Leap into Spring with Family Events in Vancouver in April

Family Fun in Vancouver in April

Spring is officially here – the days are getting longer, the weather is slightly warmer, and the rain is as persistent as ever. Vancouver in April is also the perfect time of year to explore with lots of fun family-friendly activities. From cherry blossom festivals to concerts to parades, we’re really putting that No Funcouver nickname to shame this month. So, get out and explore the city this month – raincoat, snow boots, and sunglasses in hand.

Family Fun Events & Activities in Vancouver in April

Vancouver Comic & Toy Show

When: Saturday April 1 – Sunday April 2, 2023
Where: PNE Forum
Website: https://www.pne.ca/event/vancouver-comic-and-toy-show

Calling all comic book lovers! The Vancouver Comic & Toy Show is back and better than ever with two-times the floor space. Check out more than 300 tables of collectibles on display, as well as appearances by special guests, and be sure to fuel up at the food trucks. Bonus – kids aged 12 and under are free to attend!

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

When: April 1-23, 2023
Where: Various sites around Vancouver
Website: https://vcbf.ca/

Few things are more stunning in Vancouver in April than the sight of cherry blossoms lining our streets. Celebrate their beauty at the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs throughout April at various locations in the city. Events include Bike the Blossoms, Sakura Days Japan Fair, a series of Tree Talks & Walks, the Big Picnic, and more. Check the website for details and scheduling info.

Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival

When: Sunday April 2, 2023
Where: Garry Point Park in Richmond
Website: https://richmondcherryblossomfest.ca/

The City of Richmond also has its own festival dedicated to the cherry blossom. The annual Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival is a free event at Garry Point Park that highlights the Japanese culture and features performances by artists and musicians.

World Autism Acceptance Day at Museum of Vancouver

When: Sunday April 2, 2023
Where: Museum of Vancouver
Website: https://museumofvancouver.ca/

The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) is once again recognizing World Autism Acceptance Day by celebrating neurodiversity and Autism awareness. MOV has partnered with Spectrum Skateboarding Society to offer families a variety of fun activities, including skateboarding lessons. Free admission will be provided for families with neurodivergent members.

Children and Family Music Showcase Concert

When: April 2, 2023
Where: Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island
Website: CFMA 2023 – Vancouver : Canadian Folk Music Awards (folkawards.ca)

Celebrate leading performers in children’s music as part of the Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMA). The Children and Family Music Showcase Concert will take place at the Waterfront Theatre and will feature performances by CFMA nominees, including The Relative Minors, Ginalina, Paige Penney, Will’s Jams, and The Oot n’ Oots. Children ages 3 and under are free
to attend.

Mt Seymour Puddle Party

When: Saturday April 8, 2023
Where: Mt Seymour
Website: https://mtseymour.ca

Another ski season has almost come and gone, but Mt Seymour is giving you reason to make one more trek up the mountain – the Mt Seymour Puddle Party! Watch as skiers attempt to ride across a pool of ice-cold water, all in the name of bragging rights and a chance to win prizes. There’s even an award for Best Tadpole (ages 10-12). Participants must be 10 years of age or older and have a valid season pass or lift ticket. Check the website for registration details.

Big Easter Run

When: Saturday April 8, 2023
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Website: https://www.bigfunrunseries.com/big-easter-run

Touted as “The Hoppiest Event Around”, the Big Easter Run promises to deliver holiday-themed fun with the bonus of spectacular Jericho Beach Park views. The course can be completed as a 5-kilometre or 10-kilometre run/walk, and there’s also a 1 to 3-kilometre Little Bunny Run/Walk (with the bonus of an egg hunt post-run). All ages are welcome as are leashed dogs and strollers (make sure wheels are suitable for unpaved trails).

Vancouver Sun Run

When: Sunday April 16, 2023
Where: Downtown Vancouver
Website: https://www.vancouversunrun.com/

Better start training now … the Vancouver Sun returns on April 16! The legendary 10-kilometre road race also features the Shaw Mini Sun Run at only 2.5 kilometres. The shorter course is the perfect excuse to get everyone in the family to lace up their running shoes and enjoy a fun run while taking in the beauty of Vancouver. The Mini Sun Run starts at 8 a.m.

Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade

When: Saturday April 22, 2023
Where: Parade starts at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar Temple
Website: https://www.surreyvaisakhiparade.com/

The Surrey Vaisakhi Parade returns after a three-year hiatus. This is the largest Vaisakhi Parade in the world, where approximately 500,000 people gather to celebrate this important date in the Sikh calendar. The parade will feature more than 2,500 participants from various community organizations and there will be hundreds of booths along the route for onlookers to enjoy.

Party for the Planet

When: Saturday April 29, 2023
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza
Website: https://www.partyfortheplanet.ca/

Celebrate Mother Earth in all her glory at Party for the Planet at Surrey Civic Plaza. The family-friendly event is now in its 12 th year and represents Western Canada’s largest, free Earth Day event. Check out live entertainment from musicians, dancers, environmental educators, and more, while also enjoying local fare from plant-based food trucks. And a bonus for any procrastinators: no tickets are required!

The Sky’s No Limit – Girls Fly Too!

When: Saturday April 29 – Sunday April 30, 2023
Where: Abbotsford International Airport
Website: https://www.girlsfly2.ca/

Get ready for an event that will leave you soaring! The Sky’s No Limit – Girls Fly Too! is an annual event that seeks to inspire female future leaders in Aviation, Aerospace, Marine and Defence. All ages are free to attend and female first-time flyers of any age can take advantage of a free helicopter ride! Plus, enjoy a variety of hands-on activities that promote STEM-based learning. No registration is required.

Chilliwack Tulip Festival

When: April – dates based on weather
Where: Chilliwack
Website: https://chilliwacktulipfest.com/

Another reason to celebrate the start of spring is the annual Chilliwack Tulip Festival. The festival is the largest of its kind in BC, with millions of tulip bulb blooming each year. You’ll find more than 25 varieties of tulips and over 16 types of double daffodils across 20 acres of land. And if all that strolling amid the flower fields leaves you hungry, be sure to check out the specialty Dutch treats onsite. Festival timing is dependent on weather so visit the website regularly for opening dates.

Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

When: Ongoing
Where: The Amazing Brentwood
Website: https://avengersstationcanada.com/

Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is an interactive multimedia experience at The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby, on now for a limited time. Kids of all ages can explore an extensive range of original Avengers memorabilia – from Captain America’s shield to Black Widow’s uniform, and much more. Note that the exhibit may not be suitable for children who are sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights.

Spring 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 throughout the year.