Fun for the Family this Fall in Coquitlam

Published in partnership with VisitCoquitlam.ca

Costumes, candy, falling leaves and spawning salmon – what’s not to love about fall? From lake fishing to indoor adventures, here are 10 reasons to round up the family for some fun in Coquitlam this season. 

Fun for the Family this Fall in Coquitlam

For viewing a natural wonder 

The name Coquitlam comes from the Coast Salish word “kwikwetlem,” which means “red fish up the river.” You can view spawning salmon at a couple of locations throughout Coquitlam, with prime viewing time usually between mid-October through early November. Hop off the SkyTrain at Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station for a short walk on the Hoy Creek trail toward Hoy Creek Hatchery. 

Don’t miss the Salmon Come Home event at the hatchery on Sunday, October 20, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. In celebration of salmon returning to the creek, this free event features live salmon demonstrations, music, interactive children’s activities, food and exhibits. 

For the climbers & adventurers 

Calling all monkeys – big and small. ClimbBase5 in Coquitlam is home to Metro Vancouver’s largest indoor climbing facility. If you don’t feel like climbing yourself, you can drop in with the kids and watch from the bottom as they scale the walls. Or, you can book an instructor for a couple hours. 

For the art-lovers 

Roll up your sleeves and immerse yourselves in the arts – free of charge. Drop in with the family for Westminster Savings Day at the Evergreen Cultural Centre’s Art Gallery on Saturday, October 26 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Your kids will explore the different textures and colours of fabrics to weave together their own mini tapestry. You can also take part in a gallery tour at 2:30pm (English) or 3:30pm. (Korean). You’ll find the gallery located next to the Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station.

For a great escape

Crack the clues and make your way out to safety! This is a great bonding experience and a unique way to spend an afternoon. You’ll find two Escape Rooms to choose from in Coquitlam: Countdown Escape Rooms and Trapped.

For indoor fun and laughs 

One word: bowling. Hear the squeals of delight as pins knock over at Zone Bowling, where you can pick from 5 or 10 pin lanes. This is modern bowling, with pop-up bumpers for younger players and automatic scorekeeping. You’ll find plenty of food options in the facility to make it a full day out.

For those who love to fish

Urban fishing has never been easier. Simply carry your rod and tackle down to Como or Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam and cast your line into the water. The fish are jumping and the lakes are fully stocked with thousands of rainbow trout, thanks to Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

Find out everything you need to know to get started.

For kids to burn off steam 

Release the cabin fever at Crash Crawly’s, an indoor playground featuring a two-storey crazy maze of tunnels, bridges, ball pits, slides and more. If you want to join in the fun, why not play a game of laser tag or glow-in-the-dark mini golf?

Get on the ice any time of the year at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, home to an NHL-sized rink and special events including toonie public skating. Another option is Planet Ice, offering drop-in programs and public skating sessions. Check out their event calendar for details. 

Or round up the family for some fun in the pool. City Centre Aquatic Complex, just steps from Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station, is a state-of-the-art aquatic recreation facility with a wave pool, slide and rope swing, lazy river and overhead water spray features, not to mention the separate lap pool, hot tub and other amenities. Coquitlam’s other indoor pool is at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, also with a leisure-therapy pool and relaxation area with whirlpool.

For sports fans 

Going to a hockey game needn’t break the bank. Cheer on Coquitlam’s home Junior A hockey team, the Coquitlam Express, at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex. Prepare for a high-energy game that’s sure to keep the crowd entertained.  

For a fun shopping outing

The Coquitlam Farmers Market runs every Sunday until October 27 (9:00am to 1:00pm). While the words “shopping” and “kids” may not always pair, there’s something about being outdoors and enjoying the lively market atmosphere that perks people up. Pick up fresh produce, sample goods, listen to live music, check out the kids’ activities and maybe purchase lunch at the food trucks. 

For those who just want to relax

Movie? Check. Popcorn? Check. Now settle in for some downtime at Cineplex Cinemas Coquitlam and VIP. For an affordable option, check out the Family Favourites series each Saturday, when tickets are just $2.99 each. Yes, this theatre also has a VIP option, but keep it in mind for date night (age 19+).

More Great Events This October

Ice Cube
Friday, October 4, 2019 at 8:00pm / Ticketed
Ice Cube brings his iconic music to the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam.

Rotary’s Amazing Race Tri-Cities
Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 8:30am to 7:30pm / Ticketed
Explore Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities with your Amazing Race Team. Come out for a fun day and support the Coquitlam Sunrise Rotary Club to raise funds for the Starfish Backpack Program.

TriCity International Wine & Food Festival
Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm / Ticketed
Come out to this annual event showcasing some of the world’s best wines along with both local and international foods, taking place at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam.

The Creature Creeps 
Thursday, October 17, 2019 to Saturday, October 26, 2019 / Ticketed
This hilarious play will get you in the Halloween spirit. Have fun with this throw-back to classic (and campy) Hollywood horror!

Oktoberfest 2019: A Traditional Bavarian Event
Friday, October 18, 2019 at 7:00pm / Ticketed
Join Hard Rock Casino Vancouver’s first ever Oktoberfest, featuring live music and dance performances, craft beer and German food.

Diwali Family Day
Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 11:00am to 3:00pm / By Donation
Join Coquitlam Heritage Society at Mackin House to celebrate this multi-faith tradition. Learn the reasons behind the customs, make crafts and enjoy a samosa making demonstration.

Bret Michaels – Unbroken Tour 
Friday, October 25, 2019 at 8:00pm / Ticketed 
See Bret Michaels on stage at the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam.

Heritage Halloween
Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 11:00am to 3:00pm / By Donation
Visit the haunted train station at Mackin House and learn about the spooky traditions that cultures from all over the world celebrate. Enjoy apple cider, treats and crafts.

Bed & Breakfast
Tuesday, October 29 to Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 8:00pm / Ticketed
Enjoy this Arts Club Theatre production with dozens of hilarious characters all portrayed by two actors, performing at the Evergreen Cultural Centre.

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