16 Family-Friendly Activities in Vancouver for Kids

Mountains, ocean, and a vibrant city park create a wonderfully laid-back vibe in Vancouver, making it an ideal destination for families. This city is brimming with activities tailored for kids and parents alike, offering a mix of indoor attractions and exciting outdoor adventures.

Visit Stanley Park

Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada

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Phone: +1 604-681-6728

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Stanley Park is much more than a city park; it’s a vast area filled with attractions, accessible waterfront, dining options, and sprawling green spaces right next to downtown Vancouver. Spanning over 1,000 acres—about 10 percent larger than New York’s Central Park—this park features an impressive 5.5-mile seawall, perfect for runners, walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Kids will love the playgrounds, splash pads, pools, and sandy beaches throughout the park. You can also explore totem poles or the Vancouver Aquarium. Consider renting bikes or utilizing the hop-on, hop-off trolley during the summer months to explore more of what Stanley Park has to offer.

Take Aquabus to Granville Island

Address: 1587 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada

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Phone: +1 604-689-5858

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Granville Island has transformed from a dilapidated industrial area into a vibrant hub featuring a children’s market, public market, art studios, restaurants, and various theaters. The Aquabus offers a fun and colorful way to travel, connecting visitors to locations like Yaletown and Science World.

Hike Up Grouse Mountain

Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada

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Phone: +1 604-980-9311

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Families have a choice between the physically demanding Grouse Grind and the relaxing Skyride up Grouse Mountain. Whichever option you take, expect breathtaking views of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean.

Walk Across the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Address: Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver, BC, Canada

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The Capilano Suspension Bridge spans 450 feet across and 230 feet above the Capilano River. Beyond the bridge, the park offers engaging attractions, including guided tours and a Kids’ Rainforest Explorer program.

Visit the Vancouver Aquarium

Address: Vancouver Aquarium St, Vancouver, BC V6G, Canada

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The Vancouver Aquarium is an educational treasure where children can witness sea otter feeds, beluga whale shows, and learn about marine conservation. With over 50,000 ocean creatures, the experience promises to be unforgettable.

Immerse Yourself at Science World at Telus World of Science

Address: TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7, Canada

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Science World offers a plethora of interactive exhibits that captivate children and adults alike. Additionally, the OMNIMAX Theatre showcases films that explore the wonders of our planet.

Get Hands-On at Maplewood Farm

Address: 405 Seymour River Pl, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1S6, Canada

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Phone: +1 604-929-5610

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Located just 10 minutes from downtown, Maplewood Farm offers a chance to interact with over 200 animals. Guests can participate in activities such as milking demonstrations and sheep shearing, making for an engaging and educational experience for young ones.

Ride the Hop-on, Hop-off Bus

Exploring Vancouver is a breeze with the vintage double-decker Hop-on, Hop-off Bus. With more than 20 designated stops, you can freely hop on and off to see the city’s top attractions or simply enjoy the complete 90-minute loop.

Your bus pass is valid for either 24 or 48 hours.

Visit a White Spot Restaurant

Address: 1616 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2V5, Canada

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Phone: +1 604-681-8034

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White Spot restaurants have been a family favorite in British Columbia since 1928, known for their kid-friendly atmosphere and signature Triple “O” Burgers. The menu has expanded to cater to all tastes, making it a delightful dining experience for the whole family.

Go For a Swim

Address: Second Beach, Vancouver, BC, Canada

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With the stunning natural beauty surrounding Vancouver, swimming opportunities abound. Second Beach and Kitsilano Beach both feature heated, ocean-fed outdoor pools, perfect for families to enjoy a day in the water. Furthermore, for more adventurous kids, opportunities for kayaking, windsurfing, and rafting are available.

Visit Granville Island

Once an industrial zone, Granville Island has evolved into a family-friendly destination, just 10 minutes from downtown. With its lively waterfront area often showcasing free musical performances, a diverse public market, and interesting docks with houseboats, Granville Island offers immense exploration possibilities for kids.

Explore the Maritime Museum

This unique museum is built around the St. Roch, a historic ship renowned for being the first to navigate the Northwest Passage. Children can engage with the ship’s features, partake in interactive exhibits, and learn about maritime history.

Learn About Vancouver’s History

Older children will appreciate the opportunities to explore the city’s past at the Museum of Vancouver. Exhibits include reconstructions of historic homes and artifacts relating to the city’s founding explorers, alongside temporary exhibitions focused on Indigenous history and culture.

Relive Some of Canada’s Greatest Sporting Moments

The British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame offers an engaging look at the province’s sports history, featuring highlights from the memorable 2010 Olympic Games. With various displays, including one featuring the Olympic podium used by Canada’s men’s short-track speed skating team, this museum highlights Canadian athletic achievements.

Get a Bird’s Eye View of Alpine Scenery

Adventure awaits at the Sea to Sky Gondola located outside Vancouver. Ascending to 2,900 feet, families can marvel at the breathtaking views of Howe Sound, Shannon Falls, and the stunning alpine terrain. At the summit, experience the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge or the nature-focused Alpine Alley walk aimed specifically for children.

See a Salmon’s Lifespan at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery

Address: Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver, BC, Canada

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The Capilano Salmon Hatchery features exhibits detailing the fascinating lifecycle of salmon. Visitors can observe baby salmon in their serene pools and, depending on the season, witness full-grown salmon swimming upstream, making for an intriguing experience for both kids and adults.