By Linda M. Tobias
1. Visit a park
New West has some of the best playgrounds in the Lower Mainland, many of which have spray parks or wading pools and Playground Leaders who add to the fun. Queen’s Park even features a petting farm! (Admission is free; donations are welcome.)
While at your local park, grab some friends, or make new ones, and play a game of hide-and-seek, hopscotch or kick-the-can. Your kids (and you!) can roll down the hills, climb a tree or go on an expedition to find squirrels and other creatures. It’s easy to stay active in the summer!
2. Explore a museum
Many of New Westminster’s museums are kid-friendly and by donation. Travel back in time at Irving House and then visit the museum next door. Go aboard the Samson V, the last floating sternwheeler in North America. Or, stop by the lobby of the New Westminster Police Department (555 Columbia Street) to check out their displays, including the old-time jail and 1958 Harley Davidson motorcycle. The Fraser River Discovery Centre is also one to consider (though it does list suggested amounts for “admission by donation.”)
3. Attend a community event
In New West, there’s something going on all summer long! Here are just a few of the highlights:
- June 9 is the Sapperton Day Street Festival.
- The 12th Street Music Festival is on August 5.
- Pride Week is August 16-19.
- Every Thursday, the Royal City Farmers Market features free activities for kids and live entertainment.
- Every Friday evening, July 12 –August 30, attend a free screening of a family movie at Queen’s Park Stadium (check page 80 of the Active Living Guide)
4. Hang out by the water
You can head to the beach at Port Royal, or go for a bike ride along the Quayside boardwalk, which connects two playgrounds (Quayside and Pier Park.) And, don’t forget, New Westminster’s outdoor pools are free on the weekends!
5. Take advantage of the library
Let’s face it; New West is going to see some rain this summer. And there’s no better place to spend a rainy day than the New Westminster Public Library. There are books aplenty, of course, but you can also rent DVDs, comics and puzzles, and get free access to the Internet. You can also join the Summer Reading Club and keep an eye out for free activities and events thoughout the summer.
For details on these activities and many, many others, check out the popular 2013 Kids New West Summer Activity Guide! Now available through schools, recreations centres, the library and family programs. Don’t miss it!