Want to make the most of the summer in Metro Vancouver? If you are looking to shake up your usual routine and have some family fun, there are plenty of great things to do in and around Vancouver.
Whether you're sweating out the weekdays with the kids on school break, or a working parent and weekend warrior, it's a breeze to choose your own July and August adventure.
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We've rounded up 40 things for families to do this summer in Metro Vancouver.
- Root, root, root for the hometeam at a Vancouver Canadians baseball game. Tickets are super affordable, and it's one of the best ways to soak up summertime fun in the city.
- Go for a dip in one of the regions many incredible outdoor public pools. We've got Kits Beach, Second Beach, Maple Grove, and more in Vancouver alone!
- Get your fill of B.C. berries at one of the region's u-pick farms. Raspberries and blueberries are coming in, and in August you're sure to find lots of spots in the wild to gather blackberries, too.
- Cool off at one o the splash pads installed in parks all around Metro Vancouver. The one at Granville Island is a popular favourite, though there are tons of them scattered around the region.
- Life's a beach, and the beach might be the best place to be in summer. Some of the best include Spanish Banks, English Bay, Centennial, and White Rock.
- Get soaked at a water park. Go big at Cultus Lake, check out the brand new one in Aldergrove, or head over to Big Splash in Tsawwassen.
- See a live production at Theatre Under the Stars at Malkin Bowl. This summer they're doing Cinderella and 42nd Street.
- Catch one of several free outdoor movies being shown this summer. They're happening in Stanley Park, at Canada Place, and at Lansdowne.
- Ride the Evergreen Extension to Port Moody and go to Rocky Point park. Kids will love getting ice cream, and the adults should take note there are four great breweries right there, too.
- Take a day trip to Bowen Island.
- Explore the incredible exhibits at the Museum of Vancouver. Make it a two-fer and check out the HR MacMillan Space Centre, too.
- Enjoy some exciting Vancouver Symphony Orchestra shows. They're doing Harry Potter and Star Wars shows in July, and their Deer Lake Symphony in the Park is July 8.
- Watch the night sky explode in colour at the annual Honda Celebration of Light fireworks in English Bay.
- Pack a picnic and head to one of the region's many, many incredible parks.
- Soak up sun and fun at the annual Powell Street Festival. It runs August 4-5 this year.
- Get a thrill on the rides at Playland. And the PNE runs August 18 to September 3.
- Hear some inspired live music at the Folk Music Festival.
- Spend the day exploring Deep Cove, and make a stop at Honey's Doughnuts.
- Eat, drink, and see tons of exciting art and performances at the Harmony Arts Festival.
- Ride a vintage Vancouver Interurban streetcar in Cloverdale.
- Explore the Burnaby Village Museum, and they are offering free admission in summer!
- Catch a live performance at Surrey’s Beach House theatre, where they do some great stuff aimed at younger audiences.
- Chow down at the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest in New West on July 28.
- Shop, eat, and enjoy one of Metro Vancouver's many incredible farmers' markets.
- Indulge in some sweet, creative treats at the weekend Ice Cream Socials at Beta5.
- Take an Aquabus to and from Granville Island. Roam the market, check out the galleries and shops, grab a bite, and bring home some fresh food for dinner.
- Check out the White Rock Pier and have fish & chips and ice cream by the ocean.
- Head to South Delta and the Riefel Bird Sanctuary.
- Catch the action at Hastings Racecourse. Take note that the Wiener Dog Races happen July 14-15, while the new Corgi Races are August 12.
- Let the kids run the course at Canada's biggest public outdoor Parkour park, which is in Langley.
- Head to New Westminster and check out the Anvil Centre, stroll the boardwalk, pop into the River Market, Fraser River Discovery Centre and, on Fridays enjoy Fridays on Front.
- Meet the new walruses (and much more) at the Vancouver Aquarium.
- Ride the SeaBus to North Vancouver and explore the Lonsdale Quay.
- Explore our local night markets. There's the Richmond Night Market, as well as the Shipyards Night Market.
- Go to an old fashioned drive-in movie at the Twilight in Langley.
- Set sail for a Pirate Adventure!
- Discover the Science Behind Pixar at Science World.
- Take a walk or bike ride along the Seawall.
- Burn off some energy at one of Vancouver's many Skateboard Parks.
- Cool down with ice cream sundaes or ice cream sandwiches.
