With spring break just days away, parents are likely racking their brains for ideas of affordable things to keep their tikes, tweens and teens busy for two weeks.
Sure, many of the youngsters will want to stay indoors, sleep in or fool around on their electronic devices. But there are many more creative and active opportunities available, judging by websites and program guides for the cities and libraries. Here's a sample (note: For some of the camps, prompt attention is important before they fill up):
ADVENTURE
Consider Douglas College for a close-to-home week of adventure. The David Lam campus in Coquitlam has several camps for the nine- to 15-year-olds. Among the options available are basketball camp, multi-sport, dance camp, badminton, student leadership, young writers, young entrepreneurs and young artists. As well there is a web design/Photoshop camp for this age group. Costs range from $95 to $185 depending on the camp. More information is available at summercamps@douglascollege.ca
SOCCER
Two local soccer clubs well known for their success on the pitch are offering spring camps March 14 to 18. Coquitlam Metro Ford (www.cmfsc.ca/spring-break-camps) has Mini Madness for four- to seven-year -olds, a development camp for seven- to 12-year-olds and a goalkeeping camp. Port Coquitlam Euro-Rite FC is also offering camps March 14 18; more information is available at www.pocosoccer.com/spring-break-camp-2016.
ibraries aren't just about cozying up with a book, although that's good for kids, too. Tri-Cities' libraries have several free programs over spring break, including kids' movie matinees:
• Port Moody Public Library has drop-in programs, games, Code Camp and movies: March 15, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone; March 22, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Both movies are rated PG, and recommended for ages seven and older. Visit library.portmoody.ca or call 604-469-4577 for details.
• Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam has an interactive musical show featuring the Ta Daa Lady on Tuesday, March 15 for young families from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.; the comedy flick Ferris Bueller's Day off for for teens, 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16; the kid-friendly animated movie Home on Friday, March 18, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; and a puppet show featuring puppeteer Elspeth Bowers on Wednesday, March 23 from 3:45 to 4:15 p.m.
• Coquitlam Public Library has has action adventure for the older kids: Avengers: Age of Ultron at the Poirier branch at 1 p.m. on March 15; and Ant Man on March 16 at 1:30 p.m.; as well as the the animated comedy Hotel Transylvania 2 on March 18 at 1:30 p.m.
FAMILY DROP-IN
Pinetree Community Centre (1260 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) is offering a free family fun event on Saturday, March 12, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Families can drop into the centre for a chance to play badminton, soccer, basketball, or tennis. The centre will also have brand new gymnastics equipment set up for kids to play on. The event is geared towards kids from three to 12 years of age.
The three cities have a wide variety of spring break camps for all ages and interests:
• In Coquitlam, register online at www.coquitlam.ca/spring break. Among the offerings are Tiny Tykes Adventures for preschoolers, Adventures in Art, Bricks 4 Kidz Lego, Girl Power, sports camps and mad science.
• Port Moody has many programs available for children and youth; visit www. portmoody.ca and check out the Spring Happening Guide.
• In Port Coquitlam, there are day camps, gym and pool camps, sport camps, art camps, swimming lessons, youth camps, and additional child care offered. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/camps.
MORE MOVIE TIME
SilverCity Coquitlam will host matinee screenings of Minions, Paddington, The Sponge Bob Movie: Sponge Out of Water and Shaun the Sheep Movie from March 14 to 18, for only $2.99 per screening. For showtimes, visit here.
