Ten things to do over the August Long Weekend in Vancouver
The BC Day Long Weekend approaches and while most festivals are on hold or online, a lot has opened up around the Lower Mainland. Treat the kids to cotton candy, a slushie and a twirl on the teacups at Playland, chill at the beach, snap pics at a Sunflower fest, or take a day trip to Bowen Island.
Ten family friendly summer outings in Vancouver
Visit Playland
Whose ready for mini donuts and a dizzying array of colourful rides? BC’s most iconic amusement park is wide open for another season of family fun, thrills, games, attractions, and good mood food! The weather has been good so it can be crowded. Masks are optional and most food kiosks are open.
>> Playland
Explore a Sunflower field
Fields of flowers are in full bloom all over Metro Vancouver and there are enough to blow up your ‘gram this summer. Dahlias, wild flowers, sunflowers – take your pick and snap ‘em before they’re gone!
Hit the water slides!
Waterslides are irresistible for kids, and a great way for adults to unleash their inner child. Grab the floaties, and head to these swirling, twirling slides around the city.
Go jump in a lake
There’s nothing more Canadian than a plunge in a fresh, cool lake, and there are plenty in and around Vancouver. Things are opening up so it’s a perfect time to explore outdoor spaces this summer and enjoy the fresh water.
Learn about local history
Steveston Heritage Sites are fully reopened 7-days a week, 12 to 4 pm, all summer. Explore the many fascinating exhibits at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Steveston Museum and the London Heritage Farm. Talk to their knowledgeable staff and enjoy a picnic at Salty’s Lobster Shack (Wed-Sun 11:30 am – 7 pm).
>> Three family friendly heritage sites in Steveston
Go to a free fest
This free (scaled back for 2021) West Van free fest features musical performances, art exhibitions and demos, culinary events all along the water’s edge. There are kids activities and of course the beach and the spray park and playground at John Lawson Park. July 30–August 8, 2021
Pick berries
Take the kids out to a U-pick so they can enjoy the satisfaction of picking their own food, pat some barnyard animals, run around in the playground and maybe even dig into some ice cream and berries.
>> 7 U-picks the kids will love
Suit up for a day at the beach
A day at the beach with the right equipment and a whole lotta snacks, hats and sunscreen is a summer must for the fam. Luckily we have some of the best beaches around whether you live in downtown Vancouver, Tsawassen or Surrey.
Head to the Britannia Mine Museum
It’s cool way underground in the mines. Check out the new new exhibition Connected by Copper: From Cells to Cell Phones featuring a floor-to-ceiling 3D DNA structure that showcases how copper is used in products to protect us from harm, as well as an electric light selfie photo station. Bonus: A digital display showcasing how TransLink used copper to help kill bacteria on buses and SkyTrain cars.
Take a ferry day trip
A beautiful 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get a feel for quiet island life close to the city. You’ll find little shops, restaurants, a few historic buildings, beaches, and family-friendly hikes (a walk around Killarney Lake is a must).
