This week, Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) is spotlighting something important: their free Victim Support Services and Trauma Counselling programs, available across Metro Vancouver, New Westminster, Richmond, and Burnaby.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

For over 40 years, FSGV has been walking alongside survivors of violence, abuse, and exploitation. What sets their approach apart is that they treat survivors as the experts in their own lives — not there to hand out a checklist, but to offer steady support as each person figures out what comes next.

That kind of trust-based care is what actually helps people heal.

What FSGV Actually Offers (And It’s Free)

Their Victim Support Services help people dealing with intimate partner violence, elder abuse, family violence, and exploitation. That includes emotional support, safety planning, guidance through the justice system, and connections to community resources that many people don’t even know exist.

Their Trauma Counselling serves kids, teens, adults, and seniors — with age-appropriate, therapeutic support focused on building resilience and reclaiming a sense of stability. Whether it’s a child processing something scary or an adult working to rebuild their confidence, the program meets people where they are.

And all of it is free.

The Numbers That Say Everything

The 2025 numbers from FSGV speak for themselves:

• They walked alongside survivors for 15,000 hours
• They supported more than 1,000 survivors of high-risk violence
• 43% of trauma counselling clients were under 25 years old
• On average, they support each person for 4 years

That last one is worth sitting with. Four years. This isn’t a one-time referral — it’s a real, ongoing relationship.

How You Can Help Right Now

Anyone in need of support can start at fsgv.ca/support-survivors.

For those in a position to give, a one-time or monthly donation helps keep these programs free for families who need them most. Donations can be made directly here.

Sometimes the most powerful thing a community can do is simply know what’s out there — and pass it on.

The post Free Support for Survivors: What Every Parent Should Know About FSGV’s Victim Services appeared first on Vancouver Mom.

Events Happening For Mother’s Day in and Around the Lower Mainland

VSO Concert at VanDusen Botanical Gardens

Treat yourself (or hint loudly to your family) — VanDusen Botanical Garden is hosting an afternoon concert on the Great Lawn this Saturday, and it’s a pretty lovely way to spend Mother’s Day weekend. Eight string musicians from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will be performing contemporary hits with a classical spin.

Tickets include garden admission for the day, so you can wander the grounds before the show. Pack a blanket or a low chair, find your spot through Gate 2, and let the music do the rest. Gates open one hour before the performance, and the garden closes at 6pm.

When: May 9
Time: 12pm and 330pm
Where:  VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $29 or $25 for garden members. 
>>Get tickets

Mother’s Day in the City Of Langley

Keeping it local this Mother’s Day? Langley City has you covered.

Kick off May 10 with High Tea at Cozy Bean Bakery and Cafe — two seatings (11am – sold out and 1:30pm limited spots) at $45 per person. Pretty pastries, zero cleanup, total win.

Head over to BIPOC Market + Local Marketplace for a Mother’s Day weekend workshop (May 9 only & May 10 -sold out). At $125 per person, you’ll choose three experiences from candle making, crystal bracelets, permanent bracelets, and more — all while supporting local and BIPOC makers.

Want to give mom something handmade? Maker Cube has beginner-friendly workshops like cedar planter boxes, charcuterie boards, and glass etching that make genuinely great gifts.

>> Find the full lineup at discoverlangleycity.com.

Brunch? Let Someone Else Handle it.

Mom deserves a morning where nobody asks her what’s for breakfast. Skip the lineup and book her a Mother’s Day brunch worth showing up for. Check out our roundup of the best spots to take mom this weekend — because she’s earned a meal she didn’t have to cook.

>>Find your perfect Mother’s Day brunch here.

Mother’s Day Secret Garden Lunch at Rosewood Hotel Georgia

This one is for the mom who deserves more than just breakfast in bed. Spend Mother’s Day in a Secret Garden setting with a full hour of activities — craft your own bouquet, catch a magician, snap some photobooth moments — before sitting down to an elevated buffet brunch.

It’s the kind of morning that actually feels special, not just busy.

When: May 10
Time: First seating 11am-130pm (SOLD OUT)/ Second seating 2pm-430pm
Where:  Rosewood Hotel Georgia – 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $140 -Adults, $50.40 Child
>>Get tickets

Mommy and Me Goat Yoga

This special family edition of Goat Yoga is perfect for bringing mom, the kids, or honestly just your people. You’ll do an hour of Hatha yoga surrounded by baby goats, followed by a curry bowl or chicken strips and fries. Add on samosas, frozen curries, or wine to take home and you’ve basically got the whole day sorted.

A few things to know: kids 2 and under are free but food isn’t included. Anyone 3 and up needs a ticket. Kids 12 and under must have an adult with them — the baby goats are adorable but they’re also a little unpredictable, so eyes on your littles at all times.

When: May 10
Time: 3pm
Where: Maan Farms, 790 McKenzie Rd Abbotsford, BC
Cost: Adults $63.10, Children $37.10 (includes yoga, food and drink)

Flowers, Treats & Gifts

Flowers

April showers bring May flowers, and we’ve had a lot of showers lately. Grab mom a beautiful bouquet from any one of these gorgeous urban Vancouver florists. Click on the link below to see some of our favourites.

>> Gorgeous Urban Vancouver Florists

Give the Gift of Memories

If you’re still figuring out what to get mom this year, think beyond the flowers. FUJIFILM has two really lovely options for turning everyday photos into something she’ll actually hold onto.

The instax camera and printer lineup is great if you want to give her something to use — instant prints she can stick on the fridge, tuck in her wallet, or pass along to grandma.

For something a little more polished, the FUJIFILM Printlife Mother’s Day collection lets you turn a favourite photo into a framed print, plaque, greeting card, or photo magnets. Personal, thoughtful, and way more meaningful than another candle.

Sweet Treats

Yes, it’s ok to treat yourself! Skip the flowers and gifts to indulge with a cake. Orders can be made by phone or online and picked up in-store.

See some of our favourite places to order cakes here. We’ve made it easy and included the address and phone numbers; call ahead and check that they have ready-made cakes available.

>> VM Top Cake Picks

Find this share helpful? Send this link to your favourite procrastinator to give them a nudge in the right direction. Don’t forget to tag #vancouvermom so we can share!

The post Celebrate Mom: Things To Do and Get For Mother’s Day This Weekend appeared first on Vancouver Mom.

B house

B House is celebrating Mother’s Day by treating every mom to 50% off her bill, making it the perfect spot to gather and spoil mom with a great meal and a well-deserved perk!

This is available for Brunch only (10am to 3pm)
When: May 10
Where: B House, 2270 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC

Fable Diner & Bar

Fable Diner & Bar is celebrating Mother’s Day with a $45 brunch set that includes coffee or tea, a mimosa or brunch beverage, a fresh-baked pastry, a choice of signature brunch dish (ie tiramisu french toast, eggs in purgatory, roast duck hash bowl), and a sweet treat to finish, alongside their full à la carte brunch menu favourites.

When: May 10
Where: 755 Richards St, Vancouver, BC

The Flying Pig

The Flying Pig is celebrating Mother’s Day with an early 10am brunch featuring special dishes like a Dungeness crab benedict and a shrimp salad–stuffed croissant plus the brunch favourites available on the regular brunch menu, AND each mom receiving a complimentary mimosa or mimosa mocktail to mark the occasion.

When: May 10
Where:  1168 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC 

Brunch Buffets

Mother’s Day Secret Garden Lunch at Rosewood Hotel Georgia

This one is for the mom who deserves more than just breakfast in bed. Spend Mother’s Day in a Secret Garden setting with a full hour of activities — craft your own bouquet, catch a magician, snap some photobooth moments — before sitting down to an elevated buffet brunch.

It’s the kind of morning that actually feels special, not just busy.

When: May 10 Time: First seating 11am-130pm (SOLD OUT)/ Second seating 2pm-430pm Where:  Rosewood Hotel Georgia – 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC Cost: $140 -Adults, $50.40 Child >>Get tickets

Glowbal

Glowbal invites you to a dazzling Brunch Buffet featuring an Oyster and Chilled Seafood Bar with highlights like a Jumbo Prawn Cocktail Tower and Snow Crab Legs.

Enjoy Prime Beef and made-to-order omelettes, Nori rolls, classic hot and cold dishes, pasta, and a decadent dessert spread.

When: May 10
Time: From 10am
Where: Glowbal Restaurant, 590 W. Georgia St, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $95 for Adults, $35 for kids 12 and under (plus taxes and gratuity)
>>Book for Reservations

C|PRIME

Celebrate in style with C|Prime’s Mother’s Day breakfast  Buffet, served until 11am. Featuring a selection of freshly baked pastries, breakfast classics like artisan sausage and cured bacon, as well as a curated assortment of imported and local cheeses and cured meats for a generous spread.

Cost: $41/per person
Address: 1051 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC

Coast

Enjoy a luxurious spread featuring a Chill Bar with oysters, prawns, smoked salmon, and poke, fresh salads, sushi rolls, and carving stations with Canadian Prime Striploin and Steelhead Trout Wellington.

Indulge in hot entrées like Paella, mushroom Ravioli, Braised Short Rib gnocchi, and more—plus a custom omelette station, breakfast favourites, and tempting desserts.

Cost: $95 for Adults, $35 for kids 12 and under (taxes and gratuity)
Address: 1054 Alberni Street, Vancouver, BC
>> Book for Reservations

The Victor

Treat Mom to a luxurious Brunch Buffet at The Victor, featuring everything from fresh juices and a Bloody Mary Bar to sushi, seafood, and a Prime Rib carving station. Indulge in breakfast classics, dim sum, house-baked pastries, and decadent desserts—including The Victor’s famous Candy Bar.

Cost: $90 for adults, $45 for kids 12 and under. (plus taxes and gratuity)
Address: 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC

Trattoria by Italian Kitchen in Burnaby will add a gourmet spin to Mother’s Day celebrations by hosting a Festa della Mamma Brunch Buffet showcasing tomato bruschetta with burrata, mushroom arancini, and seared ahi tuna and more.

Cost: $65 for adults (plus taxes and gratuity)
Address: 102-4501 Kingsway, Burnaby
>> Book for Reservations

Mother’s Day in Vancouver: 7 amazing flowers shops!

Five Sails

Five Sails is celebrating Mother’s Day with a special menu curated by Chef Alex Kim, featuring a refined multi-course dining experience including foie gras and chicken custard, lobster bisque with lobster salad and crab croquette, halibut with charred spring peas and fumet, and a rhubarb dessert with mascarpone mousse, genoise cake, and strawberry for an elegant seasonal finish.

Cost: $95 per person plus tax and gratuity
Address: 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC

 Brunch with waffles and berries at Krause Berry Farms

Did someone say fresh waffles with mounds of warm berries? First come First Serve for their Waffles with a blueberry compote and the Estate Winery will also be featuring special food and drink offerings. All Moms will be treated to complimentary mimosas at the winery.  Also get 15% off the Krause Berry Farms Cookbook and every purchase includes a Free Strawberry sugar cookie.

Krause Berry Farm, 6179 248th Street, Langley BC

Brunch al fresco

Missed the boat on a reservation?  Or just can’t bear the idea of getting the kids to behave in a busy restaurant? Try a picnic brunch. Chose a favourite neighbourhood park or picturesque location, pick up ready-to-go gourmet from Meinhardt Fine Foods or Granville Island Market, then grab a bottle of bubbly and a picnic blanket.

Originally written by Elizabeth Clark

The post Mother’s Day in Vancouver, best brunch spots appeared first on Vancouver Mom.

Now in its 49th year, this beloved Vancouver tradition returns May 25 to May 31, 2026, bringing spectacular performances from around the globe to families right here in our city. We’re talking circus arts, puppetry, theatre, dance, music — and so much more. If your family has never been, consider this your sign to go. And if you’re already a regular? You already know.

Shows You Won’t Want to Miss

This year’s lineup is seriously good. Here are three featured shows that are already generating buzz:

Brush Theatre, South Korea (Co-presented with Carousel Theatre for Young People | Ages 3–8) A mischievous duo’s drawings come to life and take the audience on a magical journey beneath the waves. Perfect for the little ones — this one is pure whimsy and wonder.

Poliquin-Simms2, Québec (English Canada Premiere | All Ages) The lights are on, the stage is set, and the little officers are on patrol… well, sort of. When singer Rizotto refuses to show up for the concert, total chaos erupts. Acrobatics, musical mishaps, and comic misfires make this one an all-ages crowd-pleaser.

Yuki the Juggler and Cause & Effect Circus, British Columbia (All Ages) A joyful blend of tradition, comedy, and circus magic that combines contemporary circus with the magic of Japanese tradition. Audiences are guaranteed to leave cheering.

The Activity Village: More Than Just a Show

Here’s the part that takes the festival from great to truly worth-the-whole-day: every show ticket includes a free wristband to the Activity Village. With over a dozen hands-on art stations, it’s the kind of place where kids can spend an hour — or the entire afternoon — and still want more.

New this year, families can explore two exciting cultural activity spots:

• Kultura Kubo — Dive into Filipino art, creativity, and heritage through hands-on crafts, storytelling, music, and cultural traditions.
• Korean Arts — Connect with Korean culture through fun, interactive art activities.

From toddlers to tweens, there is something for every kid to get into. It is the kind of unstructured, creative, screen-free time that parents love just as much as the kids do.

Affordable Family Fun

Tickets are on sale now at ChildrensFestival.ca, and the Family 4-Pack is the smartest way to go — four tickets to one show for just $66 (plus service charges and tax). Bring the whole crew or grab another family and split it. Either way, it is a full day of world-class entertainment and creative activities that will not break the bank.

About the Vancouver International Children’s Festival

Head down to Granville Island for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival May 25 to May 31 and enjoy spectacular performances from around the globe for kids and families of all ages! The 2026 Festival features circus arts, puppetry, theatre, dance, and music shows plus lots of arts activities created just for children. Each show ticket includes an Activity Village wristband. With over a dozen arts activities, the Activity Village offers many ways to have fun together as a family! Tickets are on sale now — visit ChildrensFestival.ca.

The post Vancouver Children’s Festival 2026: A Week of World-Class Fun for Kids on Granville Island appeared first on Vancouver Mom.

Family friendly events coming up in Metro Vancouver

Whistler Children’s Festival
(Featured Event)

May 15-17, Whistler

If you’ve been looking for a reason to finally make that Whistler day trip happen, this is it. Now in its 43rd year, the Whistler Children’s Festival is back for a full weekend of circus acts, magic shows, theatre performances, and hands-on workshops right in the heart of Whistler Village. Geared toward kids ages 4-10, this year’s lineup includes highlights like Yuki the Juggler and the wild science show from Orbax and Pepper — plus a seriously fun Pajama & Popcorn Night on Friday to kick things off. The best part? Plenty of the activities are free, with roving performers and interactive fun throughout the village all weekend long.

>> Head to whistlerchildrensfestival.com for tickets and the full schedule.

Vancouver International Children’s Festival
(Featured Event)

May 25-31, Granville Island

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival runs from May 25-31 and is dedicated to inspiring young minds through world-class artistic experiences. With a focus on creativity, quality, and fun, the festival features live performances in theatre, dance, music, circus, and visual arts for children ages 6 months to 13 years. Rooted in both local and global perspectives, VICF celebrates cultural diversity, supports BC and Indigenous artists, and encourages families to play, explore, and imagine together in a vibrant, inclusive setting.

>> Head to Vancouver International Children’s Festival for tickets and full schedule

Metropolis at Metrotown 40th Anniversary

Forty years is a big deal, and Metropolis at Metrotown is celebrating all spring long with a series of fun, free experiences worth popping in for.

If you’re already heading to Metrotown for Mother’s Day shopping, make a little extra time for it. From May 1-10, the MET Shop is stocked with beautifully curated floral arrangements, perfect for gifting (or treating yourself, no judgment). On May 9 and 10, spend $150 or more and you can make your own custom charmed accessory, which honestly sounds like a great activity to do with your kid or a girlfriend. The following weekend, May 16 and 17, spend $200 and get complimentary engraving on an item you already love.

There’s also an anniversary exhibit running through the season that’s worth a peek — a little nostalgia for those of us who grew up going to Metrotown on weekends.

For the full lineup of 40th anniversary events, visit metropolisatmetrotown.com

Polygon Gallery Kids First Saturday and Sunday
(By Donation)

Saturday, May 2, 10am and Sunday, May 3, 3pm,  

Held on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month, Kids First offers the opportunity to create an in-house art project inspired by the current gallery exhibitions.

These projects are designed for children aged 5 to 12, but there is no age requirement to participate. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t miss this chance to unleash your creativity and make art together as a family!

Polygon Gallery | 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver, BC 

>> Polygon Gallery

Got Craft?

Saturday & Sunday May 2 & 3 2026

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Vancouver’s uber local craft fair returns to East Vancouver with 100 local makers, small shops and a Mini Makers Market with kidpreneurs under the age of 16 years old, food trucks, and legendary swag bags. They’ve got clothing, baby kid items, jewelry, artisanal food, paper goods, ceramics, bath body, florals, and more.

Croatian Cultural Centre | 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC

>> Got Craft?

Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair

May 14-18, 2026, Surrey

The Cloverdale Rodeo is back and this year they’ve turned it up. Over 100 artists across ten stages, a brand new Drone Show, Thursday night kickoff, and all the classic rodeo and fair fun you love — it’s a full long weekend right there.

The music lineup includes k-os, The Strumbellas, Gord Bamford, and The Road Hammers, and your general admission ticket covers it all. Grab the family, grab your girlfriends, and go.

Tickets and full schedule at cloverdalerodeo.com

Vancouver Youth Choir

May 24, 630pm

The Vancouver Youth Choir wraps up their season with Village, the most ambitious concert in the organization’s history, and honestly, it sounds like the kind of show that will give you all the feelings. Singers aged 8 to 24 will fill the Orpheum stage, performing music in over ten languages including Mandarin, Cree, Farsi, Fijian, and Innu — a real reflection of the city we actually live in.

The night also includes four world premieres and a special performance from Vancouver folk artist and activist Luke Wallace, who has been called a modern-day Pete Seeger. If your kids are in choir, or you just love watching young people do something extraordinary together, this one is worth the babysitter.

The Orpheum | 601 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC

>> Vancouver Youth Choir

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The Story You Already Love, Now Live on Stage

The show follows the same plot as the beloved DreamWorks film. Shrek, the loveable ogre who just wants to be left alone in his swamp, gets pulled into a wild adventure with a very loud donkey, a princess locked in a tower, and a short-but-mighty villain with a serious Napoleon complex. If you love the movie, this is going to feel like coming home.

What makes it work for everyone in the room is the humour. The jokes land for adults and kids equally, which is genuinely hard to pull off. You will find yourself laughing out loud, and not the polite kind either. The real, caught-off-guard kind.

The Donkey Will Make You Laugh Until Your Sides Hurt

Chris Francisque as Donkey is worth the price of admission alone. Every move, every line, every expression had the audience completely losing it. He brings this infectious energy to the role that makes you smile even before he opens his mouth. If you walk out of the theatre talking about one performance, it is going to be his.

The Costumes and Production Are a Real Treat

The costumes are lovely and clearly well thought out. From Fiona’s gown to the parade of fairy tale characters filling the stage, everything looks wonderful and adds so much to the magic of the show. The production feels bigger than you might expect from a local stage, and that is a genuine compliment to the entire creative team at Royal City Musical Theatre.

Perfect for Families, Date Nights, and Everything In Between

This is the kind of show that works no matter who you bring. Take the whole family on a weekend matinee, or sneak away with your partner for a fun evening out. Either way, you are going to have a great time.

The show runs until May 3, 2026 at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster, with both matinee and evening performances available.

Tickets are on sale now and prices go up as seats fill, so don’t sit on this one. Grab them at royalcitymusicaltheatre.com.

Live theatre does not get much more fun than this. Go see it.

The post Shrek The Musical : A Must-See Show for Vancouver Families appeared first on Vancouver Mom.

Give us a Brief Description of Your Camp

WildPlay’s new Anti-Gravity Camp focuses on outdoor education, empowerment and play for young adventure enthusiasts! Campers get to conquer all of WildPlay’s signature aerial activities (with coaching from our experienced Camp Guides) while learning valuable skills like teamwork, problem-solving and resilience. Anti-Gravity Camp is a guaranteed win for your little monkeys to get off their phones and into the outdoors this summer!

What is the mission and philosophy of your summer camp, and how does it align with Vancouver parents’ needs?

WildPlay Anti-Gravity Camp offers a unique blend of adventure and personal development. In addition to conquering WildPlay activities, participants will build decision-making skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem that they will continue to grow long after camp is over.

What sets your camp apart from others in the area?

Anti-Gravity Camp sets itself apart from other camps by fostering an environment where kids encourage each other while building confidence together. WildPlay has a 1:8 instructor-to-camper ratio so there is lots of one-on-one time with our passionate team leads to ensure that everyone is comfortable and having a blast on our courses! Save up to $50 on your summer camp registration! Visit wildplay.com/camps to learn more and get the deal!

Can you provide an overview of the activities and programs your camp offers during summer camp, and how they contribute to children’s development?

Campers begin by engaging in team-building games to build new friendships. Throughout the week, instructors teach campers the ins and outs of WildPlay’s aerial activities, giving them the tools to be Adventure Course pros by day five! Campers will participate in nature-based arts and crafts sessions to foster a creative connection with the outdoors. At the end of the week, participants will have the option to take the leap off our 40-foot What’s to Fear Jump.

Share success stories or testimonials from previous participants and their parents. How have children benefited from your camp?

“She was proud of herself, which doesn’t come naturally. She became more outspoken, willing to express her concerns and successes, and able to share her experiences with me. These are huge leaps and bounds for my child who has autism and anxiety. Thank you WildPlay for bringing out the child in my child!”

“My granddaughter was very excited to try WildPlay last year, and very proud to have controlled her fears and completed the wtf [Whats To Fear] jump. I have signed her up for a day camp this year and she is thrilled!”

Register and save up to $50 off WildPlay’s summer adventure camps!

Follow Wildplay Elements Park at:

Website: https://www.wildplay.com/camps

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildPlayMapleRidge

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildplaymapleridge/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildplayparks

This post is sponsored by Wildplay Elements Park

Wildplay Element Parks: Thrilling outdoor adventures in breathtaking natural settings. Zip lines, obstacle courses, and more for all ages. Unleash your inner adventurer today. www.wildplay.com

The post VM Picks: Summer Camps for Kids: Q&A with Wildplay Element Parks appeared first on Vancouver Mom.

Earth Day in Langley City

April 25, 10am-2pm, Douglas Park, 20550 Douglas Crescent, Langley, BC

Learn, explore, and take part in many fun, educational, and environmentally-friendly activities in Langley City at Douglas Park. You can do Community Garden tours, Earth Day scavenger hunts, bingo, and other games.

Party For The Planet in Surrey

April 25, 11am-7pm, Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey, BC

Looking for serious family fun with an eco theme, head over to Surrey’s annual Party for the Planet . This will feature live music, dance battles, a sustainable marketplace, plant sale andmore earth-friendly fun!

Earth Day at Port Coquitlam

April 25, 9am-12pm, Minnekhada Middle School parking lot, 1930 Laurier Avenue,

Port Coquitlam’s free Earth Day event is a practical one, and PoCo residents will want to bring a shovel and some bags. Free compost and bark mulch are up for grabs (first come, first served, proof of residency required), plus affordable trees for $25 and rain barrels for $56. There’s also a free child car seat safety clinic run by RCMP and BCAA, which is genuinely useful if you’ve been meaning to get that checked. Educational booths and giveaways round it out.

Earthfest at Everett Crowley Park in Vancouver

April 26, 11am-3pm

In East Vancouver, join friends and neighbours of Everett Crowley Park to celebrate Earth Day. Plant native plants, wildflowers, and enjoy interpretive walks and free refreshments.

Earth Day Celebration at Trout Lake Community Center

April 26, 11am-2pm, Free, 3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver

Trout Lake Community Centre is celebrating its 5th annual Earth Day. Expect a drumming circle at the Indigenous Medicine Wheel Garden, a puppet show and kids parade with a giant inflatable salmon, balance bikes, seed potting, block printing, and a Cook for the Planet cooking workshop (registration required). Grab a Green Action Passport while you’re there for a chance to win Farmer’s Market gift cards.

Share what you and your family did for earth day using #vancouvermom.

The post Earth Day in Metro Vancouver, 5 FREE family-friendly events this weekend appeared first on Vancouver Mom.

There are three major ticketed tulip festivals in the Fraser Valley featuring acres of colourful blooms and stunning backdrops. They both offer excellent photo ops and typically loads of activities to keep the kids entertained if admiring spring blooms isn’t quite enough to maintain their attention. We’ve also included some first-rate gardens around town that have their own share of floral fun.

Top Tulips in Metro Vancouver!

Sweet Spring Flower Festival

Step into a floral wonderland where beautiful memories blossom. This season, Greendale Acres is bursting with colour thanks to over 100,000 hand-planted tulips! From a stunning tulip river to charming spring gardens—complete with a classic windmill—you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Netherlands.

When: March 27 – May 3, 2025
Time: 2pm-6pm on (Thursday & Friday), 10am-6pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Where: Greendale Acres, 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack, BC
Cost: $16 Admission, 2 & under, 75+ FREE
>>Get your Tickets

The Harrison Tulip Festival

The Harrison Tulip Festival, is a must-visit for tulip enthusiasts! Nestled against a stunning mountain backdrop, this festival offers more than just tulips. Explore hyacinth and daffodil fields, enjoy food trucks and Dutch treats, and partake in kids’ crafts and tractor rides for the ultimate farm experience. Rain or shine, don’t miss this perfect photo opportunity. Established in 2006, the festival has now found its permanent home on a 109-acre farm in Agassiz, featuring 10 million tulips and a new 2 1/2 acre show garden for the 2024 season. Don’t miss this picturesque journey!

This year, to celebrate their 20th anniversary, the Harrison Tulip Festival is introducing an exciting new evening experience: Night Garden. For the first time ever, guests will be able to explore a beautifully illuminated show garden after sunset, transforming the farm into a glowing landscape of lights, flowers, music, and food. Night Garden offers a completely different way to experience the festival — perfect for date nights, evenings with friends, or anyone looking for a magical spring night out.

Night Garden will take place on five select evenings during the festival:

 April 16, 17, 18, 24, and 25 – The evening experience runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Night Garden tickets also include regular festival admission starting at 4:00 PM, allowing guests to enjoy the tulip fields before sunset and stay to experience the gardens after dark.

When: April 10 – May 4 (with possible extension until May 11th)
Where: 5039 Lougheed Highway, Agassiz, British Columbia – near Harrison Hot Springs!

>> Harrison Tulip Festival

Abbotsford Tulip Festival

Stroll through 35 acres of tulips and field flowers at the Abbotsford Tulip Festival located at Lakeland Flowers. Explore various varieties, walking trails, and unique photo opportunities like baby grand pianos, giant shoes, and swings. The Abbotsford Summer Flower Festival spans six months, beginning with the Abbotsford Tulip Festival and culminating with sunflowers.

When: April 9- May 3
Time: 8am – dusk
Where: Lakeland Flowers, 3663 Marion Rd, Abbotsford, BC 

>> Abbotsford Tulip Festival

Botanica Tulip Festival

If you haven’t made it out to Chilliwack yet this spring, this is your sign. The Botanica Tulip Festival is spread across 14 acres and features over 250,000 hand-planted blooms in 90+ varieties, a u-pick experience, a curated display garden, a sun-shaped daffodil planting, and even a community tapestry installation. There’s a coffee truck on site, plus local vendors to browse. It’s a full afternoon out, and the kind of spring moment your kids will actually remember.

When: Open now through April 29
Where: 41310 Royalwood Drive, Chilliwack, BC
>>Get Tickets Here

Tulip Forest at Maan Farms

Get ready to be amazed by the brand-new Tulip Forest at Maan Farms — a dreamy floral escape you won’t want to miss! Picture yourself strolling through a whimsical garden, where thousands of tulips bloom all around you in a forest-like setting. It’s the perfect place to snap some gorgeous spring photos or just enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by colour and beauty. This magical experience is the first of its kind in Canada, and it’s made for memory-making!

When: Open now till May 3
Time: 10am-3pm
Where: Maan Farms, 790 McKenzie Rd Abbotsford, BC 

Queen Elizabeth Park

Smack dab in the middle of Vancouver, QE Park is FREE and offers multiple gardens from the iconic cherry blossom grove to two quarries full of seasonal flowers. There are a surprising amount of tulips – so keep your eyes open!

>> Queen Elizabeth Park

VanDusen Gardens

The city’s biggest botanical garden is Dutch, so you know that they know their tulips. With many different species of tulips on display, the garden also offers loads of space for the kids to roam around.

>> VanDusen Gardens

Stanley Park

Stanley Park pretty much has it all: A 12 km seawall with jaw-dropping views, a world-class aquarium, miles of wooded trails, sandy beaches, heron roosts and duck filled lagoons, playgrounds, a mini-train, and a series of glorious gardens. Be sure to check out the tulips at the Stanley Park Pavilion. PS: 100% FREE

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If you’ve been looking for an excuse to get out of the city before summer officially hits, consider this your sign. The Whistler Children’s Festival returns May 15 to 17, 2026, and this year’s lineup is genuinely worth planning a whole weekend around.

For the uninitiated: this is Whistler’s longest-running festival and Arts Whistler’s biggest annual event, now celebrating its 43rd year. That’s the kind of track record that tells you something. It keeps coming back because families keep coming back.

What’s New This Year

The festival is getting a bit of a refresh for 2026, and the changes are good ones. It’s moving to a more centralized layout around Florence Petersen Park, Whistler Olympic Plaza, and the Maury Young Arts Centre, which means less walking back and forth and more time actually doing things.

New this year: a Bratz Biz market, where local youth artisans sell their own handmade arts and crafts at Whistler Olympic Plaza. It’s sweet, it’s unexpected, and your kids will probably spend their allowance there. Also new is a Friday night pajama movie to kick off the weekend. This year they’re screening Zootopia 2, which honestly sounds like the perfect low-key arrival night if you’re driving up after school.

The Acts You’ll Actually Want To See

>> Find out more about the Whistler Children’s Festival!

This year’s lineup leans into creativity and inclusion in a way that feels really thoughtful, not just checkbox-y.

• Glamerly is one of the headline acts, described as a gender-creative dress-up party for families. It’s joyful, expressive, and the kind of show where your kid might walk in shy and walk out in full costume ready to take on the world.
• Powwow Mash-UP celebrates Indigenous culture through Powwow and hoop dance, and it’s exactly the kind of live performance that sticks with kids long after the weekend is over.
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• Yuki the Juggler is an award-winning Japanese Canadian circus performer who brings serious skill and playful energy to the stage. Equal parts impressive and delightful.
• Orbax and Pepper is a weird, wonderful, mad science live on stage. The kind of act that makes kids convinced science is actually the coolest thing on earth.

Beyond the main acts, there will be more free roving entertainment and craft stations than ever before scattered throughout the festival grounds, which means even if you didn’t book every ticketed workshop, there’s still plenty happening around you.

A Festival That’s Actually Built For All Families

This year the festival is making a real effort to be welcoming for everyone, and the details matter. There will be a designated space for neurodivergent kids to play, create, and decompress in a quieter environment. The entire festival footprint is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

There are also Helping Hands tickets available for purchase, which send one adult and one child to a show they might not otherwise have the chance to attend. A lovely thing to do if you’re in a position to.

Before You Book

Ticketed workshops and performances sell out ahead of time, so get in early. Each show also has recommended age ranges listed, so take a few minutes to check those before finalizing your picks. Nobody wants to sit through a puppet show designed for two-year-olds when you’ve got a nine year old who’s already bored.

Make it a full weekend in Whistler

Here’s the thing about driving two hours to Whistler: just stay. May in Whistler is genuinely underrated. The days are getting longer, the snow is mostly gone from the Village, and there’s a ridiculous amount to do outside the festival itself.

We’re talking hiking, biking, golf, ziplining, whitewater rafting, and UTV tours. Your kids will be begging to come back before you’ve even packed the car to leave.And here’s the practical kicker: stay three or more nights and you’ll receive a free Activity Voucher. That’s Whistler basically handing you a reason to extend the trip.

QUICK PLANNING LIST

• Festival dates: May 15-17, 2026
• Main Venues: Florence Petersen Park, Whistler Olympic Plaza, Maury Young Arts Centre
• Book ticketed shows early, they sell out
• Check recommended ages for each workshop or performance before booking
• Stay 3+ nights for a free Activity Voucher

Get tickets, explore the full lineup, and plan your spring Whistler trip:

>> Festival Tickets and lineup
>> Whistler Festival Guide
>> Spring activities in Whistler

This post is sponsored by Tourism Whistler

The Whistler Children’s Festival returns to Whistler,
May 15-17, 2026 with a mix of arts focused programming and workshops for children of all ages. This event is produced by Arts Whistler.

The post The Whistler Children’s Festival Is Back and It’s Worth the Drive – May 15-17, 2026 appeared first on Vancouver Mom.