Worried about keeping the kids entertained this Spring Break? Plan adventures that the whole family will love. Here are our top 10 (and a bonus) picks for fun activities in Surrey to add to your Spring Break bucket list.
Go for a Walk
Surrey’s parks are patiently waiting to keep your adventurous spirit alive and thriving even when the temperatures are a little bit chilly. From discovering a new trail to admiring the change of seasons (watch for cherry blossoms), bust out your best toque and layer up, because we’re sharing some of our favourite walks in Surrey.
Treasure Hunting
If you haven’t tried Geocaching yet, it’s a great way to discover Surrey’s almost 600 parks and green spaces, while sneaking in some exercise. This fun and free activity involves following clues on the Geocaching.com app to find creatively hidden “treasures”. Some caches are relatively easy to find while others are darn right tricky, but using the app and following the clues almost always leads to success. Open up the cache, record your name as a finder, and if there is treasure to be had (usually small trinkets), feel free to help yourself, but good geocaching etiquette recommends leaving a treasure in its place, which is why we carry a small bag of loot like inexpensive collectable pins or small toys. We’ve heard that the Godwin Farm Biodiversity Preserve and Tynehead Regional Park have some cool caches.
Go for a Bike Ride
Surrey is called the City of Parks for a reason. Wherever you find yourself in the region, there’s no shortage of nature trails and natural greenery – and there’s no better way to experience them than by bicycle! Surrey’s bike trails range from short and leisurely to long and challenging, so whether you’re out for a casual spin or bent on a serious trek, there’s a route to suit your fancy. And there are lots of routes perfectly suited for families and younger riders.
Explore the North Surrey Public Art Walk
Take your little art enthusiasts on an engaging self-guided art walk in North Surrey. The entire stroll typically takes around 60 minutes, but be sure to keep your eyes peeled in every direction – up, down, and all around – as the art pieces grace walls, ceilings, parks and Skytrain tracks. Fuel up for your walk with a snack and a hot chocolate (or a coffee) at one of the coffee shops in Civic Square and head out on a discovery of creativity.
Go Bee-hind the Scenes at the Honeybee Centre
Book a private tour (for up to 10 guests) at The Honeybee Centre and learn all about the secret life of bees! Fun, exciting and interactive, the Basic Bee education program includes education about bees, beekeeping, pollination and why it’s important to take care of the environment. Each 60-minute session includes interactive activities and a take-home, bee-friendly, wildflower seedling craft.
Try Bird Watching
Did you know that Surrey is on the South Fraser Bird Trail and home to several parks that provide year-round birdwatching? There are over 200 unique species of birds to see in Surrey! Make a checklist of common birds to look for or download a birding app like Merlin or BirdNET, grab your binoculars if you have them, and head out on a birdwatching adventure, or book a guided bird walk. It’s an ideal way to appreciate Surrey’s winged wildlife in its natural habitat and explore Surrey’s beautiful green spaces. Here’s a little information about where to go and what to look for.
Visit Sammy Salamander
Visit Sammy Salamander at the Surrey Nature Centre. Dedicated to educating our young ones about the importance of green spaces and urban forests, the interactive indoor space is packed with displays of local flora and fauna, a reading nook filled with plant and animal guidebooks and, of course, Sammy! Then head outside to the Arboretum, home to more than 77 different tree species, and let your imagination run wild at the Pole Forest Adventure area.
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is the quintessential British Columbia experience! Heading out on the ocean to watch these majestic creatures in their natural environment is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And did you know that you can go whale watching from Surrey? White Rock Sea Tours & Whale Watch Vancouver depart from the Crescent Beach Marina in South Surrey. Hop on board their state-of-the-art rigid hull inflatable boat and get ready for an adventure!
Visit the Museum of Surrey
Visit the Museum this Spring Break and build whatever you can imagine with building blocks, bricks and more! Tour the “Everything is Awesome” exhibit, make a craft and complete a themed scavenger hunt. Play in the TD Explore Zone and take a walk into Surrey’s past in the Surrey Story Gallery.
Try a new cuisine
Convinced that your kids will never choose chicken shawarma over chicken fingers? Make trying new foods fun, and encourage them to dine around the world this Spring Break on Surrey’s Spice Trail. Canada is known for its multicultural people, food, and experiences, and Surrey’s global food scene is a delicious demonstration of this cultural mosaic. Thai, Japanese, Mexican, South Asian, Lebanese, Jamaican, Korean, and Fusion … are just some of the cuisines available to tantalize your tastebuds, and if you ask, most restaurants will help you choose something to ease your kids into trying something new.
Do a Crawl
Like a pub crawl, but family-friendly! Pick a day and make it all about your kids’ (or your own) favourite treats. Maybe you want to try all the tacos (and churros) in Surrey, or maybe it’s doughnuts or hot chocolate, or ice cream that you’re craving! Before you head out, sit down with Google Maps and plot out your destinations, then load everyone in the car and start your crawl!