It's that time of year: the buds are beginning to pop up, the days are getting longer, and there's a bit less rain falling from the sky.
Spring is on the way, and with it, spring break. In the Royal City, students are off school next week, March 19 to 23,
There's nothing like a little free time to bring about complaints of boredom, so to stave off the "nothing to do" lament, here's a few suggestions for what's up around town in the coming week: w Head down to the city's Fraser River Discovery Centre on Friday, March 23, from 1 to 3: 30 p.m. for a hands-on guided tour of the centre's exhibit, The Discovery Zone. Kids get the chance to learn about nature and science by exploring archaeology, checking out dinosaur history, and learning more about the Fraser River white sturgeon. Best for ages five to 12, drop-in by donation.
If you can't make that day's event, the centre is still open regularly from Wednesday to Saturday, so pop in to check out this increasingly popular local site. See www.fraserriver discovery.org for more info. The centre is at 788 Quayside Dr. wHow about a little art to lighten up the day? An "Art in the Afternoon" program is running at Connaught Elementary on Tuesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 22, for kids aged five to 12.
Projects including painting, drawing, rock painting and more.
There are also pottery classes at Centennial Community Centre and Herbert Spencer Elementary, drama classes at Centennial and story/craft events at Queensborough. To register for these or other programs, check out the city's parks and rec page online at www.newwestpcr.ca/ recreation.php; click on Active Living Guide on the left-hand column, and then choose Spring Break Guide.
w Lace up the skates and get on the ice. Spring may be nearly here, but at Moody Park Arena, the ice is always ready to go.
There are a number of loonie skates and parentand-tot skates throughout the week, and skate rentals are available. Call 6045255301 for more information. The arena is located at 701 Eighth Ave.
w It may still be too chilly for bathing suits outside, but at the Canada Games Pool, the temperature is just right. Suit up for one of the special spring break swims, including Rock This Pool and Superhero Spectacular, coming up during the next week. For more information, call 604-526-4281.
w There's more to the library than books - this week, check out a few fun craft and storytimes. On March 20, at 10: 30 a.m., kids ages 4 to 10 can take part in Break it Down and Build It Up, a story and craft program. Later that day, at 7 p.m., check out family story time, with books, music and more, for all ages. See www.nwpl.ca for more.
w Many dance, art and academic organizations in the city offer extra programs during spring break. Give your favourite kids' activity a phone call to see if there's something special happening during the holiday.
w If programs and scheduled activities don't fit the calendar this week, why not be a tourist in your own town? Take a walk at the quay, explore the playgrounds at Queen's Park, or have a cold-weather picnic in your own backyard with a thermos of hot chocolate.
Christina Myers is a reporter with The Record and the Burnaby NOW, covering health, families, kids, seniors and more. Contact her at [email protected].
