Free things to do in and around Vancouver on Family Day this year

Family Day is coming up on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, and now is the ideal time to plan ahead with some family-friendly activities that are free (and low-cost) to access over the long weekend. This includes museum visits, outdoor attractions, crafts, and more.

Here are some free things to do in and around Vancouver on Family Day this year.

Vancouver Maritime Museum

The Vancouver Maritime Museum invites families and maritime enthusiasts to a free-to-access Family Day event on Monday, Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with activities for all ages. Enjoy live performances by singer and stilt walker Peter G-G, explore the craftsmanship of The Blue Cabin and the Oarlock & Sail Wooden Boat Club, and meet members of the Canadian Coast Guard.

When: Monday, Feb. 17, 2025
Where: 1905 Ogden Avenue
Cost: Free admission

Family Day 2025 Pop-up Event at Vancouver Public Library 

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Wednesday before Family Day, the VPL is hosting a full day of family-friendly fun, with colouring and origami activities, RESP (education saving) workshops for parents, and programming geared towards families’ specific needs.

All Family Day activities will take place at the promenade at Central Branch.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025
Where: 350 West Georgia Street
Cost: Free admission

Richmond Children’s Arts Festival 

Looking for some drop-in-friendly classes? The 16th annual Richmond Children’s Arts Festival at the Richmond Library/Cultural Centre has a bit of everything, including music, hands-on fun, literary and performing arts, and more. The day-long festival includes free performances as well as a few select paid registered classes.

When: Monday, Feb. 17, 2025
Where: 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond
Cost: Free admission

Britannia Shipyards

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Friday, Feb. 14 to Monday, Feb. 17, families can check out the preserved heritage buildings of Richmond’s boatbuilding and fishing era. There will also be hands-on activities, crafts, and a scavenger hunt at the Seine Net Loft.

When: Friday, Feb. 14 to Monday, Feb. 17, 2025
Where: 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond
Cost: Free admission

Steveston Tram Visit

While you’re in the area, you might as well check out the famed Steveston Tram between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. between Friday, Feb. 14 and Monday, Feb. 17. Visitors here can check out the restored tramcar, one of the originals that ran on Richmond’s interurban railway. At the museum, there will be interactive displays and a mini-tram paper craft to take home, as well as souvenir photo-ops with the museum’s tram conductor dress-up costumes!

When: Friday, Feb. 14 to Monday, Feb. 17, 2025
Where: 4011 Moncton Street, Richmond
Cost: Free admission

Family Day Celebration at Kitsilano Community Centre

On Family Day, the Kitsilano Community Centre is transforming with a day full of free activities for the family to enjoy all together, with no registration required.

When: Monday, Feb. 17, 2025
Where: 2690 Larch Street
Cost: Free admission

Portraits and Play – Khaliyl’s Kids 7th Annual Family Event

On Saturday, Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can bring your family together for professional photos and cartoon portraits available by donation, with no one turned away due to a lack of funds. There will also be creative activities for kids and snacks available at Khaliyl’s Kids Seventh Annual Family Day Weekend Event.

When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
Where: 312 Main Street
Cost: Free admission, portraits by donation

Happy Family Day!

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