Summer fun: Youth and family activities for the summer months
School is officially out and students and families in Surrey and White Rock don’t have to look far to find free events and activities to stay cool and busy during summer break.
With a mascot party, an exhibit on mythical creatures, summer reading clubs and volunteer opportunities at local libraries and the Museum of Surrey, there is no shortage of options available throughout July and August.
Here are some ideas to keep entertained and beat the heat this summer:
Museum of Surrey
Wish Raj the Raccoon a happy birthday on July 29 at the Museum of Surrey!
- Exhibit (Ongoing) - Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures: This is a traveling exhibition from the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures features unique cultural objects to highlight the surprising similarities and differences in the ways people around the world envision and depict mythic creatures. The exhibition includes models and cast fossils of prehistoric animals to investigate how they could have – through misidentification, speculation, fear, or imagination – inspired the development of several legendary creatures.
- July 29 - Raj the Raccoon’s Birthday Party: The museum’s beloved mascot is turning five! Celebrate with face painting by Serena Grayson, crafts, Historical Storytelling by the re-enactors, a scavenger hunt and birthday cake.
- Junior Docent Volunteers: The Surrey Museum has various volunteer opportunities for youth aged 14-18. These positions can help students gain valuable experience and count towards work hours required for graduation.
There are also several other free, ongoing exhibits to check out, including the Indigenous Hall, Community Treasures and Surrey Stories Gallery.
To learn more about what’s going on at the Surrey Museum this summer, click here.
Surrey Libraries' summer reading programs for children and teens offer medals and prizes for reaching reading milestones.With branches across Surrey, there’s sure to be something for everyone at the various locations:
- Summer Reading Club and Teen Summer Adventure: These two reading summer-long reading programs are perfect for children and teens looking for a fun activity spanning July and August. Readers just need to register at their local Surrey Libraries branch and then are given an activity booklet or reading record to track their summer reading progress. The more you read, the more chances you have to win prizes, earn medals and more!
- Youth Writing Contest: Aspiring poets, writers and comic-book artists (even mangakas!) aged 12-18, are invited to enter this annual contest, with several cash prizes up for grabs across various age categories. Entries must be submitted by Aug. 3, 2023 and winners are celebrated at an awards gala in October.
- Various events for all ages: Whether it’s toddler story time, children story and drum sessions, tie-dying for teens, or family LEGO clubs, Surrey Libraries offers numerous one-off free events through the summer. To find out about events taking place at your local branch, check here. (You can search by age and event type)
For more Surrey Libraries programs and events, including teen volunteer opportunities, family resources and more, click here.
White Rock Library
Penny Pom Pom is just one of the family friendly events at the White Rock Library this summer.
- Summer Reading Clubs: With categories available for children to adults, the Fraser Valley Regional Library Summer Reading Club allows readers to register their reading progress each week for a chance to earn badges and win prizes. The more you read, the more chances you have to win!
- July 13 - Wild Moccasin Dancers: An exciting dance presentation where audience members will learn the importance of dance and culture.
- July 24 - Urban Safari: Live animal presentations covering topics such as animal characteristics, habitat, adaptations, why exotic animals should not be pet and more. Introduce the vast world of animals to your favourite people. The animals will fascinate you, educate you, entertain you and leave memories to last a lifetime.
- Aug. 17 - Penny Pom Pom: The Penny Pom Pom show is an exciting multimedia experience full of music, storytelling and magic for young kids. Sing and dance along to her catchy and original guitar-driven music about magic, creativity, nature, animals and the seasons. She will be sharing music from her newest album, “Everything is Magic” and fan favourites such as “Dandelion” and “Animal for the Day.”
In addition, check out the monthly STEAM clubs for kids and teens, as well as weekly scavenger hunts, book draws and family story time.
To see all upcoming events at White Rock Library, click here.
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Wishing you a safe and wonderful summer break, from Surrey Schools!
