Staycation – 8 ways to fill your days with exciting local fun!

It’s Summer vacation. Do you have summer camps planned? Holidays? Or lots of time to fill locally? Why not turn those days around the house into more of a Staycation and take an adventure locally?

Here are some great ideas for your local staycation.

1. Hit the beach or a lake

In the Lower Mainland we have a great variety of beaches to spend the day at. Pack a healthy lunch and head out for the day. Looking for the sand, head to Jericho Beach. If you prefer fresh-water after a short hike, here’s a great list of 10 local lakes from Bored in Vancouver including Mystery Lake near Mt. Seymour and Brohm Lake just past Squamish.

2. Book a space at a local outdoor pool.

I love the, COVID added, scheduling for the outdoor pools in Vancouver. You now need to reserve a 2.5hr swim time through the City of Vancouver for New Brighton, Kitsilano, Second Beach , and Maple Grove. Not only does the reservation remove the parking issues, but it also limits the time you have to spend there, if you prefer only a limited amount of time at the pool like me.

3. Stay at home and garden

Get the kids outside and into the dirt. Not only does gardening get the kids out of the house and off of screens. It also helps them learn science, encourages them to eat different plants, relieves stress and helps them connect with nature.

4. Visit Evergreen Cultural Centre

1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7Y3
604/927-6555
evergreenculturalcentre.ca

Located steps from the Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain Station, Evergreen Cultural Centre has a ton of free events and art-making activities planned this summer. Visit the Art Gallery and pick up a Public Art Map postcard to explore all three of their current outdoor exhibitions. The gallery is open Wednesday – Sunday and free to attend. Enjoy Evergreen’s new Open Air Series, which offers a free, live performance outside near the lake every Monday – Friday at 12pm, from July 10 until September 01.

5. Go to Britannia Mine Museum

150 Copper Dr, Britannia Beach, BC V8B 1J1
1 800-896-4044
britanniaminemuseum.ca

Rumble aboard The Underground train as it rolls through an historic mining tunnel. Push up your sleeves at our Gold Panning Pavilion and keep what you find! Immerse yourself in the award-winning, multi- sensory experience of BOOM! as you learn about copper extraction, mill history and what life was like back in the day. Britannia Mine Museum offers a little seen world that fascinates all ages. Located on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway/Hwy 99 between Vancouver and Squamish.

6. Visit Maplewood Farm

405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver
604/929-5610
maplewoodfarm.bc.ca

Maplewood Farm is five acres of rural family fun in the urban heart of the North Shore. Located along the Seymour River in North Vancouver, and just a twenty-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, the farm is home to many friendly domestic animals and birds, and offers a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. It is a fun—and educational—place to visit for the whole family.

7. Go for a ride – Playland Amusement Park

2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1
(604) 253-2311
pne.ca

Get more scream time at Playland, where you’ll find thrills the algorithm could only dream of. Playland is open until August 18th and from 11-5pm and 6-11pm on both Fridays and Saturdays, as well as on weekdays.

Tickets start at just $38 online, are available as a fun pass or thrill pass. So whether you’re there to ride the Sea to Sky Swinger, Atmosfear, the Kettle Creek Mine Coaster, or Cedar Rapids Log Flume, there’s something at Playland for every guest.

8. Have an adventure at WildPlay Maple Ridge

+1 855 595 2251
 playmore@wildplay.com
Book now: wildplay.com/maple-ridge
Explore group rates: wildplay.com/groups
Enter BCP15 for 15% off your audience’s entire adventure.

Discover the Lower Mainland’s most thrilling family adventure at WildPlay! 12 ziplines, 45 aerial obstacle games, a 40ft jump and more! Activities for ages 5+. WildPlay also has locations in Nanaimo and Victoria!

However you fill your days, staycation or not, make sure to enjoy the time you have with your little ones! They grow up way too fast!