Best Family-Friendly Summer Events in Vancouver. Main Image: 2026 Vancouver International Children’s Festival. This post is sponsored by the vendors featured below.
Looking for family-friendly summer events in Vancouver this weekend or this month? Whether you’re planning last-minute weekend activities or building your summer bucket list, Metro Vancouver is packed with kid-friendly festivals, outdoor events, and things to do with kids from May through August. From free community events and cultural festivals to night markets, fairs, and hands-on activities, there’s always something happening for families every weekend.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best summer events in Vancouver for families, so you can easily find things to do in Vancouver with kids this summer—whether you’re looking for free events, outdoor adventures, or unforgettable family experiences.
Don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for:
Bring the whole family to explore giant machines, hands-on activities, and real-world engineering in action—designed to spark curiosity and learning.
Head down to Granville Island for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival May 25 to May 31 and enjoy spectacular performances from around the globe for kids and families of all ages! The 2026 Festival will feature circus arts, puppetry, theatre, dance, and music shows plus lots of arts activities created just for children.
Each show ticket includes an Activity Village wrist-band. With over a dozen arts activities, the Activity Village offers many ways to have fun together as a family.
Celebrating “The Ocean and Us”, get ready for a wide range of activities, workshops, presentations, and art demonstrations featuring the many ways that we have connected, and still do connect, to our oceans and waterways. Experiences include:
Join us for a day celebrating maritime traditions, cultural practices, history, and connection as we honour World Oceans Day 2026!
In celebration of this brand-new Cannery offering, join the Gulf of Georgia Cannery for a launch event from 2:00-4:00pm June 7th, 2026 to experience limited-time programming and offers, and to get first access to purchase a copy of this unique piece of Steveston history!
Special Launch event programming includes (2:00pm-4:00pm only):
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Visit the Cannery on June 7th and purchase a copy of Fish Tales: Cannery Community Cooking, Past and Present and receive 10% off your admission to the museum!
Looking for a fun, active, and completely free family event this summer? Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 20, 2026, when the City of Delta hosts the brand-new Barns to Beaches Festival — a full day of cycling, live music, food and family-friendly fun.
The day kicks off with a community bike ride along Delta’s scenic Barns to Beaches route, connecting Tsawwassen and Ladner through beautiful shoreline paths and farmland. Families can choose from three ride options: a 1km Kids Ride around the festival site, an easy 8km Leisure Ride to the Boundary Bay dike, or a 32km Full Course Ride for more experienced cyclists. Celebration stations along the route feature music, snacks and photo opportunities to keep things fun and engaging for kids and adults alike.
After the ride, the festival continues from 2:00pm to 9:00pm at Southlands Red Barn in Tsawwassen. Families can enjoy food trucks, craft beverages for adults, community booths, and interactive activities for kids. The main stage features local performers throughout the afternoon, leading up to an evening concert by Canadian rock favourites 54-40.
There’s also an Adventure Expo (10:00am–6:00pm) with cycling vendors, outdoor exhibitors, a BC Lions meet-and-greet, guest rider Q&As and even an e-bike draw.
Festival admission is free, but advance registration is required.
*Please double-check event details on their website before attending as details may change
| Every First Friday of the Month | Vancouver Art Gallery Location: Vancouver Art Gallery Tickets: Free From 4 PM to 8 PM View Website |
| Summer | BC Farmers Market Location: Varies View Website |
| Every Saturday Morning | Family Favourites Cineplex Location: Varies Tickets: $2.99 View Website |
| First Sunday of Each Month | Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Location: Vancouver Tickets: Pay What You Can View Website |
| May 16 – June 30 (Saturdays & Sundays) July 1 – August 21 (Wednesday – Sunday) *Select Fridays & Saturdays in July & August (July 3 & July 10 – August 15) | Playland Location: 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver Tickets: Varies View Website |
| April 3 – Thanksgiving | Burnaby Central Railway Location: Burnaby Central Railway, Burnaby Tickets: $5.00 for a single ride, all passengers 3 years old and up $45.00 for a 10 ride passes (may be used over multiple days, no expiry) View Website |
| April 24 – Sept 20 Friday – Sunday + Stat Holiday | Richmond Night Market Location: Richmond View Website |
| June 19 – September 7 | Canada Strong Pass Location: Various Parks, Museums, VIA Rail Tickets: Free or Discounted Rate View Website |
| May 2 – September 7 | Burnaby Village Museum Location: 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby Tickets: Free View Website |
| July 3 – August 22 Various Dates | Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) Location: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park, Vancouver Tickets: Various View Website |
| May 1, June 5 July 17, August 7 September 4 | White Rock Night Market Location: White Rock Tickets: Free View Website |
| May 15 to September 7 | Soccer & Technology From The FIFA Museum Location: Science World, Vancouver Tickets: Various View Website |
| Giants at Work Britannia Mine Museum Location: Britannia Mine Museum, Britannia Beach Admission: Regular Price Website |
| June 9 – September 19 | Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival Location: Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park, Vancouver Tickets: Various View Website |
| June 18 – August 16 | The Play That Goes Wrong Location: Lindsay Family Stage at Granville Island, Vancouver Tickets: $39 – $98 Website |
Looking for things to do in Vancouver with kids on the weekends in May? As the weather warms up, the city comes alive with family-friendly festivals, spring markets, and outdoor adventures perfect for little ones. Whether you’re planning a last-minute weekend outing or looking for things to do this month, May is packed with interactive events, blooming gardens, and cultural celebrations across Metro Vancouver.
| 2026 Vancouver International Children’s Festival Location: Granville Island, Vancouver Tickets: From $15 Website |
| May 26 | Mamma Mia! Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver Tickets: Varies Website |
| May 28 | Oakridge Park Opening Location: Oakridge Mall, Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
| May 28 – July 26 | Come From Away Location: 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver Tickets: $39 – $228 Website |
| May 30 | Buzz and Bloom Fest Location: 14225 Green Timbers Way, Surrey Tickets: Free Website |
| May 30 | Vessi 500 Championship Location: Olympic Village, Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
| May 30 – 31 | Too Cute Pop Up Market 2026 Location: Maritime Labour Centre, Vancouver Website |
| May 31 | Spot Prawn Festival Location: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf, Vancouver Tickets: $85 Website |
Looking for family-friendly events in Vancouver on weekends in June? With longer days and the start of summer, June is the perfect time to explore outdoor festivals, community events, and kid-friendly activities happening all month long. From free local events to exciting weekend festivals, there are plenty of fun things to do with kids in Vancouver before the busy summer season kicks into full gear.
| June 6 | World Ocean Day Location: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, Richmond Tickets: Free Website |
| June 6 | Meet Peppa Pig & George Location: Entry 3, Tsawwassen Mills Tickets: Free Website |
| June 6 | Hats Off Day Location: Hasting St, Burnaby Tickets: Free Website |
| June 6 – 7 | Doors Open Richmond 2026 Location: Various, Richmond Tickets: Free Website |
| June 6 – 7 | Artree Open House Location: The Centre, Unit 402, 6378 Silver Ave, Burnaby Tickets: Free Website |
| June 7 | Fish Tales: Cannery Community Cooking, Past and Present Location: Gulf of Georgia Cannery’s Boiler House Theatre, Richmond Tickets: – Standard Cannery admission applies – 10% off regular admission for all visitors who purchase a copy of Fish Tales – FREE admission to launch event from 2:00-4:00pm Website |
| June 6 to July 19 | Canyon Kick-Off Location: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, North Vancouver Tickets: Admission Website |
| June 11 – July 19 | Surrey Soccer Fan Zones Location: Surrey Civic Plaza, Cloverdale Tickets: Free Website |
| June 12 to July 19 | Richmond Celebrates Soccer Location: Richmond Tickets: Free Website |
| June 15 | Mom & Baby Movement Class Location: Hadden Park, Vancouver Tickets: Donation (Recommended Donation $25 – $40) Website |
| Barns to Beaches Festival Location: Tsawwassen, Delta Tickets Free, Registration Required *The event is currently at full capacity, with more tickets potentially being released closer to the event date. Website |
| June 20 | Capilano Mall’s Bubble Fest Location: Capilano Mall, North Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
| June 21 | Father’s Day Brunch Buffet Location: Glowbal, Vancouver Tickets: $85 per person for adults $35 per person for kids 12 and under Website |
Looking for the best things to do in Vancouver on the weekend with kids in July? This is peak summer in the city, with major festivals, outdoor concerts, and iconic events happening throughout the month. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or mapping out your July adventures, families can expect high-energy events, vibrant celebrations, and unforgettable summer experiences across Metro Vancouver.
| July 1 | Surrey Canada Day 2026 Location: Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, Surrey Tickets: Free Website |
| July 10 – 12 | Carnaval del Sol Location: Jonathan Rogers Park, Vancouver Tickets: Varies Website |
| July 11 | Wonder Khatsahlano Street Party Location: West 4th Ave, Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
| July 17 – 19 | Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2026 Location: Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver Tickets: Varies Website |
Looking for family-friendly things to do in Vancouver this weekend in August? As summer winds down, August is filled with classic fairs, outdoor movies, and end-of-summer festivals perfect for families. Whether you’re squeezing in a last-minute weekend activity or checking off your summer bucket list, there are still plenty of fun and memorable events happening throughout the month.
| August 15 | BC Dumpling Festival Location: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam Tickets: Free Website |
| August 22 | Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Summer Regatta Location: Olympic Village, Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
All aboard for the Buddy and Friends Children’s Festival at the Railway Museum of BC, an action-packed weekend of live music, storytelling, dance, games, crafts, and nonstop train fun! Families can enjoy JUNO-winning artist Norman Foote’s songwriting session, improv with Ira Pettle, juggling with Mike Battie, plus performances by Al Simmons and The Myrtle Sisters. Kids can join interactive play with The Nylon Zoo, create puppets and murals in the Creative Corner, and explore hands-on train exhibits. The highlight is unlimited rides on three trains, including the Mini-Rail scenic ride, the BC-21 Budd Diesel Car, and the Maintenance-of-Way Speeder, plus model trains, Thomas displays, and photo ops with Buddy the Royal Hudson. A full day of family-friendly entertainment, creativity, and trains, tickets sell out fast!
| April 17 – May 3 | Shrek The Musical Location: Massey Theatre, New Westminster Tickets: $38.50 – $65.75 Website |
| Free Comic Book Day Location: Various Participating Locations Tickets: Free Website |
| Spring Fest Location: Elgin Heritage Park, Surrey Tickets: Free Website |
| 2nd Annual Buddy & Friends Children’s Festival Location: Railway Museum of BC, Squamish Tickets: – One Day Single General Admission: $35 – One Day Family Pass (Max 4 people): $120 – Children UNDER 2 years old: Free Website |
| Got Craft, Spring Market Location: Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver Tickets: $5.72 (kids 12 and under are free) Website |
| Ships to Shore: Kaiwo Maru Location: Garry Point Park, Richmond Tickets: Free / Ship Boarding: $10.29 + GST Website |
| Man in Motion Book Launch Location: Vancouver Kidsbooks, Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
| Until May 3 | Sweet Spring Greendale Acres Location: Chilliwack Tickets: Use our code “CheungSpring” to save 15% Website |
| April 22 – May 10 | The Paper Bag Princess Location: Waterfront Theatre, Vancouver Tickets: Various Website |
| May 9 | Science Rendezvous UBC Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
| May 9 | West Van Card Show Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver Tickets: $10 Cash $11 Card Kids 7 & under FREE (when accompanied by an adult) Website |
| May 9 | VanDusen Spring Strings (VSO) Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden Tickets: General Admission Website |
| May 9 | May Day Parade Location: Port Coquitlam Website |
| May 9 | Forest Fairy Gathering Location: Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Burnaby Tickets: Free Website |
| May 9 | Free Mother‘s Day Photos at Tsawwassen Mills Location: Tsawwassen Mills, Entry 3 Tickets: Free Website |
| May 9 – 10 | Mother’s Day The Craft Party Location: The World of Kidtropolis The World of Kidtropolis, Richmond Innoplay Playground, North Vancouver Tickets: $32 Website |
| May 10 | Glowbal Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Location: Glowbal, Vancouver Website |
| May 14 – 18 | Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair Location: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey Tickets: Varies Website |
| May 15 – 17 | Vancouver Art Book Fair Location: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
| May 15 – 17 | Whistler Children’s Festival Location: Maury Young Arts Centre & Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler Tickets: Many activities are free; ticketed shows available Website |
| May 16 | Asian Heritage Month Business and Entrepreneur Expo Location: Langley City Hall, Langley Website |
| May 16 – 17 | LOLA Market Location: The Pipe Shop, North Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
| May 18 | Fort Langley May Day Parade & Events Location: Fort Langley National Historic Site & Village, Langley Tickets: Free parade; Fort Admission Applies (free for kids 17 and under) Website |
| April 9 – June 15 | Lakeland Flowers Location: Abbotsford Website |
| Open | Harrison Tulip Festival Location: Agassiz Website |
| Open April 2026 | Botanica Flower Festival Location: Chilliwack Website |
| May 1 – 31 | Hand Over Hand at Gulf of Georgia Cannery Location: Gulf of Georgia Cannery, Richmond Tickets: Varies Website |
| May 22 – 24 | Ladner May Days Location: Memorial Park, Ladner Website |
| May 22 – 31 | Fleurs de Villes Wonder VanDusen Botanical Garden Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden, North Vancouver Tickets: Varies Website |
| May 23 | Heidelberg Materials Open House Location: Granville Island, Vancouver Website |
| May 23 | Hyack Festival Location: Uptown New Westminster Tickets: Free Website |
| May 23 | Family Days at The Gallery at Evergreen Arts Location: 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam Tickets: Registration Required 12:00 & 2:00 pm Website |
| May 23 | Vancouver Anime-Fest Location: Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, Richmond Tickets: $20 admission, Kids Free under 11 Website |
| May 23 | May The Forest Be With You at the Zoo Location: 5048 – 264th Street, Aldergrove Tickets: – Adult (18-64) $38.00 – Senior (65+) $27.00 – Student (18+ with ID) $27.00 – Child (3-17) $27.00 – Toddlers + Infants (2 and under) Free Website |
| May 23 | West Van Card Show Location: The Pipe Shop, North Vancouver Tickets: $10 cash $11 by card Kids 7 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult Website |
| May 23 | Public Works Week Location: Public Works Yard (1737 Broadway St), Port Coquitlam Tickets: Free Website |
| May 23 – 24 | Garden Tea Festival 2026: Tea for All Location: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver Tickets: $51.72 Website |
| May 24 | Spring Craft Fair at Granville Island Kids Market Location: Granville Island Kids Market, Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
