Looking for a way to get out of the home and away from the cold. Here are a few great baby resources offered in the Vancouver area that are worth checking out:
East Side Family Place
Right next to the newly renovated Granview Park play structure. Costs about $1.50 a person which includes indoor use of toys, snack time, arts and crafts, and a facilitated circle time with singing and stories. This program closes for lunch with a morning or afternoon option most days of the week.
http://www.eastsidefamilyplace.org/
Vancouver Public Library’s Mother Goose
A parent and child singing program where new songs and lullabies are taught, and a healthy snack is provided. A great way to meet other local moms. Registration required and babies must be under one year to qualify. Free.
http://www.vpl.ca/check_it_out/details/mother_goose_program_wins_award
Vancouver Public Library’s Man on the Moon
This program is similar to Mother Goose, except a program for male caregivers. Must register to attend. One program offered through Britannia Library and another one offered through the Downtown Library.
http://www.vpl.ca/news/details/man_in_the_moon_for_babies_spring_2010
Cafe Deux Soleil
The restaurant is very kid friendly during the day. Reasonable prices. During the day the stage is turned into a play area complete with toys and chalk board.
http://www.cafedeuxsoleils.com/mobile.html
Vancouver Coastal Health Baby Groups
Held on the second floor of the new Broadway and Commercial health centre. Facilitated by nurses with a new topic each week relating to the developmental age of your baby. Drop in style where there is one hour of information provided with a chance to ask questions and a half hour on either end for babies to play and moms to socialized and have their questions answered by the nurse. Change mat and weigh in for baby also available.
* Baby Group: 0-6 months, Tuesdays 1-3pm
* Cruisers Group: 6 months – 14 months, Mondays 1-3pm
* Toddler Group: 14+ months, Tuesday 10:30 – 12
* Spanish Group: Wednesday 12:45 – 2:30pm, 2x monthly
For more info on VCH groups:
https://www.vch.ca/403/7676/?program_id=2516
Healthiest Babies Possible
A group for babies of First Nations ancestry and their caregivers. Drop in program with on site nurse, librarian, dietitian, dental specialist, first nations elder. Meal and activity provided. Free.
http://pregnancyvancouver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/HealthyBabies_ev_english-13.pdf
Movies for Mommies @ The Rio
Weekly movies held at Rio during the daytime. Lights are only dimmed, sound is turned down lower, and babies and children are welcome to attend.
http://www.moviesformommies.com/en/locations_bc.html
Strong Start
From birth to school age children this program is offered through many different schools in the Vancouver area as either a morning or afternoon session. Activities include: indoor and outdoor play time, circle time with singing and activities, and snack time. Parents/caregivers are to attend the program with their child. Free.
http://www.vsb.bc.ca/strong-start-centres
Know of any other great Vancouver based baby resources not listed above? Please comment below with updates.
{Info last updated January 2013.}
