With the shopping, cooking, eating, gifting and visiting all done, this Boxing Day weekend may well be the most relaxing you've had in ages.
Friday, Dec. 26
HIT THE SHOPS
Didn't get enough of shopping before Christmas? Well if you're not too busy digesting all that turkey and sorting wrapping paper into the recycling bin, head out for some shopping to snatch up some Boxing Day deals.
KEEP THE LIGHTS ON
Unwind from the Christmas festivities with a tour of some of the Tri-Cities' coolest light displays. Kids of all ages will get a kick out of the elaborate light display at Coquitlam's Town Centre Park at Lafarge Lake, and be sure to see more lights at Spirit Square (3000 Burlington Dr.) and at the Inspiration Garden (Guildford Way and Pipeline Road). There are also several homes throughout the Tri-Cities that have been decked out to help you deck the halls; visit www.tricitynews.com for a full listing.
Saturday, Dec. 27
HIT THE GYM
Why not get a jump start on your New Year's resolutions? You know, the list that always starts with getting in shape? City recreation facilities - including gyms, weight rooms and pools - are open for regular business hours today and tomorrow.
WIGGLE IT
If your toddlers are showing signs of cabin fever the Port Moody recreation centre can help them get the wiggles out. Jungle Gym (0 to 5 years) and Family Drop-in Gym (12 and under) run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and in the afternoon there's badminton for the whole family and drop-in gym for Grades 6 to 12. The family fun continues with more of the same on Sunday, along with parent and tot drop-in sports. Visit www.portmoody.ca for details.
SKATE ON
Challenge the kids to a friendly game on the ice at the Port Moody arena's Family Stick and Puck (for 10 years and under) from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. and, for the older kids, there's a Youth stick and Puck (10 to 17 years) from 2 to 3 p.m. Want to just take a few turns around the ice? Sunday offers a family skate from 1 to 2:30 p.m., followed by a public skate from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. Visit www.portmoody.ca for details.
Sunday, Dec. 28
IT'S IN YOU TO GIVE
Take a moment to count your blessings, then roll up your sleeve to help those who may be fighting for their lives this holiday season. A blood donor clinic is at Place Maillardville (1200 Cartier Ave., Coquitlam), from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in honour of Grady Killam, an Anmore three-year-old who died in March of leukemia. Visit www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2-donate to book an appointment.
TAKE A DIP
Go for a float, a soak or a high-speed swim to shake off the post-Christmas blues. In Coquitlam, the best time for a dunk at either the City Centre Aquatic Complex or the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Check out the city's holiday Stay & Play guide for details at www.coquitlam.ca.
PARK IT
If you're looking for a way to entertain out-of-town holiday guests, don't miss this chance to explore one of the Tri-Cities' many parks. For an all-ages outing try the Shoreline Trail in Port Moody - the paved path leads to a great playground for kids at Old Orchard Park, and the finish line back at Rocky Point Park can include a fish-and-chips snack, an ice cream treat or even a frothy beverage at the micro-breweries on Murray Street. For those looking for a moderate hike try Minnekhada Regional Park in Coquitlam, where several trails start from the Quarry Road entrance. And if there are birders in your midst, a trip to Colony Farm Regional Park or a tour of the DeBoville Slough trail can't be beat. More good bets include Mundy Park and the vast network of trails in Belcarra Regional Park.
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