When the weather is sunny during Spring Break, it’s easy to get outside and enjoy nature, but when it’s pouring rain for days on end, Spring Break can be an expensive two-week break for parents. With the ever-rising cost of camps, indoor play centres, and popular attractions, it’s nice to have a few free (or cheap) activities to balance out the pricier days.
Check out our Top 10 FREE (or cheap) ideas for Spring Break 2026:
1. Chapters Indigo Craft & Games
Starting at 1pm each day during the first week of Spring Break, Chapters Indigo hosts fun themed workshops for kids. Activities range from LEGO building to water painting to Magna-Tile fun! It’s best to arrive early to find a spot, but there are often plenty of supplies for kids to join even if you don’t get a spot at the table right at 1pm.
2. Mastermind Toys
Join in the fun at Mastermind Toys Spring Break events! From Monday – Friday each week, create special designs to take home using the hottest products, including LEGO, Play-doh, Hot Wheels, and more! The events run from 1pm-3pm.
3. Wander Granville Island and Play at the Kids Market
One of my favourite outings with the kids is to head to Granville Island for a walk and window-shop at the colourful artisan shops. We usually grab lunch in the market and sit outside if the weather is decent, and then finish our day with a stop into the Kids Market. During Spring Break, there are FREE activities running from March 15-27, including puppet shows, live music, facepainting, and crafts. Click the link above for the times.
4. Burnaby Village Museum
Step back in time at Burnaby Village Museum and explore each of the unique historical buildings. See how homes and businesses used to look and learn more about the different cultures that helped shape communities like Burnaby. Entrance is FREE! Carousel Rides are $2.62 and are well worth the money as a fun treat at the end of your exploration.
5. Visit the Britannia Shipyards!
Visit the historic Britannia Shipyards to discover how people lived and worked in fishing, canning, and boat-building over the years. There will be plenty of interactive activities indoors and outdoors for all ages across the 8-hectare site. Free admission!
6. Fort Langley National Historic Site
Another incredible historical attraction offers FREE admission to children and youth 17 and under. Spend a day exploring the Fort in each of its cabins to learn about the fur-trading business. During Spring Break, the Fort has planned tons of hands-on activities and learning experiences.
7. Staples Kids Workshops
There are TWO free workshops being hosted by Staples during Spring Break 2026! The first is on March 16th at 10:00am and invites visitors to make a Friendly Tuxedo Cat out of FIMO Clay. The second event is on March 18 at 10:00am and is to make a LEGO Botanicals Micro Cactus. Both events require advanced registration.
8. Special Events at Richmond Public Libraries
Libraries are great places to save money and participate in FREE activities. As a bonus, you can pick up some new books while you’re there to take home and spend a cozy afternoon snuggled up reading. Head to the Richmond Public Library during Spring Break for FREE activities for school-aged children and youth.
9. Museum of Surrey
The Museum of Surrey is a favourite spot for many families because of the varied and ever-changing exhibits, the exciting events they frequently put on and the fact that it is TOTALLY free! Spend Spring Break at the Surrey Museum and take part in their fun “Into the Woods” themed events. Visitors will learn about animals, Surrey parks, and the forests around them.
10. Explore the Steveston Tram
Enjoy family fun for all ages at the historic Steveston Tram. Drop in and explore the historic Tram Car 1220, take on the role of “Junior Conductor,” look for Hamm the Pig on and around the tram, and have a blast!
