Summer in Vancouver: Take Off Fridays

One of the best parts of summer in Vancouver is Take Off Fridays at YVR. Now in its fifth year, this free event runs every Friday from July 4 – August 29, 2014 between 9:00am and 3:00pm on Departures Level 3 in the Domestic, International and US Terminals. The kid-friendly fun includes free entertainment, delicious food samples and deals for Vancouverites and visitors alike. Little ones will especially enjoy caricaturists and balloonists, as well as face painting and photos ops with the beloved YVR mascots.

Make a Paper Airplane at Take Off Fridays

Budding aviation buffs will enjoy a tour of the Public Observation Area, which features interactive displays, quizzes and videos offering a behind-the-scenes look at Canada’s second busiest airport. You can discover Sea Island, learn interesting facts about YVR and all things aviation-related, and use the high-tech telescopes.

One event that is fast becoming a favourite at Take Off Fridays is the Paper Airplane Competition. It’s happening on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 11:00am. Participants of all ages will vie for a chance to win big prizes, squaring off to create an airplane that can go the distance. Paper airplane expert Ralph Heldt will be on hand to coach participants on the aerodynamics of paper airplanes, and provide insight on which folding methods will yield the farthest flights. And those big prizes? They include a $100 travel gift card courtesy of Uniglobe Travel, a $500 prepaid currency card from ICE Currency Exchange and $250 YVR Bucks and a set of luggage.

Cheap(er) Parking

One of the downsides to visiting YVR is the parking – it adds up. Fast. The airport is offering a special parking rate of only $5 for up to four hours of parking in YVR’s Parkade during Take Off Fridays, making for a much more affordable outing. Or skip all the hassle and ride the Canada Line. Kids love transit, as every mom knows, so adding a SkyTrain ride to your day will only make it that much more fun for your little ones.