If you’re looking to build a summer full of memories, you’ve come to the right place! Banish the boredom blues with our Summer Fun Bucket List. Some days you might be up for a big adventure, some days you might want to stay closer to home. We’ve compiled a list of the best events and activities around Metro Vancouver for any type of day. Bookmark this bucket list, jot down what activities you are most excited about, and see how many you can get through before school starts back up in September!
Britannia Mine Museum
Details coming soon!
Central City
Bring your tiny dancer to Noontime Notes at the Central City Plaza every Wednesday and Saturday from July 2nd to 30th. Hear music of all genres from popular local artists from 12pm-2pm. In addition to free concerts, gather your ghosts and goblins for a frightfully fun mid-summer Halloween Party on July 26th. Don’t miss other fabulous events at Central City this summer!
For more information, click here.
Railway Museum of BC!
Situated just off the picturesque Sea-to-Sky highway, the Railway Museum of BC is an ideal stop for families traveling between Vancouver and Whistler, and for those looking for a local getaway to Squamish this summer. Enjoy a visit complete with model trains, outdoor train rides on the Mini Rail, exploring old mail cars, interactive exhibits, and checking out the vast collection of trains
For more information, click here.
The Collective Markets
Summer is filled with long days, loads of outdoor play, and exciting events around every corner. With everyone aiming to shop locally right now, there’s no better place to spend your hard-earned dollars and support small businesses than at The Collective Markets. Put a visit to The Collective Markets on your summer bucket list for a day of family adventure! With 5 different markets to choose from, there’s bound to be a Collective Market near you!
For more information, click here.
Theatre Under the Stars
Theatre Under the Stars is a not-to-be-missed summer event. Each year, the incredible stage at Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl comes to life with toe-tapping musical delights. For 2025, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) is presenting two fabulous family-friendly shows geared toward kids ages 8 and up: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Legally Blonde!
For more information, click here.
Best Summer Festivals
Summertime is the perfect season for community gatherings and outdoor festivals, and there are plenty in Metro Vancouver between June and August! Whether they’re single-day or spread out over a week or weekend, they all have something in common: good food, great entertainment, and fun for the whole family!
For more information, click here.
Drop-in Park Pop-Ups
Going to a local park or one that’s new to you is great, but what makes it even better is when there is FREE drop-in programming available to enhance the experience! Each city is different, but most have volunteers who set up interactive equipment, bring fun toys to play with and lead games.
For more information, click here.
FREE Outdoor Movies
Pack your chairs, blankets, and oodles of snacks to enjoy a movie out under the stars! There are always new locations popping up, so check back often to see what’s been added.
For more information, click here.
FREE Outdoor Concerts
Summertime, outdoors, and live music…the combo is like a peanut butter and jam sandwich, they are meant to be together! In cities all across Metro Vancouver, outdoor summer concert series are offering up free (or nearly free) live performances throughout the summer. Mark your calendar, plan a picnic, and soak up the evening sun while listening to beautiful music.
For more information, click here.
Spray Parks
Don’t let the hot weather keep you indoors- head to one of the incredible splash pads and spray parks around Metro Vancouver! Don’t forget the sunscreen, a towel and a change of clothes!
For more information, click here.
Must-Visit Playgrounds
Pack a bag for the day and visit one of these popular playgrounds that are full of the ‘Wow’ factor. Swings, slides, and climbing walls abound at these great spots!
For more information, click here.
Mini Golf
Who doesn’t love a round of mini-golf? The kids love the whimsical courses and the parents get to feel like a giant-for-the-day. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of mini golf facilities in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland.
For more information, click here.
Ice Cream Shops
Summer is the best time to try a variety of new flavours and new ice cream shops. When the weather is hot, there’s nothing better than an air-conditioned drive to a new location.
For more information, click here.
U-Pick Berry Picking
You know summer has arrived when the berry fields around Metro Vancouver open. You can take your kids out to the berry patches, teach them about how fruit ends up on our table, get them to help pick the berries (inevitably they will add both over and under-ripe berries into your bucket) and have a blast out in the fresh air getting a bit dirty! Or you can pack a picnic, visit the farm market, and grab a basket of freshly picked berries. Some places offer both options and some only pre-picked berries.
For more information, click here.
Summer Farmers Markets
Whether you’re looking to buy food for your next meal or just want to peruse the vendors, you are guaranteed to find something delightful at a Summer Farmers Market! Metro Vancouver has multiple in each city and they carry everything from locally grow food to handmade wares from local artisans.
For more information, click here
Otter Co-op Outdoor Experience | May – September: For less than $40 for a family of four, you can enjoy a 25 m pool, 1 and 3 m diving boards, a hot tub, a leisure pool, a sauna, a steam room, a lazy river channel, a spray park, a tidal pool, and THREE water slides! This is the ultimate spot to cool down this summer.
Kids Bowl Free | June – August: Sign your kids up for FREE bowling this summer! Whether it’s a rainy day or you’re just looking to head indoors and escape the heat, local bowling alleys are a great place to burn off some energy for a few hours. By registering your kids for the Kids Bowl Free program, each child can receive two free games PER DAY!
Greenheart TreeWalk | April – October: You’ve heard of the many suspension bridge walks in Vancouver, but have you ever been to this hidden gem? Located in the heart of the UBC Botanical Garden, the 310m long tree-top canopy walkway hangs from huge Douglas firs, Red cedars, and Grand firs, many of which are over 100 years old. Reaching a height of nearly 20m above the forest floor, the walkway will give you a bird’s eye view of Vancouver’s magnificent coastal temperate rainforest.
Vancouver Canadians| April – September: Take your family out to the ball game for this quintessential summertime activity! Enjoy a Nooner at the Nat for a daytime game, or catch a firework display after one of the evening games. Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly giveaways and special events.
BC Lions | June – October: Get ready to ROAR with your BC Lions! Packed with fun family themes, a special family section for kids to sit in, activities on the concourse, and pre-game block party activities, it’s an affordable afternoon or evening out with kids that love live sports.
Bandits Basketball| May – August: If you want a fun afternoon or evening out with your future hoop star, look no further than the Vancouver Bandits, who play out of the Langley Events Centre. Sports games are great activities for families– everyone is yelling, there’s lots of movement & action and plenty of snacks to go around.
Kerrisdale Play Palace | April – August: What do kids and adults love equally? Bouncy Castles. Kids burn off some energy bouncing around, and adults get to sit on the side and marvel at their unending energy levels.
Fraser Valley Heritage Railway| May – September: The fully-restored antique interurban train car departs from the Cloverdale Station and heads across South Surrey to Sullivan Station. The train ride is 55 minutes in length! Kids will enjoy the train crossings (you get to stop all 4 lanes of Hwy 10). You also travel over water and through fields, and get to watch the crew switching tracks.
Been there, done that? Check our calendar to see exactly what’s happening each week in Metro Vancouver. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to see what’s coming up near you!
