School’s almost out for summer, and we know you’ve been distracted by all this sunny, summer weather we’ve been having in Vancouver. So we’ve compiled a westside short-list of all the fab day camps available.

1. PedalHeads have swimming lesson and bike day trip combination camps at Jericho Beach Park all summer long! This camp gets kids outside for fun in the sun, and they’ll learn the basics of cycling and swimming safety. Kids are taken on rides all over Vancouver with experienced guides who focus on safe, educational fun. For parents who are avid cyclists, your kids can learn the fundamentals of bike safety during the week so that you can enjoy time together on your weekends off! Great for kids ages 4-9.

2. UBC has an amazing assortment of adventure camps to choose from. Kids can be windsurfing one week, and Zip-lining the next week. These day camps are a great way to expose your kids to a variety of outdoor activities, and appeal to their inner adventurer. Designed for children of all ages, camps with individual themes run on a week long cycle. You can choose a combination of activities to offer your kids some variety in their summer fun.

3. Pear Tree Education offers full-day camps for kids with activities such as TV broadcasting workshops, educational beach trips for the budding marine biologist, and cooking camps for aspiring chefs. The variety will keep your kids engaged, and allow them to try many new things before the summer is out. Programs are available for kids 5-14.

4. Arts Umbrella are a fantastic organization who have been educating kids in the arts in Vancouver since 1979. They offer camps for visual artists, thespians, and writers, empowering your child to trust their creative impulses. Camps are taught by experienced artists from around Vancouver, and give kids a chance to learn through experimentation with their own creativity. Your burgeoning artist will come out of this camp inspired and full of imagination! There are programs available for youngsters 3-19 years of age.

(Photo: Pear Tree Education)

We’ve been having some glorious weather lately, and spring break is around the corner, so we thought we’d compile a list of fun things to do around town for anyone planning a Staycation, or just looking inspiration.

1. Twilight Drive-In
This is Metro-Vancouver’s only drive-in movie theatre, and it will be a fun experience to have with the family. Each vehicle is entitled to one parking space, but they are large enough to fit two. That means you can cozy up with blankets and lawn chairs outside your vehicle too!

2. The Museum of Anthropology
Of course we know the Vancouver Art Gallery, but let’s not forget the MOA! Aside from housing a world of arts and cultures, it has a special emphasis on the First Nations cultures of BC so that you can learn about some of BC’s cultural roots all in one go. Not only that, but enjoy the outside surroundings of West Coast panoramic views, too!

3. FlyOver Canada
If you’re still looking for the feel of a destination getaway, pop into FlyOver Canada at Canada Place. FlyOver Canada incorporates state-of-the-art technology where you get to experience 4D suspended in a 20m spherical screen! Adventure on a virtual journey over Canada from coast to coast. Don’t forget to explore the rest of Canada Place, as it offers other exhibits and spectacular views, as well!

Perhaps you’re looking for fun activities for your kids? We have that covered, too.

1. Arts Umbrella
The Arts Umbrella have Spring Break Programs where children and youths have fun learning about theatre, dance, and visual media arts through hands-on activities. They will have the opportunity to focus on creative learning without the pressure of their regular school work.

2. Pear Tree Education
Conveniently located in the West Side, Pear Tree also offers a Spring Break program. Their focus is for children to spend more time out of the classroom to experience education outside the box. Pear Tree believes in connecting education to real life! They will learn a variety of skills including leadership, teamwork, technology, public speaking, and critical thinking on top of the main subjects they receive in school.

3. Grouse Mountain
With Grouse Mountain’s Spring and Summer Adventure Camps, kids and youth get to play with nature starting from the base of the mountain all the way to the peak. They will get to try their hands with a Bungee run, learn survival skills in the outdoors, learn about environmental awareness and wildlife biology, hike, ice skate, and more!

And if this list doesn’t inspire you, take a look at Bored in Vancouver --they have their finger on the pulse when it comes to having a good time in and around Vancouver!

Happy Staycation!

(Photo: flickr.com/_benanderson_)