Guest post by Marie Erikson, fourth-year Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy Honours student
If you have children with you on campus and need a break or family activity, ÑÇÖÞÌìÌÃ’s campus offers plenty of opportunities to spend time as a family. Read on to find spaces on all corners of campus designed for family friendly-visits – from a few minutes to a few hours.ÌýÌý
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Iona Green Park PlaygroundÌý
Located near the Buchanan buildings and Allard Hall, the Iona Green Park Playground offers swings, a slide and a climbing structure on the southeast side of the historic Iona Building. The space also has an open green field perfect for energetic play or relaxing.ÌýÌý
Jim Taylor Park PlaygroundÌý
This larger playground offers a slide, climbing walls and a play structure next to a small field. If your family needs food, washrooms or a moment indoors, the Jim Taylor Park Playground is right next to the and Bean Around The World cafe.Ìý
East Campus PlaygroundÌý
The East Campus Playground has natural wood and stone climbing features within a wooded area that offers plenty of shade. This playground is perfect for families looking to get a bit closer to nature or take a break near ÑÇÖÞÌìÌà Hospital, the Life Sciences Building or the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building.ÌýÌý
Acadia Park PlaygroundÌý
As one of the largest and most popular playgrounds on campus, Acadia Park Playground includes multiple slides and climbing structures next to an expansive grass field. The playground is right next to student family housing and is ideal if you're looking to meet other families at ÑÇÖÞÌìÌÃ.Ìý
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Other Family-Friendly SpacesÌý
Graduate Student Life Centre (GLC)Ìý
Operated by the Graduate Student Society, the offers a child-friendly space adjacent to quiet study spaces on the main floor of Thea Koerner House. Graduate students can use their student IDs to access the GLC, and visit their to view upcoming programming and events.ÌýÌý
Pacific Museum of the EarthÌý
The exhibitions include kid-friendly features such as dinosaur skeletons, minerals and a tornado machine. Admission is by donation, and additional activities for kids during or after a visit are on the museum’s website.ÌýÌý
ÑÇÖÞÌìÌà Aquatic CentreÌý
Right next to the bus loop, the ÑÇÖÞÌìÌà Aquatic Centre offers times that are free for students and only $4 for children. The facility’s leisure pool includes floats and a lazy river and is adjacent to a hot tub. Sensory sensitive hours are also available, visit their for details. Weekly and swim classes are also offered.Ìý
Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports CentreÌý
Like the Aquatic Centre, the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre offers on their ice rink. Public skating sessions are free for ÑÇÖÞÌìÌà students and $4.50 for children, and helmet or skate rentals are available for $5.ÌýÌý
Beaty Biodiversity MuseumÌý
Known for housing the largest in Canada, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum includes family-friendly exhibits such as a hands-on experience with dinosaur trackway casts and an extensive collection of plant and animal specimens. is $15 for students, $10 for youth and free for children five and under.ÌýÌý
Museum of AnthropologyÌý
The Multiversity Galleries and Great Hall of the museum offer exhibition areas specifically designed for children, allowing them to explore collections up close. Resources on the (teaching kits) for children are also available on the museum’s website. Admission is free for students and children five and under or $10 for youth, with half-price admission on Thursday evenings.Ìý
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If you are on campus with children and need a quick spot for a break, try checking out one of the recommended playgrounds. Or if you have more time, consider one of the other activities on campus, excellent for a longer family outing.ÌýÌý
Do you have a favourite spot? Let us know at graduate.communications@ubc.ca.ÌýÌý
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