I just realized today that our deadline for Mason's giant list of things to do before he turns 3 is coming up on Feb 21st! We managed to cross off 19 adventures!
Today we visited the Vancouver Maritime Museum. There is ample parking beside the museum but bring your change or credit card as you'll have to pay for parking.. $3.00 for 1.5hrs.
Since Mason was under 5 his entry fee was waived and adults are $11.00 + tax but because I have a membership to the Entertainment Book I was eligible for a 50% discount. Woohoo! It took the cashier a few minutes to get our admission processed as she didn't know how to accept a mobile coupon (just show your phone). If you don't have an Entertainment Book, you can click on this link for a coupon. (Valid until 04/2012)
Once we were in, we walked through a few displays of 'gift shop' items which caught my eye because they were pirate themed which is exactly what we are doing for Mason’s upcoming 3rd birthday (Pirates & Princesses). The museum is built around a giant boat (which is too big to take pictures of!). Mason was fascinated by the displays holding model ships and the elaborate displays which child friendly buttons to push and switch.
Mason insisted on wearing his North Burnaby Junior Fire Chief hat today :)
Standing by the inukshuk
The drawers each had tools & food the Inuit used in their igloos and daily life. Mason had fun opening the drawers to see what was inside.
Beautiful carvings.
A sign in the bathroom area. The women's bathroom had a child changing station as well as an area to hang up coats.
Mason loved the display cases.
Lots of ship control panels.
They had an area just for kids and this was a telescope (complete with stool) so Mason could take a look at the boats in the water.
My little deep sea diver!
Blurry picture but this was a user controlled submarine. Mason had a blast moving it around.
Pirate flags!
We took a walk around the giant boat. Just to give you an idea of how big it is! Unfortunately due to a mis-communication when we first got into the museum, the patrons are invited to watch a 15 minute documentary before being escorted onto the 'big boat'. We skipped the video as Mason wouldn't sit still for it and by the time we thought it was time to check out the boat, it was closed off for a private birthday party. I was a bit disappointed as Mason really wanted to see it. So ensure that you are told what the viewing schedule is so you have an opportunity to see everything the museum has to offer.
On our way out I couldn't help but choose a gift shop item for Mason's birthday present. I hope he loves it! If you have a little pirate wannabe, this is a great place for reasonably priced pirate gifts!
If you go:
Address: 1905 Ogden Avenue (near the Burrard bridge entrance on the Kitsilano side).
Website: http://vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/