Back to Vancouver, British Columbia with Kids
About Me
I'm Debbie, mother of two delicious kids,
and I write about traveling with little kids. That's
my 6-month old son in Paris on Halloween.
More About Me
Activities in Vancouver
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
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
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
Sea Bus
Address 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, Canada Map, Cost Adults $2.25, children under 4 free. Discount after 6:30pm, 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 sevice 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
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
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
Reader Favorites
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
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