20261006 - Kid Mode: ON! Little Explorers, Big Adventures in New West

Looking for something fun to do with the kids in New Westminster? In this family-friendly episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil explores some of the city's best places for playing, creating, reading, learning, exploring and getting active. From the Fraser River waterfront to Queen's Park, from children's books and pottery to hands-on river discovery, this episode is packed with ideas for families with toddlers, school-age children and older kids. Whether you're planning a weekend outing, looking for a rainy-day activity, trying to find something creative, or simply need to get everyone out of the house, there's an adventure waiting somewhere in New West. 🌳 Queen's Park & The Habitat Queen's Park offers walking trails, playgrounds, green space, picnic areas, sports facilities and family-friendly recreation. The Habitat, formerly Queen's Park Farm, adds a wetland bog, native ecological features, a boardwalk and outdoor pavilions designed to support public classes and workshops. 📍 Queen's Park, New Westminster, BC 🌐 City of New Westminster — Queen's Park 🌐 City of New Westminster — Park Amenities / The Habitat 🌊 Westminster Pier Park The expanded Westminster Pier Park now offers about two additional acres of riverfront parkland, with lawns, picnic tables, seating, ping pong, outdoor fitness, hammocks, public art and family-friendly spaces along the Fraser River. 📍 Access from the Fourth Street and Sixth Street overpasses, New Westminster, BC 🌐 City of New Westminster — Westminster Pier Park 🐟 Fraser River Discovery Centre A hands-on family destination focused on the Fraser River and its watershed. Explore the interactive Discovery Zone, I Spy, Experience the Fraser, Our Bones Are Made of Salmon and other exhibits that connect kids with the river's wildlife, people, history, industries and cultures. FRDC also offers guided tours and seasonal family programming. 📍 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6Z6 🌐 Fraser River Discovery Centre 📚 Kinder Books An independent children's bookstore inside River Market offering children's books, toys, art and gifts, along with family events, storytimes and creative programming. 📍 101–810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6B9 🌐 Kinder Books 🎨 Pottery Works A working artist studio and gallery offering classes, workshops, children's parties and family creative activities. Current programming includes Children's Clay Play workshops every other Saturday. 📍 612 Victoria Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 0B8 🌐 Pottery Works 📖 New Westminster Public Library The Main Branch has a dedicated children's department with books, reading resources, storytimes, toddler programming, baby programs, reading activities and special events throughout the year. 📍 716 Sixth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3 🌐 New Westminster Public Library — Kids 🌲 Hume Park A large family park with an adventure playground, open space, picnic areas, trails, access to the Brunette River and Brunette-Fraser Trail, plus an off-leash dog area. Its outdoor pool and spray park are seasonal. 📍 525 Kelly Street, New Westminster, BC 🌐 City of New Westminster — Hume Park 🏊 təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre An indoor family recreation option featuring an eight-lane pool and a leisure pool with a lazy river, spray features, tot zone and gradual entry, along with community recreation facilities. 📍 65 E Sixth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 4G6 🌐 City of New Westminster — təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Tip Before heading out, check the current City recreation schedule and the individual venue's event calendar. Children's workshops, storytimes, guided tours and seasonal activities can change throughout the year. New West doesn't require a giant family budget or a complicated itinerary. Sometimes the best adventure is a playground, a book, a walk beside the river, a hands-on exhibit or making something together.