20261013- New West on a Budget: How Much Fun Can You Have for $0, $5, $10 or $20?

Think you need to spend a lot of money to have a great day in New Westminster? Think again! In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil puts New West to the budget test: what can you do for $0, $5, $10 or $20? From free waterfront adventures and library visits to affordable recreation and an interactive Fraser River experience, we're finding practical ways to explore New Westminster without putting a big dent in your wallet. 💚 $0 — Waterfront & Parks Walk the Waterfront Esplanade and expanded Westminster Pier Park, explore Queen's Park, Hume Park, Moody Park or Sapperton Landing, enjoy public art, bring a picnic and watch the Fraser River. 🌐 City of New Westminster — Parks & Recreation 📚 $0 — New Westminster Public Library Borrowing is free and the Main Branch offers books, children's programming, storytimes, public computers and free Wi-Fi. 📍 716 Sixth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3 🌐 New Westminster Public Library 🐟 $5 — Fraser River Discovery Centre Current admission is $5 for children ages 3–12. Ages 0–2 are free. Adults are $8, seniors/students are $6, and the current family admission is $20 for two adults and up to four children ages 3–12 from the same household. 📍 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6Z6 🌐 Fraser River Discovery Centre 🏊 $10 — Recreation Current 2026 single-visit admission includes $3.85 for ages 4–12, $5.10 for ages 13–18 and $7.70 for adults 19–64. Children ages 0–3 are free, and eligible caregivers accompanying children or youth can use the $3.85 Family Member rate. 🌐 City of New Westminster — Recreation Admission Fees 🛍️ $10 — River Market & Waterfront Browse River Market, walk the waterfront and set your own spending limit for a small treat or purchase. 📍 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6B9 🌐 River Market 🎉 0–10 — Community Events New Westminster's calendar includes free and low-cost community events, markets, cultural activities, festivals and outdoor programming. Check the current schedule because dates, admission and programming change. 🌐 City of New Westminster — Event Calendar 💵 $20 — Family Adventure The current FRDC family admission is $20 for two adults and up to four children ages 3–12 from the same household. Pair the visit with a free waterfront walk and a picnic for a full afternoon on a modest budget. 📍 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6Z6 🌐 Fraser River Discovery Centre — Hours & Admission 💡 THE BOTTOM LINE You don't have to spend a lot to experience New Westminster. Sometimes the best day costs nothing. Sometimes five dollars buys an adventure. Sometimes ten dollars gets you moving. And sometimes twenty dollars can turn into a full family afternoon. How much fun can you have for $0, $5, $10 or $20? Tune in and find out!