KIDS - WHAT'S GOING ON

Kids and pets are naturals on the Sunshine Coast. We've got miles and miles of places to romp and ramble for both species, and quite a few places to choose from for accommodations to suit every taste. There are day programs for kids at a couple of places on the Coast, and we'll give you the contacts you need to connect.

Party Ponies & Farm
Cycling for Kids
Local Shops

Party Ponies and Farm Adventures

Come and visit the Party Ponies Farm Adventures in Roberts Creek!

The Sunshine Coast holds an extensive playground for kids and parents alike. There is, of course, the obvious beaches up and down the coast, but there are activities of all kinds as well. Visit for parks on the coast and our list of sightseeing companies and tour guides. The coast’s many attractions include art studios, jazz festivals and kayaking – you name it, we have it!

You can also find kid-friendly accommodations at the kid-friendly category and the following are some restaurants that cater to those with little ones.

If your family is into the outdoors, the Sunshine Coast has many mountain biking trails for you to enjoy. Gibson is also home to a youth centre. The youth centre is a drop-in rec centre for kids from 13 to 18 years old. Programs at the centre include yoga, cooking class and a leadership group. The SCRD (Sunshine Coast Regional District) has recreation facilities as well. These include a swimming pool and programs like gymnastics and belly dancing.

If your kids love animals - like mine do - a trip to Party Ponies & Farm Ventures in Roberts Creek (almost to Gibsons) is a great outdoor activity. Give your kids the opportunity to visit a farm, gather eggs, feed the goats, pick a carrot, pet a turkey, or brush & ride a pony! Come for a petting farm visit, or book a party at our place or at yours!

Rainy day? Don’t despair! Go to my Rainy Day page to keep those active minds out of trouble and having fun! You can visit a museum, a hatchery or the art centre!

And if you ever run out of things to do – there are always more! The http://www.bigpacific.com/whattodo/101things.html page highlights 101 of them! They run from going swimming, to visiting Molly’s Reach (where Beachcomber was filmed) to windsurfing and hiking. There is always something new to do or explore on the Sunshine Coast!

Powell River is also home to many attractions, including a rec centre which has a skating rink, a swimming pool and much more.

SCHOOLS: The Sunshine Coast is home to one preschool, 10 elementary schools and four secondary schools. See http://www.bigpacific.com/about/schools.html for more information.

The Sunshine Coast is great for kids for more than one reason. The coast is home to more than one museum, and kids can learn in the greatest school there is … the outdoors! While visiting tidal pools they can see all the different sealife there are; camping will show them survival skills, and many other interesting highlights. Getting kids out of the “city life” and into the “natural life” is an accomplishment in itself. They will enjoy the wonderment of wildlife, both in the sea and out of it. So book your vacation today for the Sunshine Coast!

KID-FOCUSED BUSINESSES AND ACTIVITIES

SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT ACTIVITIES
Recreation Guide, special events information.

SECHELT AQUATIC CENTER
Leisure pool, lap pool, lazy river, waterside, hot tub, steam room, sauna, lessons.

GIBSONS & AREA COMMUNITY CENTRE
Ping pong, racquetball, squash, skating, drop-in hockey, youth centre.

GIBSONS AND DISTRICT AQUATIC CENTRE
Lap pool, tots area with water feature, pink pool.

PENDER HARBOUR AQUATIC CENTRE
HWY. 101 Pender Harbour
604-885-6866

SPROCKIDS BIKE PARK AND PROGRAM

Sprockids runs after-school, spring break and summer programs for young people to learn the sport of mountain biking. 55 skills over 4 program levels! The park is located on Stewart Road, just right/north of the bypass to the Langdale Ferry Terminal. The park is open year-round and there is trail signage at the main start of the park, just up the hill from the yellow metal swing gate. Trails range from one easy trail, a skills development circuit good for both beginners and intermediate cyclists, and a wide range of intermediate and expert/advanced trails.

PARTY PONIES & FARM VENTURES
If your kids love animals - like mine do - a trip to Party Ponies & Farm Ventures in Roberts Creek (almost to Gibsons) is a great outdoor activity. Give your kids the opportunity to visit a farm, gather eggs, feed the goats, pick a carrot, pet a turkey, or brush & ride a pony! Come for a petting farm visit, or book a party at our place or at yours!

SUNSHINE COAST MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
The Staff and Curator of the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives have a talent for capturing the imagination and curiosity of kids both inside the museum and out in the community during special events. They can also accommodate group tours by appointment. 604-886-8232

ALPHA ADVENTURES KIDS ADVENTURE CAMPS
Intro to Kayaking, Advanced Kayaking, Multi-Sport Camp, Leadership Camp.

PARENT/TOP DROP-IN

GIBSONS FAMILY PLACE
Gibsons Recreation Centre

ROBERTS CREEK RAINBOW PRESCHOOL
604-885-0163

COMMUNITY SERVICES SECHELT
Inlet Avenue Sechelt
604-885-5881

RED BALLOON DROP-IN PENDER HARBOUR
Serendipity Preschool, Wednesdays

MOTHER GOOSE
Free registered program 10 weeks in duration, three times per year. Provided by Community Services.
604-885-5881

PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS

GIBSONS: Brothers Park, Dougall Park, Pioneer Park, Winegarden Park
SECHELT: Davis Bay Waterfront and pier, Brookman Park Chapman Creek, Hackett Park, Sechelt Marsh, Snickett Park, Trail Bay Waterfront, Pier and Adventure Park, Porpoise Bay Provincial Park.
Powell River: Haywire Bay Regional Park, Inland Lake Provincial Park, Saltery Bay Provincial Park, Willingdon Park, Archery Club, Powell River Recreation Complex with ice rink, skateboard park, and gym. Download the Powell River 2013 Winter/Spring Recreation Guide.