Indoor Outings
If your kids are like most, they have the energy reserves oil companies only dream about. So if another round of duck, duck, goose is causing your head to spin, take the kids to one of these fun indoor playgrounds.
6Pack Indoor Beach in Richmond
Good For: All ages
Why It Made the List: Opened in 2011, this is Western Canada’s only indoor beach volleyball facility. Bring the seven and under crowd to Kidz Beach for Lil’ Diggers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 3 pm, where they can play in the largest indoor sandbox in the city (and you don’t have to remember sunscreen).
Grandview Lanes Bowling on Commercial Drive
Good For: 2 years and up
Why It Made the List: Five pin bowling is great family fun and perfect for little hands. Bowling shoes are a must, and rentals are available starting at infant size six and up. With computerized scoring, math doesn’t have to be a strong suit (but it’s fun to practice anyway). Grandview opens at 10 am, so grab a java on the Drive and have a bowl.
Laserdome in North Vancouver
Good For: 3 years and up
Why It Made the List: Kids of all ages love this entertainment multiplex. Pop in for some laser tag or rock climbing, play in the Light Space, or explore their 24-foot tall jungle gym. Pizza, slushies and a few old-school arcade games round out this fun family outing.
Whistler Bounce Acrobatic Academy in Whistler
Good For: 2 years and up
Why It Made the List: This brand-new indoor trampoline park boasts three in-floor trampolines and three trampoline half-pipes with a foam pit and padded walls for soft landings (guaranteed to even exhaust Tigger). The seven and under set are welcome to bounce between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm daily. While you’re there, say hello to Rango, the resident Panther Chameleon, and don’t forget to bring your own water bottle.
The Aquatic Centre at Hillcrest Park
Good For: All ages
Why It Made the List: This stunning 2010 Winter Games legacy building is open to the public all day, and their warm leisure pool offers water toys, spray jets, cannons and a lazy river. If you prefer your water frozen, pop over to the rink for a Parent and Tot Skate at 10:15 am on Mondays. Whether you prefer to swim or skate’Hillcrest is a blast.
Save your own living room and get them out (or shall we say in) this winter. Tested by Nancy C., Vancouver
