One of the biggest ways I find balance in my life is by scheduling time in our calendar to do something together. As nerdy as that sounds, if I put a family activity in our calendar it usually gets done, we make time to do it. If I don’t put it in the calendar, then it’s just an idea and we’ll likely spend the day running errands. I’d go grocery shopping by myself and Chris will put Mikayla down for a nap and clean or something (aka watch hockey…).
From my days being the community reporter for 93.7 JRfm I got used to scouring the internet for family friendly events to go to on weekends. Now I’m doing it for my own family, here’s my list:
Spring Activities Around Vancouver In May – For Kids!
The Abbotsford Tulip Festival
What: Gigantic tulip farm with rows and rows of tulips. There’s also an area with yard games, food trucks and a place to buy flowers.
When: Open for a couple more weeks, 9am to 730pm
Where: 36737 N Parallel Rd, Abbotsford
Website: http://abbotsfordtulipfestival.ca/
Tip: If you enjoy photography, or want some nice family photos, this place is worth stopping by for a couple hours. I would suggest going early, because it gets busy very quickly.
Fingerling Festival in Port Moody.
What: This festival gives kids the opportunity to release thousands of young chum salmon into Noons Creek where they’ll begin their journey to the sea.
When: May 5th 11am – 3pm
Where: Noons Creek Hatchery and Port Moody Recreation Centre 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody
Website: www.noonscreek.org
Port Moody May Day Parade
What: A fun parade that ends with live music and food from 12-5pm in the square.
When: May 12, at 10:30am
Where: The parade starts at Shaughnessy to Elgin, Elgin to Mary Hill, Mary Hill to Hawthorne, ending on Tyner.
Website: rotarymayday.ca
Whirligigs Make and Take
What: Kids will learn the magic of motion with Whirligigs. Spin paint off of this whirly thing and make art!
When: Saturday, May 13th, Noon to 6pm
Where: The Kids Market at Granville Island.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1816794725281661/
Tip: The Kids Market will supply everything.
Day Out With Thomas Big Adventures Tour
What: Day Out With Thomas™ provides the opportunity for children and their families to take a 20 minute ride on Thomas the Tank Engine™ and to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, the Controller of the Railway.
Where: The West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish.
When: May 19 to 21 and May 26 & 27.
Website: wcra.org
May Day Parade in Fort Langley
What: A large community parade that will form up on Church Street and will commence at 11:00 to go west on Mavis to Glover Road. It’ll be followed by live music till 4pm.
When: May 21, 11am – 4pm
Where: Maivs to Glover Rd, Fort Langley
Website: www.maydayfortlangley.com
Tip: Give yourself lots of time to get there as there’ll be a lot of traffic on Glover Road into Fort Langley.
Ladner May Days
What: A large family friendly community festival that begins on Friday evening with discounted midway rides for kids. On Saturday the day is filled with a broad range of top notch family entertainers and many FREE activities and entertainment for children.
When: May 25 – 27, 3pm – 10pm (Fri), 10am – 6pm (Sat & Sun)
Where: Memorial Park, Ladner, 5010 47th Avenue, Delta
Website: www.ladnermaydays.com
Royal Canadian Family Circus
What: A family fun circus. Imagine sitting under the BIG TOP, popcorn in hand, as you are awed by the gravity defying performers of the Royal Canadian family Circus Spectac! 2018.
Where: in Surrey at Guilford Town Centre from May 17-21 and Tsawwassen from May 25th -27th
Website: www.royalcanadiancircus.ca/tickets
Playland
What: Kick of Spring with a trip to Playland for some fun and thrilling rides.
When: Opens May 5th
Website: www.pne.ca/playland
Photos taken at the Abbotsford Tulip festival. Photographer: Mike Laing Visuals
Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
