Indoor pursuits keep kids active during hazy days

The forecast for Metro Vancouver remainshot and hazy for the next few days.

Smoke from the wildfires inB.C. has prompted air quality advisoriesformuch of Metro Vancouver as well as other locations. Meanwhile, officials are warning of the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke from high temperatures.

For parentsseeking indoor activities for children during these hazy days, bloggerChristine Pilkingtonshared some suggestions with On the Coast host Richard Zussman.

• Health risk from smoky skies off the charts in parts of B.C.

"InVancouverwe do indoor really well because we get so much rain," said Pilkington, who publishes vancouvermom.ca.

"There are so many options for parents to choose in terms of staying out of the smoke and staying inside."

Hit the pool

Pilkington says Hillcrest Aquatic Centre in Queen Elizabeth Park, with its 'humongous' slide,stands out among the many excellent indoor pools in Metro Vancouver, as well as the very affordableWatermania in Richmond.

"It almost feels like you're going to a fun park," she said.

Quieter pursuits

For a more introverted child, Pilkington said this could be anideal time to hit the Cineplex, with plenty of summerblockbusters for kids on the big screen, includingDespicable Me 3 andCars 3.

Another option for quieter children: The public library.

Even a trip to the mall can be a refreshing outing these days.

"You can stay in the air conditioning," she said. "Tsawwassen Mills, for example, near the ferry terminal, feels almost like you're going on vacation when you drive out that way."

Many malls have indoor centres designed specially for children to play in, she said.

Avoid the tourist crowds

Popular attractions such as Science World and the Aquarium can be particularly busy during tourist season, so Pilkingtonsuggests some less touristyattractions.

"We have so many spots to climb in Vancouver," she said.

One she recommends is The Hive BoulderingGym on Industrial Ave. in Vancouver.

'It's a great place for kids to explore the walls," she said. Her own daughter enjoyed it so much at a day camp that she's having her birthday party there.

Otherindoor destinations off the tourist circuit include sampling the activities at local community centres, or a spotsuch as the Circus Play Cafe.

"Parents can have a coffee while the kids play on a play structure," she said."If you have a little one that's a little more active there's the Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Surrey, which is a great way for kids to let off steam."

Avoiding boredom at home

Stock up with craft supplies, basic art supplies,games andpuzzles.

"It's almost like making a cottage at your house but you're really at your house," Pilkingtonsaid.