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. Here are our top 25 suggestions! (And if we’ve missed your favourite FREE summer event, please send us an email at vancouver@familyfuncanada.com)

1. Does someone in your family have a summer birthday? See how many of these FREE birthday perks you can check off!

2. Play at the beach…we have so many to pick from!

3. Take in an outdoor concert.

4. Pack a picnic and explore one of these hidden gems.

5. Burn off some of that crazy kid energy and explore a new playground.

6. Visit a farmer’s market. Go to one in your own community or check out one a little further afield.

7. Give geocaching a try.

8. Check out your local library they always have FREE programs running! And don’t forget EVERYONE can sign up for the Summer Reading Club!

9. Explore the FREE Museum of Surrey. There is an interactive play zone for kids, as well as ever-changing exhibits and events. The exhibit now is “Giants, Dragons, and Unicorns: The World of Mythical Creatures.”

10. The outdoor pools in Surrey are FREE all summer long.

11. Enjoy watching a movie under the stars. FREE outdoor movies are happening all across Metro Vancouver while the weather is warm.

12. Cool off at a splash park. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

13. Kids Bowl Free every day throughout the summer. All you have to do is sign up the kids.

14. Complete this list of 7 kid-friendly hikes.

15. Visit one of the many spray parks in Metro Vancouver.

16. Explore 8 neighbourhoods and see over 30 stunning murals during the Vancouver Mural Festival from August 4 – 14.

17. Brave the crowds, carve out your own spot, and enjoy the Celebration of Light fireworks shows on July 22, 26, and 29.

18. Experience one of the great festivals happening this summer around Metro Vancouver.

19. Check out the annual Tsawwassen Sun Festival. Enjoy a ball tournament, great food, fireworks, an antique fair, a skateboard competition, a parade, an international market, a petting zoo, a children’s festival, a bike show, and more!

20. Did you know there are a number of ways to visit the PNE for FREE or super cheap this year?

21. Country Fest has been celebrated in Maple Ridge for more than 100 years!  The FREE entertainment; crazy lawnmower races; animal exhibitions of all sorts…the list of activities and entertainment goes on!

22. Don’t miss out on the 150th Chilliwack Fair.

23. Participate in a Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt, presented by KidsBooks. Over 40 businesses along West 10th and Edgemont Village have hidden Waldo for you to find. Prizes are available to kids who find 10 or more! This scavenger hunt runs until July 29th.

24. Come kick some tires at the Langley Good Times Cruise-In on September 9th.

25: Keep checking out Family Fun Vancouver’s Cheapies & Freebies page. We regularly update it with new budget-friendly events.