TRAVELLING WITH kids doesn’t have tomeana - mega-excursion such as "Disneyland or the Calgary Stampede. It doesn’t have to. . mean so much as an overnighter. Although | week- “end trips are great fun, day ‘trips mean a lot to kids. “Summer holidays are the most exciting things on the agenda for kids, from now until the end of school. But, come mid-July, how many of us hear the old familiar whine, “There’s nothing to do?” - E found the best counter for that -swas, “Well, let’s plan something.” :’ As with any kid-oriented activi- 2 ty, the planning i is half the fun. * However, it’s a good idea if the ‘parent can begin with a few con- * crete ideas that fil the time frame and the budget. ‘ : ~* 2 Don’t forget the element of sur- . prise, too. It’s fun for kids if the : parent starts with a few clues the day before a surprise outing. “How much money have you left from your allowance? You may need a -bit more, want an advance?” Trust the kid to look puzzled. Resort Lifestyle ' Full Or Part-Time Living From. § - $50,000 U.S. 3 Acre Recreation | ‘Complex And ° 24 Hour Security In Birch Bay, WA LATITUTE 49 - "1-800-231-2249 4 NIGHTS May 15 to 19 May 22 to 26 May 29 to June 02 con $329 pret “ALADDIN HOTEL f IMPERIAL PALACE HOTEL + Taxes are extra Subject to availabilty “What kind of shape is your windbreaker in? You might need it.” The kid goes nuts trying to fig- ure oul why he'll need a wind- breaker for such a sunny day, (Could you be planning a day trip on B.C, Ferries?) The ideal outing for kids com- bines several elements, The first, is getting there. I found that long car tides are a bore for day trips. If the ride is longer than an hour, save it for a long weekend. Mind you, if the trip includes a varicty of alternative transportation, '. the travel itself is great fun. A ferry ride, 4 trip on the train, even a tour bus is a novelty. Very rich parents might want to go to Victoria by helicopter but we’re out to break the monotony, not the budget. Do you aliow the kids to bring friends along? I found that one ‘friend per outing was plenty, but if , one kid gets to bring a friend, all must get the same privilege. Bear in mind that the friend of one kid might be a monster, so con- sider this carefully before bringing any extras. : Kids like to see immediate results. There’s no use planning an activity for next month —— let them see the results within a few days. What can kids do to help get the trip organized? Let them make the calls for ferry schedules and fares. Let them plan any picnic lunch and ‘make the shopping list. - Lists of “bring alongs” can give a group of kids plenty to do as long as parents set the guidelines. Can we bring the dog? Have we got film : for the camera? Do we need hiking | boots? A wise parent plans ahead for luils in the day. I wish there had _ WEDNESDAY Photo submitted THE STOREHOUSE at Fort Langley is the only original struc- ture from the re-building in 1840. It was used as servants’ quar- ters and held goods for shipment on the river and abroad. been disposable cameras available when we went on day trips with our kids. Will there be a play area where you're going? Pack an inflatable beach ball or a Frisbee. Remember, kids get antsy if they have to sit’ still for long. They get very hungry, too. Will there be food and drinks to buy or. should you pack some? Even if © there are good stands, it’s often wise to picnic. No matter where you go, the parent will end up toting the load. But I'd rather tote a backpack with extra sweaters than be without when you need one. Remember to bring essentials like sunscreen, tissues, band-aids and plenty of money — even if you don’t need it! Here are a few day trips our kids enjoyed. This is by no means a ’ comprehensive list and if you’ve discovered something wonderful to do with your kids for a day, let me know and I'll I pass ‘along any tips. *Consumers Distributing. *Sears *Woolco “*Marks Work Warehouse. Tip Top Tailors FRIDAY *Real Estate Weekly *Moores the Suit People “The Bay Watch for our North Shore News Homes Section SUNDAY *Buy Low Foods “IGAPlus “Super Valu Save On Foods Safeway Shoppers Drug Mart The Bay Real Canadian Superstore if you miss any of these flyers call: our 98 Distribution office at -1337 * delivered to selected areas only ‘fi A walk through Gastown and Chinatown with a big Chinese “lunch, Bi Granville Island Market — Kids are astonished at many of the prod- ucts sold. We would browse. and - choose a complete dinner menu from the meat and produce stands. Half the fun was trying some- thing completely new. The market features entertainers and you might consider a matinee at one of the theatres there — check the paper for listings. @ Take the ferry to Gibsons or Nanzimo. Have the kids make a long-distance call to the Nanaimo Visitors’ Bureau (1-800-663-7337) but before they pick up the phone, See Fort page 34 ‘ECOSUMMER Ex “SIDETRACKS EXPLORE CANADA Out- door Adventures is offering an overnight Boise Valley backpacking adventure, May 14-15, in support of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee’s efforts to pre- serve this old-growth forest. Participants can expect to see pictographs, stunning scenery and nature at its best. The price, which includes pick up and drop off in downtown Vancouver, food, cooking ‘utensils, and applicable taxes, is $125, with proceeds donated to the WCWC. For more infor- mation, contact Brian Grover at 685-6285, (PEDI- | TIONS is presenting a slide show, Photography on a. Wilderness Expedition, on -|. Tuesday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. Anyone interested in learning how to improve their photogra-. phy while on expeditions, as: well as those wanting more information about. Eco- summer’s photographic tours, . is invited to attend. The event. takes place at Tigers Restaurant, 2133 Granville St. in Vancouver. Space is limited. . Call 669-7741 to teserve a spot | Compiled by Robyn Brown: Now singles from all over Vancouver and the Fraser Valley can’ . turn to thelr community newspaper to-meet new people. It's Taiking Personals, personal ads you can respond | to by touch." tone phone. Look for the Talking Personals ‘page in the classifieds every week. First, place your free print ad describing yourself and the xind of |” person you'd like to meet. Then, record a greeting on your free” " personal voice mailbox. This is where singles can leave confidential messages for those people they'd like to meet. It's free! 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