It may be an unpopular opinion, but I think January is one of the best months! There’s less chaos than in December, which leaves loads of time to go exploring new places or try out new activities as a family. Plus, many local community centers and businesses offer trial periods if you want to see if an activity is a good fit for your family without a year-long commitment. It’s also a time to think about goals and make some plans for the upcoming year.
Christmas Tree Chipping | Early January 2026
If you haven’t disposed of your tree yet, don’t fear. There are a TON of tree chipping events happening in January and many of the events are fundraisers for local organizations so please come prepared to make a cash donation.
Rolla Skate Club | Saturdays from January- March, 2026
When was the last time you put on a pair of roller skates? Join Rolla Skate Club for all ages (and 19+) events that are a whole lot of fun. An afternoon or evening of roller skating is perfect for all ages and abilities, featuring different weekly themes, activities and lively music. Free skate rentals are included in each ticket admission.
The Making Place at Vancouver Art Gallery | Sundays
Start 2026 off right by exploring some of the amazing attractions in Vancouver. Every Sunday, the Vancouver Art Gallery provides Family Tours, geared specifically at introducing kids and their grown ups to art in an accessible way. Additionally, The Making Place is open (most) Sundays beginning January 4th from 11am-4pm for families to participate in an art project that is connected in some way to one of the current exhibits. It’s a great way to inspire your emerging artist or try something new.
Staples FREE Kids Workshops | January 7, 10, 2026
Staples Stores are offering FREE in-store crafts and activities for kids! These monthly events feature popular brands such as Crayola, LEGO, Staedler and more. Pre-registration is required.
Hot Chocolate Festival | January 17 – February 14, 2026
Warm up your winter days with the popular Hot Chocolate Festival! With over 95 participating cafes and restaurants around Metro Vancouver, your taste buds are in for a treat!
A Celebration of Robbie Burns Concert | January 17, 2026
Place des Arts is hosting its annual celebration of Scotland’s National Bard, Robbie Burns! Fiddler Rosie Carver with Celtic band Blackthorn and a special guest piper feature the musical traditions of Scotland with a special focus on Burns’ songs and poems.
Dine-Out Vancouver | January 21 – February 8, 2026
Foodies–unite! The popular Dine-Out Vancouver is back this year and runs from January 21 – February 8th. Try out a new restaurant or head to your favourites to enjoy special menus, priced anywhere from $20-$65 per person. Additionally, there are plenty of ticketed events during the festival that might pique your interest.
Pacific Agricultural Show | January 22-24, 2026
Visit the Annual Pacific Agricultural Show, the largest agricultural exhibition in BC. Learn about the latest in BC farming, and enjoy fun family activities such as a petting zoo, face painting, balloon artists, learning about vintage farm equipment, tractors, and more!
PuSh Festival | January 22 – February 8, 2026
The PuSh Festival is an international performing arts festival that features exciting and contemporary performances from performers around the world. The festival includes world premieres and examines the themes of injustice, migration, artificial intelligence, displacement, and labour.
Family Literacy Day | January 27, 2026
For over 25 years January 27th has marked Family Literacy Day across Canada. Our local libraries are hosting several events. Some happen on the 27th, others happen on the weekends surrounding Family Literacy Day. All of the events are free and encourage reading together as a family.
Harlem Globetrotters | January 28-29, 2026
With incredible ball-handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, side-splitting comedy, and unequaled on-court fan interaction, you don’t want to miss the Harlem Globetrotters at the Pacific Coliseum.
The Wellness Show | January 31 – February 1, 2026
If health and nutrition is on your list for 2026, don’t miss this popular and family-friendly event. The Wellness Show includes more than 200+ exhibitors, 100+ speakers on a variety of wellness topics, and a cooking stage, all with the goal of helping Vancouverites live their healthiest, best lives.
Winter Lessons for Kids
Beat the winter blues with great extracurricular classes for kids. Whether you’re looking to ignite their passions, try a new sport, or supplement their academics, there are so many opportunities for kids available in Metro Vancouver. For more details, click here.
Indoor Play Places
Need an idea for an indoor play place? We’ve got you covered! Kids have a crazy amount of energy. That energy doesn’t disappear just because the skies have opened and the rain is gushing down. Let the kids have a great time playing & get those sillies worked out at one or more of these indoor play places around Metro Vancouver. For more details, click here.
Kids Eat Free (or cheap!)
As we all know, the cost of food has skyrocketed in the last few years, and when the cost of food is so high, everyone feels the pinch, and finding restaurants that offer FREE or cheap meals is like finding a unicorn. However, some places still help families stay within their budget and get out of the house for a nice family meal. For more details, click here.
Sledding Hills
If your kids are like mine, a mere dusting is enough snow to warrant pulling out the magic carpets and sleds. Grab your toques, mitts, pack some hot chocolate and get ready to fly down hillsides. Remember to always pack a change of clothes because no matter how well you bundle your kids you know snow is going to end up in the most impossible of locations. For more details, click here.
FREE Birthday Treats
Having a birthday right after the holidays can be hard because everyone is tired of going out and trying to save money. That’s why it’s nice to know there are places to go and spoil yourself for *free*! Some businesses require you to sign up for a loyalty card, so start today and get ready for the birthday treats to roll in as your special day approaches. For more details, click here.
The BEST Rainy Day Activities
Let’s face it, living in Metro Vancouver means we get used to rain. But when the rain continues for days on end ,and you’ve exhausted all the indoor playgrounds and home crafts, it’s time to think outside the box. We’ve pulled together a list of unique activities that are sure to break up those long rainy weekends. For more details, click here.
But Wait… There’s More!
For a complete listing of all the best events around Vancouver, click on our Calendar, and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok pages. Or, get important information and deals delivered directly to your inbox by signing up for our e-newsletter.
Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the form with your event details and we’ll do our best to get your event added to our events calendar.
For a complete listing of all the best events around Metro Vancouver, click on our calendar, and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.
