Vancouver with Kids and the Best Family Friendly Activities

The Vancouver Seawall is the perfect place for families to enjoy outdoor activities. Running along the city’s waterfront, the Seawall offers stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and skyline. Families can walk, bike, or rollerblade along the path, stopping to enjoy the scenic parks, beaches, and playgrounds that line the way. Stanley Park and False Creek are two of the main areas to explore, offering opportunities for picnicking, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The Seawall is one of the most scenic ways to see Vancouver, and it’s especially beautiful at sunset.

Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most iconic spots and is perfect for families. With over 1,000 acres of lush forest, scenic beaches, and playgrounds, there's something for everyone. Families can enjoy the Seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, ideal for biking, walking, or rollerblading. Kids will love the Vancouver Aquarium, which features marine life exhibits, as well as the miniature train that operates during various seasons. The park also offers opportunities for picnicking, wildlife watching, and exploring the beautiful gardens.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is a great place to introduce kids to the world of art. With exhibits featuring works by both local and international artists, families can explore various mediums, from contemporary to historical art. The gallery often offers family-friendly programs, including art-making workshops and guided tours designed for younger audiences. Kids can take part in interactive activities that help them understand art while sparking their creativity. The gallery’s large collection of Indigenous art provides an opportunity for families to learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage.

For a more natural experience, Lynn Canyon Park offers families the chance to explore one of Vancouver’s most scenic areas. The park features a suspension bridge, similar to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, but without the crowds. Kids will love exploring the numerous hiking trails, which vary in difficulty and provide opportunities to discover waterfalls, forests, and wildlife. The park also has a freshwater swimming hole, ideal for a refreshing dip in the summer. The park’s tranquil setting makes it perfect for a family outing in nature.

Granville Island is a vibrant, family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for kids. Families can explore the public market, which offers fresh produce, baked goods, and unique artisan products. The Kids Market, an indoor play space filled with toys, games, and a mini petting zoo, is a highlight for younger children. Granville Island also features galleries, craft shops, and a waterfront park with outdoor seating. Families can enjoy boat rides or explore the nearby beach. Special events and performances also take place throughout the year.

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a peaceful and educational destination for families who enjoy nature. The garden features themed sections, including a hedge maze, a fragrant garden, and a section dedicated to plants from around the world. Children can explore the interactive Discovery Garden, where they can learn about plant life through fun hands-on exhibits. The garden hosts seasonal events, including plant sales, family festivals, and special children’s programs, making it an ideal spot for a quiet and educational outing.

The Grouse Mountain Skyride is a scenic aerial tram that takes visitors from the base to the top of Grouse Mountain. Families can enjoy panoramic views of the city, ocean, and mountains during the 8-minute ride. At the top, there are a variety of activities, including visits to the grizzly bear habitat, the lumberjack show, and mountain-top hiking trails. In winter, families can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, and in summer, there’s a chance to see wildflowers and explore nature. The Skyride offers a unique way to experience Vancouver’s natural beauty.

Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium offers an immersive experience for families with its diverse marine life exhibits. Kids can see sea otters, jellyfish, and a variety of fish, while interactive displays let them learn about ocean conservation. The aquarium’s hands-on experiences, such as touching starfish in the tide pool or watching animal feedings, provide kids with an up-close look at marine life. The 4D theater shows captivating nature films, making it an educational and exciting destination for families.

The Richmond Night Market is a fun, lively family outing where kids can enjoy delicious street food, games, and live entertainment. The market features a variety of food vendors offering everything from Asian snacks to sweet treats. Kids can try their luck at carnival games, ride the Ferris wheel, or watch one of the many performances on offer. The market’s vibrant atmosphere and variety of activities make it a fun experience for the whole family, especially in the warmer months.

Vancouver’s Olympic Village is a vibrant area offering families a mix of parks, shops, and activities. The area was built for the 2010 Winter Olympics, and today, it’s a family-friendly neighborhood with playgrounds, bike paths, and beautiful green spaces. Families can rent bikes or kayaks and enjoy the nearby waterfront, or visit the nearby science and art installations. The public art displays and interactive spaces make this a fun stop for families looking to explore the city’s Olympic legacy while enjoying outdoor activities.

Grouse Mountain is a year-round family destination offering a mix of outdoor activities. In winter, families can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and skiing. In the warmer months, the Grouse Grind offers a challenging hike to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city and mountains. At the top, families can visit the wildlife refuge, home to grizzly bears, and take part in live shows and educational programs. The Skyride, a scenic aerial tram, is another highlight, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Science World is a hands-on science museum that offers a variety of interactive exhibits for children of all ages. The museum features exciting displays on space, electricity, biology, and more, with activities that encourage kids to learn through play. Highlights include the giant OMNIMAX theater, where families can watch educational films on topics like wildlife and the natural world, as well as live science demonstrations. The outdoor Science Park includes an area with water play, making it an ideal stop for a fun, educational day out.

A family-friendly activity that offers a unique way to explore Vancouver’s surrounding areas is taking the Vancouver Island Ferry. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the coastline, and families can enjoy the spacious decks while spotting seals, dolphins, and other wildlife. Once on Vancouver Island, families can visit Victoria, the island’s capital, or head to the island’s beautiful parks, beaches, and family-friendly attractions, including the famous Butchart Gardens. The ferry ride itself is an adventure that kids will love.

A must-see for families visiting Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a thrilling adventure. The park’s 137-meter long bridge, suspended 70 meters above the Capilano River, gives families a chance to walk across while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest. The Treetop Adventure features elevated walkways that give kids the sensation of walking through the canopy. The Cliffwalk is a glass-floored path that allows families to experience the forest from a different perspective, providing both fun and educational opportunities for all ages.

Located at Queen Elizabeth Park, the Bloedel Conservatory is an indoor tropical garden that transports families into a lush world of plants and birds. The conservatory features a wide variety of exotic plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and palms. Children will be fascinated by the colorful birds, which fly freely throughout the conservatory. The conservatory is a great place to introduce kids to the wonders of nature in a controlled, easy-to-explore environment. The surrounding park also offers beautiful walking paths and panoramic views of Vancouver.