FAMILY DROP IN PROGRAMS
Drop in programs are parent participation, are no cost, and do not require pre-registration. Our play and early learning programming for your little ones 0-6yrs is planned by our insightful and creative Early Childhood Educators. Enjoy a chance to connect with other families and chat with our staff. Whether you just need someone to talk to, or if you are needing any extra support, our Family Support Workers are available to help you access the resources your family needs to thrive!
Join us at two indoor drop in locations: downtown at New Westminster Family Place Quayside (112-960 Quayside Drive, New Westminster BC) and uptown at Eighth + Eight Creative Space in room 1A. (735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster BC).
Regular indoor drop ins are 2 hours. This is an open time with continuous free-play opportunities: come and go whenever is convenient for you. There is no registration required and you do not need to line up or arrive at a certain time, although you will sign in on arrival. We enjoy a relaxed circle time during drop ins for a chance to all come together in a shared song or activity.
Note that we ask parents/caregivers and children to take off their shoes at New Westminster Family Place, Quayside. Please bring cozy socks, slippers or indoor shoes.
Please do not attend if you or your child is feeling unwell.
How can you find us ?
Our Eighth + Eight Creative Spaces (formerly known as the Massey) drop in is located inside the Eight @ Eighth building which houses the Massey Theatre. Find us in the lobby or in room 1A near the box office and front entrance. Parking is located on the east side of the building between the Massey and the Moody Park arena with a side entrance with stairs.
Our new location at 112-960 Quayside Drive is next to Craft Cafe on the Fraser River. Paid parking is available on site and in a nearby parking garage on Quayside Drive. It is accessible from the New Westminster Skytrain Station via McInnis Overpass on foot or by the pedestrian overpass at the Rivermarket (stairs). It is also accessible by bus #103 Quayside, and from Queensborough via the QtoQ ferry on the Waterfront Promenade.
Do your Drop-ins have a capacity limit?
Yes. Our team wants you to enjoy and benefit from our Drop-in Programs, which means that sometimes we need to close our doors and limit the number of people who attend. Please check our social media or website calendar before attending for closure notices. Our team will try our best to suggest nearby alternative programming in the event of capacity closures.
What if I have a question or need help?
If you need help accessing the activities, have questions or need first aid just approach any staff member wearing a yellow nametag.
What should you bring?
Come prepared for fun and mess! Clothes that can get dirty and are comfortable for movement are best. Snacks are welcome out of the play zone, but avoid nuts as some children have allergies. At Family Place Quayside we ask families to take off their shoes.
Family Place is here for all families!
It is so important to us that all of our families feel safe and comfortable while attending our programs. Every Family Place program, no matter the location, upholds and celebrates diversity – a space where all attendees always feel welcome. This includes members of the LGBTQ+ community, and folks of all religious, racial, or socioeconomic backgrounds. If you, or someone you know, feels changes should be made to make New West Family Place a more welcoming space, please never hesitate to reach out.