Bring on Spring!

Climbing over a rock, rolling down a hill, swinging from a branch. No matter how kids spend their time outside, chances are they’re building an enduring love of the great outdoors at the same time. And what better way to develop a respect for our earth and a love of nature than by getting outside to play and explore!

With spring’s longer days and the sunshine’s warmer rays, there’s no shortage of outdoor opportunities. Here are some ideas to help you and your family bring on spring!

Provide tools. Shovels, magnifying glasses, pencils, paper, cameras and butterfly nets are just a few of the resources that kids can use to get down and dirty and immersed in nature.

Ask questions. What does it look like? How does it move? What does it eat? How does it smell? Ask open-ended questions that encourage kids to observe and discover details about what they find in nature.

Share their wonder. Encourage their exploration, marvel at their findings, and share their excitement—all while letting them make discoveries of their own.

Bring nature indoors. Pinecones, stones, seashells and feathers are some of the things often carried indoors inside pockets. Take them one step further and find them a place on a window ledge or a shelf. (Not living things, of course!)

Encourage care. Provide children with opportunities to care for nature such as watering plants, feeding animals, picking up trash and treating all living things gently. This encourages respect and empathy and gives kids a connection that might, in the future, inspire a concern for the natural environment—and for each other.

Happy Spring, from our family to yours.

We are excited to announce our new location:

Earth Rangers

Any child can become an Earth Ranger—for free! Just download the Earth Rangers App and sign your child up as a new member. They will receive a personalized membership card in the mail. They’ll take part in environmental activities, learn about wildlife, play trivia and games, and more. While content is accessed through the app, the goal is to empower your kids to engage in hands-on activities at home and with others in their communities. earthrangers.com

Race for the Kids

Registration is open for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s RBC Race for the Kids on June 11. Raceforthekidsbc.com

Planted EXPO

Canada’s biggest plant-based event returns to Vancouver on May 27 and 28. At the event, attendees will hear from inspirational speakers, vegan product creators, sustainability drivers and plant-based authors as they explore over 200 edible and vegan lifestyle exhibitors. For a speaker schedule and vendor list visit plantedlife.com/vancouver

Cherry Blossom Festival

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, from April 1–23, is a charitable not-for-profit event that engages diverse communities through accessible local arts and culture to celebrate the fragile beauty of the cherry blossom. Events throughout the city bring people together to celebrate nature, creativity and Vancouver’s cherry tree heritage. Marvel at the 54 different varieties that blossom across the city. For information about upcoming events, visit vcbf.ca

Dressed for History

Dressed for History: Why Costume Collections Matter is a new feature exhibition at the Museum of Vancouver, on now. Clothing is the most personal of artefacts. It reveals so much about who we are, what we do and what we value. Four remarkable local collectors have recognized the importance of preserving costumes to document the past and inspire our present and future.

museumofvancouver.ca