other like-minded youngsters.
Four camp sessions are offered, running 10 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday: July 4 to 8, for ages six to eight; July 18 to 22, for ages nine to 11; Aug. 1 to 5, for ages 6 to 8; and Aug. 15 to 19, for ages nine to 11.
There’s room for 10 kids per class, and the cost is $90. Check out www.artscouncilnewwest.org under the Programs link for Arts Classes and Workshops.
Got an item for Family Ties? Send parenting- and family-related ideas and events to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
