The “Back to School” adverts are already popping up but there are still several weeks to go before your family routine returns to normal. If you’ve already run out of things to do with your kids this summer, though, check out the cost-free local events below. And don’t forget that our Freecouver book is jam-packed with ideas for gratis places to take your children throughout the year.
Vancouver, August 6 to 9
Kitsilano’s annual sports and fitness-themed beach festival is back––and it’s the perfect place to bring high-energy kids. Alongside the demonstration roster of basketball, hockey, pickleball and much more, there’s also a fully programmed family zone with live music, face painting, a photo booth and fun yoga activities for children.
Downtown Port Coquitlam Car Show
Port Coquitlam; August 16
Car-loving kids can put away their Hot Wheels and hangout with the real thing as this popular annual event. Featuring a kaleidoscopic array of hundreds of classic and custom vehicles––plus live music and a large kids’ zone––join thousands of spectators strolling the parked cars on PoCo’s streets. There’s also a car cruise parade on the evening of August 15 to add to the fun.
Summer Music & Fireworks Festival
New Westminster; August 22
Organized by the Hyack Festival Association (don’t miss their signature event in May), this summertime waterfront celebration is a magnet for families. Highlights include live music, a dedicated kids’ zone with plenty of activities and a spectacular evening fireworks finale. And if you drop by Kinder Books in the River Market, we’ll also be there signing copies of Freecouver on the day!
Steveston; August 22 & 23
Shiver everyone’s timbers at this weekend-long maritime-themed extravaganza in shoreline Steveston Village. Packed to the crows-nest with activities and experiences for kids (and adults) of all ages, you’ll find everything here from live music to interactive crafts and from puppet shows to heritage boats. Plan to spend several hours here; there’s always plenty to see and do.
Vancouver; August 24 to 26
Head to Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre for a unique art exhibition where everything has been carefully crafted by the kids from Vancouver’s Pelican Art School. You’ll find an inspiring and immersive array of dozens of cardboard house creations alongside multiple ceramic masks and a tooth-and-claw menagerie of cool papier mâché creatures.
West Vancouver; August 28
Dundarave Village springs to life once again with this spur-twirling annual street festival on a temporarily pedestrianized stretch of Marine Drive. Expect everything from country music to pony rides and from line dancing to kid-friendly activities––wear your biggest cowboy hat and a brightly coloured ‘kerchief around your neck and you’ll fit right in!
Surrey; August 28
If your teenagers are into art––or they’re just looking for something cool to do with their friends––drop them off (no need to register) at Surrey’s Totest Aleng Indigenous Learning House for this highly creative social happening. Supplies and snacks are provided and all they have to bring along is paint clothes and a sense of artistic adventure.
North Vancouver, August 29 & 30
Check out this inspiring two-day concert on the outdoor stage at North Van’s Shipyards area. Starring junior performers from Vancouver’s School of Rock, the toe-tapping show––entitled “Reggae + Punk = Ska”––includes songs by everyone from Bob Marley to the Ramones to the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and more. Don’t be surprised if your kids request their own drum kit on the way home, though…