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

Kinsman Park: Oliver

Overview:
Welcome to Kinsmen Playground. This family park is, without question, one of the highest use parks in Oliver. A fully equipped playground for young children is just one of the main attractions. It is also home to Oliver’s waterpark which is one of the busiest fun spots in the area.

Kids of all ages can and do play for hours on end under the various water features. Public washrooms are available. It is a very popular location for birthday parties. Kinsmen Playground is located along the west side of the Okanagan River on 350th Avenue and is a short walk from downtown.

Thoughts:
This is a great place for the kids to play either on a quick stop while driving through or if you are in the area and need somewhere for them to run around for a while.  The equipment is pretty new and the park is surrounded by a fence so that kids can't just wander off.

The park has swings, slides, climbing equipment and one of the best features is the spray park.  It is big enough that it could accommodate quite a few people, especially in the small town, and has a public washroom as well.

We stopped for a quick bite to eat before heading out on the road and let the kids wear themselves out before getting back into the car.

Pros:
Plenty of equipment and a good variety too.

Cons:
Not a lot of picnic tables which could be a problem if it was busy.

Contact Info:
255 Park Drive
Oliver, B.C.

Water Park open May-September

Gasthaus on the Lake: Peachland

Overview:

Located in the heart of the Okanagan, 20 minute drive from Kelowna and 25 minute drive from Penticton, the Gasthaus on the Lake pub and restaurant provides a year round dining destination.  Whether it’s for the beautiful garden patio in the summer or the famous medieval feasts in the winter months, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience at the Gasthaus.

Side view of Gasthaus on the Lake Pub

Thoughts:

This is a nice restaurant in a great location.  We did the Medieval Feast and the foods was good.  The price of the feast was not exactly worth the amount of food you could eat, especially if you did not plan on staying all night.  The display and decor was great and the atmosphere was perfect.  The staff was extremely friendly and the dinner and appetizer was delicious.  The desert (ice cream and apple fritters) though was definitely lacking, the fritters were pretty bland tasting as I did not get any apple taste out of it.

As well it wasn't enough that we were charged for the meals but we asked for just ice cream for a child (the dinner comes with the endless ice cream and fritters) but because the ice cream came in a separate dish and had to pay extra, should have just got another round of fritters to throw out.

I liked the place and would return to try the restaurant out and not the feast.

Pros:

Good food and great atmosphere.  Nice location.

Cons:

A bit on the high side for the price of the feast for the average party.

Contact Information: 

5790 Beach Ave
Peachland, BC

V0H 1X6

Phone: 250-767-6625

Fax: 250-767-6437

Website: http://www.gasthaus.ca

Email: info@gasthaus.ca

Central Park: Merritt

Overview:

This park is home to 5 ball fields, kid’s playground, sand volleyball court, washrooms and a gazebo for all your tournament needs. Also you can follow the paved trail along the golf course that will lead you right to Rotary Park.

Kids Playground at Central Park in Merritt

Thoughts:
This large park is close to the highway so is very convenient for stopping at if you are travelling through and need a place to stop and stretch your legs.  There is not a lot of places to eat nearby but you pass by McDonalds, Subway, Dairy Queen, Tim Hortons and Starbucks on your way down if you want something to bring. The kids area is nice and clean, some large tires for playing on and around, beach volleyball ball courts were there but no nets were set up, plenty of baseball diamonds,  skate park,  large parking lot,

covered picnic area,  bmx track, and the bathrooms were a converted Atco trailer.

Pros:
Close to highway and plenty of room.  Good variety of things to do.

Cons:
Kids area is a bit old and doesn't seem as sturdy as some of the newer playgrounds.

Contact Information:
2975 Voght St

Website: http://www.merritt.ca/city-services/public-works/parks

The Green House Cafe & Bistro: Maple Ridge

Overview:

The Green House Cafe and Bistro provides healthy organic cuisine for the whole family in the heart of downtown Maple Ridge. With individually prepared meals at a great price, you'll be hooked after your first visit.  A good selection of food and drinks can be enjoyed on the patio or inside.

Thoughts:
Nice place with a relaxing atmosphere. The portion sizes were larger than expected and the food was good.  The menu selection was diverse and there was all day breakfast. No website though so you need to get their information from Facebook.

Price:

$10-$20

Pros:

Atmosphere was good and the staff was friendly.  Large portions.

Cons:

Wasn't the cheapest place around and no website makes it hard to get any information regarding menus and hours.

Contact Information:

11997 224 St.

Maple Ridge, British Columbia
V2X 6B4

Phone: 604.466.4007

E-Mail: Greenhousebistro@gmail.com 

Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-House-Cafe-Bistro/139201666146430

Hours:

Tue - Wed: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Thu - Sat: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Sun: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm