We spent the day in Vancouver on Saturday, and it was a "hoot!" A friend with 5 kids asked how we did it, so here's what I said to her--
If you have tickets to any events, the best way to travel is West Coast Express because it's also your transit pass for the day. If you go, plan to get there by 10 as that's when the pavilions open. We took skytrain from New West, because we parked at a friend's house. With a whole crew, I would start at the "Live Surrey" site, park the car, and get on the skytrain. Be sure to take a stroller or two as there is plenty of walking. Kids 5 and under ride transit for free. I found the hardest part of the day was driving home from New West-- if the ride was even 20 minutes shorter it would have been better.
However, another option is to park in Richmond and take Canada line in the Richmond O-zone. Or, just risk it, take the Cambie Bridge downtown and park somewhere near St. Paul's hospital-- this avoids transit all together, but you may have an issue with the truck in a parking garage. If you do this, you could bring your ice skates and skate at the Robson skating rink.
Free things to see-- Robson square, Science world (Sochi world), Ontario (4-D movie-- kids loved it!!), Granville Street (buskers, street performers, interactive art displays), Live City Yaletown (Live City Downtown is too busy), Aboriginal pavillion... so much more, just start walking!! Don't bother with the torch/cauldron-- too far to walk, and it's behind a fence. We haven't taken it yet, but there is a free streetcar that goes from Science World to Granville Island, and there's a lot to do on Granville Island, too. We ate hotdogs at Costco ($1.99!!) Best deal in town and it's right by the elevator to get to the Dunsmuir Viaduct between GM Place and BC Place. The Art Gallery has been transformed to a BC pavilion with interactive displays. The post office has trampoline stunts everywhere. The best place to pee is Costco or the Library, but there are a lot of portapotties near Robson. Avoid the CTV area-- too busy-- and find the live broadcasts by CBC. They have a great sock puppet display on the second floor. Plus, you may be able to collect a cool toque during their Radio 3 "toque sessions" (It was also my way of boycotting Pamela Martin... blech).
Wear one colour to stick out from the crowd-- we all wore orange-- it's easy to spot because everyone else is wearing red and white. Or, tie a balloon to your kids' belt!
Have fun!
So, the key to "doing this with kids" is-- keep them full of treats, eats, and time to rest! Make sure you have an extra pair of socks for the child who is drawn to puddles... believe me, you'll thank me later.
Sounds like you had fun...I would love to go, but I think my kids are a bit to young. Maybe we'll have to have a date day! Thanks for the great ideas!!
ReplyDelete