Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity for harvest-themed outings. For those who are in and around Vancouver this holiday long weekend, we’ve put together a few of our fave family friendly Thanksgiving events.
8 family friendly Thanksgiving activities
Visit Fort Langley
Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to head to Langley for an infusion of fall feels. Visit a cranberry bog, wander around Fort Langley Historic Site, check out the pumpkins and farm animals at Aldor Acres and drop into the Krause Berry Farms for a decadent pumpkin waffle.
>> Fall activities in Fort Langley
Pet the animals at MapleWood Farm
This cute little demonstration farm is tucked away down a side street in North Vancouver. It is all the things a farm should be according to children’s storybooks: cows, chickens, goats, horses, pigs, and a big red barn. Make sure to book your visit ahead of time by using their online booking system or by calling.
HowlOver Canada
Looking for a spine-tingling, family friendly Halloween outing that’s a real howl? Well put on your pointy hats and head down to Canada Place to Flyover Canada’s HowlOver Canada experience! From Sept 27 to October 31, 2021 daily from 10 am – 8 pm this experience will have you flying through the skies with spooky sidekicks. Proof of vaccination required (for those eligible), government ID and masks required.
Head to the farm at Taves AppleBarn
Until October 31 2021, Abbotsford
Taves Applebarn is a whole lot more than apples, although the apples are crisp and you can pick them or buy them. Oh and there’s cider too. But they’ve also got a pumpkin patch and hayride, a corn maze, corn and pumpkin cannon, jumping pillow, petting zoo, playground (s) and if that weren’t enough, they have pony rides too! A outing to Taves is a slam dunk guaranteed fall hit for the family.
NB: Be aware that this is a popular place so if you are keen to avoid crowds, you may want to consider a smaller patch.
Take your pick at the Pumpkin Patch
Runs until October 31 2021, across the Lower Mainland
Most patches are open this weekend so get your dibs in early and enjoy the festive farmyard fun at one of these ten patches around the Lower Mainland. Don’t forget to wear rubber boots and bring a juiced up iPhone for all those cute snaps! Want your cutie to be featured on Instagram? Remember to tag @VancouverMom #VancouverMom for a chance to show up in our highlights.
Get lost at the Chilliwack Corn Maze
Runs until October 31, 2021 Chilliwack
Each year the region’s biggest and most elaborate corn maze creates a new design based around a topical theme for their 12 acre maze. Added attractions: Cozy fall lunch items, farm animals, pedal carts, giant jumping pillows, duck race, games, tractor rides, mini tricycle area, fire pits, hay rides, giant sandbox and swing area, tire mountain, swings, corn box, cow roping and tether balls.
Go for a fall walk
Vancouver is the ideal city for a crisp fall walk. The crowds of the summer have dissipated, the leaves are golden and green and mushrooms are popping up on the forest floor and beside sidewalks. There’s lots to see and do outdoors in the fall, so why not pack up the kids and go for a walk?
Run off the epic dinner at the Turkey Trot!
October 1-15, 2021 Granville Island, In-Person (Limited) & Virtual run
This year there are limited spots for the 10KM in-person race on Thanksgiving Monday! If you don’t get a spot, sign up for a virtual race and lace up for a well intentioned run, jog, walk or waddle in your own neighbourhood. Proceeds of the Turkey Trot Run go to the Food Bank.
Dig into a pumpkin treat at your fave local shop!
The pumpkin patches are open, the scarves are out, and every second mom has a PSL in-hand. Why not go all out and pair it with a pumpkin bar, bun, cookie, pie or yes, gelato! Head to a favorite local shop and indulge in that post-Turkey feeling. There’s nothing like tasty goods to make it family friendly Thanksgiving!
