Spring break is almost here! And we’ve got some fun ideas for spring break adventures with the family in White Rock. White Rock has lots to discover and we’re sharing some of our favourite adventures … from days at the beach (layer up if it’s chilly) and walks through the woods to fish & chips on the patio, ice cream, art and so much more.
Beachcombing
Kids of all ages love beachcombing. Check out “Low Tide: What You’ll Find” for more information about the treasure you can find on the beach … from crabs and clams to a variety of colourful seashells. And keep your eyes peeled for colourful pieces of beach glass! Pack a picnic, or grab takeout from your favourite Marine Drive restaurant. And don’t forget to make time for ice cream!
Historical Walking Tour
Every Wednesday at 11 am, White Rock Museum archives manager, Hugh Ellenwood, leads walking tours of the White Rock waterfront. The tours start at the museum and include a stroll along the beach, where you learn about the history of the city and hear stories about the Pier, the train station and the beach. The tours last about 60 minutes and reservations are not necessary. Or, start at the museum and do a self-guided tour of White Rock’s heritage and the different communities that lived in White Rock, including the European settler communities, the Se mi ah ma people, and the Japanese community that once lived near East Beach. Look for the “Heritage Stones” and placards located along the promenade, in White Rock’s “uptown”, and the “Pier Panels” along the pier. And be sure to pop into the museum and view their current exhibit, Shenanigans: Celebrating 80 years of the White Rock Players’ Club. The exhibit features costumes, props and set pieces from past productions, as well as music and videos showcasing the history of the world-famous White Rock Players.
Mural Walk
You can find artwork, waiting to be discovered, around almost every corner, but one of our favourite forms of public art is the colourful murals that adorn the sides of many buildings throughout the city. How many of White Rock’s beautiful murals can you find? Grab a snack and hot chocolate from one of our fabulous coffee shops and start walking! We’ve created a map with most of the murals so you can plot your journey.
Treasure Hunting
A modern-day treasure hunt, the activity of geocaching is a great way to explore White Rock and South Surrey. This fun and free activity involves following clues on the Geocaching.com app to find creatively hidden “treasures”. Once you’ve uncovered the cache, mark your name as finder. If there is treasure to be had, be sure to replace it with a small gift for the next finder. All you need is a GPS (the one on your phone works just fine), access to the geocaching website for the coordinates and clues and swag for trading.
Patio Lunches
Treat the kids, and yourself, to lunch with a view. There are countless spots to grab a great meal in White Rock, but we thought we’d share a few of our favourite family-friendly patios to check out this spring … and summer. Charlie Don’t Surf’s patio is centrally located on the White Rock strip, across from the pier, and their kids’ menu features favourites like fish & chips, quesadillas or salmon and rice. Local favourite, Uli’s Restaurant has a “secret” burger menu that’s a hit with kids and parents. And who needs a kid’s menu when there are tacos on offer? Each order of tacos at Zapoteca Mexican Grill comes with 5 tacos, perfect for sharing! Or grab fish & chips takeout and head to the picnic tables along the promenade for the ultimate patio dining experience!
Check out a park or a trail
The first thing that typically comes to mind when thinking about White Rock is the beach … and it’s awesome! But, there are also a few fabulous parks and trails just waiting to be discovered. Generations Playground, in Ruth Johnson Park (14600 North Bluff Road), is a super fun, all-ages/all-abilities playground designed to be barrier-free and inclusive for “people of all abilities from small children, youth, adults, seniors and those using personal assistive devices such as walkers and wheelchairs will have the freedom to use this pristine outdoor area.” Definitely worth a visit to check out the zipline, the accessible zipline bucket swing, face-to-face swing and the amazing climbing structure. While you’re there, take a break from the playground and venture down the scenic trail system through Ruth Johnson Park and Centennial Trails. The trail system includes a boardwalk and staircases and is a great way to explore the forest.
(photo: City of White Rock)