We see a lot of children and teens at our Coquitlam orthodontic clinic and now that school is out for the summer, it’s pretty hard not to pick-up on their excitement. While they’ll be enjoying a nice, relaxing break, we know sometimes parents have to rack their brains for ideas to keep the little ones entertained and stimulated throughout the summer months. At Evergreen Orthodontics, we thought we’d make it a little easier for you with our guide to the best Coquitlam activities for kids (some are even free!).
Summer Activities at the Public Library
Both the City Centre and Poirier branches offer loads of free activities for kids all ages. Take babies and toddlers to a Story Time to beat the heat and meet other parents or enjoy fun like shadow puppet shows, movie screenings or the Imagination Fair for school-aged children and teens.
City Centre Aquatic Complex
This indoor aquatic center truly has something for every member of the family including a lap pool, wave pool and, at certain times, a waterslide, zip line, rope swing and obstacle course for kids. You can even book it for parties!
Outdoor Pools and Spray Parks
While the City Centre Aquatic Complex is awesome for its fun kid-friendly features, nothing beats good old-fashioned swimming outside in the sunshine. Coquitlam boasts several outdoor pools and a bunch of spray parks. See the locations here.
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Park Play
Throughout the summer at various Coquitlam parks, kids. ages one through six, can take part in Park Play. The drop-in series includes games, sports, crafts and storytelling. Check the schedule for a park near you.
Hiking at Minnekhada Regional Park
Explore nature and get in some exercise. The problem with hiking with children is that they often get tired quickly but this park offers multiple trails including ones that won’t be too arduous for kids. The views are great, you may spy some wildlife and there’s a picnic area.
Town Centre Park
Town Centre Park caters to teens with its skate and BMX park, but it also has a playground, sports fields, tennis and beach volleyball courts and a concession stand, which is open in summer. It’s the perfect destination to bring the family for some friendly sports competition or to just hang out and have a picnic.
Places des Arts
This non-profit arts centre and music school will bring out the creative side in anyone from preschoolers to adults. Get kids in on the fun with classes or Summer Fun! Art Camps (ages five to 14).
Evergreen Cultural Centre
Give the little ones a dose of culture at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, a visual and performing arts destination. Enjoy a concert, check out the latest art exhibit, take advantage of time in the art studio for kids or sign up teenagers for Teens Improv Camp.
Neighbourhood Nights
In celebration of Coquitlam’s 125th birthday, Neighbourhood Nights are being held every Thursday evening, June through September, at different local parks. See the schedule here. The free events feature kids’ games, family activities and light refreshments. It’s a great opportunity to get to know your neighbours.
Learn & Play
On the last Wednesday of every month, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Learn & Play is held at Coquitlam Centre on Level 1 near the Hudson’s Bay/Guest Services area. The monthly family literacy event is for kids ages three through 10 and is co-sponsored by the Coquitlam School District, TriCities ECD table, Coquitlam Public Libraries and Coquitlam Centre. With a different theme each time, little ones won’t get bored exploring a variety of early learning activities. Attendees are given a bookmark and once they receive six stickers, they earn a free book.
