Local family-friendly culture crawls this summer

LOWER MAINLAND (NEWS 1130) – Getting out in the sunshine is great, but if you’re looking for the kids to learn something over summer vacation, we’ve got a few ideas for you!

There are several kid and family friendly museums around town, plus some other educational options.

Many of these options are cheap, if not completely free.

BC Sports Hall of Fame

Gate A, BC Place Stadium at Robson and Beatty Street levels, Vancouver
There are several galleries, including one looking back at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. You can stand on a real medal ceremonies team podium and see a replica of Roberto Luongo’s Olympic goaltending mask. Other galleries include ones centred around Terry Fox and Rick Hansen, as well as female athletes, coaches, and mentors in BC.

Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (on game days, the hall of fame closes at kick-off)
Price: Free (Kids 5 and under), $12 (Youth 6 to 17, Students with ID, Seniors 65+), $15 (Adults)

Britannia Mine Museum

1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach
Take a drive up the Sea to Sky Highway to learn all about the Britannia Mine, which operated from 1904 to 1974. it was once the largest copper mine in the British Empire. There are 45-minute guided tours offered throughout the day.

Open: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Tuesday;10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday
Price: Free (Preschool 4 and under), $18.95 (Child 5-12), $23.95 (Youth 13-17), $26.95 (Senior 65+), $29.95 (Adult 18+)

Burnaby Village Museum

At Canada Way and Sperling Avenue, Burnaby (Best to search Google Maps for “Burnaby Village Museum”)
Go back in time to the 1920s! You’ll see “townsfolk” in costume, as well as demonstrations in homes, shops, and businesses. Once the kids have gotten a chance to chat with a teacher in the schoolhouse and watch a blacksmith at work, they can take a spin on the 1912 vintage carousel!
Open: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday plus holidays
Price: Free admission. $2.65 carousel rides.

Canadian Sikh Museum

33089 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford
Head out to Abbotsford to discover 100 years of South Asian history in Canada at the 1911 Gur Sikh Temple, a national historic site.
Open: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for self-guided tours

The Film Club at the Pacific Cinematheque

1131 Howe Street, Vancouver
Check out some of the greatest movies ever made at this matinee program for children and their families.
Price: $6 (Kids 13 and under), $10 (everyone else)

Fort Langley National Historic Site

23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley
Dress up in 19th century clothing, hear the ring of a blacksmith’s anvil, and search for gold! There are sights, sounds, and even smells of history at this national historic site. There are also live demonstrations.
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Price: Free (Youth 17 and under), $7.80 (Adult), $6.55 (Senior)

Museum of Anthropology at UBC

6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver
Learn all about BC’s First Nations in a truly incredible and awe-inspiring space. Explore the grounds and discover the area’s history as a military installation.
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Friday to Wednesday), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Wednesday)
Price: Free (Children under 6, Indigenous peoples, UBC students/staff), $16 (Student / Senior 65+), $18 (Adult)

Nikkei National Museum

6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
The museum offers a wonderful glimpse into Japanese-Canadian culture in Vancouver. You can also sign the kids up for an arts class or join a Manga Camp.
Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday

Vancouver’s Chinatown

Check out the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Afterwards, wander around Chinatown to explore the amazing food and trinkets. And be sure to stay for lunch — there are some great eats in the area!

Vancouver Maritime Museum

Head to the Heritage Harbour, which is a display of privately owned classic and heritage vessels. There’s also the chart from Captain Cook’s third and fateful voyage. And there’s hands-on fun for kids, who can operate a submersible, the authentic reproduction of the bridge of a tugboat in English Bay, and the fo’c’sle of Captain George Vancouver’s ship Discovery.

1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Friday to Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday
Price: Free (children under 5), $10 (Youth age 6 to 18), $11 (Student with ID / Senior), $13.50 (Adult)