Crazy M Ranch: Prince George

Overview:
Come and enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride through beautiful woodland trails and open fields where deer and many other kinds of wildlife can be seen. The hour long ride will bring you back to a building “The Sleigh Shed” which is heated by an old fashioned wood cook stove where complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, tea and cookies are served.

Thoughts:

This is a great winter season activity for a fairly large group. The family run ranch offers hour long sleigh rides followed by another hour of drinks bon fire and sledding.

The property is about 20 min out of the city and is pretty easy to find. The ameneties are in great condition and they are constantly adding new things to make your experience more enjoyable.

Coffee and tea are provided and outside food is allowed as well. We brought hot dogs and marshmallows to roast on the fire and they had sticks there for you.

The sledding hill was a bit of a walk from the hut and would be a bit difficult to use within your time frame. It probably gets most use during larger groups where multiple sleigh rides are required.

Pros:
Good for large groups and a lot to do in the couple of hours you get. Very friendly family that runs the sleigh rides.

Cons:
Sledding hill a bit far and it is an open sleigh ride so weather may or may not be on your side.

Contact Info:

Crazy M Ranch - Sleigh Rides

Prince George, BC

For bookings ask for Gaylene

Phone: 250-560-5505

Website: http://crazymranch.weebly.com/

Krakit: Burnaby

Overview:

Enter a Krakit Escape Game room, where SOMETHING  has happened.  Once the door closes behind you, your challenge is to find the clues hidden right before your very eyes to ESCAPE. There are four Krakit Escape Game rooms each with a different theme.  In some rooms, you may find your heart pounding and your palms sweating but be assured all of this happens in a make belief world with no danger.  Krakit is a unique way for everyone (ages 8 and up), to have fun, challenge yourself, host a birthday party or special events (stag/stagettes), host staff/corporate events and team building activities, or to create a date night that you'll never forget! It’s as simple as picking the room theme you want to escape from and then challenging fate.

Thoughts:

The idea is great and the execution is well done at Krakit. It was good fun and the staff was friendly and helpful, ecen joined in on the joking around with our group.

The room we were in was not very big and might have been a bit small for a group of 6. The room details were not as in depth or as extravagant as others like it. We did a zombie room and didn't see or hear a single one.

There was a good variety of clues but some were a little far reaching. The location was great as this is the only one like it not in Richmond.

I would recommend giving this a try as it is a good small group activity that does not rely on only one attribute.

Pros:

Close to locations other than Richmond giving people the opportunity to try without the long drive. Updated seasonal theme rooms with varying levels of difficulty. Fun for a small group of people.

Cons:

Some of the clues were hard and not overly relevant. The fine details could have been better in the room design.

Address: 

4035 North Road,
Burnaby, BC,
V3J 1S3

Website: http://www.krakit.ca/

Phone: 604.868.5512

Email: info@krakit.ca

Price:

$22.00 (taxes included)/ perosn

Monday-Wednesday: $18/person (taxes included) *excluding holidays

Free *when within 3 days of your birthday

Hours:

Monday-Thursday 3:00pm - 11:30pm

Friday 3:00pm -12:30am

Saturday 11:00am - 12:30am

Sunday 11:00am - 11:30pm

Gold Creek Falls: Maple Ridge

Overview:
The Gold Creek Falls is a short hike that is perfect for the beginning of the season or in combination with a camping trip to the Golden Ears Provincial Park.

Thoughts:
This is a recently re-done trail making it nice and easy to walk through the forest up to the falls location.  Along the way there are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the creek, either for the view or in the hotter months you can take a dip in the water.

The trail is compact gravel and very wide so it good for walking with a stroller, no bikes or horses are allowed on the trail either. The distance ends up being 5.4 km return (2.7km to the falls) and takes about 40 min to walk one way with minimal stopping.

A little ways to drive as it takes about 30 min from downtown Maple Ridge to get tot the trail head but if spending the day out there or just going for a walk up to the falls it is worth it.

There is also plenty of parking at the trail head but does get busy during the summer months and you may need to park further back up the road.

Pros:
Nice trail and easy to walk along wit strollers and not too physically challenging. Good swimming all along the creek

Cons:
A little ways out of tow to get to.

Cultus Lake Adventure Park: Cultus Lake

Overview:
Kids big and small, young and old, will love to get away from it all and play in the imaginary and wonderful world of Giggle Ridge Adventure Golf at Cultus Lake Adventure Park. It's Adventure Golf unlike any you've seen before! Make your way through the abandoned but recently rediscovered mountain lumber camp known as Giggle Ridge. Discover it for yourself at Cultus Lake and have an Adventure like none other!

Thoughts:
A great place to spend a couple of hours while out at the lake.  If you come for a picnic at the main beach or visited the waterslides for the day it is a nice way to finish off your visit. Although not a lot of rides there is a couple for kids of all ages including bumper boats and the Giggle Ridge Adventure Golf.  Prices are quite low for the rids and the golf is not too bad either.

As a fairly new place it is very clean and has a cartoon-ish theme to it. Not too big but great for little kids and good for older ones as well.

Price:
Admission is free
Tickets are $1.50/ea and most rides are 1 or 2 tickets
Mini Golf is $9
Combo and Discount packs are available

*waterslide tickets have a coupon for mini golf on the backs (buy 1 get one free I believe)

Pros:
Good for all kids and not so big you need to spend the day there to see and do everything.  Nice and clean, fun theme for the kids. Rides for kids and adults.  Quite cheap if you do not have a big family.

Cons:
Not very many rides.

Contact Information:
3993 Sunnyside Blvd
Cultus Lake, BC
V2R 5B5

Phone:  604-858-8777

Website: http://www.giggleridge.com/
Email: info@cultusadventure.com

Cultus Lake Park: Cultus Lake

Overview:
Many recreational activities can be enjoyed in the area, from boating, fishing and swimming, to picnicking, playground and walking.

Thoughts:
Although a long ways out this is a great way to spend the day at the lake.  The park is large and offers a good variety of things to do.  The swimming area is very large with a big dock and shallow waters. Unfortunately the "beach" is a bit rocky and gets worse in the water.  Because of the shallow waters though it is quite warm at this end of the lake.  Plenty of parking in the 2 main lots, unfortunately it is pay parking ($6/day). Lots of picnic tables around both on the beach area and the grass and a large playground for children of all ages.

Boat rentals are close by (http://www.mainbeachboats.com) as are large bathrooms, a concession stand and even a market on Saturdays.  Parking lot B is shared with the Cultus Lake Adventure Park giving you a change of scenery if needed and the Cultus Lake Waterslides are just across the street.

Pros:
Warm waters and plenty of things to do to keep you busy for the day.

Cons:
A far drive for anyone not in Abbotsford and Chilliwack areas.  The beaches are a bit rocky.

Contact Information:
Cultus Lake Park
4165 Columbia Valley Highway
Cultus Lake Park, BC V2R 5B5

Website: http://www.cultuslake.com/

Hot Summer Nights: Maple Ridge

Overview:
On Thursday evenings in July and August, the Maple Ridge Fire Department visits various community neighbourhoods, both pre-announced and random locations, after 6:30 pm.

Thoughts:
This is great fun for kids of all ages.  The fire department sets up a couple of hoses and sprays water out at the kids.  They also let the kids control the hoses (supervised), open up the fire trucks for tours and hand out informational kids packages.  They usually set up at a park giving the kids a playground to play at when they are tired of the water.

Pros:
Different locations throughout the city allowing for people in different areas to enjoy this event.

Cons:
A lot of people showed up and sometimes the park is not set up to handle that amount of vehicle traffic.

Contact Info:
Website: http://bc-mapleridge.civicplus.com/434/Hot-Summer-Nights

Peace Portal Golf Course: Surrey

Overview:
The Peace Portal Golf Course located in White Rock/ Surrey, British Columbia, near Vancouver and Seattle. Established in 1928, Peace Portal has achieved a 4 star rating by Golf Digest and a "Top 100 Public Course in Canada" by Canada's Golf Ranking Magazine.

Thoughts:
Great course and well maintained.  The course started out nice and open with the tree line being very playable to progressively getting harder with the addition of some water hazards towards the end of the course.

Grounds:
Well kept greens and fairways, it was hard to find any problems with the course.  In some areas of the rough the drainage could have been a little better but that is really just looking for something to complain about.

Staff:
The clubhouse staff and cafeteria staff were friendly and nice.  Did not see a snack cart on the course though, could have been the time of day but I am not sure.

Amenities:
Nice Clubhouse and patio. As well there looked to be a cafeteria and bar side to the restaurant. There was a chipping and putting green but no range for warm up.

Facility:
Large clubhouse with pro shop and restaurant and patio.

Price: 
Weekend ( Saturday, Sunday & Holidays): $66.00
Weekend Twilight (after 3 pm): $49.00
Weekend Super Twilight (after 5 pm): $31.00
Weekend Sundowner    (after 6 pm): $25.00
Weekend Super Sundowner (after 7 pm): $18.00

Dawn Patrol (before 8am Monday to Friday): $45.00
Weekday (Monday & Tuesday): $52.00
Weekday (Wednesday -Friday): $56.00
Weekday Twilight (after 3 pm): $43.00
Weekday Super Twilight (after 5 pm): $28.00
Weekday Sundowner    (after 6 pm): $22.00
Weekday Super Sundowner (after 7 pm): $15.00

SENIOR RATES (60 years and older)
Weekday (Monday & Tuesday): $47.00
Weekday (Wednesday-Friday): $49.00

JUNIOR RATES (18 years and younger)
Weekend: $49.00
Weekend twilight: $31.00
Weekday: $43.00
Weekday Twilight and Dawn Patrol: $28.00

Course Type:
Parkland | Public | 18

Par:
72

Pros:
Well kept grounds and open treeline make finding and playing your ball fun and easy.

Cons:
Long ways out there being right at the border.  Unless your in the White Rock area it is a bit of a drive.

Contact Information:
16900 4th Avenue
Surrey, BC, V3S 2Y9

Phone: 604-538-4818
Toll Free: 1-800-354-7544
Fax: 604-538-5232

Website: http://www.peaceportalgolf.com/
Email: golf@peaceportalgolf.com

Exit: Richmond

Overview:
EXIT has four themed rooms: The Lost Ship, Ancient Egypt, Prison Escape and Laboratory Escape. Groups of anywhere from two to six people have 45 minutes to figure out how to get out by using critical thinking skills to solve challenges and riddles.

Thoughts:
A great idea and very well executed. The 4 different themes offer a good variety for returning groups. The rooms are small and hard to move around in with 6 people, but it is not cramped if everyone spreads out. The clues were sometimes hard to find and it was definitely better to have 6 people that may come across the answer. Although not overly expensive at $25 per person it would have been nice to make an evening out of it somehow as the time limit of 45 minutes almost seems not worth the drive in from far even though it was.

Pros:
Fun and able to do as a group of 6. Not too expensive per person and very challenging.

Cons:
Nothing else really around in the area and hard to make an evening of it, must plan to go out after or before.

Price:
$25 per person

Hours:
Mon - Thur: 3:00pm - 11:45pm
Fri: 2:00pm - 11:45pm
Sat: 11:00am - 1:45am
Sun: 11:00am - 11:45pm

Contact Information:
Shop 2115
4653 Garden City Road
Richmond, BC
V6X 4A9

Phone: 604.370.5555
Email:  info@e-exit.ca

Website: http://www.e-exit.ca

Britannia Mine Museum: Britannia Beach

Overview:

Last century, it was a working mine. It turned out massive amounts of copper and other minerals. Now, it's a multi award-winning Museum, turning out awe-inspiring sights and memorable family experiences. So much to see and do. Pan for real gold! Rumble aboard our mine train as it rolls into the dark. Learn from informative but informal tour guides. Come on up.

Britannia Mine Museum in Britannia Beach

Thoughts:

This was a nice place to spend a couple of hours.  Although it is also called BC Mining Museum it really was only about the Britannia Mine and didn't really have any other mining information there.  The tour was very cool with a short underground train ride with a couple of stops to show different aspects of underground mining. It was good for kids of all ages although the hard hats for the underground tour didn't really fit small children.

It would have been nice to see a bit more of the mining operations building but due to insurance issues you are limited to the ground floor.

Pros:
Informative and interactive, not too large but a good place to stop for a couple of hours.  The price is reasonable and lots too see.  The gold panning offers a variety of gems, gold and fools gold which you get to keep if you find (included in price). Was fun for all ages.

Cons:

Its a fair ways from most places.  Don't get to see the inside of the mine building. Hard hats did not fit small children (3 and under) although they were still allowed on the tour with their oversize hats.

Price:

Adult $25.00

Senior (65+) $21.00

Youth (13-18) $21.00

Child (5-12) $17.00

Preschool (4 & under) FREE

Daily Family (2 adults/3 children) $92.00

Hours:
The Museum site is open from 9:00 AM to 6 PM daily with 45 minute guided tours offered throughout the day. The Gift Shop is open from 9:00 AM to 6 PM.

Contact Information:

PO Box 188

Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0

We are located on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99), north of Vancouver.

Toll free: 1-800-896-4044 - press 0

Phone: 1-604-896-2233 - press 0

Fax: 1-604-896-2260

Email: company.store@bcmm.ca

Website: http://www.britanniaminemuseum.ca/

Robin's Den Park: Nanaimo

Overview:
This park was installed in 2008 at the end of Prince John Way.  The park was upgraded with new equipment and is maintained by the City of Nanaimo.

Thoughts:
This is a nice little park for the kids with equipment mainly for smaller children.  There is a picnic table for use as well.  The park though is nestled in between the trees and a rock cliff so sun is not something that is plentiful. It seemed as well that people walking their dogs along the trail beside the park didn't care that their dogs used the park as bathroom either.  Because of the lack of sun, there was an abundance of mushrooms growing in the mulch.

Pros:
Newer equipment and good place to go to kill an hour or so.  Not too small and not overly big making it easy to keep an eye on running kids.

Cons:
Uncaring dog owners not cleaning up and lack of sunlight.

Contact Information:
Top of Prince John Way
Nanaimo, BC

Taves Family Farms Applebarn: Abbotsford

Overview:
One farm quickly grew to a few, and now we harvest everything from apples to heirloom tomatoes to pumpkins. We decided to share our gifts by creating an agritourism attraction called the Applebarn. Every September, our communities tell us that they eagerly wait for the doors to open so they can pick their own apples or bring their families out for some fall family entertainment!

Thoughts:
This is a great place for a variety of reasons.  Farm fresh produce, U-Pick fruit, family attractions and fun,  this place has it all.  The attractions were targeted more for the smaller kids with a petting zoo, bouncy castle, swings/park, push tractors and slides, but older kids will also have a blast with the corn maze, bouncing pillow, or corn/pumpkin cannon.

The store had a few fruits and vegetables or farm fresh cider for sale, as well as local honey.

If you are going to get some local fruits and vegetables then there is always something else you can do while there but, to visit for a couple of hours it is definitely geared more towards kids 10 and under.

Pros:
Lots to do and see for the little kids and some stuff for older kids too.  I like that it is not just an attraction but also a local market as well.  Decently priced.

Cons:
Parking was a bit confusing with 3 lots and no one directing traffic,  had to circle the lot a couple of times to find a spot.

Price:
Children (2 and under) FREE
Children (3-17 years of age) $7.00
Adults (18 yrs and older) $5.50
Senior (65 yrs and older) $4.50
Family (2 adults and 2 or more children) $24.50

Hayride $2.00/person
Corn Gun $2.50/3 shots
Pumpkin Cannon $5.00/shot
Ponyride $5.00/person

Hours:
August 6 – August 31: Friday to Sunday (10:30 am to 5:30 pm)  
September 1 - October 31: Seven Days a Week (9:00 am to 5:30 pm)
October 10- October 26: Extended Hours! Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 7:00 pm
November 1 – December 22: Thursday to Saturday (10:00 am to 5:00 pm)
Open all Statutory Holidays!

Contact Information:
333 Gladwin Rd
Abbotsford, BC
V2T 5Y1

Phone: 604.853.3108
Toll Free: 1.888.345.0193
Fax: 1.888.345.8972

Website: http://www.tavesfamilyfarms.com/
Email: info@tavesfamilyfarms.com

Fright Nights at Playland: Vancouver

Overview:
Western Canada’s Scariest Haunt. Face your fears. Fright Nights possesses Playland from October 11 to November 2 and features 6 fright houses, 12 rides, and the freaky sideshow, The Monsters of Schlock.

Thoughts:
I personally have not gone but have heard good things about this attraction.  Apparently it is a little scary for younger kids and not recommended for children under 12.  Times and costs vary and you need to purchase your tickets for the days you wish to go.

If you go please leave a review of it in the comments section.

Price:
7pm-11pm
Admission: Gate $25, Online $22
Fast Pass: Gate $50, Online $44

7pm-Midnight
Admission: Gate $30, Online $27
Fast Pass: Gate $60, Online $54

7pm-1am
Admission: Gate $35, Online $32
Fast Pass: Gate $70, Online $64

Contact Information:
E Hastings St & Windermere St
Vancouver, BC
V5K 5J3

Phone: 604-253-2311

Website: http://www.frightnights.ca
Email: info@pne.ca

Honeybee Centre: Surrey

Overview:

Honeybee Centre is home to the Bees & Bugs Lab which offers an interactive exhibit full of live invertebrates & bees, hands-on activities, honey tasting and more!  Self-guided tours are perfect for families, or book a guided tour for your school field trip or group.

Thoughts:
Kind of a cool idea with the bug lab and bee hive tour to do with the kids but if you don't get there for the tour you can still self guide yourself through. This is both good and bad. You pay full price and if you don't know that much about what you are looking at it can be overwhelming.  Some of the bugs were impossible to find and the free samples you got as part of the tour are available to anyone who walks in the store.

The tea house is nice though with a relaxing atmosphere bit it seems a bit far from anywhere to go for tea.

Pros:
Got to see some different bugs and learn a bit about bees. The free samples give you an idea of how different honeys taste.

Cons:
A bit much for a self guided tour with not too much to look at on your own and not knowing what's there.

Price:
$5 per person

3 and under Free

Hours:

Mon to Sat:   9 am - 6 pm

Sun:              10 am - 6 pm

Contact Information:

7480 - 176 Street

Surrey, B.C.

Canada V3S 7B1

Phone: 604 - 575 - 2337

Fax: 604 - 575 - 2338

Website: http://www.honeybeecentre.com/

Cultus Lake Water Park

Overview:

When looking for watersliding and water parks in Vancouver, look no further than Cultus Lake Waterpark.

Cultus Lake Waterpark is BC's biggest and best Waterpark. Our waterslides are supervised by quality-trained water safety staff. And the facility and attractions are constantly maintained, upgraded, and expanded providing something new for every guest and every visit. Top priority is always given to maintaining customer satisfaction as a safe, clean, and fun environment. Whether you are on vacation or just taking a much needed break, visit Cultus Lake Waterpark and experience the ultimate summer recreational activity.

Thoughts:
The variety of slides was great with tube slides, regular slides and speciality slides.  Kids had plenty of options from spray parks, water adventure playground, slides, and hot tub for kids.  Getting there early is definitely key, not for a place to sit because there is plenty of that, but to get in a few slides before the crowds show up.  The slides were fun but the lines got a bit long later in the day.

You are able to take your kids down the main slides and they can go down the tube rides if they are over 36" tall.  Some of the other larger slides though required them to be 48".

The free life jackets helped out as well keeping our 2 year old feeling safe when in the deeper water at the bottom of the slides.

This is a definite must see if you like water activities and are in the area.

Price:

Type	Full Day	Twilight (starts 4 hrs. prior to closing)
48″ and Above	$29.00 (incl. tax)	$20.00 (incl. tax)
Under 48″ tall	$20.00 (incl. tax)	$14.00 (incl. tax)
Seniors(60+)	$20.00 (incl. tax)	$14.00 (incl. tax)

*Children 2 and under are free with paid adult.

Pros:

Lots of slides and lots for kids to do. Free life jackets and plenty of space to put your towels down.

Cons:
When it gets busy line ups take a while, and because of its popularity it will get busy.

Contact Information:
4150 Columbia Valley Hwy
Cultus Lake, BC
V2R 5S4

Phone:  604-858-7241

Website: http://www.cultus.com
Email: info@cultus.com

Playland: Vancouver

Overview:
Playland offers rides to match the most extreme thrillseeker to the slightly queasy stomach fairgoer. Are you looking for an experience you can share with the whole family? Jump on one of our TWO NEW FAMILY RIDES, Teacups and Balloon Explorers. If it's games you seek, Playland's midway games section will keep your brain and hand/eye coordination busy. Interested in an adrenaline rush? Check out ATMOSFEAR, the historic Wooden Roller Coaster, Revelation or the Haunted Mansion. Need a break from all the excitement? Grab a tasty treat from any of the different food venues at Playland. At Playland, there’s literally something for everyone.

Thoughts:
Although the price is quite steep, you can get a guardian pass if you are bringing children under 12. Plenty of rides and things to do to keep you busy for a couple of hours.  The lines were quite short earlier in the day and got longer as the day when on.  There is not much for kids under 36" and they are not very lenient on the rules.  My kid was just under and even though she was smart enough to go on her tippy toes to make it over the height they made her stand flat footed.  And even though you can take any kid on some of the rides with an adult, they had to have their own seat and seat belt, which did not go over well with the 8 month old.

This place is definately best for kids over 48" but for those that are under you can still have some fun but there might be a lot of, "sorry, you can't ride that one yet".

Price:
Over 48": $32.50
Under 48": $23.75
Children Under 3 and 48": free

Pros:
Quite a few rides and fun things to do. Was a good place to spend a few hours and let the kids have some fun.

Cons:
Expensive. Not only do you have to pay to get in the gate, there are certain rides and activities that cost more once you are in, and the food is very expensive too.  Not a great place for smaller kids but they can definitely do some things if you are taking older kids.

Contact Info:
2901 East Hastings Street,
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V5K 5J1

Phone: 604-252-3620

Website: http://www.pne.ca/playland/
Email: info@pne.ca

Golden Eagle South: Pitt Meadows

Overview:
Located only 45 minutes from Vancouver, Golden Eagle Golf Club is situated amidst the beautiful Thompson Mountains located in scenic Pitt Meadows. At Golden Eagle Golf Club in Pitt Meadows you will find 18 fun and challenging hole South Golf Course. Rolling fairways surrounded by plenty of water and bunkers lead you to massive bent grass greens testing all aspects of your game.

14th Hole Green at Sunset

Grounds:
Grounds maintenance does not seem to be a top priority on the south course.  Spotty fairways, modelled greens and bunkers that blend with the rough make some shots very challenging or worth actually moving your ball a little.  Bunkers do not look like they have had new sand in a while with pebbles showing up on top of most.

Staff:
The only person we saw on the course was the pro shop teller that took our green fees.  He was very friendly and nothing to complain about.

Amenities:
There is a beer cart but perhaps not during the week or for later tee times.  A restaurant, putting green and a couple of warm up cages.

Facility:
Nice clubhouse and pro shop.  Things looked clean and well taken care of.

Price:
$54 per round and $35 for a cart makes it a mid range course.  The twilight deal at 5pm for $25 is a good deal though as during the summer months it is still light enough to make it through the course.

Course Type:
Parkland | Public | 18

Par:
70

Thoughts:
Lots of water and creeks to help thin out your extra balls.  This course plays nicely as long as you keep the ball straight.  The grounds definately could use some care and attention,  it looks like there was some draining issues in places when it rains and then some patches in the fairways and greens.  The bunkers created a new hazard type offering a blend between rough and sand around most edges.

Pros: 
Not a long course in distance and you can find some good deals for green fees.

Cons:
Maintenance issues stand out the most and the need to hit the ball straight.

Contact Information:
21770 Ladner Road,
Pitt Meadows, BC,
V3Y 1Z1

Phone: 604-460-1111

Website: http://www.goldeneaglegolfclub.com
Email: info@goldeneaglegolfclub.com

Splashdown Park: Tsawwassen

Overview:
One of only 2 water slide parks in the Vancouver area, this park offers 13 slides for everyone from toddlers to adults, with 3 tube rides, 2 intermediate slides, and 4 advanced slides.  Spend the day and make use of the concession, bbq's and tent rentals.

Thoughts:
Not the biggest water park but it was large enough to keep relatively short lines and a fun atmosphere.  Plenty of grass space in both shade and full sun so you are not too crowded when taking a break or getting something to eat.  One of the best things about the park though was that we could take our toddler down any of the slides that were not tube rides.  Giving them the fun of both the kids slides that they can do on their own and also going down the bigger slides with an adult.

The price was good as well, adults are only about $20 and children under 3 are free for all day fun. As well you get a $2 discount per member when you sign up for email newsletters.

Price:

AGE:	FULL DAY:	TWILIGHT: (starts 4 hrs. prior to closing)
Age 4 + (while under 48")	16.96	11.99
Over 48" (to Age 64)	22.99	16.96
Tots (3yrs & under)	Free	Free
Seniors (65+ with ID)	9.99	7.99
Family of 4	81.99	59.99

Pros:
Large area so it didn't get too crowded, plenty of options for kids and the price was good for something that you can do all day.

Cons:
Tsawwassen is quite far away from most places and takes some time to get to.  There could be a couple more slides for adults to give them a better experience.

Contact Information:
4775 Nulelum Way
Tsawwassen, B.C.

Phone: (604) 943-2251

Website: http://www.splashdownpark.ca
Email: info@splashdownpark.ca

H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre: Kelowna

Overview:
Not just a swimming pool. this complex offers an Olympic length pool with diving boards, waterslides, a wave pool, kids play area, toddler play area, lazy river, 2 hot tubs, Flowrider indoor surfing, and a gym.  A great place to spend the day with the family.

Thoughts:
A very large complex with lots to offer and space to accommodate a lot of people without feeling crammed. The kids play area is ideal for children of all ages, although the spraying water was a bit strong for really small kids.  The toddler area was a perfect temperature to make sure users are not getting cold.  The wave pool was great although it did flow over into the kids playing area making the waters a bit choppy and could be better separated.  The lazy river was perfect with a good depth for adults to take younger kids but because of that the depth may be too much for some to go alone.

There are three waterslides with a variety of twists and turns to choose from, but there is a height restriction and you must go alone, no doubles.  The Flowrider indoor wave was also included in admission price but I could see the line up getting pretty long there.

Price:
Infant (0-2): Free
Child (3-12): $5.75
Youth (13-18): $6.85
Young Adult (19-24): $7.95
Adults (25-64): $10.10
Seniors (65+): $7.95
Family (2 adults / 3 children): $25.00

Pros:
Water was warm, and a family hot tub that was cooler than a regular one allowed kids to be able to sit as well.  Plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Cons:
No doubles on slides so short children can't enjoy them.  It could get busy and have a lot  of waiting and bumping at times.  With rotating stoppages of activities it made it hard for infants/toddlers in the toddler area to keep playing as there was no more water spraying out of the activities.

Contact Information:
4075 Gordon Drive
Kelowna, BC
V1W 5J2

Phone: 250.764.4040
Fax: 250.764.4085

Website: http://www.h2okelowna.ca
Email:  h2oinfo@ymcaokanagan.ca

EnergyPlex: Kelowna

Overview:
Kelowna's indoor play place for kids.  Plenty of activities to do in the EnergyCube, trampoline room, rock wall and craft room will keep children busy for hours.

Thoughts:
This was a great place for kids that are strong enough to do the activities on their own.  Some of the things required younger children to help out a considerable amount.  this would not have been a problem except that adults were not allowed on half of the equipment at all.

The toddler area does not have a lot to it with only a couple of things that the kids can climb around.

Overall it was a great place to spend a couple of hours and let the kids run around.

Price:
Infants: Free
Toddlers (1-2): $7.95
Kids (3-15): $9.95
Accompanying Parents: $3.00
Adults (16 and up): $9.95

The price for children is quite good, but when it comes to parents who are not allowed to use the equipment and toddlers who aren't strong enough to use half the stuff on their own, it could be a bit cheaper.

Pros:
Large area and a good variety of things to do for the kids.  The EnergyCube is 4 levels of climbing and slides where kids can just run.  The trampoline room is great with a few different things to bounce and play on.

Cons:
Pricey if you have younger kids for what they can actually use without help and the Cafe did not a have a very good variety of food to choose from.  Definitely eat outside and if you need to get a snack inside.

Contact Information:
130 - 948 McCurdy Rd
Kelowna, BC
V1X 2P7

Phone: 250.765.4486
Fax: 250.765.4497

Website: http://www.energyplex.ca
Email: customerservice@energyplex.ca

Othello Tunnels

A line of tunnels were built through the Coquihalla Gorge which are known now as the Othello Tunnels. There are spectacular viewing opportunities available on the trail, through the tunnels and on the bridges. The Coquihalla Canyon park highlights the Kettle Valley Railway that passes through the canyon and 5 tunnels which were built in 1914.

View:
Great views of the Coquihalla River and some fantastic spots for photos in and around the tunnels.

Wildlife:
Not much along the trail althouggh you may get lucky and see a black bear.

Time:
About 40 min to the end of the tunnels and back.

Visit-ability:
Good spot to  stop and stretch your legs or if you are in the Hope area to stop in for part of the day.

Website: 
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/coquihalla_cyn/

Open:
Spring to Fall, closed for Winter

Thoughts:
I like this quick little stop to see a part of Canadian history and nice quick walk through nature.  Just outside of Hope makes it easy and fast to get to and the trail is easy to walk on.  The tunnels took about 10 minutes  to get to the first one and the whole trip is about 40 minutes with stops for pictures and to enjoy some of the scenery.

Rating:
7/10