by Magalie L’Abbé

1. Go camping at one of our many provincial parks.
2. Get wet at the spray parks and outdoor pools in your city parks. Check your city’s municipal website for listings.
3. For more serious water fun, check out Cultus Lake Waterpark.
4. Hike a kid-friendly trail.
5. Visit the local library for story time. Check your city’s municipal website for listings.
6. Throw a block party.
7. Set up a lemonade stand.
8. Go camping in your own backyard.
9. Get some sidewalk chalk and enjoy a game of hopscotch.
10. Go on a Beach Heroes Guided Walk at Crescent Beach.
11. Summer daycamp at historic Stewart Farm.
12. Get an actual, real-as-in-18%-butter-fat- ice-cream cone at Birchwood Dairy.
13. Abbotsford Farm and Country Market takes place every Saturday from 9AM – 1PM in downtown Abbotsford next to the United Church on George Ferguson and Montrose.
14. Castle Fun Park in Abbotsford has something for everyone – mini golf, bumper boats and go karts, a driving range, arcade games, you name it.
15. Fort Langley National Historic Site. Visit the “birthplace of B.C.” to experience pioneer life and tour heritage buildings. In particular, check out Brigade Days July 31 – August 2 with dozens of costumed re-enactors demonstrating heritage activities as they camp on the site.
16. Langley Centennial Museum.
17. Go on a bike ride. Don’t have a bike? Rent one!
18. Watch the sunset on the ocean.
19. The Abbotsford Agrifair and Rodeo is taking place July 29 – August 2. Featuring live music, an extensive midway, games, performances and, of course, the rodeo, it’s always a favourite community event.
20. Get fish and chips and hang out on the pier at White Rock.
21. Attend the Waterfront Concert Series in White Rock. Saturdays and Sundays from 2 – 4PM. Performance schedule is available at www.city.whiterock.bc.ca
22. Sign the kids up for a summer day camp. Every community offers them for a variety of ages covering everything from magic to gymnastics to write to sports.
23. Go kayaking or canoeing.
24. Burn some energy running through the corn maze at Meadows Maze, opening July 31, 2010.
25. Book a family photo session with a local photographer.
26. Organize a family baseball or t-ball game.
27. Langley’s Bard in the Park is a Fraser Valley alternative to Bard on the Beach. And it’s free! This year’s production is A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
28. Check out the Beach and Summertime Art Show at the White Rock Community Centre.
29. See an outdoor movie in your community.
30. Concerts in the Park at Douglas Park spirit Square on (Langley) on Friday nights at 5PM. Each week features new, local talent.
31. Arts Alive Festival in downtown Langley is free and includes over 100 participants including the fine arts, artisans and crafters, a multicultural venue, live music, a first nations display and an exciting children’s activity area. Saturday, August 21.
32. Visit Harrison Lake lagoon area for a sandy beach or a fun boat cruise with Shoreline Tours.
33. Bridal Falls Water Park in Chilliwack has water slides for every age.
34. Adventure Park at Tugboat Junction
35. Dinotown is about to close so this is your last chance summer to see the only dinosaur-themed park in North America.
36. Visit Kilby Historic Site to experience the early days of BC at the general store, hotel, post office and farm.
37. Go on a farm tour at the newly opened EcoDairy in Abbotsford. The first demonstration farm of its kind, offering a unique, first-hand farm adventure, your family can check out cows and other animals (goats on the roof!), learn about farming, and experience natural, healthy, sustainable farming.
38. Visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
39. Visit Langley Museum of Flight to check out over 25 aircraft both static and flying. The aircraft range from a WWII Handley Page Hampden to a T-33 Silverstar, and includes the only displayed Handley-Page Hampden in the world.
40. Abbotsford International Air Show takes place August 13-15. The famous Canadian Snowbirds are performing along with the USAF Thunderbirds, CAF Skyhawks parachute team and of course, rare and exciting performers including war birds and civilian aircraft along with static displays.
41. Go fishing.
42. Ride a horse at Matsqui stables. Choose from trail rides, pony rides and horse riding lessons for the summer.
43. Go for a swim at Cultus Lake.  Rent paddle boats or a canoe at Main Beach.
44. Pick berries at a local farm like Maan Farm.
45. If your kids are being a bit overdramatic, pack them off to Gallery 7 for drama camp.
46. For the younger ones, a day at the park for Parachute Play in Chilliwack will be wonderful.
47. The Chilliwack Exhibition takes place August 6-8.
48. Go see a play. There is a new company of actors in Chilliwack, Secondary Characters, and they are putting on a production of Little Women in August.
49. Hold a hula hooping contest.
50. Play tag at the park.
51. Go on a geo-caching expedition.

Cielos

15069 Marine Drive, White Rock. 604.538.8152

With plenty of places to choose from along the water in White Rock, it can be tough to decide where best to conclude your day of shopping, or relaxing at the beach. Cielo’s shines not only because of its amazing patio, but also because of its intimate, romantic atmosphere. Seafood specialties (including a fresh oyster bar!) complete the perfect White Rock dining experience. For dessert, try their Crème Brule– it’s heavenly.

by dithie

Beatniks Bistro

9194 Glover Rd, Fort Langley 604.888.4487

Located on the main strip of Fort Langley, Beatniks Bistro offers great food and a huge heated patio that sparkles with white lights at night. Perfect for those summery afternoons, and clear summer evenings.  Beatniks is open for lunch 7 days a week and dinner Thursday through Sunday, with menu selections based on seasonal and local ingredients. All day breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday from 9AM.

Bacchus Bistro at Domaine de Chaberton

1064 216, Langley 604.530.1736

Escape to the country for an afternoon of exceptional French-inspired cuisine while overlooking the vineyards of Domaine de Chaberton. While you’re there consider a tour of the award winning winery; they run everyday this summer at 2pm & 4pm (weather permitting).

The Reef

#102 46675 Yale Rd East, Chilliwack 604.392.4444

The most laid back patio on this side of the bridge. Serving up Jamaican favourites such as ackee and plantain chips, along with western favourites like quesadillas and ribs – this menu is sure to satisfy any hungry appetite. Whether you’re seated on the patio, or inside the restaurant, you’ll be sure to love the Caribbean atmosphere and bright splashes of teal and orange throughout. Use the mango infused butter on the johnny cakes – you won’t be disappointed.

Mission Springs Brewing Company

7160 Oliver St, Mission 604.820.1009

This spacious party patio overlooks the Fraser River and is the perfect place for a Friday night get together. Ask for a taster of their beers with a complimentary flight of 6 brews, to see which one you like best! Try one of their gourmet burgers or their pizza, fresh from the wood-fired oven (half price on Sundays and Mondays after 4!).

by sashafatcat

Kingfishers Bar & Grill

23840 River Road, Maple Ridge 604.463.0094

This bar & grill boasts a covered, heated patio overlooking the Fraser River  in one direction, and a television facing the patio in the other. Finally, you won’t have to compromise between the beautiful sunshine and the latest sports highlights (perfect for couples who have trouble agreeing where to sit). The modern décor makes it an excellent destination for brunch, lunch or dinner and children are welcome until 8pm.

Manos Steakhouse

4131 Columbia Valley Hwy, Cultus Lake 604.846.4454

Conveniently located minutes from Cultus Lake and a stone’s throw from Cultus Lake Waterslides, Manos is perfect for a summer dinner with friends. Relax and enjoy the sunshine after a day at the beach, or boating on the lake. If heading out this way with the whole family – don’t forget to check out Giggle Ridge Mini Golf (right next door). It’ll prove to be entertaining for both the young and the young at heart!

Baron Bar & Grill

1276 Tower St, Abbotsford 604.852.7884

Not your average airport bar & grill. The Baron’s spacious patio provides plenty of room for group events, as well as small tables for a date night. Dine to the soothing sound of trickling water from the landscaping pond during the day, excellent background music in the early evening, or the sound of the snowbirds during the Abbotsford International Airshow! Order the Baron Monster Burger if you are feeling brave – eat it all in one sitting and they’ll give you a pen!

Lou’s Bar & Grill

2852 Gladys Ave, Abbotsford 604.855.8777

Friendly staff, large portions and a varied menu, Lou’s is a great place to kick back and enjoy a cold beverage on a sunny afternoon. After 6, this restaurant gets busy and turns up the tunes for a lively patio and good summer fun. There are great specials throughout the week; a perfect stop for a quick bite on the way home from a movie (open late too!).

Ravens on the Beach

Harrison Beach Hotel

160 Esplanade Ave, Harrison Hot Springs  604.796.8717

A fun, relaxing patio located right across from the Harrison Beach. Its central location makes it an easy find while browsing the shops below, or walking along the beach. Great drink menu and seafood specialties. If you enjoy crab, try their signature Crab Pot dish.

Where is your favourite Fraser Valley patio?  We’d love to hear your suggestions!

Cultus Lake Provincial Park (Cultus Lake – near Chilliwack)

Surrounded by the rugged Cascade Mountains, rocky Cultus Lake offers four separate campgrounds with nearly 300 campsites (tent and vehicle friendly, group option available). Your family can go far into the forest for almost total seclusion, emerging only for idyllic canoe rides or solitary hikes. Or you can park closer to the busy and fun vibe offered at Cultus Lake such as the famous Waterpark, mini-golf, hiking, water skiing, jet boating, playgrounds, restaurants and shops. The campgrounds provide basic facilities as well as access to flushing toilets and showers. In the summertime, the park also offers educational interpretive programs.

by Duane Storey

Golden Ears Provincial Park (Maple Ridge)

Golden Ears Provincial Park is one of the largest in BC – almost 60,000 hectares of nearly untouched wilderness nestled next to the Coast Mountains on the north side of the Fraser River. There are two campgrounds at the park with 353 well-spaced campsites (tent and vehicle friendly, group options available).  Not all areas of the park feature running water but basic facilities are typically nearby unless you hike into the back country. Golden Ears has something for everyone – horseback riding, water skiing, wind surfing canoeing, cycling and swimming to a vast network of hiking trails for all skill levels and ages. One of the more popular destinations is Alouette Lake.

by dooq

Rolley Lake Provincial Park (Mission)

Once a grand forest, Rolley Lake is now primarily a flat lakeside recreational area surrounded by a tall second-growth forest. There are only 64 campsites at the park (all of them are vehicle or tent friendly). There may not be the vast array of activities that there are at some of the larger parks but for a quiet stay spent on the beach and playground, simply enjoying the day, this might be your best fit. Motor boats are not permitted on the lake so teaching your kids to canoe or kayak may be a bit easier without the waves. Walking trails are gentle and unique birds make for excellent nature walks.  It is also popular with anglers as the lake is stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout (but fish early in the season – it’s usually fished out by August). Facilities such as showers and flush toilets are available.

by CowbellBaby

Club Thrive Dallas

Sasquatch Provincial Park (Harrison Hot Springs)

There are 217 campsites scattered across three campgrounds at Sasquatch, surrounded by mountains and bordered by sandy beach lakes including the popular Harrison Lake. Swimming and sunbathing are the popular activities at this site. There is a beautiful child friendly lagoon that is sandy and shallow right at Harrison Lake as well as changing houses and a playground for families. There are nature and interpretive talks given throughout the summer as well and of course, the famous Harrison Hot Springs. Trout fishing is popular, particularly from a small boat. There are flush toilets available near most campsites.

by keepitsurreal

For more information about each of these parks, including fees, reservations, etiquette and directions, visit BC Parks. Or if you are ready to reserve a spot, visit Discover Camping Reservations.

Where do you like to camp in the Fraser Valley?

The Artist

Instead of: Giving Mom flowers

Try: Signing her up for a flower arranging course

If your Mom loves getting flowers (what woman doesn’t?), that means that she loves flowers themselves.  Learning to arrange them professionally would be a treat she probably would never have imagined.  Yes, the course at UFV is a bit pricier than a single bouquet, but the enjoyment she’ll get out of it will be worth every cent.

The Diva

Instead of: Sending Mom to the Spa

Try: At home spa treatments, with wine!

Going to the spa is a favoured tradition of every Mom I know, but how about planning a spa party at home with you, her favourite ladies and a few bottles of wine?!  We are lucky to have great mobile spa services in the FV, such as Soulful Indulgence.  Stop by your favourite local liquor store or take a drive out to Kermode Wild Berry Winery and enjoy their Mother’s Day discount for FVP readers!

The Gourmet

Instead of: Taking Mom to brunch

Try: Hire a chef to make brunch at home

It’s nice to go out for a fancy meal once in a while, but sometimes it’s nice to stay home with Mom.  Why not hire one of the Fraser Valley’s amazing professional chefs to make your Mom and family a meal in the comfort and privacy of your own home? You control the lighting, the music and the menu.  What could be better for a foodie?  It doesn’t have to be ON Mother’s Day – gifting her with a sweet letter and a date for brunch at home with her family is a wonderful idea!

The Athlete

Instead of: Buying Mom bike/running/hiking gear

Try: Going with her to a pole fitness class

This last option is for the truly adventurous!  Pole fitness is new to many women, but if your Mom is athletic, game to try new things and has a good sense of humour, this activity will be one she (and you) won’t forget!  Sign up for a class at The Goddess Movement…you won’t be disappointed!  This Friday FVP is giving away a private party for 10 lucky ladies!

She Who Loves Bling

Instead of: Jewellery

Try: Signing her up for a class at Kellie’s Bead Boutique

Your Mom loves bling but she also loves learning new things.  Why not gift her with a class at Kellie’s Bead Boutique?  Kellie Sutton offers an assortment of classes that teaches you how to make your own beautiful jewels!  The boutique is pink, girly and Mom will love it.

Whatever you decide to do with your Mom this Mother’s Day, be sure to give her lots of hugs and tell her how much she means to you!

Visit a farm.
Introduce your children to our local farmers and let your children discover that baby animals are even cuter in real life.

Resources: www.circlefarmtour.com

Plant a garden.
The Fraser Valley boasts an excellent climate for gardening, whether your thumb is already green or you are still learning. Don’t let a lack of space dampen your enthusiasm: many a fine tomato has been grown in a 5-gallon bucket on the balcony. Another option is a plot at the community garden. Parent-sanctioned time to dig in the dirt – what kid wouldn’t love that?

Resources: Abbotsford Community Garden, your local garden centre or nursery.

by new_sox

Eat outside.
After being cooped up inside all winter, everything tastes better outside. Throw a quick meal together, spread out an old sleeping bag with the nylon towards the wet grass to keep everyone from getting damp and nosh together. Best part? No ants.

Resources: Your back yard, any local park

Pick flowers.
There are gorgeous splashes of colour in every field, country ditch and highway median. Pick bouquets of daffodils and dandelions and fill your house with colour. Tulips of the Valley is on now until April 25.

Resources: free pick fields, your backyard

Spring clean and de-clutter.
All that sunshine coming through the windows just reminded me that I need to wash them. Make it a family project to de-clutter your house on a rainy day, donating gently used items to local charities. If you get everyone involved, you can be done pretty quickly.  Even just opening your windows wide for an afternoon can make the entire house feel fresh.

Resources: Check out these Spring Organization Tips with Janis Nylund

Go play at the playground.
Instead of standing at the edges to watch/check your iPhone, get out there on the slides and swings yourself. Play a family game of tag at the park together.

Resources: your local playground or park, imaginations

Go for a photo walk.
There are many parks or hiking trails around the Fraser Valley that are friendly for little feet. Simply let everyone take photographs of what appeals to them. You can take turns with the family camera or pick up a disposable camera each. Children have a unique vantage point. Afterwards, you can send your best photo to us at photos@fraservalleypulse.com and it might be featured on Pulse Pix.

Resources: camera, park, trail

Attend a community festival or celebration.
Almost all of the Fraser Valley communities are hosting farmers markets, parades and Earth Day celebrations in the next month.

Resources: Fraser Valley Pulse Events page, your city/town’s tourism centre.

Is there anything we missed? What is your family’s favourite way to celebrate spring in the Fraser Valley?

Just call up a friend or five, your Ma, your niece, your neighbour, your Granny (you get the idea), pick your favourite scenario and run with it… let the love fest begin!

by Sister72

1. With my 3 year old niece: Odessa is one of my favourite people in the world, even though she sometimes throws tantrums in public when she misses her nap.  I do things with her that are short and engaging.  This Valentine’s Day I may take her to Colour Groove Ceramics in White Rock to paint a little heart vase for her Mom.  After that we could go to Tracycakes Bakery Café for high tea (she loves the babycakes), then a walk on White Rock beach if she’s still in a good mood.
2. With my best girlfriend: I don’t exactly have one best friend, but if I did she would love antiques shopping.  We would bundle up and go to Fort Langley to browse the Little White House, Village Antiques, Country Lane Antiques, and more.  When we got tired enough we’d head over to Eighteen 27 for a delicious late lunch and of course martinis!  Yes, this sounds like the perfect best friends day out!
3. With a group of girlfriends: With a group of girls, you can really have fun going out.  Gather up 5 or 6 fun-loving ladies, dress up in something sparkly and hit the Waterstone Grill in Langley, Tap Restaurant in Surrey, Bravo Restaurant in Chilliwack, restaurant 62 in Abbotsford, Lava Dining & Lounge in Maple Ridge, or your favourite local eatery.  After drinks and dinner, head over for some dancing at the Vanilla Room in Langley, the Social in Surrey.  Because dancing with your girlfriends makes you feel happy no matter what’s going on in life!  Who cares if we’re not officially ‘club age’ anymore?  Those young’uns could use a few pointers!
4. With my Mom: Since my Mom has an unexplained love for pedicures, I would have to treat her on Valentines Day.  We also share a love of great movies.  So I think I’d opt to have my friend Michelle of Soulful Indulgence come over and give us some treatments at my Mom’s place while we eat pizza and watch Carey Grant movies.
5. With Myself: If I’m going to spend the evening alone on Valentines Day, I’m going to be prepared!  First, a shopping trip just for me at Nectar Lingerie in Fort Langley; because I deserve great underwear even if I’m the only one to appreciate it!  Then I would head over to XHale Beauty Salon in Surrey to get my hair and make-up done for a sultry photo shoot!!!!  The photographer is Maria from Frozen Reflections and I know the pictures would turn out great! Once that’s done, it’s time for dessert and live music at the Watershed Arts Café in Langley or Evangeline’s in Chilliwack.  Perfect solo Valentines!

You don’t have to hide this Valentines Day if you’re single.  Pick a date and go out and have some fun… I’m going to!

So when I found out that my local library in White Rock has a Chess club, I cleared a night to go.  

Maybe it’s the years of watching Searching For Bobby Fischer in rapture, but I’m amazed by people who can play Chess well.  So naturally, I wanted to be one of them. I imagined being surrounded by wise older chess players who could teach me everything they know, and I would grow wiser about life, just by playing Chess once a week.  It turned out to be different than I thought, as most things do.

First, it was mostly Asian elementary school kids.  Not sure why they were all Asian, but they were incredibly good at Chess.  There were a couple of older guys who played each other, and they weren’t at all crotchety or rough around the edges like the movies suggest they would be.  The man in charge is named Henry.  The first thing he did was look me up and down and ask me if I was there for Chess.  I said I was. Then he asked me how old I am.  I paused, and he quickly explained that most of the people who show up get entered into categories by grade.  I told him I have no grade, that I’m 29 and that he could write that down if he needed to.  He blushed and told me he’s 58, then started mumbling about how he could be my father.  I smiled.

Because so few kids showed up that night, Henry spent the whole night teaching me chess drills.  One on one lessons usually cost money, but he said he had time to do it even though I wasn’t paying.  I never knew there was such a thing as a “Chess drill”, but these games are apparently used for beginners to teach us how to check our opponent.  Henry said you can play a whole game of Chess, but if you don’t know how to check (go for the kill), then the game is useless.  That made sense to me.  So we practiced my “electric fence”, the way you drive your opponent’s King against a wall so he’s trapped.  It was hard for me to think in Chess terms at first, but it got easier over the two hours.

I realized why I haven’t been great at it all these years; it’s an entirely different way of thinking. In Chess, as in life, I don’t really think ahead.  I typically make a move, prepared to handle whatever may come my way as a result.  I pride myself on quick spontaneous thinking, not deliberate strategic thinking.  In a game of Chess, you could possibly win by fluke moving spontaneously…but it’s highly unlikely because your opponent most likely has a plan, and since Chess is strategy you’ll be rendered defenceless.  I started to wonder if maybe I need to change the way I approach my life strategy; not just my Chess strategy.  I do like spontaneity, but could I use a little more strategy, a little more deliberation?

At the end of the session, Henry showed me the Chess website he uses to teach the kids.  He asked if I could spend an hour a day on it learning.  I said I could, but didn’t say if I will.  I like Chess, I want to be better at it…but something the kids have over me is more time to devote to non-career related pursuits. Henry also asked if I could come play on Saturdays.  It seems that there are more people there on the weekend, and he seemed pretty excited that someone from a demographic he’s not seen before had showed up to play.

I left the library that night feeling like I’d accomplished something; I stepped out of my comfort zone and challenged my thought processes.  I never got to play an actual game of Chess…but I will.  And if I practice a little, I may even win one someday.  Maybe.