Looking for things to do this summer? We’ve started our summer ongoing fun listing with family-friendly events all around town. Much as we’ve tried, we’re pretty sure this list isn’t as exhaustive as it could be, so if you know of ongoing events we’ve missed do email us the info and we’ll be sure to add it!

Activities

Looking for ways to keep your kids busy? Check out these fun activities:

Beatty Biodiversity Museum
Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm, 2212 Main Mall, UBC, Vancouver
The Beatty has all sorts of summer programming going on, including daily puppet shows, outdoor activities, story times, and more. You can also create biodiversity crafts, learn at activity stations, explore the discovery lab, participate in BC Biodiversity themed scavenger hunts, and watch films in the auditorium. Check out their site for times and details before you head out: beatymuseum.ubc.ca

Vancouver Art Gallery
Weekends during the summer, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
During weekends over the summer the VAG has lots of family programming including Art Agents on Saturdays from noon to 4 pm, a chance to explore the galleries with an informed and funny guide; Art Tracks, on Saturdays at 2 pm, are child-oriented tours led by artists, educators, dancers and more; while the Making Place on the second and fourth Sundays of the month offers explorative, hands-on workshops featuring collaborative and independent activities for making of all kinds. Be sure to check their site in advance for times and locations: www.vanartgallery.bc.ca

YVR Take-Off Fridays
Fridays, July 15th — August 26th, 9 am – 3 pm, 3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond
Vancouver International Airport is hosting a children’s party every Friday, all summer long.  YVR has a long standing mystic appeal for kids of all ages, and once you add live DJs, face painting, magicians and entertainers, you’ve got a serious attraction worth checking out – especially if you couple it with a Canada Line ride to the airport.  Sample some of YVR’s many food offerings and $10 lunch specials, check out the public observation area, play with one of the many high-tech telescopes, check out footage from the airport community, and explore Sea Island through an interactive model: www.yvr.ca

Illuminares Pre-Event Creative Workshops
Wednesday, July 20th – Saturday, July 30th, various times and locations, Vancouver
Get ready for this year’s Illuminares with these series of workshops that include puppetry, performance and lantern building, they’re all about creativity. Check their site to see the different types and locations of the workshops:  publicdreams.org

Birds Up Close
ongoing to September 5th, Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Birds Up Close at the Aquarium features falcons, hawks, eagles and more birds in daily aerial show that’s all about the relationship between sea and sky. Check their events page for program times: www.visitvanaqua.org

Richmond Nature Park Nature Walk and Animal Show
Sundays, 2 pm – 3 pm Nature Walk &  3 pm – 3:30 pm Animal Show, 11851 Westminster Highway, Richmond
Every Sunday you can take a walk and explore the bog while discovering more about this wetland, and then visit the Nature Houses’ collection of live animals, which are the ambassadors to the wildlife community of the bog. Call in advance to confirm programming: www.richmondnatureparksociety.ca

Watershed Tours
Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, the Capilano Watershed and the Coquitlam Watershed
Where does our water come from? Call 604.432.6430 to book your tour in advance (Note: you must book in advance) and take your kids to find out all about our water. We think this would be fun to arrange with a group of friends: www.metrovancouver.org

Cosmic Fridays
Friday July 22nd & 29th & August 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th, 10:30 am – Noon, Surrey Museum, 17710-56A Avenue
Kids of all ages can drop in to learn about space by making stars, creating aliens and more with different cosmic crafts each week: www.surrey.ca

Discovery Days
Various Tuesdays and Saturdays to August 27th, 10 am – Noon, Surrey Nature Centre at Green Timbers, 14255 – 96th Avenue, Surrey
Meet a Nature Guide who will help you discover the forest, check out the museum exhibit, create and eco-craft and learn from their interactive Exploration Boxes. If you bring a picnic lunch you can explore the afternoon away as well: www.surrey.ca

Lego Town Display, Port Moody Station Museum
Daily to August 31st, 10 am – 5 pm, Port Moody Station Museum, 2734 Murray St. (next to Rocky Point Park), Port Moody
Check out this LEGO display inspired by the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the first trans Canada train on July 4, 1886. Created by the Vancouver LEGO Club, this heritage town, similar to Port Moody, includes a moving train, a replica of the Port Moody train station, and a sawmill: portmoodymuseum.org

Friday Fun in Lang Park
Fridays to Aug 20, 10 am – 12:30 pm, Lang Park, Richmond
There is free family fun every Friday this summer in Lang Park.  You’ll find games, crafts, face-painting, and more: richmond.ca

Playground Activities at Civic Square
Sundays to Aug 28, 1pm – 4pm, Tuesdays to Aug 16, 5:45pm – 8:45pm, Wednesdays to Aug 16, 10am – 5pm.   East of Bob Prittie Library at Kingsborough & McKay, Burnaby
At Civic Square you’ll find lots of ways to get active and have fun with your family.  Weather permitting: burnaby.ca

Learn to Fish at Green Timbers
Wednesdays to August 24, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Green Timbers Lake, 14600 block of 100 Avenue, Surrey
Kids ages 5 to 15 can join the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC for this two hour learn to fish class, where they will learn fish biology, conservation and ethics, rod and reel handling, and of course, how to fish for rainbow trout.  The course is free but there is a recommended donation of $5.  Registration required. Call 604-502-6065: surrey.ca

Imagine and Explore at Lynn Canyon
Saturdays to Sept 3, 10:30 am – noon, Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, North Vancouver
Topics vary, see schedule for details.  Ages 3 to 6 with adult.  Pre-registration required: dnv.org/ecology/

Klahowya Village and Spirit Catcher Train in Stanley Park
Daily to September 11, Stanley Park, Vancouver
The Stanley Park train and surrounding area has been transformed into an authentic Aboriginal tourism experience.  Catch the Spirit Catcher Train and hear the story “The Raven Saving the Sun”, watch daily dance performances at 1pm and 3 pm, and check out artisans working on-site:  www.aboriginalbc.com

Sunday Afternoon Salsa Dancing at Robson Square
Sundays to August 28, 3pm lessons, 5pm performances, Robson Square, Vancouver
Whether you are a Salsa dancing expert or have never danced before, you are welcome to these free outdoor salsa dances at Robson Square:  sundayafternoonsalsa.com

Viva Vancouver Pedestrian Weekends
Weekends through Labour Day, Granville St. from Smithe to Hastings, Vancouver
Every weekend this summer, downtown Granville St will become a pedestrian-only zone  There will be events and activities, tours and performances.  See schedule for details:  vancouver.ca

Familiar Five Series
Saturdays, August 6, August 20, September 3, 10:30am – 11am, Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Meet at the Nature House at 4519 Piper Avenue off Winston Street, Burnaby
On each these short walks, a park interpreter will teach you all about five familiar plants or animals:  metrovancouver.org

Beach Hero
July 13, 11am, Crescent Beach, July 14, 11am, White Rock, July 15, noon, Crescent Beach, August 11 10 am, White Rock, August 12, 10:30 am, Crescent Beach, August 13, 11:30am, White Rock
Have you noticed that when you walk along the beach, there are entire colonies of small creatures under your feat?  Learn about these small-scale creatures and how we can walk gently with them with this series of beach walks with the Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society:  birdsonthebay.ca

All Over the Map
Sundays to Aug 28, 2pm, Ron Basford Park or moved inside to Performance Works in case of rain, Granville Island, Vancouver
Eight years running, All Over the Map is a series of free dance and music performances the whole family will enjoy.  Wear your comfy shoes, these performances will get you moving www.granvilleisland.com

Waterfront Yoga
Mondays and Thursdays to September 9, 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Canada Place, Vancouver
Wind up your busy day with yoga against the stunning backdrop of Stanley Park, the North Shore Mountains and the Burrard Inlet.  All levels of skill are welcome, but capacity is limited so get their early.  Bring your mat, water, and a friend:  www.canadaplace.ca

Music, Dance & Entertainment

There is lots of summer entertainment for families all around town:

Kitsilano Showboat
Various programming to August 20th, 2300 Cornwall at Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver
With music, dance and more, the Showboat is a fun evening out with kids, especially if you combine with a picnic on the beach: www.kitsilanoshowboat.com

SummerFest at Lonsdale Quay Market
Fridays to September 2nd, Lonsdale Quay
With weekly programming including face painting, balloon designs, Mendi and more, there are also feature performances from the likes of Will Stroet, Gogo Bonkers, Kellie Haines and more. Check their site for times as they vary: www.lonsdalequay.com

Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS)
ongoing to August 20th, 8 pm, Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
This year TUTS is presenting Bye Bye Birdie and Anything Goes. For elementary-aged kids this is a fun night out with lots of music and dance to keep them engaged. We saw Anything Goes with two 7-year-olds on a drizzly night and they had a blast! Warning: dress warm and bring a blanket, but they do provide handy ponchos if it rains. Shows run to about 10:30 pm: www.tuts.ca

Evenings in Edgemont Concert Series
Fridays to August 26th, 7 pm – 9 pm, Edgemont Village, North Vancouver
Bring your lawn chairs and set up for  weekly family-friendly concerts featuring everything from the Beatles to Rockabilly (August 19th is Family Dance Night). And Japa Dog and Roaming Dragon will be on hand so you don’t have to worry about packing a picnic: www.vancouversnorthshore.com

Village Vibe
Saturdays to August 27th, 2 – 4 pm, Leigh Square Community Arts Village (2253 Leigh Square), Port Coquitlam
Catch music every Saturday except Saturday, July 23rd, when you can check out the Itsy Bitsy Children’s Theatre Festival, theatrical performances, dance, crafts, face painting, puppets, clowns and more: www.portcoquitlam.ca

Summer Sundays at Civic Square
Sundays to Aug 28 1pm – 4pm, East of Bob Prittie Library at Kingsborough & McKay, Burnaby
There will be a variety of cultural performances at Civic Square this summer.  Weather permitting: burnaby.ca

Summer Fun Nights
Tuesdays to Aug 9, 5 pm – 7:30 pm, King George Park Gathering Place, Richmond
The Cambie Community Association brings you an evening of music, food, and family fun. Weather permitting: richmond.ca

Summer Music, Movies and More!
Wednesdays to Aug 17, 6:30 om – 8 pm, Garden City Community Park, 6620 Garden City Road, Richmond
Head to Garden City Park for live entertainment each week.  Pack a picnic and enjoy a summer evening in the park: richmond.ca

Music in the Park
Sundays to Aug 21, 1pm–3pm, 1755 Beach Avenue at Bidwell, Vancouver
Enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon listening to live music at the park.  See site for schedule and band bios.  vancouver.ca

Dancing in the Square
Fridays to August 26, 7pm – 9pm, Outdoors in Hyack Square, New Westminster
Dance the evening away under the stars in New Westminster.  This free event is led by Instructors from Dance With Me Studio http://www.dancewithmenewwest.com/ .  Weather permitting, check site to confirm:  dancewithmenewwest.com

CBC Musical Nooners
Daily till August 26, noon to 1pm, 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Spend your lunch hour enjoying some live music downtown: cbc.ca

Enchanted Evenings at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Fridays to September 2, 7pm doors, 7:30pm concert, 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
There will be a different group with a different musical style each week at the Garden.  Wine ad appies available: vancouverchinesegarden.com

Concerts in the Cove
Fridays to Aug 12, 7pm – 9pm, Panorama Park, Deep Cove
Bring your lawn chairs and good company to enjoy live music in Panorama Park:  artsoffice.ca

Concerts in the Square & Art on the Pier
Saturdays to Aug 27, 12pm – 8pm, Shipbuilder’s Square, North Vancouver
Come to the foot of Lonsdale, on the waterfront, to enjoy some live music this summer:  cnv.org

Live in Lynn Valley Village
Fridays to Aug 19, 7pm – 9 pm, Lynn Valley Village, North Vancouver
This is the 4th year of the annual Lynn Valley Village Summer Concert Series.  See site for performer details: grantandjasmine.com

Cates Park Concert Series
Saturdays t 27, 4pm – 7pm, Cates Park, Deep Cove
Spend a summer Saturday afternoon in Cates Park listening to some live music.  Concerts are free, and a 2 disc compilation from all the performers will be available to support the artists.  See site for performer information:  musart.ca

Summer Sunday Concerts
Sundays to August 28, 2pm, Rocky Point Part, Port Moody
There will be free jazz, rhythm and blues concerts all summer at beautiful Rocky Point Park.  See site for schedule:  summersundays.ca

Free Outdoor Movies In Your ‘Hood

Bring your blanket and a chair and set up for some outdoor movie time all around town:

Maple Ridge Movies By Moonlight
Thursdays July 29th & August 4th, 11th and 18th, 7:30 pm – 11:45 pm, Memorial Peace Park, 224 Street, Maple Ridge
Memorial Peace Park will be hosting free movies every Thursday night, all summer long. All movies are rated PG. Start times vary depending on weather and lighting: www.youthservices.ca

Vancity Fresh Air Movie Tour
Different dates and times all around the Lower Mainland
In partnership with Fresh Air Cinema, Vancity is bringing Rio and ET to local communities all summer long. As well as the movies, there will also be info booths, fundraising for local charities, and you can play Plinko for a chance to win prizes. Check their site for locations and times: www.vancity.com

Prospera’s Cinema Under The Stars
Different times and locations around Surrey, Abbotsford, Langley, Chilliwack and more
Prospera Credit Union is presenting super family-friendly movies, think Tangled, Cars 2 and more, all summer long. Check their site for times and locations: www.prospera.ca

Robson Square Summer Cinema
Robson Square Rink, Monday evenings in July and August, starting at approximately 8:30 pm
Catch Ghostbusters, the Muppets, Men in Black, and lots more at Robson Square’s weekly movie night over the summer:  www.gov.bc.ca

Summer Screen at the Village
Thursday nights in August, the Village Plaza, the Village on False Creek
We can’t find times or movie info for these events, but they’re promising a European Plaza environment with bistro style seating and unique programming, and can even reserve your table beforehand. We’ll keep an eye on their site and add more info when we find it: www.vancouvervillage.ca

Port Coquitlam Cinema Under The Stars
Various dates, Gates Park & Aggie Park, Port Coquitlam
Catch The Blind Side and Star Trek outdoors in PoCo this summer: www.portcoquitlam.ca

Reel Reads Movie Nights
Thursdays in July & August, Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
With the weather we’ve been having these indoor movies might be just the ticket. Catch Hitchcock classics, historical dramas, and biographical movies. Probably more date night fare than family-friendly fun: www.vpl.ca

Tsawwassen Outdoor Movie Nights
Saturday nights, various locations in Tsawwassen
Catch family-friendly flicks all around Tsawwassen this summer: web.deltasd.bc.ca

Movie Nights at Civic Square
Thursdays to Aug 25 8:30 pm – 10 pm, East of Bob Prittie Library at Kingsborough & McKay, Burnaby
There will be movies all summer at Civic Square.  Rain or shine: burnaby.ca

Steveston Starry Nights
Aug 01, 14, 28, Show starts just after sunset, Fisherman’s Park, Corner of 3rd Avenue and Moncton Street, Richmond
The lawn in from of the Cannery will be your venue for these events.  You can stop by one of Steveston’s many restaurants or coffee shops beforehand, and there will be a small concession and a popcorn vendor on site:  richmond.ca

Dinner and a Movie
Tuesdays to Aug 30, dusk (approx. 9:30 pm), Ceperley Meadow in Stanley Park, Vancouver
Pick up soothing to eat from one of the West End’s 22 eateries, then head to the park to enjoy a feature film on a giant inflatable screen:  westendbia.com

Summer of Cinema and Song
Sundays to August 28 (*except during the Harmony Arts Festival), 7 pm song, cinema starts at sunset, Ferry Building Landing (foot of 14th Street), West Vancouver
Summer of Cinema and Song features live music as the sun sets, and a move after dark:  westvancouver.ca

Fresh Air Cinema
If you like outdoors movies check out the Fresh Air Cinema site for a great listing of movies at different locations all around town. Note: there may be some duplicates of movies listed above: us2.campaign-archive2.com

Farmers Markets Around the Lower Mainland

Whether you just want to hit up your local or spend some time over the summer checking out others markets, here’s a handy list of where and when you’ll find ‘em:

Vancouver Farmers Markets

• Kerrisdale Village Farmers Market, Saturdays, August 6th – October 8th, 10 am – 2 pm, East Boulevard between 37th & 41st Avenue
• Trout Lake Farmers Market, Saturdays to October 22nd, 9 am – 2 pm, North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake
• Kits Farmers Market, Sundays to October 23rd, 10 am – 2 pm, 2960 Larch Street (@ 10th Avenue), Parking Lot of Kits Community Centre
• West End Farmers Market, Saturdays to October 22nd, 9 am – 2 pm, 1100 Block of Comox Street across from Nelson Park at Mole Hill
• Main Street Station at Thornton Park, Wednesdays to October 5th, 3 pm – 7 pm, 1100 Block Station Street along Thornton Park, across from VIA Rail Station

UBC Farm Markets
Saturdays to late October, 9 am – 1 pm, UBC Farm, 6182 South Campus Road, Vancouver

Westside Pocket Market
Thursdays to September 8, from 3pm – 7pm, Kits Neighborhood House, 2325 West 7th, Vancouver

Oak Street Farmers Market
Wednesdays to Oct 26, 3pm – 7pm, Unitarian Church, Oak & 49th, Vancouver

Robson Square Artisan Market
Saturdays to September 18th, 12pm – 5pm, Robson Square, Vancouver

Granville Island Farmers Market
Thursdays to October 27, 9:00am 3:00pm, Triangle Square, Granvile Island

Artisan Farmers Markets

• Lonsdale Quay, Saturdays to October 29th, 10 am – 3 pm, East Plaza at the Quay, North Vancouver
• Ambleside Market, Sundays to October 30th, 10 am – 3 pm, Parking Lot behind the Police Station on Bellevue between 13th and 14th Streets in Ambleside, West Vancouver
• Burnaby Village Farmers Market, Saturdays to October 29th, 9 am – 2 pm, Carousel Meadow at Burnaby Village Museum at 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby

North Shore Green Markets

• Civic Plaza, Wednesdays to Oct 26th, 12pm – 7pm, Civic Plaza 141 W 14th St, North Vancouver
• Lynn Valley Squarem Thursdays to Oct 27th,  2pm -7pm, 1277 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver
• Shipbuilders Plaza, Fridays Night Market to Sept 23rd, 5pm – 11pm, 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Dundarave Farmers Market
Saturdays to September 24, 9am to 3pm, Dundarave Village, North Vancouver

Steveston Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market
Sundays, August 7th & 21st & September 4th & 18th, 10 am – 4 pm, Corner of Third Avenue & Moncton Street, Steveston

White Rock Farmer’s Market
Sundays to October 9th, 9 am – 1 pm, Miramar Village Plaza – 15154 Russell Avenue, White Rock

Tri-Cities Baker’s Community Market
Saturday July 23rd & August 6th, 10 am – 2 pm, Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam

Haney Farmers Market Society

• Pitt Meadows, Sundays to to September 11, 10am – 2pm, Spirit Square next to City Hall, 12007 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows
• Port Coquitlam, Thursdays to September 15, 3pm – 7pm, 2253 Leigh Square beside City Hall, Port Coquitlam
• Haney, Saturdays through October, 9am – 2pm, Memorial Peace Park, Lougheed Hwy and Dewdney Trunk Rd on 224th Street, Maple Ridge

Ladner Village Market
Sunday, July 24th, August 14th & 28th & September 11th, 10 am – 4 pm, see link for location

Royal City Farmers Market
Thursdays to October 6th, 3:0pm – 7:00 pm, Tipperary Park at 4th and Royal, New Westminster

Fort Langley Village Farmers Market
Sunday to October 2nd 2011, 10:00am – 3:00pm, Orchard area of the Fort Langley National Historic Site

Abbotsford Farm & Country Market
Saturdays to October 15th, 9:00am to 1:00pm, Montrose Avenue and George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford

Other Markets Around the Lower Mainland

Chinatown Night Market
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to September 11, 6:30pm to 11:00 pm, Keefer St.and Main St. Between Main & Columbia Sts, Vancouver
The Chinatown Night Market is the first of it’s kind in North America and is legendary for it’s shopping, foods, and roaming entertainment.  If your timing is right, you may even see a lion dance: www.vcma.shawbiz.ca

Summer Night Market
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and holidays to September18, 7pm, 12631 Vulcan Way Richmond
Richmond’s Night Market features all the shopping you could want, plus a Play Zone for kids, eating contest, dog show, and much more: summernightmarket.com

Summer Artisan Craft Fairs
August 13-14, 11:00am-4:00pm, Civic Plaza (14th & Lonsdale), August 27-28, 11:00am-4:00pm, Lynn Valley Library Square, North Vancouver
North Vancouver Community Arts Council is showcasing more than thirty artisans at each of their craft fairs this summer.  Come support local talent, and meet the people behind the craft: www.nvartscouncil.ca

Artful Sundays in Napier Greenway
Sundays to Sept 4, 12 pm – 5 pm, Napier Greenway (Napier Street at Commercial Drive), Vancouver
You’ll find local artists, live music, demonstrations and workshops at this multi-media art market: www.britanniacentre.org