Best Family-Oriented Events in Vancouver, WA

Life may not be 100% back to normal yet, but 2020 is going to see the return of many family friendly events in the Vancouver, WA area. We are fortunate to live in an area filled with diverse events, ready to entertain the entire family. Whether you are looking to take your kids out to experience nature, learn some rich history or just have a bit of fun, there are plenty of events in our neighborhood to choose from. Here are the best events each month of the year that you can use to enrich your weekends.

January

Lantern Tours at Fort Vancouver

Start your year off with an educational tour of Fort Vancouver, lit up with the brilliance of lanterns. Whether you are visiting during the night or daytime, these tours offer families the opportunity to see Fort Vancouver in a way you never have before. Plan ahead: you will need to get advance reservations for the tour. They do not allow walk-ins. These tours typically run from November to March, and will hopefully return in 2022.

$25 for adults, $10 for children 15 years and under.

February

PDX Jazz Festival

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Get your kids up and dancing while learning about Black History Month at the PDX Jazz Festival. The festival honors special jazz anniversaries and legends, along with feature performances by legendary artists. Check out the calendar of events to find performances that work for your schedule, including several free shows.

February 17 – 26, 2022

March

Couve Clover Run

Enjoy a bit of exercise as the spring weather begins to blossom with a fun run (or walk, if you so choose). Choose from 3 miles, 7 miles or 10 miles. Strollers, dogs and families are all allowed to participate in the running event, though the post-run beer garden is strictly 21+. Join the run wearing your ‘lucky’ best; St. Paddys Day costumes are strongly encouraged.

March 20, 2022 9:00am, Registration rates range. Kids 12 and under are Free

April

Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens

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The spring offers the best time to view the stunning lilacs at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens. Visitors from around the world stroll through the gardens and buy their favorite lilacs. Don’t forget to checkout the Farmhouse and giftshop, which are only open during the Lilac Days event.

$5 during Lilac Days, Kids 12 and under are Free

May

Vancouver Farmers Market

Shop local! The Farmers Market is an eclectic mixture of food, high-end crafts, farm-direct produce and thriving nursery stock. Esther and 8th Streets are filled with 150+ vendors offering local produce, plants, and art. Food booths with local and international specialties keep the kids well-fed while entertainers provide live music.

March-October, Free

June

Recycled Arts Festival

Looking for something free and unique to do in June? The Recycled Arts Festival is a great way to teach your children about sustainability, the value of keeping our planet clean while also enjoying unique artwork that you are sure to not find anywhere else. Since 2005, the Recycled Arts Festival has taken place in Esther Short Park. In addition to viewing professional recycled art, there are activities aimed just for kids that will allow them to create their own recycled pieces.

June 25, 2022 – June 26, 2022, Free

July

Fire in the Park

Fire in the Park began in 2009 as an outreach event for Vancouver FireFighters Union, in Esther Short Park. This free event is intended to help families in the community understand fire safety, first aid, calling 911, hands only CPR, emergency preparedness, bike safety and much more!

August

Clark County Fair

The Clark County Fair happens every August, and will be taking place from August 5-14 in 2020. As far as state fairs go, the Clark County Fair is reasonably priced for many families enjoyment. In addition to concerts and typical fair rides, the fair also has family friendly events such as Dock Dogs, Bug Ology, clown shows, pony rides and more. The fairgrounds are just up the road from Vancouver, in Ridgefield WA, so it will be convenient to get the whole family there for the day.

Adults: $11.25; Seniors: $9.25; Children 7-12: $8.25; Kids 6 & Under: Free

September

Summer Downtown Walking Tours with the Clark County Historical Museum

Before the kids go back to school, kick-off their educational year with a walking tour of downtown with the Clark County Historical Museum. Even if the fall weather kicks up a bit early, the museum is a wonderful family-friendly activity that can teach your kids all about the area where they are from.

October

Cedar Creek Grist Mill Apple Cider Pressing

Step back in history while Cedar Creek Grist Mill presses around 10,000 pounds of apples into the best drink on planet Earth. The fun doesn’t stop with the employees. The kids will also get a chance to press apples using a hand crank press, while a Bluegrass Jam happens on the back deck. This event only happens once a year in October and is a can’t-be-missed opportunity.

November

Tree Lighting at Esther Short Park

Just after Thanksgiving every year, there is a Christmas Tree Lighting at Esther Short Park. While COVID has cancelled the ceremonies as of late, the tree is still beautiful and alight every night from late November through December. Hopefully 2022 will see the return of this great Vancouver tradition!

Free

December

Chanukah Celebration from Chabad Jewish Center of Clark County

Whether your family is Jewish or you are looking to introduce your children to diverse holiday celebrations, the Chanukah event hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of Clark County. Dates of the celebration will change, as does the holiday each year, so check in with the center to learn more!