Rainy Spring Break? Come to Playdome!

After a long, cold, and snowier-than-usual winter here on the west coast, I was hoping for a nice, warm spring break. Well, we know how that turned out. Just a few days left of our school break, but we've got something really fun to do today: Playdome!

From the top of the ferris wheel in Playdome

Playdome is Western Canada’s largest indoor carnival, happening at BC Place from Wednesday, March 22 – Sunday, March 26, 2017. PlayDome features more than 45 rides and attractions, plus the usual guilty pleasure carnival snacks like mini doughnuts and cotton candy, plus games, all in one big warm, dry stadium.

I started going to Playdome with my students years ago when I taught ESL, and I've continued the tradition with my own kids in the last few years. We're pretty excited this year because both kids are now old enough and even three-year-old B is tall enough to go on many of the rides! (Check out the height restrictions for each ride here) No matter what the ages of your kids, if they like carnival rides, there's something for just about everybody at Playdome.

Playdome is open every day from 10:30am-9:00pm daily, except til 6:00pm on Sunday. Tickets are available at the door and online: $29 for a single-day Dome Pass; $49 for the 5-day Ultimate Pass, $8 for a Guest Pass (for parents or caregivers who don't want to go on the rides). Children under 2 years old admitted free (for safety reasons, they are not permitted to ride).

Find more information at bcplace.com/playdome or phone 604-669-2300.

If you want to share your experiences at Playdome, Follow BC Place on Facebook and tweet @BCPlace using the hashtag #PlayDome. Watch my Instagram feed for our adventures at Playdome this year: head over & follow Spokesmama there if you haven't already. :)

Disclaimer: our family received complimentary admission to Playdome as part of the media event. 

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Review; #PlayDome @BCPlace + Insider Tips

Last weekend we were lucky enough to get media access to PlayDome at BC Place. Being the first day, in the morning, it wasn't that busy, so we never really had to line up for any of the rides. With Bronte in the stroller, too young to ride on anything, we were a bit limited, but Linnaeus went on nearly every ride that he was big enough for--about a dozen.

There are about fifteen rides that kids 36" & taller can go on. Some require an adult to ride too, some the kids can go on their own, & some have a maximum height limit of 42". There are plenty of spinning, dropping, flinging & scrambling rides for the bigger kids & adults too. I'd honestly say it's great for kids aged three to teens.

PlayDome runs for a few more days--until March 23rd--so there's still time to go if you haven't yet. PlayDome at BC Place is open 10:30am-9pm daily March 15 to 22, then 10:30am-6pm Sunday, March 23rd. All-day ride passes are $29, $6 for guests. See bcplace.com/playdome for more info.


Here are a few insider tips: 

• You can save $10 off the all day ride pass if you're a BCAA member
• Costco is a block away from BC Place & has a $1.50 hot dog & drink special (you don't need a membership to access their concession)
• If your child is just under or just over the height limits, the ride operators are a bit flexible...
• There is a quiet area of seating & some food vendors near the washrooms past the carousel--great for breastfeeding or just taking a break from the hubbub

& lastly, some photos I snapped on my phone from our experience at PlayDome:

The Chopper ride is always a hit with little kids

We ran into some friends & L got to ride with A & Q on 'Hog Wild'

I went in the Helicopter ride with L & we both loved it

L liked the carousel a lot too

Spokespapa & baby B in front of German Stereotype Haus

L liked them so much he rode the bumper cars twice: once with each parent

Spokespapa is strapped into the orange blur on the right there...

Bulgy the whale? More like Bulgy the fish, but whatever... L rode this twice too

L's first rollercoaster ride was awesome for the first few circuits, then he cried & got off early

Our friend A watched baby B so we could ride the ferris wheel

Here's the video of our ferris wheel experience. I loved it, as did three-year-old L, but O is a bit afraid of heights, so his vertigo was kicking in (as you can hear)...

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ArtStarts FREE Monthly Workshop: Musical Bikes

Got this in my inbox & thought I had to share it with you: 

A Bicycle Built for Tunes

Riding a bike is a great way to enjoy a sunny day or zip around the city. But did you know a bike can also be a musical instrument? Find out how at this month's workshops!

ArtStarts presents free monthly workshops for kids and families

George Rahi and his Musical Bicycles

 

Join musical instrument inventor George Rahi to explore the surprising sounds of bicycles in this interactive performance and workshop. Get inspiration for your next creative and musical adventure!

VANCOUVER: Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 11am and 1pm (2 sessions) at the ArtStarts Gallery, 808 Richards St, Vancouver (map)

NEW WESTMINSTER: Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 11am and 1pm (2 sessions) at River Market at Westminster Quay, 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster (map)

 

Learn more about ArtStarts on Saturdays and ArtStarts at River Market.

Admission is free. No registration necessary, but please come early as this is a popular program. Ideal for ages 5 and up, but all are welcome.

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