1. Maritime Moments
With thousands of objects and images in their collection the Vancouver Maritime Museum is an intriguing attraction for those interested in Canadian maritime history, art, and culture. The museum has also recently renovated the Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre which has lots of hands-on displays, so children of all ages have plenty to do. (Birthday parties can be held here as well). On Thursday evenings from 5 to 8pm admission is pay-what-you-can.
Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Avenue, (604) 257-8300, Vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
2. Star Struck
Located next to the Space Centre, the Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory features a ½-metre Cassegrain telescope to explore the skies around Vancouver. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff will guide your exploration and answer your questions. Open on Saturday evenings from 8pm-12am, admission is by donation.
GMS Observatory, 1100 Chestnut Street, (604) 738-7827, Spacecentre.ca
3. Tea Talent
Looking for a musical outing for the entire family? Combine an afternoon stroll at scenic Vanier Park with a cultural pit-stop at the Vancouver Academy of Music (VAM) for the ever popular monthly series, Strawberry and Tea Concerts. Come hear VAM’s emerging musical talents of all ages perform in a one hour concert that is topped off with a serving of tea, strawberries and clotted cream. On February 1st from 2-3pm, admission is free.
Vancouver Academy of Music, 1270 Chestnut Street, (604) 734-2301, Vancouveracademyofmusic.com
4. Culture Curios
Wander through the architecturally stunning Museum of Anthropology and admire the world’s cultural art on display. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for fair-priced handcrafted objects created by local and international artisans. On Tuesday evenings from 5-9pm, the MOA’s admission is discounted down to $9 (children under 6 are free). Bonus: Catch the 6pm free guided gallery tour for an hour-long crash course in cultures from around the world. Also, the MOA’s Satellite Gallery (560 Seymour Street, downtown), has free admission and is open from 12-6pm, Wednesday to Saturday.
Museum of Anthropology, 6393 N.W. Marine Drive, (604)827- 5932, Moa.ubc.ca
5. Art Amusement
The Vancouver Art Gallery collection contains outstanding examples of a century’s worth of art produced in British Columbia, from 19th century mountain and coastal landscapes to recent photo-based artworks by renowned Vancouver artists. On Tuesday evenings from 5-9pm admission is by donation. On Sundays, children 12 and under are free and it includes free family programs. Use the money you saved on a little indulgence at the Gallery Cafe – a classy yet casual spot with kid-friendly offerings, (plus it’s licensed!).
Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, 604.662.4719, Vanartgallery.bc.ca
Last modified: August 24, 2017
