Celebrate International Children’s Day with 5 Kid-Friendly Spots
Tomorrow, November 20th, is International Children’s Day, and Downtown New West is the perfect place to celebrate! Whether your little ones are explorers, artists, readers, or adventurers, there’s something for everyone. Here are five fantastic kid-oriented businesses to check out:
1. Loot toy company
Location: 649 Front St
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11 am - 4:30 pm
Make bath time magical at Loot Toy Company! Founded in 2016 by owner Bryan, this local gem specializes in fun, skin-friendly, and eco-conscious bath bombs, designed with love and inspired by Bryan’s journey to create safe products for his son Elijah, who suffered from eczema. After trying many products, Bryan decided to create soothing, fun baths for his son and now shares his creations with our community.
Products to Check Out During Your Visit:
Galaxy Bath Bombs: Create a bubbly universe in your tub!
Bath Squigglers: Reveal fun-shaped sponges as they dissolve.
Funky Fish Food: Each package hides a surprise rubber toy.
Bubble Whoosh: Odor-free, color-free, and perfect for sensitive skin.
Special Promo Alert: Stop by Loot Toy Company tomorrow to get 15% off all gift packs in-store—just for International Children’s Day!
2. New West Family Place (Quayside Location)
Location: 960 Quayside Dr #112
Hours: Mon: 9:30 am - 11:30 am & 1 pm - 2 pm | Tues -Fri: 9:30 m - 11:30 am
For families with children ages 0-6, New West Family Place is a haven of support and connection. This non-profit offers cost-free playtime programs, parenting workshops, and themed weekly activities.
On the Quayside location, they have two spaces, one is the kids' area, where all drop-in activities and Storytime happen, with many toys and costumes available for kids to enjoy, and a bookshelf that each week changes based on the theme of the week. This week’s books are based on nature and space. They also have monthly special guests for the drop-ins, like nutritionists, music teachers, and Storytime in Cantonese, so make sure to check their website event calendar for more details.
The second space is the parenting room, where they host many courses and activities for parents, including positive discipline courses and the Nobody’s Perfect parenting group, where all the participants can share their experiences and bring questions for the facilitators to answer.
What to Expect During Your Visit:
A vibrant kids’ area with toys, costumes, and books that change weekly.
Drop-in programs featuring special guests like music teachers and storytellers.
A dedicated parenting room for courses and support groups.
3. Vancouver Circus School
Location: 810 Quayside Dr, Suite 212
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10 am - 9 pm | Sat-Sun: 10 am - 8:30 pm
Let your little ones defy gravity at the Vancouver Circus School! Founded in 2004 by parents Aaron and Valerie, and son Travis Johnson, this family-owned circus school inside the River Market offers classes for everybody. They also offer camps and host birthday parties. How cool is this?
If you want a class to check out on Children’s Day, we recommend their unique drop-in program for kids ages 0-5: Big Top Toddlers.
What’s Included In This Adventure:
Aerial silks, swings, and juggling props.
Riding toys and tightwire fun.
Hands-on parent participation for extra bonding.
Admissions: $10 for ages 1-5, and $5 for under 1. No registration is needed—just drop in and have fun!
4. Kinder Books
Location: 810 Quayside Dr #101 (inside River Market)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Tue: 11 am - 5 pm | Wed-Sun: 11 am - 6 pm
Step into a world of stories at Kinder Books, a cozy, curated bookstore filled with wonder. Founded by Anne Uebbing, a proud business owner, this store is not your ordinary bookstore. Anne’s personalized recommendations and unique selections make every visit special. She has read every one of the unique stories curated on her shelves and is ready to help you find your next book!
Don’t Miss:
The holiday-decorated shelves with kaleidoscopes and magical advent calendars. The advent calendar have a special twist to it, coming with a flashlight that lights an illustration of a story to be read every day until the end of December.
New West ABCs, a beautifully illustrated book by Danielle Senyk celebrating local landmarks. You will enjoy the alphabet and explore our community at the same time!
Whether you’re shopping for gifts or fostering a love of reading, Kinder Books has something for everyone!
5. Fraser River Discovery Centre
Location: 788 Quayside Dr
Hours of Operation: Wed-Sun: 10 am - 4 pm
Combine fun and education at the Fraser River Discovery Centre (FRDC), where kids can learn about the Fraser River through interactive exhibits. Opened in 2009, this place has it all, from life vests, they can put on, ball pools to enjoy, and boat toys that they can play maneuvering, to experiential learning about the river’s biodiversity, and pollution awareness.
To start your journey at this 2-story space, follow the illustrated fish on the floor and finish your exploring at the gift shop to bring a souvenir back home. Make sure to check out their website for updates about family workshops they host every season.
Highlights of Your Visit:
Ball pools, boat toys, and life vests for hands-on fun
"Follow The Fish" trail to discover the center’s two floors
Craft a memory jar to bring back home
Family-friendly workshops and stunning river views
Learn about the importance of salmon in the traditional territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Halq̓eméylem speaking peoples, where the FRDC is located, and the techniques they have used for many years to catch and store this fish.
A dedicated breastfeeding space for moms, located on the top floor
General Admission: $5 for children (3-12), free for kids under 2, with family rates available.
Support Local and Make Memories in our community
This International Children’s Day, bring your family to Downtown New West for a day of exploration, learning, and fun. Whether you’re crafting memory jars, reading magical stories, or swinging through a circus, these local businesses have you covered.
