There are numerous city-run programs that are free for children of varying ages throughout the summer months. These are perfect opportunities to supplement your child's spare time and meet new friends.
For those living in east Richmond, every Sunday, from 2-3 p.m. during the summer, a naturalist will be on hand at the Richmond Nature Park to show families and the general public secrets of the bog.
Children age 10-12 are free to attend drop-in neighbourhood park programs from July 1 to Aug. 22.
Two-hour craft and outdoor game sessions happen in the late morning to early afternoon at DeBeck, Woodward, Lee, Kingswood, Kidd, and Bridge school parks as well as Garden City, Garry Point, and Steveston parks. The programs are operated by City Centre, Steveston and South Arm community centres. Those younger than 10 require an adult to attend.
Meanwhile, youth can finish up every Wednesday evening at Garden City Park as part of the Concert in the Park series.
Teenagers are also welcome to attend a multi-generational club at the Richmond Sharing Farm. Every Thursday this summer, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. organizers will discuss gardening and work in the garden beds to harvest food for the food bank. Free transportation is provided for youth from City Centre, Thompson and West Richmond community centres, as well as the Minoru Place Activity Centre. Registration is required.
Older youth also have a number of free, one-day, two-hour gardening-related courses that last about two hours. On July 5, chef Ian Lai presents the Edible Wild: Summer course at Terra Nova Rural Park where one can learn about harvesting food.
That will be followed by a mealplanning course on the same day. These are just a few examples of free activities children and youth can attend. There are even more things to do if you are willing to pay a little bit of money.
