Having fun over the Summer holiday doesn’t have to break the bank. Metro Vancouver families are so lucky to have not only the mountains & the ocean to explore, but also lots of parks, playgrounds, beaches, and waterfront areas to play in. There are also so many hiking trails and family bike trails to enjoy!
Sometimes as parents we get stuck thinking of fun new summer activities to try with the kids. Keep this list bookmarked as we have pulled together 50+ ideas of low-cost & free Summer fun things you can do with the kids across Metro Vancouver!
50+ Low Cost & Free Summer Fun Ideas in Metro Vancouver:
- Walk on the ferry to Bowen Island.
- Take a free yoga class in Vancouver. Try Kits Beach, Granville Island, Downtown, and Main Street.
- Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine! So Delicious non-dairy ice cream is perfect for the backyard or beach.
- Have a free swim at an outdoor pool in Surrey.
- See the goats on the roof at the Eco Dairy in Abbotsford.
- Watch a free outdoor movie in Stanley Park.
- Hit the patio in Stanley Park to enjoy family-friendly food & kids menu at Stanley Park Brewing restaurant.
- Volunteer to participate in a shoreline cleanup and help the earth.
- Check out a local farmer’s market and learn where food comes from.
- Have a picnic at Burnaby Village Museum (admission is free!).
- Take the seabus to Lonsdale Quay and explore.
- Play disc golf at Queen Elizabeth Park.
- Go bowling. At many locations, kids bowl free during the summer.
- Take the Aquabus around False Creek.
- Explore the Kids Market at Granville Island and watch the ducks.
- Go for a walk along White Rock beach and pier, and stop for some ice cream.
- Learn to fish by donation or borrow a rod & tackle for free through the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.
- Explore Fort Langley National Historic site. Free for youth in 2018 (under 17).
- Go to the drive-in movie theatre (carload night on Thursdays!).
- Take a ride on the Stanley Park train.
- Pick berries as a family.
- Go for a local hike!
- Enjoy a free guided nature walk at Surrey Nature Centre.
- Go to a waterfront park.
- Ride your bike on the Seawall.
- Join a reading club at your local library.
- Learn about salmon at the Capilano River Hatchery.
- Find out more about electricity at the Power House at Stave Falls.
- Have lunch from a food truck downtown Vancouver.
- Try food you’ve never tasted at the Richmond Night Market.
- Visit a farm, like one of these on the Circle Farm Tour.
- Go on a road trip and soak in the hot springs at Harrison Hot Springs Public Pool
- Watch the fireworks at the Honda Celebration of Light.
- Make a journal of all the plants you see at Queen Elizabeth Park.
- Explore the bees in the pollinator garden at Grouse Mountain.
- Give geocaching a try on Cypress Mountain.
- Go birdwatching at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in North Delta.
- Play horseshoes in Stanley Park
- Play mini-golf at Bear Creek Park.
- Go tubing down the Coquitlam River.
- Enjoy the view from the Cypress Mountain Viewpoint.
- Fly a kite in Vanier Park (1000 Chestnut Street, Vancouver).
- Build a sandcastle at English Bay.
- Find the fairy garden in Redwood Park (17900 20 Ave, Surrey, BC).
- Play in the spray park at Maple Ridge Park ( 23200 132 Ave).
- Go for a swim at Whonnock Lake (27871 113th Ave).
- Watch for wildlife in Aldergrove Regional Park (27240 8 Ave).
- Play tennis in Central Park (3883 Imperial Street, Burnaby).
- Skateboard at Rocky Point Park (2800 Block Murray Street).
- Watch the waterfalls at Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park.
- Brave a suspension bridge!
- Catch a free concert!
- Hike the Stawamus Chief!
- Listen to a classical VSO concert in the park.
- Register for a free Home Depot Kids' workshop. Young builders can learn to make birdhouses, bat houses, and tulip planters.
- Hike or bike a portion of the Trans-Canada Trail. This 22,000-kilometre-long trail winds its way through wilderness and capital cities, across historic rail tracks, and through national and provincial parks. To find the section of the trail nearest you, check out The Trail locator at tctrail.ca/tlocator.
Alison Tedford is a funny suburban mom who can never find her keys. She is passionate about mental health, physical fitness, and being a good parent. Alison likes naps and long walks on the patio with a skinny vanilla latte.
