2 Fun Day Trips and 50 Must-Try Lower Mainland Summer Activities for Families

Summer in BC and the Lower Mainland offers endless opportunities for family fun. Whether you’re looking to cool off at a splash park, explore nature, enjoy a community festival, or discover a new family adventure, there’s something for every age and interest.

To help you make the most of the season, we’ve rounded up 2 great day-trips and 50 must-try Lower Mainland summer activities across the region. Pick a few favourites or challenge your family to see how many you can check off before school starts!

2 fun day-trips

If you’re looking for a day-trip, these are great spots to visit.

Britannia Mines Museum

Britannia Beach, 604/896-2233 
britanniaminemuseum.ca

Your Adventure Begins Underground” at the multi-award-winning Britannia Mine Museum, a National Historic Site on the Sea to Sky Highway. Ride the underground train into the mountain, step inside the historic haulage tunnels, and watch authentic machinery and working conditions in action. Feel the ground shake during BOOM!, and experience what living and working at Britannia was really like! Pan for gold, explore historic buildings, climb aboard a towering Cat 793C mining truck, and take the wheel in our Mining Truck Simulator.

Visit BritanniaMineMuseum.ca for more.

The Vancouver Folk Music – Little Folks Village

ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park
July 17 3pm to 5pm and Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19 from 10am to 5pm
thefestival.bc.ca

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival has a great lineup for the Little Folks Village, a place for children and families during the festival in . Kids of all ages are invited to explore this vibrant, creative and playful space. Come and enjoy the Festival weekend where imagination runs wild and families come together through music, movement, and wonder.

Vancouver

1. Spend a day at Kitsilano Beach

Build sandcastles, swim, or enjoy a picnic with stunning city and mountain views.

2. Ride the Stanley Park Seawall

Bring bikes, scooters, or simply walk one of Vancouver’s most iconic routes.

3. Explore the Stanley Park Water Park

Kids can cool off at one of Canada’s largest free water parks.

4. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium

Learn about marine life and enjoy interactive exhibits.

5. Paddle at Trout Lake

Rent a kayak or enjoy a relaxing lakeside afternoon.

6. Attend an outdoor summer concert

Many Vancouver parks host free family-friendly performances throughout the summer.

7. Discover Queen Elizabeth Park

Climb to the highest point in Vancouver and explore the beautiful gardens.

Burnaby

8. Ride the Burnaby Central Railway

Miniature trains delight children and adults alike.

9. Cool off at spray parks

Burnaby offers several excellent spray parks throughout the city.

10. Explore Deer Lake Park

Rent a paddleboat, walk the trails, or enjoy a family picnic.

11. Visit Burnaby Village Museum

Step back in time and experience a heritage village.

12. Walk the trails at Central Park

Enjoy shaded paths, playgrounds, and wildlife spotting.

13. Play mini golf at Central Park Pitch & Putt

A great option for families with school-aged children.

North Shore

14. Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge

An unforgettable adventure among the treetops.

15. Explore Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre and Park

Enjoy easy hikes, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge without the admission fee.

16. Ride the Skyride at Grouse Mountain

Take in spectacular views and enjoy family activities at the summit.

17. Visit Ambleside Beach

Perfect for swimming, sand play, and sunset walks.

18. Bike the Spirit Trail

A scenic family-friendly route connecting communities along the waterfront.

19. Discover Maplewood Farm

Meet farm animals and learn about local agriculture.

Tri-Cities

20. Spend the day at White Pine Beach

One of the region’s most popular freshwater swimming spots.

21. Explore Mundy Park

Walk forested trails and enjoy the playgrounds.

22. Rent a canoe at Rocky Point Park

A great introduction to paddling for families.

23. Enjoy Rocky Point Spray Park

Cool off while younger children burn off energy.

24. Walk the Traboulay PoCo Trail

Choose a short section or tackle more of this scenic loop.

25. Attend a local summer festival

The Tri-Cities host numerous community celebrations throughout the season.

Surrey

26. Splash at Bear Creek Park

One of Surrey’s favourite family destinations.

27. Visit the Surrey Nature Centre

Enjoy hands-on exhibits and guided nature experiences.

28. Explore Crescent Beach

A quieter alternative to some of the region’s busier beaches.

29. Bike Green Timbers Urban Forest

Flat, easy trails make this ideal for families.

30. Play at Surrey’s adventure playgrounds

Many local parks offer climbing structures, zip lines, and water features.

31. Visit Historic Stewart Farm

Experience life on a farm from more than a century ago.

Langley

32. Pick berries at a local farm

Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries make for a delicious family outing.

33. Visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo

Spend the day learning about animals from around the world.

34. Explore Campbell Valley Regional Park

Easy trails and open meadows make it a family favourite.

35. Play mini golf with the family

A classic summer activity that appeals to all ages.

36. Visit a local sunflower field

Capture memorable family photos and enjoy the beauty of summer blooms.

37. Attend a farm festival

Many Langley farms host family-friendly events throughout the summer.

Richmond

38. Fly a kite at Garry Point Park

The waterfront location often provides perfect kite-flying conditions.

39. Bike the West Dyke Trail

Flat terrain and ocean views make this route ideal for families.

40. Explore Terra Nova Adventure Playground

One of Metro Vancouver’s most imaginative playgrounds.

41. Visit Steveston Village

Watch fishing boats, enjoy ice cream, and stroll the boardwalk.

42. Learn at Britannia Shipyards

Discover Richmond’s maritime history through interactive exhibits.

43. Attend a summer night market

Experience food, entertainment, and family fun.

Fraser Valley

44. Visit Cultus Lake Waterpark

A summer favourite packed with water slides and attractions.

45. Spend a day at Harrison Lake

Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, or relaxing on the beach.

46. Explore Bridal Veil Falls

A short hike leads to one of BC’s most beautiful waterfalls.

47. Ride the Kilby Historic Site grounds

Step back in time and learn about Fraser Valley history.

48. Take a family farm tour

Meet animals, learn about agriculture, and enjoy fresh local produce.

49. Attend a country fair or community festival

Summer is filled with family-friendly events across the Fraser Valley.

50. Go on a scenic family hike

Choose from dozens of beginner-friendly trails throughout the region.

Make This Summer One to Remember

BC is filled with opportunities for adventure, exploration, and family connection and the Lower Mainland summer activities will keep you busy. Whether you’re discovering a new beach, tackling a forest trail, cooling off at a splash park, or enjoying a local festival, memorable summer experiences don’t have to involve expensive vacations or long road trips.

Choose a few activities close to home, try something completely new, and make the most of every sunny day. Summer may be short, but the memories can last a lifetime.