Summer is here and the North Shore is absolutely delivering this year. Whether you’re a family with a newborn, a toddler on the go, or kids who are old enough to have opinions about everything, there’s something outside waiting for you this July and August.
The best part? Completely free.
We’ve put together a roundup of our favourite things to do with kids on the North Shore this summer, including a couple of our own CCRR drop-in programs that we’d love to see you at.
Free Drop-In Programs
These are NSCR drop-in programs, and we’re proud of them. No registration, no cost, just good vibes and little ones.
Singing Under the Sun (North Vancouver)
Every Monday (July 6 – August 24) at Heywood Park and every Wednesday (July 8 – August 26) at St. Andrew’s United Church, our CCRR team is bringing songs, stories, and community to families with children 0 – 5. All sessions run 10:30 – 11:30 AM.
A blanket on the grass, a few favourite songs, and a chance to connect with other parents. That’s the whole plan, and it works every time.
Download the full North Van Summer Programs flyer
Fun Under the Sun (West Vancouver)
Every Tuesday (July 14 – August 25) at Horseshoe Bay Park we’re doing songs, stories, and sunshine for all ages. It runs 11:00 – 11:30 AM and it’s quick, easy, and toddler-approved. And every Thursday (July 16th – August 20th) at John Lawson Park, from 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM, enjoy a place to meet other parents, share a laugh, and enjoy the fresh air together, with a few songs sprinkled in, for babies up to 12 months old.
Look for the CCRR banner!
Download the full West Van Summer Programs flyer
Outdoor Storytime with City Library (North Vancouver) *in partnership with North Vancouver City Library and North Vancouver Recreation & Culture
Tuesdays at St. Andrew’s Park (July 7 – August 11) and Thursdays at Ray Perrault Park (July 9 – August 13), 10:30-11:30 AM. Rhymes, puppets, and stories; bring a picnic blanket and some sunscreen.
All programs are free, drop-in, and weather-dependent. Check @nscrconnect for updates on rainy days.
Free Concerts
Live & Local
Summer evenings get a whole lot better with live music in the park. The Live & Local free outdoor concert series runs Thursday and Friday evenings across North Vancouver through late August, with shows at Lynn Valley Village, Lions Gate Village, Seylynn Park, Panorama Park, Edgemont Village, and Ray Perrault Park. All performances are 7:00-9:00 PM.
Check @nvrc or nvrc.ca for the full schedule.
The Shipyards Night Market
If you haven’t been to the Shipyards Night Market yet, this is the summer to go. Every Friday through September 11, from 3:00-10:00 PM, the market features live music, artisan vendors, and a food truck lineup that changes every week. The market is held at 125 Victory Ship Way in North Vancouver, except from May 15 to July 17, when it temporarily moves to E 1st Street between Lonsdale Avenue and St. Georges Avenue. It’s free to attend, open to all ages, and located right on the waterfront.
Movies in the Park
The Polygon Gallery Deckchair Cinema is back for its fifth year, every Thursday from June 25 to August 27, starting at sundown (concessions open at 7 PM). Admission is by donation, and your ticket gets you access to Polygon Gallery’s summer exhibitions too. The gallery is located at 101 Carrie Cates Court in North Vancouver, steps from the Shipyards.
North Vancouver City Library
Don’t overlook the library this summer. The North Vancouver City Library has a full calendar of free kids’ programs, including the Summer Reading Challenge for teens, workshops for school-age kids, and storytime programs for little ones. Many run through July and August.
Just Get Outside
Sometimes the best summer days are the unplanned ones. The North Shore has no shortage of beautiful parks, beaches, and trails that are completely free and completely worth it:
- Cates Park (Dollarton, North Vancouver) – a beach, a playground, and incredible views of Indian Arm
- John Lawson Park (West Vancouver) – right on the water and perfect for small kids
- Heywood Park (North Vancouver) – shady, spacious, and the home of our Monday CCRR programs all summer
- Ray Perrault Park (North Vancouver) – a neighbourhood gem on Grand Blvd
Pack snacks, bring sunscreen, and keep it simple.
We’re Here All Summer
NSCR’s Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR) team runs free programs and services for families across the North Shore, not just in summer. If you’re looking for child care information, parenting resources, or just want to meet other families in your neighbourhood, we’d love to connect.
Visit children.nscr.ca to learn more about our programs and services.
All outdoor events are weather-dependent. Follow @nscrconnect on Instagram for the latest updates on our drop-in programs.
