This Family Day, why not try something new while making lasting memories from home? We’ve rounded up some fun ideas to spend quality time with your household members – minus the stress of packing bags or setting alarm clocks. All you’ll need are a few supplies, all of which you can pick up right here in Coquitlam.
Are you ready to unwind and have some relaxing family time? Here’s some inspiration to get started for all ages and families, even those without kids!
Host a Family Games Night or Do a Puzzle
Some of the best belly laughs are erupted around the dining table. Pick up your party snacks at the local grocery store or market and pull up the chairs for an old-fashioned, family-friendly game of Clue, Pictionary, Jenga or Monopoly. Looking for new games to try? Invest in one of these popular newer games: Exploding Kittens, Kids Against Maturity or Throw Throw Burrito. The list goes on!
Puzzles are also having a renaissance amidst COVID-19, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you plan to tackle the challenge on your own, or gather up the family for a huddle over the table, matching the pieces up together is ridiculously satisfying. You might want to splash out on a new puzzle to make things interesting.Where can you buy board games and puzzles in Coquitlam? Some to try include Mastermind Toys, Mind Games, Chapters Coquitlam or Toys R Us Coquitlam.
Order Takeout for New Flavours
Never tried Filipino Kare-Kare? Curious to try the Persian dish Vaziri? How about Korean Gam Ja Tang? Set out on a worldwide culinary adventure – from your home. Scope out your food options on Visit Coquitlam’s Eat-Drink page, where you can search by keyword. Most restaurants offer both takeout and delivery options.
Start a Family Band
Next Jackson 5, anyone? One instrument you might want to try if you’re just getting started is the ukulele – reasonably affordable to buy and easy to learn some basic chords by watching free YouTube videos. Another winner (maybe not for the neighbours) is a drum set. Where to search for your instrument? Check out Tom Lee Music. And if the interest in music takes off, there are many safe classes being offered in the community including through Place des Arts and the City’s recreation programs.
Try a Science Experiment
Here are three fun experiments that your kids will never forget. All you’ll need are basic ingredients you can pick up at the local shops (no plutonium required).
Watch Binge-Worthy Movies Partly Filmed in Coquitlam
Did you know that Coquitlam is home to one of Canada’s top film spots? Riverview Lands, home to the famous Riverview Hospital, is an in-demand locale where countless Hollywood stars have made movie magic.
Here are some movies that were partly shot in Coquitlam. Read more about each of these, and also see which TV series are filmed here, by checking out our recent blog.
- Deadpool 2
- Elf
- Bad Times at the El Royale
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3: Dog Days
- Elysium
- Godzilla
- The Mountain Between Us
- The Professor (alternate title: Richard Says Goodbye)
- Twilight Saga New Moon
- War for the Planet of the Apes
Get Crafty
Pop by Opus Art Supplies to be inspired by arts and crafts that will keep hands busy for hours.
Do Some Baking
Have little chefs at home? Investing in some baking supplies will never go amiss. From cookie cutters to reusable silicone muffin baking cups, you’ll be itching to try them out. Picture that little munchkin with flour-caked hands and rosy cheeks. Priceless. Looking for some baking inspiration (and a hot beverage?) Check out one of these local cafes featuring baked in house treats.
City Activities for Your Family
Create lasting memories with your family with themed recipes, innovative activities such as designing a family tree and a family crest, and other fun ideas like a family dance party with a supplied set list. Download a free Family Day Activity Guide on the Children section of the CoquitlamSPIRIT page at coquitlam.ca/spirit.
If your kids need to get out of the house to burn some energy, you’ll be glad to know that Coquitlam’s recreation staff have some in-person and virtual activities planned from Feb. 12 -15, with pre-registration required. Pre-registered recreation offerings including swimming, skating and racquet sports. Learn more and register at coquitlam.ca/register.
For the Adults in your Family
Do Some Craft Beer Tasting – on Your Kitchen Counter. Replicate the tasting room environment, from the comfort of your home.
Step 1: Pop down to Mariner Brewing to order a sampling of their local craft beer.
Step 2: Pick up some amazing deli items from your local Coquitlam deli to create your own at-home charcuterie board.
Step 3: For the complete experience, why not visit your local homewares shop for beer sampling-sized glasses and/or beer mat?
Step 4: Open. Enjoy.
Did we miss your favourite idea or place? Tell us about it! Share on social media using #explorecoquitlam or email us at tourism@coquitlam.ca.