Vancouver is one of the safest and friendliest cities in the world, there’s no point skipping Vancouver when visiting Canada with your children. Being a mecca of both indoor and outdoor activities, Vancouver is a heaven on Earth for your little ones.
If you’re looking for the best family-friendly experiences in Vancouver to work your children’s minds, here are 18 top travelers’ choices to make a successful Vancouver family vacation.
9 Best Outdoor Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids
1. Stanley Park
Nature is a great way to entertain any child and help them explore the world around in the most effective way. As the most renowned park in Vancouver, Stanley Park is an epitome of a temperate rainforest ringed by the famous seawall. You and the kids can cycle along the seawall while embracing the sweeping views of the snow-capped mountains and the far-away ocean.
Other than that, let them spend their recess on the playground after exploring the First Nations totem poles. If you come over Vancouver during summer or winter, don’t forget to take them on a miniature train ride to make the most out of the festive seasons!
2. Granville Island
The urban island of Granville is an artistic destination filled with history, galleries, a lush food scene, and shopping experiences. It would be a waste if your little kids don’t have a chance to explore Granville Island, especially the Public Market and Kids Market!
Granville Island Public Market is a perfect weekend getaway for families with kids. You can spend half a day strolling around the vegetable stalls, artisanal cheeses, handmade chocolates, candies, and baked goods. If you ever get tired of walking around the island, feel free to stop by the public market to freshen up and recharge the kids’ battery!
Address: Public Market, 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9.
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Then make your way to Kids Market! This top-rated spot in Granville Island houses all the best kinds of fun that your children have ever wanted! The story ballroom with digital games, arcade, VR machines for teenagers, costume shop, and a prosperous food court are a few to be named.
A trip to Kids Market cannot go without the Adventure Zone. The zone is rated as one of the best places for families with children in Vancouver. You can let your kids indulge in the interactive gaming platform, get on a loonie ride, or crash into a ball bit.
Address: 1496 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5.
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3. Capilano Suspension Bridge
So your kids are monitored, regulated, and all about independence? It’s time to do their hearts good with an outing day at Capilano Suspension Bridge! Known as one of the top-rated attractions in Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge is part of the North Shore. This is where your family can throw down a challenge of conquering this swinging bridge without fear.
Capilano Suspension Bridge is a 460-meter-long rope bridge hanging 70 meters above the river. Traversing the bridge is a great way to get some good laughs, encourage their curiosity, and teach them to accomplish small goals.
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1.
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4. Lynn Canyon Park
If they still crave for more adventures, why not catch a breath of fresh air at Lynn Canyon Park? This venturesome suspension bridge delivers a similar thrilling experience as Capilano. However, a big bonus that comes with Lynn is an inquisitive hiking trail cutting through a lush rainforest. If you’re looking for a great hideout to encourage your little ones to explore nature and enhance their physical fitness at once, Lynn Canyon Park is the right place to be!
Address: 3690 Park Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3K2.
5. Playland Amusement Park
Who doesn’t love amusement parks? We all once experienced that feeling of getting butterflies in the stomach whenever someone promised to take us to the playland! And it’s time to let your kids have the best time of their life as what we had before!
Playland Amusement Park is the oldest amusement park in the country. Summer takes the park to the limelight as visitors from all corners flock here to get on the rides, play some games, and munch on their favorite street food. The best time to visit Playland Amusement Park is in August with the Pacific National Exhibition Fair. During this time, your little ones will get a lot more fun with many more rides, shows, and lively concerts open.
Address: 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1.
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6. Grouse Mountain
Within 30 minutes driving from downtown, you will end up at Grouse Mountain, a famous ski resort on the outskirts of Vancouver. This local mountain is the cream of the crop no matter which season you come by. Winter is definitely the peak season when visitors are down for some skiing time, sleigh riding or snowboarding. And if you’re around during the offseason, let the kids watch a lumberjack show, visit the bears at the rescue center, and ride the gondola!
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9.
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7. Maplewood Farm
Agri-tourism has become a new trend for travelers worldwide. The best way to become part of nature and learn from it is by paying a visit to a farm.
Maplewood Farm, a hot spot on the outskirts of Vancouver, attracts a great number of both local and foreign families every year to experience a day in the life of a real farmer. Do you know that Maplewood Farm is home to 200 animals? What an exciting world for the kids to indulge in! Feeding the cows, petting horses, running with the ducks, and talking to the little donkeys are some of the greatest ways to nurture your child’s love for animals. Take this chance to teach them all they need to know about the characteristics of each animal type!
Address: 405 Seymour River Pl, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1S6.
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8. Kitsilano Beach
Hugged by the gigantic Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is home to numerous beach areas and many of which front the ocean. Amongst a wide array of beach sides in Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach (or Kits for short) is the perfect place to plan a family beach day.
This West-side neighborhood has a lot of happenings. Beach volleyball, people lazing around, trendy shops, and spike balls are to name a few. And of course, don’t forget to check out Kits Pool, a salt-water outdoor swimming pool perched between land and ocean.
A rundown of all the best restaurants, cafes, drink spots, shops, and places to stay in the Kitsilano area.
9. Whale watching
It’s time to strike out on the Pacific Coast and see whales in the wild! Take your kids on a whale watching tour departing from downtown Vancouver or Richmond so they can admire the giant Orca, grey, humpback, minke dancing with the waves! The prime time for this activity is from May to October when 20.000 grey whales migrate through the coast of the Pacific Ocean. You may get a chance to spot other wildlife such as sea otters, sea lions, and bald eagles nesting on the trees.
9 Best Indoor Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids
1. Science World
Science encourages your little kids to discover what’s happening in the world they live in and develop the critical-thinking ability. Supporting your children’s science learning is a great way to help them think independently.
The best place in Vancouver to teach your kids about science is the Science World. The gigantic glass gold ball covering a world of wonder and delight is where kids can freely approach different schoolings and aspects. There are hands-on exhibits besides the colorful play areas where they get to throw balls, lift up, climb, and interact with other friends.
Address: 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7.
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2. World of Kidtropolis
So your children love pretend play and the toys at home are stacking up? It’s time to branch out into an interactive city model at World of Kidtropolis! This incredible playground goes above and beyond to let the kid explore their inner self. During the 2-hour booking time, your child can drive a car around a miniature city, refuel at a gas station, take care of the animals, or fill their trolley at a supermarket.
Address: 110-5940 No 2 Rd, Richmond, BC V7C 4R9.
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3. Castle Fun Park
A few hours at Castle Fun Park is never enough because your kids will love all the games to the extent that they don’t want to leave! Kart track, bumper cars, driving range, arcade games, batting cages, and even a mini-golf course are waiting to keep your little ones occupied! Castle Fun Park is a year-round attraction and it will surely excite kids of all ages!
Address: 36165 N Parallel Rd, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2K8.
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4. Yum Sweet Shop
After all of the running, now you may want to recharge and freshen up! Yum Sweet Shop will make your kids go elated with over 200 candies, chocolates, milkshakes, ice creams, and many other treats. So get ready to have your jaw drop at this fun, inviting, and cute sweet shop!
Address: 4150 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P7.
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5. La Casa Gelato
A family outing day in Vancouver is never complete without a stop at La Casa Gelato. No matter if it’s a rainy or sunny day, your kids will always jump for joy when you hand them a nice cold ice cream cone!
With an extensive menu of over 200 gelato flavors, sorbet, and yogurt, La Casa Gelato becomes a heaven on Earth for any child. Get them a tasty serving of chocolate covered pretzels or Italian cannoli if they’ve behaved in a manner during the trip. It would be a perfect gift to encourage your children!
Address: 1033 Venables St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3R9.
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6. Pizza-Making Class at Rocky Mountain Flatbread
Finding a decent way to game up your kids’ cooking skills and teach them to appreciate all the food? Why not make your way to Rocky Mountain Flatbread and sign up for a kid’s pizza-making class? More than just a cooking class, Rocky Mountain Flatbread offers a fun and educational experience to enjoy a great outing day with your little ones. On every Monday and Sunday, the class is open for all families to roll their own dough and go creative with all the toppings of choice.
Address: 4186 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3Y7.
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All the food spots we personally recommend to our relatives and friends when they come to Vancouver.
7. FlyOver Canada
Seeking a brand new way to enjoy your Canada vacation? Hit up FlyOver Canada and let your little ones admire the country’s landscape in the most cutting-edge way! This state-of-affair exhilarating ride will drive your family through different parts of Canada switching from East to West.
More than just a virtual journey, FlyOver Canada will take your experience to a whole new level with special wind and mist effects. This 30-minute virtual journey will leave you with a great sense of Canada scenery and pride. Are you ready to buckle up, leave your feet dangling, and let the scenes blow you away?
Address: 201 – 999 Canada Place, Canada, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1.
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8. Find and Seek Escape Room
Are you into some adventurous and rip-roaring games to bond more with your family? Head to Find and Seek Escape Room and do your best to complete an escape mission by navigating through a variety of puzzles and physical spaces.
This is a perfect off-the-radar spot in Vancouver where every fan of the action blockbuster movies wants to hit up. During this gripping adventure, you will turn into the main protagonist in a high stakes thriller. All you will do is solve the way out in each of the puzzle adventure escape rooms. At the end of the day, all that’s left with you and the family are not only laughter but also a great adrenaline rush.
Address: 88 W Pender St #2075, Vancouver, BC V6B 6N9.
9. Commodore Bowling and Billiards
This Vancouver’s hidden gem is there to please whenever your family wants a friendly competition. Rain or shine, you will find Commodore Bowling and Billiards Center packed with groups of friends and families throwing down a challenge for some laughing and high-fiving.
You can rent a lane, bowl a few games before getting a drink to quench the thirst after shouting when the pins go down and you get a strike. Other than bowling, take a few steps further into the billiards section and try to clean the table with a few shots if you can.
Address: 838 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2C9.
Still having a few more days with the kids? Why not let them explore Victoria before coming back home? We have compiled all the best travel tips for families planning a day trip (or two) from Vancouver to Victoria right here! Check it out and let your little ones enjoy to their heart’s content!