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 memories and have fun with these great events and activities happening throughout the summer in HRM.
Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum
Take a day trip out of the city to the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum, located less than 30 minutes from Halifax in Goffs, NS (opposite the Halifax Airport). ACAM is Atlantic Canada’s only museum devoted to preserving all aspects of Atlantic Canada’s aviation heritage. Summer hours are now in effect at the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum. Until August 29th, they are open 7 days a week! Stop by to see their amazing aircraft collection, Kid’s Cockpit, and more!
Read more about the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum here.
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 August 31st, 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.
Gottingen Street Festival
The 12th Annual Gottingen Street Festival is an exciting community event on July 11, 2026. Gottingen Street between Cogswell and Buddy Daye Street 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 local artists and entertainers, local artisans, food vendors, a Kid Zone, and more!
Read more about the Gottingen Festival here.
Memory Lane Heritage Village
Memory Lane Heritage Village is an award-winning living history museum that depicts coastal life in rural Nova Scotia during the 1940s, including life during and after the Second World War. Their 2026 summer season runs from June 3rd to September 30th. Being less than an hour from Halifax in beautiful Lake Charlotte, a visit to Memory Lane is a great day trip adventure!
Read more about the Memory Lane Heritage Village here.
Steele Wheels Motor Museum
Steele Wheels is a spectacular classic and exotic car museum, as well as a unique venue for events and birthday parties. This summer, they expanded beyond their walls – more cars are available for viewing in our outdoor patio section, complete with seating in the sun and fun games. With an arcade, theatre area, and café on site, Steele Wheels is the ultimate Halifax family destination!
Read more about the Steele Wheels Motor Museum 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!
Read more about Campgrounds Around HRM here.
Festival Guide
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!
Read more about Summer Festivals 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:
Summer Skating at the Halifax Oval | June 1 – October TBD, 2026
The ice has gone, but that’s no reason to stop skating. Don’t have your own skates? No sweat! Inline skates, bikes, scooters and plasma cars are available to borrow…for FREE!
Experience a Spooky Ghost Tour | July – November, 2026
Explore Halifax and learn local history, with a touch of the supernatural! Halifax has a tale or two to tell, so check out a ghost tour for a unique experience.
Shakespeare by the Sea | July 4 – August 30, 2026
This season, catch the new family musical Beauty and the Beast: The Fairy-Tale Game-Show Musical, a bold new staging of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, or the one-night-only, must-see event: The Unrehearsed Hamlet. Catch them all performed in beautiful Point Pleasant Park.
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.
