Sponsored by Downtown Halifax

Summer is finally here, but it never lasts as long as we want it to! That is why we have put together a Summer Fun Bucket List for you and your family to make sure you get the most out of these summer months. Make some memories and have some fun with these great events and activities happening throughout the summer in HRM.

Downtown HalifaxFEATURED: Explore Downtown Halifax

Join The Excitement in Downtown Halifax. There’s just something about Downtown Halifax in the summer months that makes it the perfect family-friendly destination. Take in the sights, breathe in the ocean air, or shop till you drop. Downtown Halifax has it all!

Read more about 2023 Summer in Downtown Halifax here.


Discovery CentreFEATURED: Indigenous Ingenuity at the Discovery Centre

The Discovery Centre is the perfect place to spark curiosity and engage in hands-on learning experiences that are fun for the whole family. This summer, they are proud to present their newest featured exhibit: Indigenous Ingenuity, an interactive experience which showcases the remarkable innovations and scientific knowledge of Indigenous peoples from North America.

Read about Indigenous Ingenuity at the Discovery Centre here.


 East Coast Kite Festival FEATURED: East Coast Kite Festival

Summer is finally here and families in Halifax are on the lookout for fun, unique activities to enjoy together. If you are searching for an event that promises excitement, beauty and a touch of magic, look no further than the 7th Annual East Coast Kite Festival hosted by the Atlantic Kite Festival.

Read more about the East Coast Kite Festival here.


splash pad HRMPlaygrounds 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 HalifaxThe Best Places to Picnic 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.


Summer Downtown Halifax


Campgrounds in HRMCampgrounds Around HRM

With the arrival of summer we are all excited to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and ocean air. With schools not yet on summer holidays, you can still have a great camping getaway without venturing too far away. 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.


Best Ice Cream HalifaxThe Best Places to Get Ice Cream 

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.


Beaches in HalifaxTop 5 Supervised Beaches Around HRM

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 Top 5 Supervised Beaches Around HRM here.


Other events and activities:

Skating at the Halifax Oval (June – October, 2023): 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.

The Halifax Mural Festival (July 3-9, 2023): Taking place on Quinpool Road and the Halifax Waterfront we will see artists from near and far add splashes of colour, bringing life to blank walls. You definitely want to visit Quinpool Road for free activities, street entertainers, music and much more on July 16th from 11 am to 3 pm.

The Annual Halifax Pride Festival (July 20-30, 2023):  This festival boasts some of the best parties in the city with TONS of events for kids and families. This 10-day long festival hosts events for all ages, and most of them are free!

The Halifax Busker Festival (August 2-7, 2023): The Buskers are back and bigger than ever with an expansion to the Dartmouth Waterfront. During this six-day festival, electrifying performers will take to multiple stages for incredible international and local performances.


Downtown HalifaxGet ready for another unforgettable summer in Downtown Halifax, the urban destination of the region. From vibrant events and bustling patios to delightful ice cream treats and the stunning Halifax Waterfront, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With a special vibe and energy that can’t be found anywhere else, Downtown Halifax is the place to be this summer.

From marquee events to smaller family-friendly gatherings, we will see the return of some of the city’s favourite annual events and we will also welcome some new ones. See a full list of the incredible events taking place in Downtown Halifax this summer here.

When it’s time to relax and enjoy the summer weather, Downtown Halifax boasts over 80 patios, making it the unofficial patio capital of Nova Scotia. From cozy sidewalk cafes to rooftop terraces and waterfront beer gardens, there’s a patio for every occasion. Stroll along Argyle Street, which is closed to cars during the summer months, and experience the heart of the Entertainment District. And the best part? Many patios are now dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for the fun.

There certainly is no shortage of family-friendly things to do and see in Downtown Halifax this summer. For more ideas of what to do this summer, check out their list of “100 Things to Do This Summer in Downtown Halifax” at downtownhalifax.ca.


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.