By Heidi Braley
Things to Do With Kids on a Rainy Vancouver Day
Being stuck inside on a rainy day in Vancouver is a pretty tough thing for kids. Adults have to get pretty creative quickly to prevent them from getting cranky and irritating. With a little ingenuity, your kids will be happy and satisfied, even though they are indoors. Considering the age of the children is necessary in your planning, but these ideas should work if they are anywhere between two and 15. Part of the problem of being stuck inside is that there is nowhere to go and therefore you have to get along with everyone around you. Giving the kids a direction will help in this dilemma.
Plan a Pizza Party
Have a pizza party. At this party, the pizza will be homemade and the kids are going to make it from scratch. If you don't how to make pizza, ask one of the kids to get a recipe, either from a cookbook or online. Basically, all you need is a bread dough recipe--in fact, you can buy ready made dough at any grocery store. Someone else needs to pick a movie, someone needs to decorate and someone needs to plan the drinks. Give everyone a job in the planning process.
Science World
Science World
This will cost you a little money, but it is well worth it. This is a place where the kids can touch the displays and learn how science works. There are movies to see and and IMAX theater with 3-D presentations. Wear some comfortable walking shoes because you will be walking a lot. It is bright and colorful and the kids really love it.
Science World
1455 Quebec St
Vancouver, BC V6A, Canada
(604) 443-7443
Vancouver Public Library Central Branch
Vancouver Public Library - Central Location
The Vancouver Public Library has 22 locations within the city, but the central location on 350 W. Georgia St. is simply amazing. It is like a whole city block under one spiraling roof. There are stores and coffee/snack shops under the glass as well as millions of books and study areas. Everyone can find their favorite books and curl up somewhere.
H.R. McMillan Space Center
H.R. McMillan Space Center
This is a must see for any kids who are remotely interested in space or science fiction. The planetarium is a huge 360 degree view of the heavens as well as the setting for exciting laser displays. You can get a family day pass for less than regular admission is you have two or more children. Check out their website for daily shows.
H.R. McMillan Space Center
1100 Chestnut Street
Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9
(604) 738-7827
Vancouver Metropolis Metrotown
Vancouver Metropolis Metrotown
This is British Columbia's largest shopping mall with more than 500 shops. It is actually three malls connected by pedestrian walkways. You can take the SkyTrain to get there as it has its own station. There is a movie theater inside with very comfortable seating and lots of activities planned for the Grand Court, such as performances, contests and exhibitions. Restaurants serving all types of cuisine will pull at you constantly, so bring your credit card.
Metrotown
604-4720 Kingsway
(Metrotower II)
Burnaby, BC V5H 4N2
(604) 438-4700
Resources
About the Author:
Based in Maryland, Heidi Braley, currently writes for local and online media outlets. Some of Braley's articles from the last 10 years are in the "Oley Newsletter," "Connections Magazine," GardenGuides and eHow.com. Braley's college life included Penn State University and Villanova University with her passions centered in nutrition and botany.
Photo Credits:
http://songsofheart.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/kids-cooking.jpg, http://www.scienceworld.ca/our_world.html
