Have you been searching for a unique, educational and action-packed experience to share with your children? If so, we think someone’s fairy godmother just waved a wand and made it happen, because the Surrey Children’s Festival is all that and more! It’s an arts-oriented event that’s focused on inspiring children and encouraging them to unleash their creativity. There really is something for everyone, from babies and toddlers to tweens.
The festival takes place at Bear Creek Park and Surrey Arts Centre from May 24th to May 26th. On Thursday and Friday it runs from 9:00am to 2:30pm, and on Saturday it runs from 10:30am to 7:30pm. Site entrance is free, but there is a cost for some of the shows and activities. Ticket information is as follows:
Thursday and Friday Ticket Cost:
Regular Tickets: $10.00 (Includes Arts Activity Wristband)
Under 3 years: $6
Arts Activity Wristband: $7 (Valid all 3 days. Free for adults supervising children)
Saturday Ticket Cost:
Adults and children over 3: $12
Under 3 years: $7
Saturday Festival Plus Pass (All Day Festival Access plus one guaranteed ticket to a featured performance of your choice)
Adults and children over 3: $15
Under 3 years: $7
Family Pack (4 tickets): $36.00
Saturday All Access Pass: $12 (limited number available)
You might want to bring a picnic and take in the atmosphere, or you might be inspired to take advantage of the plethora of activities available! Below, we’ve listed many (but not all) of the festival’s arty opportunities:
Festival Procession
The festival’s 13th annual procession is a parade followed by a dance party! Watch the processional band which promotes the history, music, art and culture of Brazil in interactive and educational demonstrations. Wear your Halloween costume if you feel like getting in on the action, and meet at the Canadian Maple Leaf Dance Hall on Saturday, May 26 at 12:30pm.
Live Entertainment
Renowned international and local children’s performers will grace the festival’s stages to put on unforgettable shows for your little (and not so little) ones! This year’s lineup includes The Kif-Kif Sisters – a hilarious sister-duo clowning around, David Bouchard – Order of Canada Métis storyteller, Baking Time – mater kitchen utensil puppeteers, and many more!
Arts Activities (Wristband required)
Big Top Circus Fun
Always dreamed of running away with the circus? This is the best of both worlds – explore the exciting Circus Arts (like juggling and walking on stilts) and still return to your warm bed at the end of the day.
Clay Arts
Port Metro Vancouver presents this activity that uses clay to investigate intermodal transportation around the world. Children develop small motor skills and imaginations as they shape ships, trains and trucks.
Music Makers Station
Make beautiful music with pianos and marimbas to get those creative juices flowing.
Face Paint Station
Transform into your favourite super hero, or furry friend at the Face Paint Station. Add a little colour and get your festival face on.
Poet Zone
Award-winning children’s author Lori Sherritt-Flemming will teach little ones the power of words by helping kiddos create poems of their own.
Arts Activities (free!)
Chalk Arts
Have you ever walked past a chalk artist creating life-like masterpieces on the sidewalk and wondered how they do it? Now’s your chance to flex your own creativity – large scale style.
Giant Sandbox
It’s just like it sounds. Get creative. Get messy. Build. Destroy. Repeat.
Nature Play
Get hands-on art in nature! Create masterpieces with cones, rocks, tree cookies and more!
Storytelling Tent
The festival’s storytelling tent, presented by Surrey Libraries, features delightful puppets, songs and stories from around the world.
For a full list and timetable of events, visit the Surrey Children’s Festival website.