Can you believe the last day of school is today?! There are so many summer activities to enjoy over the break, and it’s a magical time to slow down and reconnect with the people who matter most, aka your family! With school out and schedules a bit more relaxed, it’s the perfect season to make memories, explore together, and soak in every sunshine-filled moment. Whether you’re at home or venturing out, here are the top summer activities that will have your whole crew feeling sun-kissed and smiling.
Take a family trip to the beach, lake, or even just a nearby outdoor pool. We have many options to choose from. Some of my favourites include Kits Beach with its recently reopened outdoor pool, Buntzen Lake, and Golden Ears Provincial Park. Water is always an instant crowd-pleaser. Kids can splash in the waves, dig in the sand, or collect shells, while parents relax (or join in the fun!). Bring water toys, pack a cooler with snacks, and don’t forget the sunscreen. End the day with a lakeside dinner or popsicles on the sand.
Take your family on a trail walk or hike through a local park or forest and go for a Geocache. No Geocache to be found? Make it fun by turning it into a different scavenger hunt, by spotting animal tracks, birds, different leaf shapes, or hidden fairy houses. These little touches make simple walks into family adventures and can even be fun summer activities on rainy days.
Can’t make it to a campsite? No problem. Pitch a tent in the backyard, grab some sleeping bags, and roast marshmallows over a fire pit while telling stories under the stars. Fall asleep to the sounds of the night. It’s the magic of camping, without the long drive or forgotten gear. We like to set up a pop-up tent on the trampoline!
Take the kids to a local farmers’ market to pick out fresh produce, baked goods, or handmade treats. Let them help choose ingredients for a picnic or dinner, and cook or prepare the meal together at home. It’s a great way to bond and teach about healthy eating. Who said that learning can’t be included in your summer activities?!
Explore your community or nearby nature paths on two wheels. Younger kids can ride along in trailers or bike seats, while older ones can pedal beside you or possibly even use with a run-bike – if you prefer taking your time for a shorter distance. Stop for ice cream or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy mid-ride.
Set up a sprinkler, kiddie pool, or slip-and-slide in the backyard. Or visit a local splash pad or community pool. Water play is easy, inexpensive, and keeps kids cool and active for hours. We love spending a couple of hours at the nearest outdoor pool for fun summer activities. Don’t forget to book your summer activities in advance if your pool requires that like the Vancouver pools do.
Transform your backyard into a family movie theatre. All you need is a white sheet, a projector, some cozy blankets, and popcorn. Let each family member take turns picking the movie of the week for a tradition everyone will look forward to. If that sounds too complicated, you can visit one of the free outdoor movie nights in your neighbourhood.
Create a family garden where everyone has a small plot to grow their favorite veggies or flowers. Not into gardening? Try summer-themed crafts like tie-dye shirts, painted rocks, or homemade wind chimes. It’s all about creativity and together time.
Not every moment needs to be a big event. Summer also means slow mornings with pancakes, sidewalk chalk art sessions, catching fireflies at dusk, or reading books under a shady tree. These are the moments your kids will remember most.
Play tourist in your own town! Visit local farms, botanical gardens, museums, or kid-friendly festivals. Many places host summer events like family fun days, concerts in the park, or free workshops—perfect for filling a day with laughter and learning.
Britannia Beach, 604/896-2233
britanniaminemuseum.ca
Multi-award-winning Britannia Mine Museum exceeds expectations, offering an engaging multi-sensory experience of an iconic National Historic Site. Rumble aboard an underground train, pan for gold, and immerse yourself in the award-winning multi-sensory experience BOOM! Located on the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway/Hwy 99 between Vancouver and Squamish.
Coquitlam
Evergreen’s Open Air Performance Series is back! Designed to bring their vibrant arts programming out of the usual performance spaces and into the open air of beautiful Lafarge Lake. From July 7 – August 29, join them for a summer-long celebration of FREE live music and street performance just steps from their venue. Performances take place every Monday – Friday at 6pm.
Squamish, 604/213-1933
tinytotsgym.ca or Instagram
Tiny Tots Gym is a family-owned indoor playground in Squamish for children aged 6 months to 6 years. Safe, clean, and air-conditioned, it’s the perfect place to play, learn, and grow. We offer open play, classes, birthday parties, and special events—encouraging movement, creativity, and connection in a fun, welcoming space for families and little ones alike.
Maple Ridge, Nanaimo, Victoria, 1855-595-2251
[email protected]
wildplay.com
WildPlay Element Parks in British Columbia (Maple Ridge, Victoria and Nanaimo) offer treetop aerial adventure courses, ziplines winding through coastal forests, axe throwing, and the thrilling “What’s to Fear” jump. WildPlay in Nanaimo also features Bungy Jumping and the Primal Swing, combining family‑friendly fun with adrenaline‑fuelled challenges!
Check out our events calendar on a regular basis to see what other events are happening locally!
Whether you're looking to create lasting memories or simply make the most of the remaining vacation days, we've put together a list of some can't-miss events and activities before summer ends for you.
TUTS presents a positively scrumptious summer season with the premiere of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the anticipated return of Legally Blonde The Musical, on stage June 27 to August 16, 2025, at Stanley Park’s majestic Malkin Bowl.
Lilo & Stitch are back on the big screen and Lego has produced a line of fun designs the celebrate it.
