Irving House is giving local kids a chance to walk back into the past this summer.
The 1865 house, home of Capt. William Irving, his wife Elizabeth and their family, offers a glimpse of life in colonial New Westminster with its 14 restored and furnished rooms to explore.
Over the summer months, Irving House also offers a variety of special programs for kids.
Among the upcoming events:
Faery Fantasy: Four- to six-year-olds can explore the secrets of garden fairies through stories, rhymes, garden games and crafts. It’s on Saturday, July 9 from 10 a.m. to noon and costs $13.25.
Hit the Dirt!: Kids aged nine to 12 can get their hands dirty and harvest fresh vegetables from the heritage kitchen garden, learn how the family used plants and wood in their everyday lives and weave willow branches to create a cuff or bracelet to take home. It’s on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon and costs $13.25.
Fiction Addiction - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Kids aged nine to 12 can look at L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s story in a whole new way – learning the science behind tornadoes, having a race along the yellow brick road and creating related crafts. It’s on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $16.
A Day in the Life of a Pioneer: Five- to eight-year-olds can learn about lighting and toys in the days before electricity and batteries by creating their own dipped candles and a wooden toy to take home. They’ll also get to try out chores like churning butter and scrubbing laundry. It’s on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon and costs $15.25.
For all the details, check out the Summer 2016 arts and heritage program brochure (you can download one at www.anvilcentre.com/register) or call 604-527-4640.
