Family-Friendly Fun: Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids

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Vancouver is a safe, family-friendly city that offers plenty of outdoor recreation, fascinating museums, indigenous history, and culinary adventures. Whatever you’re looking to do, Vancouver will create lots of cherished experiences and memories.

Discover an Abundance of Outdoor Recreation at Stanley Park

Open since 1888, Stanley Park is one of the world’s largest urban parks, located in the middle of Vancouver. Known for its Seawall, the longest waterfront path on the planet, it’s ideal for walking, cycling, or running. You’ll soon see why this is the most popular recreational spot in the entire city.

There are tons of things for families to do here and you could probably spend the day in this natural sanctuary. Enjoy vast green spaces, beaches, walking and biking trails, restaurants, and local wildlife. Check out the splash pads, pools, and tennis courts.

Admire the nine First Nation Totem Poles located in Brockton Point and learn more about the history and culture of the indigenous tribes who lived there. These totem poles were carved from red cedar trees and each tells a story.

Totem poles in Stanley park Vancouver that tell different stories. — Every totem pole in Stanley Park tells a story. Photo credit: Visit Vancouver.

Ride the Stanley Park Train around the forest. Take a horse-drawn carriage tour through the whole park.

If your family likes to ride bikes, there are plenty of options for bike rentals and recommended bike paths. Learn more about the history of Stanley Park with the hop on-hop off trolley car that runs during the summer.

When it’s raining or cold, head to the Vancouver Aquarium, Canada’s largest. With more than 120 indoor and outdoor exhibits, you’ll learn about the wonders of wildlife from around the world, including rescued sea otters and sea lions. Check out the 4D Theatre and hands-on Wet Labs for truly immersive experiences as well as the chance to get close and personal with the animal enrichment programs. Their Amazon gallery has recently been renovated with a simulated thunderstorm in the rainforest canopy, waterfalls, and upgraded animal habitats. Watch your kids become explorers in the amazing Amazon.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Ratchet up the elegance of this trip with a stay at the historic Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver.

Reach New Heights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Catch the breath taking views while walking with your kids across the Capilano Bridge in Vancouver. — Walking across the Capilano Bridge offers breathtaking views. Photo credit: Mira Temkin

Maybe you’ve seen pictures of the world-famous swinging 450 foot-long Suspension Bridge that crosses high above the Capilano River. It’s listed among the top attractions in British Columbia, and walking across is an awesome experience.

Walk through the forest in Vancouver with your kids while crossing the Capilano Bridge. — Cross the Capilano Bridge as you walk through the forest. Photo credit: Mira Temkin

Treetop Adventures features seven suspension bridges that are connected by tree-top platforms for a breathtaking canopy walk. The views are spectacular while giving your kids a new perspective on Mother Nature as they swing from the trees.

Kids can discover the rainforest with Dr. Woods at the Rainforest Explorers Program when they grab a booklet at the Treetops Adventure. This fun and educational program lets them collect badges and earn a reward through the rainforest.

Let your kids learn about the environment from Treetops Adventures in Vancouver. — Treetops Adventure teaches kids about the environment. Photo credit: Capilano Park.

If you’d rather stay grounded, there are plenty of hiking trails to discover the natural beauty of the park with lovely ponds and Totem Poles from the First Nations. Meet “things with wings” at the Birds of Raptors Ridge. The truly brave stand on the edge of nature on the Cliff Walk or discover more about the gentle ecosystem in the Living Forest exhibit.

It’s easier than ever to get up to Capilano Park with the free shuttle that departs throughout the day from Canada Place and nearby hotels. The ride takes about 25 minutes.

I recommend getting your tickets in advance. All attractions are included in your admission ticket.

Flyover Canada at Canada Place

Kids can feel like they are soaring the clouds of Vancouver through the flyover. — Feel like you’re soaring through the clouds. Photo credit: Flyover Canada

The Flyover experience has been taking the world by storm in cities across North America. If you’re visiting Vancouver, this is your chance to see Flyover Canada for yourself. They call it “an immersive flying journey” filled with unforgettable scenery and breathtaking moments.

The cinematography, the scents, and even the mist flying through the clouds make for an extraordinary experience. Strap yourself in and prepare for adventure in this flight simulator as you’re gently lifted high in the sky for a “bird’s eye view.” See both films as you soar above.

Currently playing are Legendary Iceland: Landscape and Lore and Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies. Look for special Halloween and holiday shows coming up in the fall.

Explore the Asian Night Market

One of the great things about Vancouver is its diversity, specifically its large Asian population. In fact, Vancouver is considered the most Asian city outside of Asia. You’ll find Asian influence everywhere especially when looking for kid-friendly restaurants. I was told there are more than 700 sushi restaurants in Vancouver!

One of the most fascinating experiences is a trip to the Asian Night Market in nearby Richmond, only on Friday and Saturday nights. Frankly, you’ve never seen anything quite like this outside of Asia. Here, you can dine on everything Asian, along with loads of fun shopping, and live entertainment.

Ride an Open Air Zodiac

As you cruise the Vancouver harbor, ensure you stay warm and dry with your kids. — Put on a red cruiser suit to stay warm and dry as you cruise Vancouver Harbor. Photo credit: Mira Temkin

See Vancouver from the water on this exciting boat tour through Vancouver Harbor on the Sea Vancouver Zodiac Tour. This is an adventure to the max as you first put on a red cruiser suit to keep you warm and dry. Then you board a 12-seater Zodiac-style boat for a 90-minute cruise around historic Vancouver. You’ll pass under the Lions Gate Bridge, drive around Stanley Park and visit English Bay. Runs May – September. Kids 7 and up. It’s an exhilarating experience to feel the wind and the sea.

Have Fun at Granville Island

Hop on the Aquabus (like a water taxi) or a False Creek Ferry to explore Granville Island. Not only is it a fun ride, but you’ll get exquisite views as well. The first thing you need to do is find the Granville Island Public Market. At this indoor market, you’ll find farmer’s stalls, fresh fish, and artisan goods. Then, look for the multi-level Kids Market with an Adventure Zone playground, arcade games, bumper cars, and lots more. Let the kids watch the boats and fishermen making the day’s catch at Fisherman’s Wharf. Hang out at the world’s largest FREE water park and don’t forget to bring your towels.

Discover Lots of Learning Fun at Science World

Kids ask lots of questions and a trip to Science World will help answer them. Science World is designed to promote learning in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art & design and math).

You’ll know you’ve arrived someplace special when you see their iconic geodesic dome welcoming you. Inside the dome, you’ll find interactive, hands-on exhibits that inspire connections to the scientific world for kids of all ages.

Featuring interactive exhibits like Earth Matters, The BodyWorks and Eureka! your kids will be mesmerized by the sheer number of galleries that will teach them how to save the planet. Check their calendar for the full schedule of events.

Head for the Hills

Come December, Vancouver turns into a winter wonderland with several nearby mountains that offer both soft and extreme adventure for skiing, tobogganing, ice skating, and tubing. Grouse Mountain is the closest to the city featuring a convenient aerial tram to take you up more than 4,000 feet. In this ultimate alpine environment, you can snowshoe, snowboard or ice skate. Head to the slopes for night skiing and watch the twinkling lights of downtown Vancouver below.

Season after season, Vancouver will create an exhilarating vacation for your family. Here’s more information about visiting Vancouver.