Photo: Tilly Nelson/VICF
Prepare to spend some quality time at one of Vancouver’s many upcoming big family events this spring. As the school year gets closer to the end, with summer break on the horizon, there are a handful of stimulating activities, festivals, and exhibitions aimed at entertaining both kids and adults coming soon for families to gather for a whole day of fun together.
Science World
Dream Tomorrow Today, Photo: Science World
Step into a world of innovation and creative thinking by exploring Science World‘s latest immersive, hands-on exhibition, Dream Tomorrow Today, from now until May 5. This future-focused, interactive adventure invites kids to play the role of tomorrow’s change makers by exploring how STEAM can positively shape the future.
This gamified approach to learning encourages children to engage the tools needed to navigate our evolving landscape of technology. Central to this vision is “Planet Power” – a scientific metric encompassing health, happiness, nature, and equality. By actively participating in these activities, young learners discover practical ways to improve their scores and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world while having fun.
While you’re in the Mount Pleasant area, take a family walk on the water along Olympic Village overlooking False Creek before getting something to eat at nearby restaurants like Nook, The Flying Pig, or Tacofino.
Jurassic Quest
Photo: Jurassic Quest
For dinosaur lovers, Jurassic Quest, the largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit tour, comes to the Pacific Coliseum from May 2-5. Marvel at the true-to-detail and size prehistoric displays, including a 60-foot-long sky-scraping Spinosaurus, 80-foot-long Apatosaurus, and their gigantic lifesize T. Rex!
Check out the walking and stationary dinosaur rides with some of the largest rideable dinosaurs in North America. You’ll also have opportunities to meet and greet loveable baby dinosaurs like Tyson the T. Rex, Cammie the Camarasaurus, and Trixie the Triceratops.
Also located on the PNE Fairgrounds in Hastings Park, the Playland amusement park opens for the summer in May if you have the energy for a full day of activities. Make sure to ride the famous Wooden Roller Coaster!
Ridge Meadows Home Show
Photo: Ridge Meadows Home Show
Take the family out to the Ridge Meadows Home Show on the Maple Ridge Fairgrounds from May 3-5. Find inspiration for improving your home life with everything you need to renovate, decorate, and landscape your home. There will be plenty of things to keep everyone occupied, from 300 different booths, a household marketplace, a food truck festival, live entertainment, crafts, and Family Fest to entertain the whole family.
Next door, kids can run around and hit the playground at the Albion Sports Complex. For nearby options to share a family meal, try Albion Pizzeria or Break Away Bar & Grill.
Polygon Gallery
Kids First, Photo: Polygon Gallery
Get creative on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month (May 4-5 and June 1-2) with a day of art-making and fun. Kids First is an opportunity for families of all kinds to create an in-house art project based on the exhibitions being shown at The Polygon Gallery.
The projects are generally geared toward children ages 5 to 12, but anyone can participate. Registration in advance is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Make a day of your gallery visit by exploring the scenic Shipyards District and Lonsdale Quay, or check out the MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver across the street. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants along the waterfront, or if you can’t decide, drop by The Quay Market & Food Hall.
Vancouver International Children’s Festival
Photo: Tilly Nelson/VICF
Don’t miss the Vancouver International Children’s Festival (VICF), the longest-running professional performing arts festival for young audiences, with shows running from May 27 to June 2 on Granville Island. There’s something for all tastes, from world-class theatre, music, dance, circus, puppetry, acrobatics, and storytelling to entertain the whole family.
This year, 13 professional performing artists from as distant as Australia are scheduled to perform 81 different shows. Families come from near and far to experience the annual arts festival dedicated to providing diverse programming that engages and delights young audiences.
While you’re on Granville Island, tour all the artists’ spaces and shops, grab a snack at the Public Market, and try the honey dip from the world-famous Lee’s Donuts. Dining options on the island include Alrimentaira Mexicana, The Vancouver Fish Company, The Sandbar, and more.