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Family Day Activities in Metro Vancouver

February 1, 2026

Looking for something to do on the BC Family Day long weekend in February in Vancouver? There are so many fun activities to choose from.

In 2026 the long weekend starts on Friday, February 13th (one day before Valentine’s Day). It then runs through the holiday on Monday, February 16th.

Continue reading or see our article about What’s Happening This Weekend to learn about the top Family Day activities that take place in the Lower Mainland.

Family Day activities listed in this article include events in the following municipalities:

Click any of the above locations to jump to events in a particular region, or simply continue reading to see what’s going on throughout the Lower Mainland.

Things to do on the Family Day Long Weekend in the Lower Mainland

One of the largest events of the holiday weekend, held most years, is FAN EXPO Vancouver. It’s a Comic-Con-style event featuring everything related to comics, superheroes, anime, and Hollywood celebrities at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The event runs from February 14th to 16th in 2026.

If you enjoy comedy, Just For Laughs Vancouver runs over the long weekend. In 2026, the festival happens from February 12th to the 22nd. It features world-class comedians at various venues. Great comedy also takes place at The Improv Centre on Granville Island.

If you enjoy virtual reality, especially VR games, a place you’ll want to check out on long weekend is Zero Latency. The VR game centre has locations in Vancouver and Langley.

The weekend also features Mozart’s Così fan tutte at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with Vancouver Opera on February 12th and 15th. In 2026 there are also Lunar New Year events, including ones with Lunarfest Vancouver and at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Also this year, Valentine’s Day is on the Saturday of the long weekend.

Typical Family Day Activities in the Lower Mainland

Depending on what you like to do and who you want to do it with, you are sure to find something you’ll enjoy from our list of great Family Day long-weekend activities and places to visit. See below for a list of events, attractions, and activities in the City of Vancouver. Then, even further below, you’ll find things to do on the North Shore and in the Fraser Valley, Maple Ridge, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, New Westminster, and the Sea-to-Sky Region.

Superheroes at Vancouver Fan Expo — FAN Expo Vancouver

Vancouver Family Day Events and Attractions

Below is a list of events taking place during the Family Day long weekend in the City of Vancouver in 2026, followed by a list of attractions offering special activities.

Family Day Events in the City of Vancouver

Metro Theatre – the theatre company presents its romantic comedy, Barefoot in the Park in South Vancouver until February 15th.
FAN EXPO Vancouver – a comic, superhero, science fiction, and pop culture convention and trade show that often happens on the Family Day Long Weekend at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The event features several well-known celebrities. There are also workshops, presentations, and a large vendor market where you can buy a wide range of items. In 2026, FAN EXPO happens from February 14th to 16th.
What the Frock Productions – the Bacon & L’eggs drag show and brunch event happens at the Howe Sound Taphouse on February 15th in 2026.
Vancouver Opera – the Italian opera production Così fan tutte took place at Queen Elizabeth Theatre on February 7th, 12th, and 15th in 2026.
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra – the orchestra performs Brahms’ Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 at the Orpheum Theatre on February 13th and 14th.
Just For Laughs Vancouver – the comedy festival is in town between February 12th and 22nd in 2026, with dozens of shows on the February long weekend.
Scotiabank Dance Centre – the Matriarchs Uprising 2026 dance shows run from February 16th to 21st.

In addition to the above, in 2026, there is also a Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise on Saturday, February 14th, with Vancouver Boat Parties. It’s not a “Family Day” event, nor even something for young families. Instead, it’s a fun nightclub-style event that includes dinner and music for adults ages 19+.

Family Day Attractions and Activities in the City of Vancouver

Vancouver Mysteries – the games company offers outdoor adventures for people to play on the streets of downtown Vancouver. You can choose between a secret mission game, a crime-solving game, a ghost-busting game, and a superheroes game. Special events this time of year also include mystery dining experiences The Legend of the Gastown Gold and The Case of the Hotel Detective.
Flyover – the multisensory theatre at Canada Place offers a couple of shows in February 2026, including ones about Canada and Iceland.
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in Vancouver take place on all three days of the long weekend in 2026. Tours include the Lost Souls of Gastown and Sinners & Sweets (formerly the Hidden History & Sweet Treats Tour).
LunarFest – free family-friendly activities happen all weekend at Granville Island in Vancouver.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver Civic Theatres hosts a Family Day Open House on the Saturday of the long weekend most years. The event features a Family Comedy Stage, free hot chocolate and other activities at the theatre. Visit the Vancouver Civic Theatres website for the most up-to-date details on the event’s status for 2026.
VanDusen Botanical Garden – admission is 25% off on February 13th to 16th in 2026. To get the deal, either purchase your tickets at the gate on the day or use the promo code FAMILYDAY when paying for admission online.

In addition to the above, further below is a list of attractions with free admission in the City of Vancouver on the long weekend, followed by lists of things to do elsewhere in the Lower Mainland.

VANCOUVER WINE FESTIVAL

It’s not during the Family Day long weekend, and it doesn’t include kid-friendly events. But another notable festival that also takes place at a similar time this year is the Vancouver International Wine Festival. Running from March 7th to 14th in 2026, it’s the largest event of its kind in North America.

Family Day Events in the Fraser Valley

The following events happen on the February long weekend in 2026:

Spring Festival at the Zoo – the Greater Vancouver Zoo has a special event that features live entertainment, Chinese lanterns and family-friendly activities on February 14th to 16th in 2026. Access to the festival is included with general admission to the zoo.
Fort Langley – special family-friendly activities take place at the Fort Langley National Historic Site on the holiday Monday. Regular admission rates apply to adults, but as always, children and youth under 18 enter for free. They also give 4 hours of free parking.
Sasquatch Mountain – the resort is open for skiing over the long weekend (assuming there is enough snow). There are typically many activities for families to do.
Goat Yoga at Maan Farms – the Abbotsford farm hosts two sessions of Goat Yoga on February 14th and 16th in 2026. They include an hour of traditional Hatha yoga, set against a backdrop of goats. The yoga is then followed by a healthy meal and wine pairing (or strawberry lemonade).

Lunar New Year at the Zoo — Lunar New Year at the Greater Vancouver Zoo

Family Day on The North Shore

Things to do on the Family Day long weekend in North Vancouver and West Vancouver include the following:

Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – the attraction is decorated with a Valentine’s Day theme from January 30th until February 22nd in 2026. The place looks so amazing at night. It’s a perfect place not just for dates, but also for families.
Presentation House Theatre – the theatre just up the street from Lonsdale Quay hosts the comedy production The Baking Show Show: The Play, from February 12th to 15th in 2026.
MONOVA – family-friendly activities take place at the Museum of North Vancouver on the holiday Monday. Admission is also “pay what you can” that day.
Family Day at Cypress – the ski hill in West Vancouver has family-friendly activities on the holiday Monday. In previous years there were also fireworks on the Sunday, although not likely in 2026.
Grouse Mountain – in addition to skiing and snowboarding, the same as in previous years, there is a fireworks display on the Sunday night. In 2026 it takes place at 6:00 pm.

BOAT PARTY IN VANCOUVER

February 13th to 16th in 2026 is the Family Day long weekend, which also includes Valentine’s Day. On the long weekend, there is a Valentine’s Day Dinner Boat Cruise with Vancouver Boat Parties. This is a popular event, not for families, but for young adults, couples, and their friends. In addition to dinner and beautiful views of the Vancouver skyline, there is DJ music and dancing.

Family Day Events in Surrey

Family Day in Surrey – free family-friendly activities usually take place at various venues including recreation centres and other venues.
Museum of Surrey – the museum offers free admission year-round, including when Family Day activities take place. In 2026, family day celebrations happen on February 14th between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

Family Day Events in New Westminster

Family Fun on the Fraser – fun activities typically happen at the Fraser River Discovery Centre on the holiday Monday. In 2026, there is a Caring in Nature event. Admission is free, but online registration is required.
Family Day in New West – the City of New Westminster hosts a number of events on the long weekend including free ones at rec centres and the Anvil Centre.

Family Day Activities in Maple Ridge

Ropes Course Adventures – one of the most fun, family-friendly attractions in the Lower Mainland is WildPlay in Maple Ridge. The outdoor centre offers ropes courses, ziplines, axe-throwing, and other activities. WildPlay is closed for a few weeks at the beginning of the year, but starts back up again on February 14th in 2026, so just in time for the Family Day long weekend! (TIP: If you use the promo code VBP15, you can save 15% on admission.)
Family Day at Maple Ridge Lions Club – in 2026 a free event takes place on February 16th. It’s a market and family fun day with firemen and trucks, games, and other activities for kids.

Family Day in Burnaby

A variety of activities take place at municipal venues throughout Burnaby on the holiday Monday each year. Things to do with the family in 2026 include the following:

Special family-friendly activities usually take place at several Burnaby rec centres. Regular admission rates apply in most cases. At Christine Sinclair Community Centre, however, there are sometimes a series of free activities in the afternoon.
Burnaby Village Museum – the museum offers free family-friendly activities on Family Day, Monday.

See the City of Burnaby‘s website to learn more about the above activities.

Family Day Events in Richmond

Gateway Theatre – the play Where Have All the Buffalo Gone shows at the theatre in Richmond. It’s an Axis Theatre Company Production that’s recommended for families with children ages 9 and older. In 2026 the show runs from February 16th to 21st.
Richmond Children’s Art Festival – activities and performances both indoors and outdoors at the Richmond Cultural Centre take place on the holiday Monday in 2026. General admission is free. Creativity Classes cost around $10.
A variety of activities usually take place in Richmond on the long weekend. There’s swimming, skating, gym sports, scavenger hunts and other activities at the following places most years.
- Cambie Community Centre – at 12800 Cambie Road
- City Centre Community Centre – at 5900 Minoru Boulevard
- Hamilton Community Centre – at 5140 Smith Drive
- South Arm Community Centre – at 8880 Williams Road
- Steveston Community Centre – at 4111 Moncton Street
- Thompson Community Centre – at 5151 Granville Avenue
- Minoru Centre for Active Living – at 7191 Granville Avenue
- Minoru Arenas – at 7551 Minoru Gate
- Britannia Heritage Shipyards – at 5180 Westwater Drive
- Richmond Nature Park – at 11851 Westminster Highway

See the City of Richmond‘s website to learn more.

ADVENTURE GAMES

For people wanting to play something fun, Vancouver Mysteries offers outdoor adventure games that take place in downtown Vancouver. They are so much fun! They have secret agent, superhero, detective and ghost-hunting themes. Most games are for adults and older youth. There is a family version of their Heroes & Villains game that younger children can also play.

(TIP: If you use the promo code BESTPLACES10, you’ll save 10% when booking a game online.)

Visit the vancouvermysteries.com website to learn more.

Family Day in the Sea-to-Sky Region

Britannia Mine – the museum offers 50% off admission during the long weekend in 2026. (NOTE: Tickets for the holiday Monday usually sell out fast.)
Whistler Blackcomb – there should be at least 200 ski trails open on the long weekend this year. Plus, admission is free on Family Day at the Audain Art Museum.

Other Great Places for Families

Check out Vancouver’s Top Rainy Day Activities which are great places to visit any time of year, especially if it’s a rainy weekend in February, which it normally is.
A fabulous place to spend the holiday weekend most years is up at the Lower Mainland’s Ski Hills (although they will likely be more crowded than usual because of the holiday, assuming they have snow, which they might or might not have much of in 2026).
If the weather is good, then the Family Day long weekend can be an excellent time to enjoy the outdoors. Check out Vancouver’s Parks and Nature for a list of the best places to go. Or take a Frisbee – not your swimsuit – and spend the day hanging out at one of Vancouver’s Best Beaches.
Also, if the weather’s good and you’re looking for a bit of exercise, check out Vancouver’s Best Places to Walk, Jog or Cycle.