Bonsor Recreation Complex and the surrounding Metrotown area offer a wealth of activities tailored for 4 and 6-year-olds. While 4-year-olds can enjoy preschooler-specific play, 6-year-olds have access to a wider range of school-age sports and instructional programs.
Activities at Bonsor Recreation Complex
Located directly in the Metrotown area, Bonsor is the primary hub for local families.
- Tiny Tikes (Ages 1–5): A popular drop-in session for younger children. It features ride-on toys, small climbers, and sports equipment like soccer balls and floor hockey sticks. This is perfect for a 4-year-old, though 6-year-olds are generally too old for this specific program.
- Swimming and Water Play: The Bonsor pool includes a shallow leisure area and a regular schedule for public swims and family swims. Specific lessons (like the "Octopus" level for ages 4-6) are available through seasonal registration.
- Drop-in Skating: During the winter season, family skating sessions are available. For 4 and 6-year-olds, the "Parent & Tot" or beginner skating lessons are excellent ways to start.
- Gymnasium Sports: The complex offers "Open Gym" times where kids can run around and play. Check the current schedule for "Family Gym" or "Preschool Gym" slots.
- Childminding: If you need a break while working out, Bonsor offers professional childminding services for children up to age 12.
Activities Near Metrotown (Within Walking Distance)
If you are looking to venture just outside the recreation complex center, several other options are nearby:
- Central Park Playground: Located just a few blocks from Bonsor, Central Park has a large, modern playground with structures suitable for both toddlers (4yo) and older kids (6yo). There are also vast forest trails for a light nature walk.
- Bob Prittie Metrotown Library: Situated across the street from the mall, the library hosts Family Storytime (for ages 0–6) featuring songs, stories, and social time for kids and caregivers.
- Metropolis at Metrotown Entertainment:
- CHKM (The Rec Room): While mostly for older kids/adults, they have many arcade games that 6-year-olds will enjoy.
- Toys "R" Us Play Area: Often has small demonstration areas for kids to test toys.
- Events: The mall frequently hosts seasonal pop-up events (like Lego displays or character meet-and-greets).
- Kidoodles Art Studio: Located just a few blocks east on Kingsway, this studio offers specialized art and crafting classes for children of all ages, including drop-in sessions.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Registration: Popular classes like swimming and skating at Bonsor fill up almost instantly. Check the City of Burnaby WebReg for registration dates.
- Be Active Pass: If you plan on visiting frequently, consider the Be Active Pass which covers drop-in fees for swimming, gym, and skating sessions.
- Transit: The area is exceptionally transit-friendly; both the Metrotown Skytrain station and the central bus loop are within a 5-minute walk of Bonsor.