Here’s a list of family-friendly things you can do around Metro Vancouver during spring break, across all sorts of price ranges.
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Did you miss out on registering your kids for spring break camps? Never fear, there are still plenty of family friendly events and activities to check out around Metro Vancouver.
For most school districts in the region, this year’s spring break will take place over two weeks from March 17 to 28, 2025.
While there’s plenty of parks and playgrounds to check out across the Metro Vancouver region, there’s also various attractions (both ticketed and non-ticketed) where you can spend a morning or afternoon entertaining the kids.
Here’s a list of family-friendly things you can do around Metro Vancouver during spring break, across all sorts of price ranges:
Vancouver
Science World
Vancouver Aquarium
“Does slow and steady actually win the race? Does bigger always mean better? What animals benefit from being weak rather than strong? Sometimes, survival isn’t about speed … it’s about strategy. Survival of the Slowest invites families to step into a world where being slow, small or even weak can be a powerful survival strategy. Explore all-new immersive habitats, learn hands-on with interactive experiences, and meet masters of mellow that thrive in ways that might surprise you. In today’s fast-paced world, take a moment to slow down together … because life’s greatest adventures are never rushed.”
Granville Island
Head down to Granville Island so the kids can visit the colourful Kids Market, and so mom and dad can grab a coffee and a bite at the Public Market. Browse local artisans and shops while also keeping your shopping dollars in Canada. Then enjoy a meal out on the back deck, watching the boats go by and the seagulls steal food from an unsuspecting tourist. Fun for everyone! (Except the tourist whose food was just stolen.)
VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory
Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor experience, you’ll find it in Queen Elizabeth Park, where you can visit the gardens outdoors if the weather is nice or pop into the Bloedel Conservatory if the weather’s terrible. Challenge your kids to explore all the different flowers and plants in the Conservatory or take in the view from the top of Queen Elizabeth Park and see if you can spot all the different mountain ranges on the North Shore.
Surrey
Celtic Fest at the Museum of Surrey
“Join performers, community partners, exhibitors and more from across the Lower Mainland to celebrate all things Celtic. This free event will feature live music, community partner booths and live performances throughout the day, including Steel School of Irish Dance, Langley Community Music School, Celtic harp and guitar by Leanne & Conner Page, Shot of Scotch Highland Dancers, arts and crafts and activities for all ages.
“While attending Celtic Fest visitors are welcome to explore the galleries, including Meditation in the Feature Gallery, TD Explore Zone (children’s interactive gallery), Youth on Reconciliation: Imagine a Canada exhibition in the Indigenous Hall and Celebrating Our Ugandan Heritage exhibition in Community Treasures.”
Surrey Nature Centre
“Nestled beside Green Timbers Urban Forest, the Surrey Nature Centre is a place for kids and adults to explore nature in Surrey. To add to your fun, pick up an activity backpack or fishing rod from the front desk.”
Bear Creek Park
“Bear Creek Park, next to the Surrey Arts Centre, features an outdoor pool and waterpark, a large playground, flower gardens, and the Bear Creek Miniature Train. It also features football and soccer fields, a running track, a fenced-in dog off-leash area, and a skate park.
“You’ll also find outdoor fitness equipment for cardio and strength training, nature trails and paved walking paths. Just a short walk down from the trail, catch a glimpse of spawning salmon or trout.”
Surrey Libraries
“Surrey Libraries is excited to announce upcoming spring break programs for kids and teens, kicking off March 17. With 10 branches and a lineup of activities ranging from nature programs to Intro to Dash and Dot coding to crafts, there’s something for every youth in Surrey.” Explore four new programs, including wild animal art, bear survival and wonder of owls. Preteen crafts, STEM Grossology: Slime, teen gardening workshops, and teen potions parties are all on the schedule.
Burnaby
Burnaby Village Museum
“Histories of Burnaby’s diverse communities are showcased in this 10-acre open-air site. Explore how homes and businesses used to look, see how different cultures help shape our community and learn from Indigenous educators. Education staff are available in select exhibits to interact with and learn from.” The museum will have special programming during spring break so be sure to check the website and time your visit accordingly.
Deer Lake Park
“As you walk along the many connecting trails that surround Deer Lake, watch for wildlife like majestic great blue herons fishing in the shallows or turtles sunning themselves on logs — and, just maybe, beavers building dams in the marshy areas to the west. To the north of Deer Lake, you’ll find Burnaby’s cultural centre — Burnaby Art Gallery, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby Village Museum and more. It’s a hub of activity during the busy summer season, hosting concerts and festivals on the Festival Lawn.”
Richmond
Richmond Olympic Experience
“Visitors enjoy a highly interactive and dynamic experience that conveys the power of the Olympic spirit through digital media, hands-on virtual sport simulations, physical challenges, informative displays and artifact exhibits.
“The museum touches on the entire history of the Games, featuring stories from every nation that has participated, and celebrating the excellence of the greatest athletes from Canada and around the world. Guests of all ages are welcome to discover the ideals of the Olympic movement, feel the thrill of competition first-hand and relive the triumphs of the Games.
“The Richmond Olympic Experience is located in the Richmond Olympic Oval, which was host to long-track speedskating during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. The building has since been converted to a world-renowned multi-sport facility. There are over 30 museum exhibits throughout the 3 levels of the building.”
Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site: Spring Break Salmon Run
“This spring break, get ready for an all-new adventure at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site with our Spring Break Salmon Run! Every year, Pacific salmon brave the challenges of the West Coast’s waters to return to the homes where they were born, where they will lay eggs of their own and restart the salmon life cycle. For a limited time only, take the place of the salmon and complete your own journey up and down the Cannery, facing series of salmon-themed activities, and return triumphant to your home stream! Visitors who complete all of the Cannery’s challenges will receive an exclusive prize connected to the theme of the salmon life cycle. Swim on down to the Cannery this Spring Break to see if you’re up to the challenge!”
Richmond Nature Park
Check out Richmond Nature Park’s current exhibit “Bats: Out of Darkness,” visiting from the Kelowna Museum. “On display at the Nature House, this exhibit invites visitors to explore the mysterious world of bats, while discovering ways to support bat conservation efforts. This dynamic, multi-sensory exhibit highlights the fascinating lives of bats, their ecological importance, and the crucial roles they play in controlling insect populations and pollinating plants. Visitors will also learn about the deep cultural significance of bats through Indigenous perspectives and gain insight into the challenges bats face, including habitat loss, disease and human misconceptions.”
Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam
Oh My Land Club
If the weather doesn’t co-operate, you can take your littles to Oh My Land Club, a sprawling indoor play place geared toward younger kids. Enjoy the massive ball pit and slide, a dedicated area for inflatables and bouncy castles, multi-level climbing structures, push toys and pretend play, an interactive water table and more. Parents can order a latte or snack at the in-house café, too.
Coquitlam Centre Community Crafts
“Looking for some spring break fun? Look no further! Join us and our friends from Place Des Arts and Evergreen Cultural Centre for complimentary arts and crafts! Get hands-on and unleash your creativity.” Check the Coquitlam Centre website for details on what crafts are available on which dates. Activities include bookmark making, fan crafting, jellyfish craft station and more. Then head across the mall to visit their mini indoor play place, located next to Carters Osh Kosh.
POMO Museum
“The POMO Museum, built-in 1908, was the second railway station built in Port Moody. The first was the 1882 Western Terminus Station which was demolished in 1961.” Explore the museum’s quaint exhibits to learn about the area’s industrial history and Port Moody’s early beginnings.
Langley and Abbotsford
Canadian Museum of Flight
“The Canadian Museum of Flight is a non-profit, volunteer-driven museum dedicated to restoring, preserving and showcasing Canada’s rich aviation heritage.” The museum is “ideal for family outings,” according to its website, thanks to the ample space and large outdoor areas where kids can run around.
Greater Vancouver Zoo
“Dedicated to education and conservation, the Greater Vancouver Zoo is home to many rescued, donated and orphaned animals. The mission of the Greater Vancouver Zoo is to inspire appreciation of our ecosystems and support conservation efforts by engaging the community. Discover the sights and sounds of 140 species on 120 acres in the heart of the Fraser Valley.”
Castle Fun Park
“Castle Fun Park is a family owned and operated business that has been serving the Abbotsford community for over 35 years. Founded by Hank and Doreen Wiebe, the park has become a beloved local landmark. Hank, a man with a passion for creating fun and memorable experiences, and Doreen, with her incredible business acumen and drive, built Castle Fun Park from the ground up. Now, their children continue their legacy, committed to providing the same family-friendly atmosphere and exciting entertainment.”
North Shore, Squamish and beyond
Britannia Mine Museum
“This spring break, visitors can enjoy some fun, interactive, family friendly special programs at the Britannia Mine Museum with their ‘Live in the Lab: Mini Mud Monsters’ and their ‘What Happened to Mount Sheer’ educational sessions from Sunday, March 15 to March 30, 2025. This year, the Britannia Mine Museum is celebrating its 50th Anniversary since the museum was founded in 1975, marking five decades of preserving and sharing the rich history of Britannia’s mining past.”
Paint Your Own Pottery Brunch at Mereon Bistro
“Mereon is excited to announce a collaboration event with Bella Ceramica, a pottery studio in West Vancouver, during spring break. This event is designed to offer a fun and creative activity for both parents and kids while school is out. On March 26 and 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., families can enjoy a ‘Paint Your Own Pottery’ experience, where each guest will receive a mug to paint while enjoying a delicious brunch. The offerings include: for adults, painting a mug along with a choice of a croque for $49, and for kids, painting a mug with a pancake for $38. It’s the perfect way to spend quality time together while getting creative! Reservations are available online.”