Sponsored by: the Museum of Natural History
Summer is finally here, but it never lasts as long as we want! That’s why we have put together a Summer Fun Bucket List for you and your family to help you get the most out of these summer months. Make some memories and have fun with these great events and activities happening throughout the summer in HRM.
Atlantic Splash Adventure
Atlantic Splash Adventure is the perfect family outing to include in your staycation plans this summer! They are now open daily 10:00 am – 6:00 pm until September 1st, so you can have fun with the whole family all day and still make it home for bedtime! Atlantic Splash Adventure has rides and slides for a range of heights. You can view a complete list on their website of what rides your kiddo qualifies for based on their height.
Read more about Atlantic Splash Adventure here.
East Coast Kite Festival
This summer, it’s time to fly! Or at least it’s time to enjoy a unique event with cool and crazy kites! If you’re looking for family fun that promises excitement, beauty and a touch of magic, look no further than the East Coast Kite Festival, hosted by the Atlantic Kite Festival. In addition to the kites, this festival offers a range of activities for children of all ages for a not-to-be-missed event!
Read more about the East Coast Kite Festival here.
Gottingen Street Festival
The 11th Annual Gottingen Street Festival is set to team up with Halifax Mural Fest and Unity Fest ’25 for an exciting event on July 12, 2025. Gottingen Street between Cogswell to Buddy Daye Street will be will be lined with vendors and activities from 1:00 – 6:00 pm, so you can stroll down the street and take in the sights of the north end. It promises to be a great day filled with newly unveiled murals, talents of local and international artists, local artisans, business deals, and more!
Read more about the Gottingen Festival here.
Halifax County Exhibition
The Halifax County Exhibition is an authentic country fair with a contemporary flair for fun! Happening August 13-16, 2025, this epic summer staycation will have you visiting a stunning rural community just outside HRM. Experience interactive demonstrations, the joy of being around animals, games for all ages, and toe-tapping music on an outdoor stage.
Read more about the Halifax County Exhibition here.
Halifax Jazz Festival with Kids!
Did you think the TD Halifax Jazz Festival was just for grown-ups? Think again! From July 16-20, 2025, visit The Kid Zone, located beside the TD Main Stage, for FREE programs for kids and daytime performances from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily. This year’s festival is 70% FREE programming for all to attend.
Read more about the Halifax Jazz Festival here.
Monsters of the Abyss at the Museum of Natural History
See the past and present collide this summer at the Museum of Natural History’s newest exhibit, Monsters of the Abyss! It’s only on until September 7th, so plan your visit today!
Read more about the Monsters of the Abyss here.
Nova Scotia Loyal School Vouchers
The Nova Scotia Loyal School Voucher Program is back for a second year! This partnership between Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Loyal, will see every public, homeschool and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey student from pre-primary to grade 12 be given a $10 Nova Scotia Loyal voucher to spend at participating farmers’ markets within the province!
Read more about the Nova Scotia Loyal School Voucher program here.
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
It’s the family show of the summer! Celebrate all things Nova Scotian at the Tattoo—and enjoy talented performers from across the Atlantic as Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom join us for FLOURISH!
Read more about the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo here.
Canada Day Guide
Canada Day celebrations are a chance to spend time with family and friends and celebrate the unique country we call home and the many cultures that are woven into Canada’s beautiful, intricate fabric. Whether you are looking for an early morning event or want to celebrate until the wee hours, from pancakes and music to water fun and fireworks… we have something for everyone in our Canada Day Guide. Happy Canada Day, Halifax!
Read more about Canada Day Events here.
Beaches Around HRM: Top 5 Supervised
Go jump in a lake (or an ocean…because we’ve got plenty of both)! One of the perks of living in HRM is that no matter where you are, you’re not far from a beach. We’ve put together a list of popular supervised Halifax beaches for you to explore this summer.
Read more about the Top 5 Supervised Beaches Around HRM here.
Campgrounds Around HRM
Good news, Halifax … campgrounds in HRM are open! It’s time to get excited about being outside, enjoying the sunshine and ocean air. Have a great camping getaway without venturing too far away and check out these awesome campground destinations that are only a short ride away – in and around our city!
Ready more about Campgrounds Around HRM here.
Ice Cream Guide
I Scream! You Scream! We all Scream for Ice Cream! Nothing says summer fun bucket list like ice cream! You really can’t have one without the other. That’s why we have put together a list of some of the best places to grab an ice cream in HRM! We know this list will help you beat the summer heat while you satisfy your sweet tooth.
Read more about The Best Places to Get Ice Cream here.
Playgrounds with Splash Pads
If you find yourself wondering where to go on a hot summer day in HRM, Check out our list of cool summer playgrounds with splash pads where you can have fun and cool off at the same time.
Read more about Playgrounds with Splash Pads here.
Picnic Places in Halifax and Beyond
Halifax Regional Municipality is a wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy a delightful picnic surrounded by picturesque landscapes and stunning coastal views. With numerous parks, beaches, and green spaces, here is a list of the top places to have a picnic in HRM.
Read more about The Best Places to Picnic in HRM here.
Pools – Indoor
Sometimes the sun doesn’t shine and we still need to get out of the house and burn some energy. And sometimes, we just need to get out of the sun! Here are the best places to swim indoors in HRM – enjoy a splash with your tot, tween, teen, or family.
Read more about Indoor Pools here.
Pools – Outdoor
Long sunny days and refreshing waters beckon us to dive into the summer excitement ahead. Whether you’re a water enthusiast, a family seeking quality time together, or simply someone who loves to bask in the sun’s warm embrace, HRM’s outdoor pools offer the perfect escape. So grab your towels, sunscreen, and shades for the best outdoor pools in HRM.
Read more about Outdoor Pools here.
Walking Trails
If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day outdoors with your family, there are few activities better than hiking or walking. Luckily, if you’re in the Halifax area, you have plenty of options. Within 50 km of downtown Halifax, you’ll find a variety of trails that range from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s something for everyone.
Read more about Walking Trails here.
Other events and activities:
Skating at the Halifax Oval | May 31 – October 30, 2025
The ice has gone, but that’s no reason to stop skating. Don’t have your own skates? No sweat! Skates, inline skates, bikes, scooters and plasma cars are available to borrow … for FREE.
Halifax Mural Festival | July 5 – 13, 2025
Taking place on Quinpool Road and around Downtown Halifax, see artists from near and far add splashes of colour and bring life to blank walls. Check it out for free activities, street entertainers, music, and more.
Halifax Pride Festival | July 17 – 27, 2025
This festival boasts some of the best parties in the city with TONS of events for kids and families. Check out events for all ages – and most of them are free!
The Halifax Busker Festival | July 30 – August 4, 2025
The Buskers are back and bigger than ever! During this six-day festival, electrifying performers will take to multiple stages for incredible international and local performances.
Monsters of the Abyss at the Museum of Natural History
Journey through time with the Museum of Natural History’s exhibit Monsters of the Abyss! Discover the biggest and most feared aquatic predators through past and present. Learn the history and ecology of these amazing prehistoric and modern-day creatures and discover why they were so feared!
There’s many other educational and interactive exhibits at the museum, and a visit with Gus, a 102 year old tortoise, is a must!
Monsters of the Abyss is only on until September 7th, 2025, so play a family visit to the Museum of Natural History this summer! Learn more about the exhibit here.
Find more great family events to enjoy this summer at www.familyfunhalifax.com.
If you want to see your business or event featured in our Summer Fun Bucket List, please send us an email.
