The Best Winter Activities for Kids in Coquitlam

When Dr. Lee isn’t working as an orthodontist in Coquitlam or Vancouver, she’s usually hiking and enjoying the great outdoors just like many of the local residents. Who doesn’t love that British Columbia scenery and abundance of al fresco activities? Yet, once the cooler weather rolls around, so does the rain, which can put a damper on the fun. For families with children, this poses a real challenge and at Evergreen Orthodontics we know it’s a little harder to decide what to do with kids in the winter in Coquitlam. We’ve already covered the best summer activities for children as well as the birthday party hot spots but now we’re coming to the rescue with a compilation of winter activities for kids in Coquitlam.

Winter Story Times at the Library 

Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and even families can take advantage of the Story Times at both the City Centre and Poirier Branch of the Coquitlam Public Library. Not only are they some of the best fun free activities for kids in Coquitlam, they’re also excellent for learning and development. With stories, songs, finger plays, rhymes and socialization, you can’t really beat it. Cozy up and encourage a love for literature in your kiddos.

Lights at Lafarge 

Lafarge Lake will be illuminated with more than 100,000 lights in a gorgeous outdoor display. You can check them out from dusk to 11 p.m. through January 22nd. The lights will go around the entirety of Lafarge Lake this year. Bundle up and walk the 1.2 kilometre loop through 10 themed zones.

Mackin House Museum 

Run by the Coquitlam Heritage Society, Mackin House is an Edwardian home that’s basically been frozen in time. Built in 1909 and staged with period furniture and artifacts, it offers unique learning activities (cheese making, anyone?) and tours year-round. If you’re in the market for cheap activities for kids in Coquitlam, this is a must. Small groups of five people or less can even take advantage of drop-in guided or self-guided tours. Scheduled tours start at $2 per person while unscheduled tours are by donation.

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Parent-Child Mandarin Mother Goose Program 

The City Centre branch of the Coquitlam Public Library offers a program in Mandarin for parents and their kids aged four-years-old and under. Similar to the standard Story Times, the events also focus on songs, rhymes and reading and are held throughout the winter.

Outdoor Recreation Programs 

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors. Take a look at the family hiking programs for ages 12-years-old and up or let younger children take part in outdoor safety events or even golf. Most activities allow for drop-ins so they’re convenient no matter jam-packed your calendar is.

Climb Base 5 

Located at 98 Brigantine Drive, Climb Base 5 is the largest climbing gym in Metro Vancouver. We know any list of things to do with kids on a rainy day in Coquitlam wouldn’t be complete without something that will keep the little ones active and this will definitely do that. There are programs for climbers of all skill levels and even ones tailored to kids. With drop-in, day pass and membership options, you can make it work for your schedule and budget.

Family Open Gym 

The Pinetree Community Centre has open gym time for everyone ages six-years-old and up on Sundays from January 15 through March 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. for only $1 per family member. Games and equipment are even provided. The program is parent-led and on a drop-in basis.

City Centre Aquatic Complex 

This indoor aquatic destination ensures swimming is more than just a summer activity. Little ones will love the wave pool and parents can get in their exercise in the lap pool.

Place des Arts Classes 

Bring out your child or teen’s creative side with visual arts classes at Place des Arts. You’ll find everything from clay and fibre arts programs to drawing and painting at the nonprofit arts centre and music school. Plus there are fun, family-friendly events including concerts and speakers.

Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex 

Skate to your heart’s content at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex or go for a dip in the indoor pool. The complex is ideal for affordable, year-round family fun.

Take Up Acting or Just Take in a Performance 

The Evergreen Cultural Centre offers acting classes for kids, teens and adults. Prefer to just watch the drama unfold, there are a variety of shows for theatre-goers of all ages.

The Youth Landing Centre at Pinetree Community Centre 

Are your middle school or high school kids complaining they’re bored? The Youth Landing Centre is open to kids and teens ages 11 to 18 after school and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Kids can play video games, watch a movie, shoot pool, play ping pong or just hang out. Don’t worry parents, staff is on hand to supervise.  

Martial Arts Classes 

Yuen’s School of Martial Arts in Coquitlam has a wide variety of martial arts classes for kids, families and adults. Martial arts are excellent for getting children physically active and they also encourage focus, discipline and self-confidence.

The Secret Toboggan Run 

What better way to take advantage of the forecasted snow this year in Metro Vancouver than sledding or tobogganing? With hills abound in Coquitlam, it shouldn’t be hard to find a place to let loose, however, we caught wind of this awesome secret spot.

Zone Bowling Coquitlam 

Bowling is always a family favorite activity in winter. Once you tire of the actual bowling, let the kids play in the video arcade or shoot some pool. Sports fans? On game days, three 25-foot video screens broadcast your favorite teams.

Club Aviva 

Club Aviva is a Coquitlam gymnastics club with a slew of classes and events such as trampoline programs, camps and movement therapy for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Whether your child is interested in competing or just having fun, you’ll find something to suit their needs.