by Nancy Baye
When it rains in Vancouver, it sometimes feels like it’ll never end. If you’ve outgrown the desire to splash in the puddles or pull worms out of the mucky earth, consider some of these ideas for how to spend a rainy day. [Photo credit: iStock/benedek]
Expand your cooking repertoire at The Dirty Apron, which has been offering top-notch classes since 2009. When they’re not busy catering or slicing things for their deli, chef David Robertson and wife Sara share their expertise and love for food. Students of all ages can learn basic skills along with popular regional cuisines. Skilled instructors, hands-on teaching, high quality tools and appliances, plus local produce make for a great experience. After students are led through the creation of appetizer, entrée and dessert, sit at the communal table to enjoy it all.
Have a fix-up project you’ve been putting off? The excuse of not having the right tools is no longer an option – now that you know about Commercial Drive cooperative Vancouver Tool Library. They loan out tools for home DIY, repairs, bike maintenance and gardening chores, plus they offer workshops. All of this is done with a commitment to community and sustainability, while keeping home improvement and repair costs down.
Step out of the rain and into a tropical jungle at Queen Elizabeth Park’s Bloedel Conservatory. The warm environment boasts palm trees and over 500 exotic plants and fragrant flowers. More than 120 exotic birds have free run of the place, so hold onto your hat. Just scan the horizon atop Queen Elizabeth Park for the shiny dome.
Richmond’s Lockdown Escapes gives you a chance to find your way out of a locked room (cue the evil laughter). Escape rooms include themes like prison detective or abandoned dormitory. Players are given clues and then need to use their wits, senses and teammates to solve the mystery and escape.
Richmond, Langley and New Westminster have indoor trampoline parks by Extreme Air Park. Their air zone has 80 interconnected trampolines, plus a 50 foot half pipe for optimum boing factor. The foam zone is a giant foam pit which ensures a soft landing. Zero gravity basketball leaves no excuses for missing a shot. You can also have a game of dodgeball or volleyball on an enclosed trampoline.
FlyOver Canada takes advantage of leading edge technology to simulate flight. Hang suspended in front of a giant spherical screen, which plays a film that transports you across the country. Soar over raging rivers, the great Rockies, the prairies and cityscapes, all from a bird’s eye view. Comes complete with wind and water effects, and other sensory tricks that mimic the sensation of flight. Okay, so this one might not keep you completely dry, but it sure will make you appreciate home.
