If a second year of Spring Breaks at home has you at a loss for ideas to keep you and the little ones entertained in Coquitlam, have no fear! We have pulled together our suggestions for activities, virtual events and other fun ideas to fill your days.
Explore the City
Pick a Park
Looking for a new adventure? Visit the City of Coquitlam’s parks page to discover a park near you, or maybe one that’s not so nearby! Search by special feature or make a list to go explore. See how many you can tick off the list this Spring Break! Remember to take a picture and tag #explorecoquitlam.
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Try Geocaching
While out exploring the parks, why not search for a hidden treasure? Coquitlam’s parks are secretly filled with geocaches (hidden containers) and all you need is a cellphone or GPS tracking device to join in this hunt. Maillardville has a great collection of caches hidden around, giving you a chance to explore and discover the neighbourhood’s francophone history. Register for free at geocaching.com to get started.
Go Fishing
Interested in reeling in a trout? Or teaching your kids how to fish? Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake and Como Lake are regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Before you cast your line, learn how to responsibly fish in Coqiutlam’s urban lakes and rivers, including regulations, how to get started, fishing tips and more. You can pick up your fishing gear at Sea-Run Fly & Tackle in Austin Heights or Canadian Tire Coquitlam near Mackin Park.
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Treat Yourself
Coquitlam offers a world of treats, some of which go beyond the usual cookies and cream (not that there’s anything wrong with cookies and cream!). Whether you return to a local favourite or try something new, there is something sweet for everyone. Read our blog for an extensive list of tasty dessert spots in Coquitlam.
The most recent business to join the list is Wonderffle. Fall in love with authentic Belgian liege waffles prepared fresh each morning. Trust us – they are the most decorated and intricate waffles you will have ever experienced! Order one or a box of 12 to go (highly recommended) here.
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Virtual Events, Online Exhibits & Other At-Home Ideas:
Sit back in the comfort of your home and check out some local virtual events and online exhibits.
City of Coquitlam Archives
Archives are records that tell us who we are – they help form our identity and our sense of community. Coquitlam Archives is a secure place where records of historical value are carefully preserved, described and made available to researchers of all kinds including the general public. Visit coquitlam.ca/cityarchives to search for photographs, documents and other records, or to find out about the type of records you may want to donate.
Also, they offer a series of online exhibits to showcase archival records from the holdings. A couple of recent examples to check out include School Life for a Student Psychiatric Nurse, Built History: Coquitlam’s Heritage Homes and Westwood Racing Circuit, 1959 to 1990. You’ll be amazed at the trove of interesting materials made so easily accessible.
Evergreen Cultural Centre
Pick up a Creative Kit for all ages from the Art Gallery at Evergreen from March 25 – 28 which include three activities to do at home, based off of the current exhibition “Erika DeFreitas: close magic”.
You can also experience the exhibit in person with free admission Thursday through Sunday. This solo exhibition focuses on lens-based artworks by Erika DeFreitas, many of which feature her mother, whom she has been working with as a subject for more than a decade. The collection of photographs, video, and works on paper illuminates recurring themes in her practice such as loss, inheritance and finding ways to make the impermanent permanent.
Enjoy the fresh air and take in the outdoor exhibit at the Art Gallery at Evergreen. The current exhibition on the exterior of the lobby windows, accessible 24 hours a day, is “Asalah Youssef: Screenshots of Home”.
Place des Arts
Experience an inspiring story of growing through our struggles, finding a place in the world and overcoming pain through self-love with the virtual storytelling experience fit for all-ages, Belonging: Reflections through the Eyes of The Ugly Duckling
Coquitlam Heritage
Visit three online exhibits this Spring Break put on by the Coquitlam Heritage Society including:
- Civilian Impressions: artists’ depictions of brutalities of front-line battles and suffering of military personnel, those at home, and those displaced, orphaned and more during war times
- We’ve Been Here All Along: recognizing stories and contributions from historic and contemporary Black communities, their achievements, and their struggles.
- The Uncanny Valley: an exploration of life-like dolls and how they make us feel.
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Coquitlam Public Library
Learn something new, get lost in a fairytale, listen to a favourite audiobook, and explore a world of options at either the Poirier Branch or City Centre Branch.
Take your pick of eReads, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, eMagazines and more.
Also, take advantage of various programs including Library Story Times. Stay at home and enjoy the fun of story time by visiting the Coquitlam Public Library’s Story Time at Home on their YouTube channel.
Check Out a New Business
Try a new business! Maybe a place to pick up supplies for arts and crafts, like Opus Art Supplies? You can also check out the toy stores or book shops. Some to try include Mastermind Toys, Mind Games or Once Upon a Child. Or take a walk through Austin Heights, home to independent retailers including Reflections Books, Artisan Gifts and Flowers and Sea Run Fly and Tackle. Also check out some fabulous cafés and restaurants including Soup Plus, Ta Bom Korean Cuisine, Jimoco Café, Khob Khun Thai Cuisine and more. Visit our Shopping page for more ideas to support local.
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Read a blog for Local Inspiration and Ideas
Did you know our website has well over 50 blogs? Find out the inside scoop on local places to shop and dine, parks to visit and places to bike and hike.
Easter Long Weekend
Like last year, Easter celebrations will be different and smaller this year, but we encourage you to celebrate in new, innovative ways at home.
Decorating Easter Eggs
Take your family’s Easter egg decorating to the next level by visiting your local grocer to pick up a dozen eggs, and your local dollar store for supplies including paint brushes, food colouring, paint, sparkles, sequins, craft paper and anything else you wish to decorate with. Do your kids have a favorite cartoon character? Get inventive and decorate your Easter egg with characters such as minions, ninja turtles, or even emojis!
Easter Egg Hunt
Level-up your Easter egg hunt by getting creative with your clues. Transform your regular hunt in to a scavenger hunt, or maybe include challenges to reach each bunch of hidden eggs. Remember to purchase your Easter chocolate locally to support our Coquitlam businesses. A great option is Purdy’s Chocolates at Coquitlam Centre, and you can pick up other chocolate treats at Clever Cupcakes, Cakes n Sweets, or Coffee + Vanilla.
Easter Dinner
Since dinner will be smaller than the usual, why not skip the prep and clean-up and order from a local restaurant? Browse our list of over 250 options here. You can use our restaurant directory tool to search keywords based on what you are craving for Easter dinner and find the location on a convenient map.
Looking for more ideas and inspiration? Go to visitcoquitlam.ca and follow us on social media @visitcoquitlam.