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
This summer, Britannia Mine Museum is throwing fun into high gear by inviting kids and families to get up close with giant machines such as towering mining trucks and massive loaders. Learn how these giants help with the workload behind the scenes and learn about the skilled workers who operate, maintain, and design these big rigs to function flawlessly in the bigger picture of BC’s mining industry. For more details, click here.
Calaway Park Summer Playcation
Whether you’re planning a road trip this summer or looking at short flights to get out of town, Calgary is a top destination for families looking for fun, excitement, and unlimited entertainment in one convenient location. Calaway Park, Western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park, is the destination for families looking to spend their days on thrilling rides, cool down at the splash pad, and see family-friendly shows and live entertainment, all in one convenient place. For more information, click here.
Canyon Kick Off at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Lace up your boots and head to this fun, soccer-themed experience. Whether you’re a local who frequents the park often, have had it on your bucket list for a while, or you’re a tourist in Vancouver looking for the best place to celebrate the world’s greatest game while experiencing the outdoors, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is the place to be! For more information, click here.
Central City 
Start your summer off right at Central City with soccer celebrations to get you hyped up for the hottest matches, fabulously fun festivals, and spooky vibes to get you in the mood for Halloween! Enjoy Kick It from June 12 – 23, Surrey Pride Festival on June 20, and Summerween on July 25. For more information, click here.
Railway Museum of BC
All aboard for a summer of fun! Choo Choo your way to the Railway Museum of BC for a fully interactive experience that will delight train aficionados of all ages. Take a ride on the mini rail, see the new exhibits, and ride one of the BIG trains to round out your day. There are plenty of fun and interactive train sets to play with, plus lots to see and do. For more information, click here.
Soccer in the Square at UBC
Thanks to UBC Properties Trust, Metro Vancouver families can catch the excitement of the games and cheer on their favourite teams without spending a fortune on gameday tickets. Soccer in the Square is a FREE all-ages community event that runs from June 11 to July 19 in Norman MacKenzie Square. 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 2026, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) is presenting two fabulous shows: Sister Act and The Little Mermaid. For more information, click here.
25 FREE Summer Activities
There’s no denying that family adventures can be EXPENSIVE. But, believe it or not, there are a number of FREE family events & activities happening all over Metro Vancouver this summer. For more information, click here.
Beaches & Swimming Holes
Vancouver has truly beautiful beaches – English Bay, Kits Beach, Jericho – the list goes on! But there are also great beaches and swimming holes in other parts of Metro Vancouver. We’ve rounded up a list of popular beaches and hidden gem swimming holes that the whole family will love for a quick dip or a full day of swimming. 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.
Canada Day Guide
It’s time to come together as a community and celebrate Canada Day! Now more than ever, Canadians are united in acknowledging the difficult past that we have come from and are still trying to improve going forward. Join your community in celebration and acknowledgement at these free family events. For more information, click here.
Community Soccer Events & Watch Parties
Vancouver has hosted some spectacular sporting events in the past, and in 2026, we are a proud host city of the FIFA World Cup 26™! Whether you have tickets to a match, to one of the live concerts, or you just want to be a part of the excitement, there are plenty of ways to connect with your community and be a part of FIFA action. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
