Activities in Vancouver

Bayshore Bicycles

Address 745 Denman Street, Vancovuer, BC V6G 2L6, Canada Map, Tel 1-604-688-2453 Call, Website

Rent a bike and pedal your way around the Stanley Park Seawall. Bayshore Bicycles rents a wide variety of bikes (tandems, kids bikes, cruisers, hybrids and more). The route from the bike shop to Stanley Park is completely paved and separated from traffic. more

Bloedel Floral Conservatory

Address 405 West 33rd Avenue, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel 604-257-8570 Call, Hours Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9pm Website

Inside a huge triodetic dome in Queen Elizabeth Park is the Blodel Florel Conservatory. Its lush tropical environment is a wonderland for babies, toddlers and older kids. It houses over 100 tropical birds that freely fly about, three simulated climates (tropical rainforest, sub-tropical and desert) and has paths for wandering by foot or in a stroller. more



Burnaby Village Museum

Address 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5G 3T6 Map, Tel 604.297.4565 Call, Website

A short distance outside of Vancouver, this living history museum lets you experience live in the 1920s. Wander through a historically accurate town and watch printers, blacksmiths, and other workers demonstrate their crafts. There's lots of opportunities to ask questions and understand how things are working. Food is available on site in a cafe. more

Granville Island

Address 1496 Cartwright Street, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel 604–689-8447 Call, Rentals stroller rentals are available in the kids market, Hours daily 10am-6pm, Cost varies by activity; there's plenty to do for free Website

Granville Island has a little bit of everything, artists studios/shops, a covered farmers market, museums, and great activities for kids. A half day, with breakfast or lunch on the island is easy to fill, but during summer one could easily spend a full day or more. We love to wander through the artists studios and see all the great crafts and artwork. Many of the studios have open workrooms, so kids can watch how things are made (fascinating for a wide range of ages). At mealtimes, though there are several restaurants on the island, we usually end up in the market and either cobble together lunch from the various fruit, meat, dairy and bakeries or pick up a ready made meal. There are a wide variety of options, so everyone is happy. more

Granville Island Aquabus

Address Granville Island, Vancouver, Canada Map, Website

Catch the aquabus from Yaletown, Hornby Street, Spyglass (under the Cambie bridge) or one of several other stops. Not only will you avoid the challenge of finding parking on Granville Island, but your kids will love the quick boat ride! Detailed maps and schedules can be found Here more

Grouse Mountain

Address 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC, V7R 4K9 Map, Tel 604.980.9311 Call, Website

Just 15 minutes drive from central Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is the closest place to go skiing. There's more to Grouse Mountain than just skiing though, and kids might enjoy riding the lifts or going for an escorted tour in a sno-limo. Year round there's also the the opportunity to go inside a wind turbine high atop the mountain. During the summer, there's ziplining, paragliding and helicopter tours, and tons of hiking. The area is also a wildlife refuge, meaning that you just might encounter a bear! more

Mahon Spray Park

Address Jones Avenue & West 18th Street, North Vancouver, Canada Map, Website

The Mahon Waterpark is open most weekends from May to October. We loved that the little kids water play area was separated from the activities that older kids would enjoy. There's also a low-key playground here, lots of grass, and some picnic tables. more

Night Market

Address Keefer Street and Main, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604)682-8998 Call, Location Keefer Street between Main and Columbia Website

During summer, BC's two biggest Asian night markets can be a lot of fun for adults and kids. The street market, like night markets in Asia, features many different boots selling food, artistic handicrafts, clothing, music, etc. They also feature multicultural performances, games, and even prizes more

Science World at Telus World of Science

Address 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC Map, Website

Science World has a mix of hands on exhibits and demonstrations that help teach kids about science. Most exhibits are geared towards school age kids, but a special KIDSPACE area is oriented towards children ages 2 to 6 more

SeaBus

Address 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, Canada Map, Hours Approx 6am-1am Mon-Sat, 8am-11pm Sun Website

Toddlers and older kids will love riding on the SeaBus passenger ferry and adults will enjoy the beautiful views. The service consists of two double-ended catamaran ferries, each seating up to 400 passengers. The trip across Vancouver's scenic Burrard Inlet from downtown Vancouver to the North Shore takes just 12 minutes. There are two terminals: Waterfront in downtown Vancouver and Lonsdale Quay on the North Shore. Best of all, this is a great deal, and especially delightful on a warm summer day. more

Second Beach and Pool

Address Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel 604-257-8371 Call, Website

Your hotel doesn't have a pool? No problem. the Second Beach Pool is heated to 80 degrees, has three slides and a zero depth entry. Plus it's located right next to a great playground and tons of grass for a picnic. more

Stanley Park

Address 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 659-3474 Call, Bus from downtown, take bus #19 Website

Stanley Park is recognized around the globe as one of the great parks of the world and is one of the city's main tourist attractions for all ages. You won't, of course, be able to cover all 1000 acres of the park, but there are some terrific activities for kids to choose from. Located close to downtown, the park is easy to get to via the #19 bus. more

The Adventure Zone at Granville Island

Address 230-1496 Cartwright Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5, Canada Map, Tel (604) 608-6699 Call, Website

This indoor vertical playspace lets kids climb, jump, slide and play in a ball pit or tunnels. Parents can supervise from outside or join younger kids inside. Recommended for ages 3-11, but younger kids may enjoy this space with adult help. Inside the Granville Island Kids Market more

Vancouver Aquarium

Address 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 659-3474 Call, Hours Summer 9:30am-7pm; Winter 10am-5:30pm, Tickets may be purchased in advance on their website Website

The Vancouver Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Canada, but not huge by international standards. There are huge tanks and lots of different sea animals as well as daily shows. The highlights are the dolphin show, the beluga whales, and the beautiful jellyfish displays. On weekends, volunteers provide a variety of fun and educational activities for kids. more

Vancouver Art Gallery

Address 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel 604.662.4719 Call, Hours Daily 10am-5:30pm. Tue and Th until 9pm, Cost Adults $19.50; Kids 4 & under are free Website

While the Vancouver Art Gallery isn't the most kid friendly museum I've ever been to, the museum's small size does work in your favor. Kidstops offer activities and information for school aged children visiting the museum. The 3rd Sunday of every month, the museum is transformed to be a fun art & craft space for kids. more

Vancouver Maritime Museum

Address 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada Map, Location in Vanier Park Website

The Children's Maritime Discovery Centre, inside the museum has lots of hands-on exhibits for kids to check out. more

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BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Address 777 Pacific Boulevard South, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4Y8 Map, Tel 604 687 5520 Call, Website

This may be the one of the most underrated kid-friendly museum in the Vancouver. Tucked inside BC Place Stadium at Gate A, it's actually way bigger and way cooler than I ever expected. The exhibits are enjoyable with cleverly designed spaces. And no matter who you are or where you're from, you're bound to find at least some inspiration from the stories of these local heroes. more

David Lam Park

Address 1300 Pacific Boulevard Vancouver, Canada Map, Website

Wonderful playground right in the heart of downtown's Yale Town neighborhood. Nice big lawn areas, a wonderful rope tower to climb and swings and slides. It's also right on the water, so it's got people riding bikes and boats (all very popular with toddlers). more

Kerrisdale Play Palace

Address 5670 East Boulevard Vancouver, BC, Canada Map, Tel 604-257-8121 Call, Website

A great place for little ones (and bigger ones) to get their sillies out when the weather outside isn't the greatest. For those who go up to Vancouver frequently, like we do, a $80 day at the aquarium isn't always possible on a rainy day. This is an affordable option with 4 bouncy houses, plasma cars, ping pong, foosball, basketball and more! There's a separate area for the 5 & under set with climbing toys, trucks, a playhouse and 2 bouncy houses... where they won't get trampled by the bigger kids. It's only $4 and parking at the Kerrisdale Arena is free. Our 3 year old son had a great time and was able to sit through a big extended family dinner that night. more

Maple woods Farm

Address 405 seymour river place, north vancouver Map, Tel 604.929.5610 Call, Website

My kids always want to go here. It's open year round, only a few bucks each to get in, and of course lots of farm animals to see. more

The Vancouver Lookout

Address 555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6 Map, Tel +1 604 689 0421 Call, Website

The glass elevators whisk you 168meters above sea level. Get to see 360 degree view of downtown Vancouver. The staff are amazing with the kids, offering them activity sheets, colouring sheets and puzzles to completed while parents can sit back and enjoy the view and the sights. They offer steps and stools to help the little ones see out the windows! more

Wild Play Element Park (Maple Ridge)

Address 23485 Fern Crescent, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada Map, Tel 1-888-590-7274 Call, Ages 7+ Website

If you have a child who craves the physical challenge not found in most playgrounds, WildPlay might be a great adventure. It is located about an hour from downtown Vancouver, in the midst of a natural setting. Kids are guided through challenging courses that can include ziplines, rope swings, bungy jumps and more. Picnic grounds and barbecues are available if you want to turn this in to a half day outing. more