Around town BC . . .

| Vancouver Island | Okanagan | Upcoming | Ongoing | Swap meets

Around the Lower Mainland . . .

2010 Paralympics heads up

If you didn't have a chance to hold an Olympic medal, or if you dodged the long line-ups of the Olympics, the good news is you can still check out some great sites during the Paralympics, which are scheduled to run March 12 to 21. To name a few, we've heard that the Robson Square Celebration Site, LiveCity Downtown, Canada Pavilion, CentrePlace Manitoba, Canada's Northern House, and more will all be open during the Paralympics. For a great list of free events during the Paralympics, visit www.citycaucus.com.

Pirates at Science World

Now that they are open again, Science World in Vancouver is scheduled to host pirate-themed spring break activities from Thursday, March 11-Monday, March 15. Events include Pirating 101: For Those Considering the Pirating Profession, Sword Fightin’ Scallywags (Friday, March 12 to Sunday, March 14), and Tall Tales (Saturday, March 13 and Monday March 15). For more details, visit scienceworld.ca.

Family bowling

Parent community developers in North Vancouver are inviting families with children up to six years old to come out to a fun family bowling event, Friday March 12, 10 a.m. to noon, at North Shore Bowl, 141 West 3rd St., North Vancouver. Cost is $2 per person (includes shoe rentals, snacks and two hours of bowling). Tickets need to be purchased in advance. Please call, 604-632-2667.

Kids Market spring break fun

Now until Sunday, March 14, the Kids Market at Granville Island will be holding a variety of fun spring break events. For all the details, visit www.kidsmarket.ca.

SpongeBob at the aquarium

Drop by the Vancouver Aquarium during spring break now until Sunday, March 14, for a special movie SpongeBob SquarePants in 4-D. He’ll also be on hand for a daily meet and greet. More details, online.

Free nutrition seminar

Friday, March 12, 2 p.m., find out more about the Mindful Introduction of Solids at Whole Foods at Broadway and Cambie in Vancouver, led by Victoria Pawlowski, RD, RCC, Psycho-Nutritional Therapist. Preregister by e-mailing victoria@springwellnutrition.com.

Kid’s spring fling

Join in for a day filled with outdoor games, eco crafts, nature activities and discoveries just for kids at the Kid’s Spring Fling, Friday, March 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hunt for bugs, search for birds, play in the forest, and explore the special places at the Surrey Nature Centre. Bring your friends and family. Rain or shine. The Surrey Nature Centre is located at 14255 96th Ave. in Surrey.  For more information about the Surrey Nature Centre and its programs, events and location visit www.surrey.ca/naturecentre.

Friendly Forest preschool open house

Friendly Forest Parent Cooperative Preschool, 2505 Sunnyside Rd., Anmore, is having an open house, Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. to noon. Come and check out this beautiful preschool and meet teachers and fellow students.

Fraser Valley Bead Show

Check out a bead and jewelry extravaganza at the Fraser Valley Bead Show, Friday, March 12 to Sunday, March 14, at the Executive Inn Coquitlam, 405 North Rd., Coquitlam.

The Village Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14, noon to 4 p.m., enjoy a scavenger hunt at the Burnaby Village Museum in Burnaby. The Trek to Mont Blanc will focus on the fascinating trivia of the first Winter Olympics, held in 1924 in Chamonix, France, at the base of the famous Mont Blanc. Come find the answers hidden all over the village site. A special treat awaits those who succeed. The Ice Cream Parlour is open with a light menu, stop in at the Tram Barn to make a craft, and unlimited carousel rides.

Winter Farmers Market

Support local at the next Winter Farmers Market, Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac St., Vancouver.

Ahoy – matey!

Spend spring break like a pirate with a fun event at Vancouver Maritime Museum, now until Sunday, March 14, 1 to 4 p.m. Make a pirate hat, search for lost treasure and more.

Forensic Science for Kids

During the spring break, now until Saturday, March 13, the Vancouver Police Museum is holding a variety of workshops and drop-in activities exploring the science of contemporary police work. Workshops require reservations but you can also drop by the museum any time. The museum is located at 240 E. Cordova, Vancouver. For more information, call 604-665-3346 or visit vancouverpolicemuseum.ca.

Rick Scott in concert

Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam presents award winning singer, songwriter and children’s entertainer Rick Scott on Sunday, March 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $12 for children 12 and under. A family of four is $45 and groups of eight or more get 15% off. Call the Box Office 604-927-6555 or buy online for tickets.

St. Paddy`s Day Run

Sunday, March 14, 8:30 a.m. to noon, lace up your sneakers and have fun in the St. Paddy’s Day Run hosted by the runners’ den in Port Moody. Meet at the Port Moody Library. For more details, call 604-461-8330 or e-mail karen@erhf.ca.

Kids’ koncerts

Vancouver Symphony’s Kids’ Koncerts presents another concert for children with Inspector Tovey Investigates the Instruments of the Orchestra, Sunday, March 14, 2 p.m., at the Orpheum in Vancouver. For tickets 604-876-3434.

New mother?

Join Mothers Unfolding with your baby at Sanga Yoga (Dunbar neighborhood), Yoga on 7th (Main Street) or Pomegranate Midwives (east Vancouver) for five weeks exploring the heart of motherhood. New groups begin this month. Learn more by visiting www.mamarenew.ca or call Sarah at 604-254-1100.

Free chiropractic check ups for kids

Central Valley Chiropractic, Clover Square Village, 201-17700 56 Ave., Cloverdale, is offering free chiropractic check ups for children every second and fourth Saturday. E-mail dcdave@telus.net for more information. Chiropractic has been shown to help children with colic, reflux, sleeping disturbances and even bed wetting.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Pacific Rim Whale Festival

Now until Sunday, March 14, it’s time to enjoy the annual migration of 20,000 grey whales making their way to Alaska. For all the details, visit www.pacificrimwhalefestival.com.

Safari Jeff and Shannon

Wednesday, March 10 to Saturday, March 13, check out Safari Jeff and Shannon on their Great Green Adventure at Nanaimo North Town Centre. Tickets required. To pick up free tickets, visit the mall’s administration.

Around the Okanagan . . .

Let us know all about your event!

Know of a family friendly event happening in or around the Okanagan? Please e-mail info@babyvibe.ca all the details, and we'll post it here.

Upcoming events . . .

Green Thumb Gala

Trade in your tuxedo for a trowel!  Celebrate spring and get ideas for your outdoor space like planting a wildlife or veggie garden and creating a balcony planter at the Green Thumb Gala, Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Play in the Lil’ Sprouts Zone for kids or create a “springy” costume to join the parade. Visit booths to get inspired by local gardening groups or browse local foods in the Farmers Market. Rain or shine. Event is free. The Surrey Nature Centre is located at 14255 96th Ave. in Surrey. For more information about the Surrey Nature Centre and its programs, events and location visit www.surrey.ca/naturecentre.

Spring fair

Seaview Community School, 1215 Cecile Dr., Port Moody, is having a Spring Fair on March 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a wide variety of vendors for your shopping pleasure. There is also a concession for a quick lunch.  If you are interested in being a part of the fair please contact Helen at 604 939-4959 or seaviewfundraiser@hotmail.com. There are still some tables available. Table charge is $25, which includes coffee/tea, snack and clean up.

Raising a chill kid

Child and youth psychologist Dr. Carla Fry presents Raising a Chill Kid: How to help your child bounce back from stress and anxiety, Monday, March 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Solarice Wellness Centre, 2200 West 4th Ave., Vancouver. At this informative event you will learn how to spot stress and anxiety in kids/youth, to identify what you are doing that helps or doesn't, what you can do to help your kids, about resources to help your kids deal with stress and anxiety. Open to parents of all ages of children. Cost is $10. Call 604-733-5007 to secure your spot. Seating is limited. For more details, visit online.

The Ripple Effect

Drop by the Fraser River Discovery Centre in New Westminster, Saturday, March 27, for the Ripple Effect exhibit opening. In 1995 and 2000, environmental swimmer Fin Donnelly swam the length of the Fraser to raise awareness about the river. The Ripple Effect celebrates this achievement and encourages visitors to think about ways they are affecting the health of the Fraser River.

Indian dance with Sudnya Mulye

ArtStarts gallery for young people’s art presents a free 45-minute workshop for families with Indian Dance with Sudnya Mulye, Saturday, March 27, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sudnya Mulye tells stories of India through the classical dance style Bharata Natyam. Join her at the ArtStarts Gallery, where kids and families will explore culture and tradition through dance, movement and expression. ArtStarts is located at 808 Richards St., Vancouver. Workshops are ideal for five to 12-year-olds but all ages welcome. Please arrive 10 minutes early.

Connecting to your core

Have you recently had a baby and your back, hip or pelvis hurts? Or do you suffer from chronic back and hip pain? Then you may want to check out this course. Vreni Gurd, C.S.E.P. Certified exercise physiologist and CHEK level 3 practitioner, certified integrated somatic therapist, presents Connecting to Your Core, Saturday, March 27 and April 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Steven Read Chiropractic Office, 201-277 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver. Cost is $160 plus GST and includes a manual. The research keeps rolling in – establishing a neuromuscular connection and restoring motor control is critical in reducing pain in those who have segmental and functional instabilities of the lumbopelvic core. Courses fill quickly and are limited to a maximum of 10 per course to ensure individual, hands on attention. Register at office or by calling 604-990-0029.

Preschool open house in

Pied Piper Parent Participation Preschool, 8757 Armstrong Ave., (off of Cascade Street) in Burnaby hosts an open house, Saturday, March 27, 9 to 11 a.m. Registration for 3- and 4-year olds for September or just come by for a visit. Call 604-524-0833 for more information.

Swap meets . . .

Huge kids’ swap meet

Also at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, there’s another huge kids’ swap meet scheduled for March 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. New and used items for sale. Everything for baby and beyond. To reserve a table or for more info, e-mail mattie1995@hotmail.com or call 604-588-9919.

Children's toy and clothes swap meet

Location: Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Ave., Vancouver, hosts a Children’s Toy and Clothes Swap Meet, Sunday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 604-257-8130. Admission is free.

Twins and multiples swap meet

PoCoMo Mom’s host the Twins and Multiples Swap Meet, Saturday, June 5, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Trinity United Church, 2211 Prairie Ave., Port Coquitlam. Admission is free. Get there early for best selection. Find great deals on baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and equipment geared to parents of multiples. Selling tables for $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Please contact Kim at kim_tsok@hotmail.com.

Norgate children’s swap meet

Norgate Community School's Children's Swap Meet is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Early bird entry from 9 to 10 a.m. is $3 and after 10 a.m. it’s free to get in. New and used kids' items for babies and beyond.  Toys, brand name clothing, books, baby equipment, sport equipment. Rent a table, clean out your closet, and make some money. Table cost is $20. Norgate is located at 1295 Sowden St., North Vancouver.

Kanaka Creek swap meet

Kanaka Creek Elementary School, 11120 234A St., Maple Ridge, presents a Kids’ Only Swap Meet, Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Book your table now. Early bird bookings before March 31 are $20 and after March 31 are $25. To register contact kcswapmeet@gmail.com.

Twins and multiples swap meet

PoCoMo Mom’s host the Twins and Multiples Swap Meet, Saturday, June 5, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Trinity United Church, 2211 Prairie Ave., Port Coquitlam. Admission is free. Get there early for best selection. Find great deals on baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and equipment geared to parents of multiples. Selling tables for $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Please contact Kim at kim_tsok@hotmail.com.

While we do our best to inform you of great family happenings around town, event details are subject to change. Please check ahead before heading out!

B.C. archives

Happy third birthday to Kaylee Rose! You bring so much laughter into our world. We love you so much! Love you tons, mommy, daddy, Marley, Kasee and your grandparents and rest of the family too!

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