Family Day Fun and Valentine’s Date Ideas in Coquitlam
byEntertain your kids and woo your Valentine in Coquitlam this month! Coquitlam is the place to be in the coming weeks, with a host of crafty events, Family Day activities, date night options and a popular francophone festival providing endless entertainment opportunities. Here are some ideas to keep the children, your sweetheart and even your pets busy.
Family Day in Coquitlam February 13th
Explore a New Park
Easily accessible by transit for visitors from all throughout Metro Vancouver, Town Centre Park (at Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain Station), has outdoor foosball and table tennis tables as well as a flat 1.2-kilometre trail circling the lake, which is suitable for all ages, including young children on bikes.
Another lovely park to explore is Como Lake Park, which has an easy, 1-kilometre trail that loops around the lake, with a playground and two fishing docks (the lake is stocked with rainbow trout).
If you’re looking for a place to release the hounds, try Mundy Park, a heavily forested urban park that has an off-leash park and allows off-leash dogs on certain trails (before 10:00am).
Family Day Swim
Splash about in the pool and take part in some fun and games. Family Day will be celebrated at City Centre Aquatic Complex, which has a waterslide and wave pool, as well as Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex. Fee is $2 per person.
Family Day Skate
Round up the family for this fun skate at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Family admission and regular rental rates apply.
Family FUN Day
Get active and have some fun! This day includes entertainment, games and a variety of activities for the family at Poirier Community Centre from 10:00am to 1:00pm. It’s free, but you must pre-register.
Valentine’s Day February 14th
Sure, you could pick up a bouquet of roses, but here’s something a little bit different that’s sure to impress.
Craft Your Own Card
Surprise your loved one by creating your own hand-crafted Edwardian-style card. The historic Mackin House will show you how to do it on February 11 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. All supplies will be provided, and you even get to snack on delicious sugar cookies from a 1915 recipe. Registration is required (by donation).
Sweets for Your Sweet
Nothing says romance like melted chocolate. Learn how to make your own delicacies in a class offered by the Coquitlam Heritage Society. You’ll learn the basics of tempering couverture chocolate and you’ll be able to bring home your treats at the end of class. Appetizers will be provided and wine will be available for a minimal cost. Ages 19+, 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Cost is $35.
Get the Heart Pumping
If your sweetheart is the physical type, why not start off your date with a climb up the Coquitlam Crunch? Feel the burn as you power up 437 stairs followed by a steep trail finishing at an elevation of 280 metres. Your hearts will be pumping after traversing this 2.2-kilometre trail. It just so happens to be the perfect location to pop the question (wink!).
Go VIP
Take in a movie in pure luxury at Cineplex Cinemas Coquitlam and VIP, featuring in-seat dining in comfy reserved leather chairs and a licensed lounge. This is an age 19+ venue for those looking for a kid-free experience.
Do Dinner
Coquitlam has plenty of dining options. One place to start is Glen Drive, a short walk from Lincoln SkyTrain station, where Vietnamese, Japanese, Persian and Filipino restaurants share the same blocks with hip eateries.
Family Valentine’s Day
February 14th falls on a school night this year, so why not include the kids in the fun, while making memories that will last a lifetime? Take a group photo of your family, and then stop in to Opus Arts Supplies in Coquitlam for a stash of fun crafting gear to decorate your own picture frame.
Festival du Bois March 3-5
Save the Date! Dig out the plaid, chomp on poutine and dance to French Canadian music. Festival du Bois is the largest francophone festival on Canada’s West Coast, with three full days of musical performances, traditional cuisine and activities. This family-friendly event is based at Mackin Park in Coquitlam’s historic Maillardville neighbourhood.
For more information about exploring Coquitlam, visit coquitlam.ca/explore and share your photos using tag #explorecoquitlam.
