It's no wonder Vancouver is a popular destination for families with kids: it's a gorgeous and safe city with a very walkable downtown, and its most amazing destinations-- the parks, forests, and beaches-- are easy to take pleasure in, no matter what age you are. If you're searching for things to do in Vancouver with kids, you're in luck: there's no shortage of family-friendly destinations awaiting you.
You don't require to leave the city to experience British Columbia's natural beauty, and, as a bonus, it's complimentary to walk through the woods or to feel the sand beneath your toes. With a favorable environment, you can take pleasure in outdoor activities year-round, as Vancouverites usually do.
If you didn't pack your rain equipment (we get it, rain boots use up a great deal of valuable suitcase area), not to fret-- numerous kid-approved indoor activities will keep you hectic on a rainy day.
We've rounded up our favorite all-ages destinations, with a wide range of outside and indoor activities that can be enjoyed no matter what season you're checking out. From pleasing your curiosity to immersing yourself in the regional sports culture, here is our list of the top things to do on your household journey to the city of Vancouver Canada.
1. Find Out Something New at Science World
You might easily invest an entire day-trip at Science World experiencing the interactive and interesting displays, displays, reveals, and activities.
Science World takes a playful technique to celebrate science: from exploring the ins and outs of the human body to diving deep into the world of animals, plants, and Nature's finest developments, there's a lot to do, see, and discover. Many activities are tailored towards kids, but many adults will have fun checking it out, too.
While exhibits and experiments form a big part of the facility, there's a lot more to explore. For instance, a 306-square-meter play area is the best place to visit to burn some energy. The outdoor science park uses an educational experience while getting some fresh air. There's also an Omnimax theater, including a range of movies and live shows.
This isn't the cheapest activity for kids in Vancouver BC-- the cost of admission varieties by age, with the Omnimax films costing additional. You can quickly wind up investing more than $100 for a family of 4 who's not consisting of food. Still, on a rainy day-- and there are many of those in Vancouver-- it's a fun (and useful) method to enjoy your time.
As a reward, Science World is easily accessed by public transportation, with a SkyTrain stop simply outside the center. You can't miss out on the structure: it's the huge mirrored ball that stands out in Vancouver's skyline.
Address: 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, British Columbia
2. Discover the Magic of Stanley Park
British Columbia's greatest draw is its natural appeal. Luckily, you don't need to go far to experience it firsthand.
Stanley Park is a 405-hectare lush, green park with towering trees, lots of trails to check out, and sandy beaches along the ocean shore-- and it lies right in downtown Vancouver.
What exists to do in Stanley Park? In a word, lots. There are a lot of disorganized and casual ways to take pleasure in the appeal of the park-- among the most popular is a cruise along the Stanley Park Seawall. This paved trail follows the ocean along the perimeter of the park. At nearly 9 kilometers (or 5.5 miles) in length, it's a little too long for most kids to walk; however, it's a fantastic place to go for a bike ride. There are several bike stores in the vicinity that supply rentals.
There's also a large network of dirt routes that wind through the park's forests. You can head out for a quick walk or link several trails together and make a longer hike of it. Most routes are non-technical and rather flat, which makes for a nice and easy getaway.
There are 2 sandy beaches in the park: both Second Beach and Third Beach are popular places to swim and suntan in the summer, but even on an overcast day, it's enjoyable to lean up against a piece of driftwood and take in the views. There's likewise a substantial outdoor pool near 2nd Beach and some impressive playground centers. You can visit one of the lots of dining establishments, cafes, and food kiosks spread throughout the park when it's time to grab a bite to consume.
You can check out Stanley Park in a more leisurely fashion by scheduling a horse-drawn carriage ride or by hopping aboard the Stanley Park Train. The train runs seasonally in the summertime, as well as during holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter.
Needless to say, there is a lot for families to enjoy in Stanley Park, but our favorite destination in the park is the next one on this list.
3. Make Friends with the Regional Fish at the Vancouver Aquarium
Arguably the coolest thing to do in Stanley Park is to visit Vancouver Aquarium, a magnificent center exploring the strange and magical world under the sea.
As a city by the ocean, it's only natural that Vancouver would have a museum dedicated to its seaside creatures. The Vancouver aquarium does an excellent task at exposing the BC Coast animals, but it likewise explores a number of other places, from the tropics to the Arctic and beyond.
The exhibitions are organized by geographical area, with tank after tank of vibrant Fish, frogs, turtles, and more. You can capture the sea lions, penguins, and other animals in action if you head outside.
There are unique discussions, storytimes, laboratories, and shows that occur throughout the day, each of which is extremely kid-friendly. The Vancouver Aquarium is truly an all-ages tourist attraction-- even babies will enjoy taking in the sounds and sights.
Address: 845 Avison Method, Vancouver, British Columbia
4. Sail Away on the Aquabus
When you're a kid, often the simplest things are the most unforgettable.
These rainbow-colored mini ferries putter around False Creek, acting as water taxis that link popular destinations like Granville Island, Yaletown, and the Plaza of the Countries (among others).
But the Aquabus is a lot more than a mode of transport: it's a short trip along the water, enabling you to experience Vancouver from various perspectives. Boats come along regularly-- at least when every 15 minutes-- so you never have to wait too long to hop aboard.
Ferries run year-round (except for Christmas Day) and generally run from 6:45 am to 10:30 pm. A day pass allows you to get on and off to your heart's content, but you can also purchase one-way and round-trip tickets.
5. Roam through Granville Island
If you go to Granville Island-- possibly by way of the Aquabus-- you'll be happily amazed at just how much there is to do in this pedestrian-oriented little village.
Kids and grownups alike will enjoy browsing the sights, sounds, and views of the Granville Island public market, which is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. In your area, fresh produce made specials and handmade items recommend sale-- you can get lunch, groceries, and souvenirs all in one place.
In addition to the marketplace, there are restaurants and shops to check out around Granville Island. One of the most popular places to eat is Go Fish, with its sensational Fish and chips that can be delighted in right by the water.
A couple of different kid-centric destinations take pleasure in on Granville Island: The Adventure Zone is a big indoor jungle gym where kids can climb up, slide, dive, and move freely. Carousel Theatre for Young People includes an ever-evolving program of plays and other occasions-- it's well worth checking out what's on the program during your see.
The Kids Market has a variety of services and stores tailored towards kids, consisting of bumper cars and a game. In the summer season, kids will be pleading to hit up the massive water park-- and moms and dads will enjoy the truth that it's entirely totally free.
6. Splash Around at Kitsilano Beach
You actually can't fail at any of Vancouver's eight beaches on the Pacific, but if we needed to choose the most family-friendly one, we'd choose Kitsilano (or simply Sets) Beach.
Just across from downtown Vancouver along the Burrard Street Bridge, Kits Beach offers a big stretch of sandy coastline. There are a lot of locations to park your towel and build a sandcastle in the summertime. You can likewise hop in the water for a swim; there are lifeguards at the Beach from late May to early September.
Not a fan of swimming in the ocean? There's a big heated saltwater pool neglecting the ocean if that's more your thing. Likewise, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, plus a magnificent playground and a paved path that runs along the whole Beach (and beyond), make it the perfect location to visit to get moving.
7. See Canada from a Bird's- Eye View
It's hard to describe this amazing activity in words, but we'll do our best: photo yourself soaring over some of Canada's majority of amazing landscapes, feet hanging as you weave your way through the incredible surroundings, with the wind blowing in your hair (seriously, there's a wind device).
This isn't simply seeing a regular old drone video-- it's a fully immersive experience that engages all 5 of your senses for 8 wonderful minutes. It's a sweet, however brief activity, although some exhibitions delight in pre-show, extending the experience a bit longer.
Nearly anyone can enjoy FlyOver Canada-- just note that riders need to be a minimum of 102 centimeters (or 40 inches) high. You can schedule tickets online ahead of time; this is a great idea, specifically during the summer season vacations and other hectic times.
Address: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver British Columbia
8. Cheer on Local Sports Teams
An excellent method to get a feel for Vancouver culture is to sign up with the residents and root for the house group at an expert sports video game. The environment of a live game-- no matter the sport-- is a recipe for a good time, with great deals of home entertainment, excitement, and sugary snacks.
Whatever season you're visiting, there's a game for you to watch. There's absolutely nothing like catching a hockey video game with the Vancouver Canucks from the winter season to spring. From spring to fall, check out a soccer video game with the Vancouver Whitecaps. From summertime to fall, take in a football game with the BC Lions.
Families searching for all the enjoyable of the big leagues with fewer crowds (and often at a more affordable price) can have a look at some of Vancouver's other sports teams: the Vancouver Giants are the local significant junior ice hockey team (most gamers are 20 years or more youthful), while the Vancouver Canadians are the regional minor league baseball team.
9. Ride at the PNE and Playland
If you're lucky sufficient to visit Vancouver in the summer season-- normally the time of year with the best weather condition-- then you'll definitely wish to make a point of checking out the Pacific National Exhibition (better called the PNE).
More specifically, you'll wish to go to Playland, the ultra-fun theme park, including whatever from mellow trips for kids to roller coasters for thrill-seeking older kids. The Atmosphere offers great scenic views of the city (albeit while swinging at 70 kilometers per hour-- that has to do with 45 miles per hour). The Discovery lets riders experience G force, à la fighter pilot-- we recommend riding that one before lunch.
Playland likewise includes all your common fair favorites-- carnival games, deal with painting, deep-fried foods-- with some unique functions, too. Among our favorites is the Summertime Night show series, which happens nightly throughout the summer and are consisted of in the price of your general admission. Entertainers range from little local acts to significant worldwide entertainers, often including your favorite throwback bands from the '80s, '90s, and beyond.
Although Playland is only open seasonally, there are typically other fun occasions happening at the PNE year-round. Examine the schedule while you're in town-- there might be a concert, market, or other program going on during your check out.
