Congratulations – you’ve made it through the first month of the year! Now here we are in Vancouver in February, a month that often brings clear skies and cold temperatures to our beautiful city. There’s no better time to bundle up the kids and explore our local mountains or enjoy one of the many festivals taking place this month … two words: hot chocolate. And don’t forget about all of the Family Day fun to add to your long weekend calendar.
Fun Family Events & Attractions in Vancouver in February
STRIDE Burnaby Arts Festival
When: February 3-12
Where: Various locations
Website: https://weareburnaby.com/stride/
Explore Burnaby’s vibrant arts and culture scene at STRIDE Burnaby Arts Festival hosted by North Burnaby Neighbourhood House. The festival seeks to bring the community together through art displays, performances, artist talks, discussion panels, workshops, and more – perfectly representative of this year’s CONNECTIONS theme. All ages are free to attend.
Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
When: February 3-26
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Website: https://www.capbridge.com/events/love-lights/
Spread a little love this month and enjoy the magic of Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver. The spectacular illuminated display guides you through the park as you take in the wonder of the West Coast rainforest – it’s sure to delight everyone in the family. On weekends, check out Raptors Ridge with live music and interactive games.
Clémentine a (true) story
When: February 7-18
Where: The NEST, Granville Island
Website: https://www.carouseltheatre.ca/plays/clementine-a-true-story/
Clémentine a (true) story is a heartfelt play that deals with tough family changes through whimsical puppetry and thoughtful – sometimes humourous – storytelling. The show is recommended for children ages 6+. French performances are available on select dates.
Pop! Pop!
When: February 10-19
Where: Presentation House Theatre
Website: https://www.phtheatre.org/pop-pop-february-10-19-2023/
You’re never too young to experience the magic of live theatre. Pop! Pop! at the Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver features the characters “Seek” and “Hide” as they explore an undersea world of sensory and experiential fun, including puppets, music and more. Pop! Pop! is for children ages 2 to 4 years and their caregivers. Times and ticket prices vary.
Family Days at the Vancouver Aquarium
When: February 10-20
Where: Vancouver Aquarium
Website: https://www.vanaqua.org/explore/special-events/family-days/
Take advantage of Family Days at the Vancouver Aquarium – the purchase of a regular adult ticket gets you a free child’s admission. Members can also bring a friend for free during the same period (February 10-20). Visitors will have a chance to be among the first to check out the all-new interactive exhibit, Nature’s Ninjas: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom, which begins February 10. As if your kids needed an excuse to go wild!
Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
When: Runs until February 14
Where: Various locations
Website: https://hotchocolatefest.com/
The Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival returns for its 13 th year – bigger, better, and bursting with chocolatey goodness. This year, there are more than 140 hot chocolate designs featured at 95 locations, all in support of three local charity organizations. So, grab a hot chocolate, enjoy a delicious pastry or two, and celebrate the region’s best chocolatiers – life is sweet!
Fan Expo Vancouver
When: February 18 to 20
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre
Website: https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpovancouver/
Vancouver in February means cosplay, anime, celebrities, sci-fi, comic books, collectables: all the Fan Expo favourites are back this year at the Vancouver Convention Centre. From Artist Alley to fan meet-and-greets, the Expo prides itself on being a family-friendly event for all ages. There’s even a super fun science show from Science World! Advanced pricing ends February 3.
LunarFest Vancouver
When: Continues until February 20
Where: Various locations
Website: https://lunarfestvancouver.ca/
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with LunarFest Vancouver. Events and activities honouring the Lunar New Year continue through February 20 and include free family-friendly workshops every weekend on Granville Island. There are also events to enjoy and exhibits to explore in various other locations throughout The Lantern City.
Richmond Children’s Arts Festival
When: February 20
Where: Richmond Library and Cultural Centre
Website: https://www.childrensartsfestival.ca/
Richmond’s annual Children’s Arts Festival is back for its 15th year! Celebrate Family Day with free music, hands-on activities, book readings, and performances, including a thrilling demonstration by Circus West and a Bollywood dance workshop sure to entertain the whole family. Be sure to check out the website to register for workshops in advance.
Family Day Celebration at Trout Lake Community Centre
When: February 20
Where: Trout Lake Community Centre
Website: https://troutlakecc.com/event/family-day-celebration-2023/
There are multiple Family Day events happening throughout Metro Vancouver, including at Trout Lake Community Centre. The Centre will have program demonstrations, arts, sports, dance, and pottery – in addition to live music. The festivities will also recognize the 10th anniversary of the Community Centre. Free for all ages to attend.
New Westminster Family Day Weekend
When: February 18-20
Where: Various New Westminster locations
Website: https://www.newwestcity.ca/family-day-2023
The City of New Westminster is offering a host of fun activities on Family Day. From a Frozen-themed singalong at Century House to games and crafts at Queensborough Community Centre to Indigenous storytelling and interactive activities at Anvil Centre, there’s sure to be something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Bonus: all activities are free! Registration opens February 3 for non-residents.
Family Day at Fort Langley National Historic Site
When: February 20
Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/activ/calendrier-calendar/
Fort Langley National Historic Site is celebrating Family Day with an event that honours the site’s connection to salmon and killer whales. In addition to river and ocean-themed activities, the event features guests from Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, the Parks Canada Southern Resident Killer Whale team, Salmon River Enhancement Society, Derby
Reach Brae Island Parks Association, and more. Admission is free for 17 years and under.
Winter Farmers’ Markets
When: Varied dates and times
Where: Throughout the region
Website: https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com/
Use the search feature on the BC Farmers Market website to search for the local winter markets popping up in your neck of the woods – or perhaps further afield if you want to make a day of it. From fresh veggies to locally crafted artisan goods, BC farm markets are known for their diverse offerings – even in winter time. What a great way to enjoy Vancouver in February.
Robson Square Ice Skating
When: Through February
Where: Robson Square
Website: https://www.robsonsquare.com/
Skating at Robson Square in the heart of downtown Vancouver is a winter tradition, and is the perfect activity to enjoy with family and friends. Plus, there’s an indoor café and an outdoor patio! Skate rentals are $5 and include a free helmet rental, which is mandatory for everyone 12 years and under.
The Shipyards Skate Plaza
When: Through February
Where: The Shipyards
Website: https://www.cnv.org/parks-recreation-and-culture/city-waterfront/the-shipyards/shipyard-commons/skate-plaza
This is the largest outdoor skating rink in the Lower Mainland. Located on North Vancouver’s waterfront, the Shipyards Skate Plaza has scenery that can’t be beat: downtown Vancouver and the snow-capped North Shore mountains. There’s daily skating, with skate rentals ($5 for kids) and free helmets. Those with their own skates can skate for free. Plaza closes daily for ice cleaning at 3pm and 5:30pm for about 30 minutes. Plenty of nearby cafes and shops to take a break, before or after skating.
Winter Fun at Grouse
When: Through winter
Where: Grouse Mountain
Website: https://www.grousemountain.com/winter-activities
Think the only thing to do on the local ski hills is … skiing? How about snowshoeing, ice skating, winter light walks through the forest, and much more. Check out Grouse Mountain and enjoy a day of wintery fun, with or without skis or snowboards. The day gets started with a lift to the top on the popular Skyride gondola (and if you enjoy the view, come back again in summer for hiking and more.) Check current conditions and hours before going, and book ahead.
Lights to the Lodge at Cypress
When: Through winter
Where: Cypress Mountain
Website: https://cypressmountain.com/lights-to-the-lodge
Trade in the skis for snowshoes and head to Cypress Mountain for Lights to the Lodge! The family-friendly one-kilometre snowshoe trek to the historic Hollyburn Lodge follows a self-guided trail through an Old Growth Forest. The trail is lit with LED lights strung through the cedar, fir, and hemlock trees. Visit the lodge for some refreshments, then snowshoe back to the base area. It’s a great outdoor activity to celebrate winter.
Tubing and Tobogganing at Mount Seymour
When: Through winter
Where: Mount Seymour
Website: https://mtseymour.ca/snow-tubing
Mount Seymour is totally tubular – that is, it has an amazing Snow Tube Park. Slide down the hill in one of their specially designed tubes and then enjoy a tube tow back to the top. There’s also a Toboggan Park which is open to all ages and has no height restrictions (you must be 48” or taller to use the Snow Tube Park). Mount Seymour will make you feel like you’re a world away while only a short drive from home.
Tagged under: things to do in Vancouver,Things to do in February,vancouver in february,february in vancouver
Category: events,attractions,outdoor-play
