It is the final days of the Vancouver International Children’s Festival and if your family has not made it out yet, there is still time. Shows are still running Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — May 29, 30, and 31 — and tickets are still available. Head down to Granville Island for one last chance to soak up the incredible performances, hands-on activities, roving performers, and the kind of magic that only happens once a year.

Not sure how to make the most of your day? Here is everything your family needs to know before you go.

It’s Not Too Late, Grab Your Tickets Now

Good news: tickets are still available for some fantastic shows this Saturday and Sunday. Do not let the final weekend slip by thinking it is sold out. Head straight to ChildrensFestival.ca and see what is still on. The Family 4-Pack gets you four tickets to one show for just $66 (plus service charges and tax) — an easy yes for a full day of family fun.

Once you have your show locked in, plan your day around that anchor time and leave the rest open for spontaneous exploring. Some of the best festival moments happen when you are not following a schedule.

Tips to Getting There Without Stress

Parking on Granville Island on a busy festival weekend can be a lot. Here are a few smarter ways to arrive:

• Free parking is available at the Lululemon Parkade on Saturday and Sunday. Check the location and parking details before you head out.
• Transit is always a solid option — SkyTrain to downtown and a short bus ride gets you there without the parking headache.
• Granville Island Ferry is the most fun option, especially for kids. The little aquabus is a mini adventure before the festival even starts. Kids absolutely love it.

Whichever way you arrive, build in a few extra minutes so the day starts relaxed, not rushed.

What to Pack and Where to Eat

A little prep goes a long way with kids. Toss these in your bag before you leave:

• Snacks and a water bottle
• Sunscreen (May on Granville Island can surprise you)
• A light layer for kids in case it cools down
• A picnic blanket for the green spaces

When it comes to food, you have great options right on site. Grab donuts, cream puffs, or fish and chips at the Public Market or explore the food trucks set up throughout the festival grounds. It is part of the whole Granville Island experience and the kids will love picking their own treat.

More Than Just the Shows

Here is something a lot of families do not realize until they get there: your show ticket includes a free wristband to the Activity Village, and it is worth every minute.

With over a dozen hands-on art stations, there is something for every age from toddlers to tweens. New this year, the Sutcliffe Stage brings a live performance space right inside the Activity Village featuring music, dance, and pop-up performances throughout the day. Check out the full performance schedule so you do not miss a moment.

Also keep your eyes open for roving performers wandering the festival grounds, they pop up in the best unexpected moments.

When little ones need a breather, head to the Inner Garden, a quiet rest space tucked inside the Activity Village. It is a lifesaver for overstimulated toddlers and tired parents alike.

Soak It All In

Take a few photos — absolutely. But put the phone down long enough to actually jump into the fun with your kids. The look on their faces during a live show, the moment they discover something at an art station, the laugh that comes out of nowhere — those are the memories that stick.

This is one of those weeks that reminds us why we love living in Vancouver. Do not miss the final weekend.

Tickets are on sale now at ChildrensFestival.ca — book yours today!