With its temperate climate and abundance of outdoor activities, there are tons of things to do with kids in Vancouver.
However, catering to the preferences of our young travelers can pose a challenge when crafting a Vancouver itinerary. Nonetheless, with the following compilation of kid-friendly activities, I aim to simplify this task.
Here are some recommended things to do in Vancouver with kids!
Vancouver Itinerary With Kids: Top Things to Do with Children
See Canada from a 4D Flight Simulator
Flyover Canada is a family activity in Vancouver if you’re looking for a little Canadian education with some thrills thrown in. In fact, this is the longest flight simulator in the world.
The idea? Flying across Canada from coast to coast, stopping in to see some of the most popular attractions and landscapes along the way. They even simulate the wind!
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This is one of the best indoor activities in Vancouver, and it’s also quite cheap compared to most other paid attractions.
Careful though: riders must be 105cm (or 3.4 feet) tall to fly.
Visit Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is Vancouver’s outdoor playground. It’s a wildlife refuge, ski hill, and a place of great outdoor adventure and hiking.
It is also home to several resident grizzly bears – you can even have breakfast with them (from behind a fence, of course).
Whether you’re skiing at Grouse Mountain or doing Grouse Mountain summer activities there’s almost too much to do with kids here.
Learn Something New at Science World
Edu-tainment is the name of the game inside this iconic geodesic dome located at the head of False Creek.
Vancouver’s Science World offers a wide variety of interactive exhibits, demonstrations and activities that’ll keep your kids so entertained they’ll forget they’re receiving an education!
If all that isn’t enough, the attraction houses one of the world’s largest OMNIMAX theatres. The science-related films are included with your admission!
See Vancouver’s Resident Killer Whales
Especially between March and October, the waters around Vancouver are home to killer whales, humpback whales, and gray whales.
That said, these whales rarely come into the harbour so you’ll have to see them through Vancouver’s best whale watching tours.
These educational boat rides, some done aboard large child-friendly catamarans, run out of Granville Island and Steveston Village and even have a whale sighting guarantee.
Make Friends with Fish at the Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium is the perfect location to help your children explore the mystical and mysterious world located beneath the sea – particularly the local sea around Vancouver.
Here, you’ll find over 50,000 aquatic creatures divided in accordance with the geographical regions they call home.
You’ll encounter tank after tank of colorful fish, dolphins, frogs, turtle species and more. It’s the adorable sea otters, penguins, and sea lions that steal most visitors’ hearts, children in particular.
Hit Up Kids Only Market & Granville Island
Granville Island is one of the best things to do in Vancouver, period. Of course, aside from the delicious local delicacies at the market, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Vancouver.
Kids Only Market has a number of shops and services aimed at children, including bumper cars and an arcade. In addition to the market, there are shops and restaurants available to explore on the island.
Also, the Adventure Zone is a massive indoor jungle gym where children can go climbing, sliding, crawling and moving freely.
Finally, if you’re looking for some of the best restaurants in Vancouver then Go Fish is a favourite place to eat. It has sensational fish and chips that can be enjoyed just beside the water.
Splash Around at Kits Beach
Kitsilano Beach is one of Vancouver’s best beaches, and it’s just across from downtown Vancouver along Burrard Street Bridge.
There are many places to park your towel and make sand castles in the summer. There are also volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, in addition to a playground and a paved trail that runs along the entire beach.
Lifeguard stations exist on the beach from late May to early September.
There’s also a heated saltwater swimming pool overlooking the ocean, which is one of the top things to do with kids during Vancouver in summer.
Discover the Magic of Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a 405-hectare rich green park with tons of trails winding through an old-growth forest. There are two sandy beaches at the park, namely, Second Beach and Third Beach.
The Stanley Park railroad trains run seasonal holidays in the summer and holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter.
It also has a vast indoor pool near Second Beach and huge playgrounds. You can also visit one of many restaurants, cafés and food kiosks scattered in the park.
Wanna go deeper down the educational hole with your kids? Take a Stanley Park tour.
Check Out Some Professional Sports
Live sporting events are an excellent way for families visiting Vancouver. Even better, the Stadium District’s convenient location means it’s near most downtown Vancouver hotels and easily accessible via Vancouver public transport.
The biggest show in town is undoubtedly the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, who ply their trade between October and April at Rogers Arena. After a decade (some may say half a century) of disappointment, a collection of young talent has things looking up again.
Across the street, you’ll find BC Place, with its iconic lighting and fully retractable roof. In addition to recently being named a 2026 World Cup venue, the stadium serves as the full-time home of the MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps and the CFL’s BC Lions.
This combines for a more affordable, family friendly option than the more prestigious Canucks.
Sail away on the Aquabus
Aquabus Ferries operate throughout False Creek, dividing Vancouver’s downtown from the city’s southern peninsula.
These small vessels function as water taxis linking popular attractions like Granville Island, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and Science World.
Getting the feeling of the cool ocean breeze running through your hair, as well as the thrill of getting out on the water, is a great Vancouver family activity.
The ferries operate year round (the exception is during Christmas day) and customarily run between 9:30 am till 6:30 pm.
Related: Best Vancouver Boat Tours
Visit the Legendary Pacific National Exhibition
Families who are fortunate enough to visit during August or September won’t want to miss this century-old Vancouver tradition.
The PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) is a world-class fair set in East Vancouver that contains a myriad of food, amusement and entertainment options.
The kids will be dragging you from one end of the park to the other to take advantage of the fair’s midway games and nearly 40 different amusement park rides.
And best of all, it’s all included with your admission!
Reach for the Stars at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, colloquially known as the Planetarium, is an astronomy museum in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood.
Highlights include the Planetarium Star Theatre, the Cosmic Courtyard with its touchable meteorites and moon rocks, Groundstation Canada with live science shows, and GMS Observatory with a 1/2 meter telescope to view the stars.
Related: Vancouver’s Best Museums
The Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum in Vancouver offers an enriching experience for children. With interactive exhibits and engaging displays, it provides a fascinating glimpse into maritime history and culture.
Kids can explore various aspects of maritime life, from shipbuilding to navigation techniques.
The museum also offers educational programs and activities tailored for young visitors, fostering curiosity and learning.
Through hands-on experiences, children can develop a deeper appreciation for the importance of the maritime industry and its impact on society.
Overall, the Maritime Museum is an ideal destination for kids to embark on an exciting journey of discovery and exploration.
Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel
One of the things to do in Vancouver with kids is to visit the Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel, which offers an immersive experience, transporting them back in time to explore life in a historic village.
With meticulously recreated buildings, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits, kids can learn about the past in an engaging and memorable way.
The highlight of the museum is its beautifully restored carousel, which provides a delightful ride for young visitors.
Through hands-on kids activities Vancouver and educational programs, children can gain insight into early Canadian life and heritage.
The museum provides a unique opportunity for kids to step into history, fostering curiosity, imagination, and a deeper appreciation for the past.
Fun Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids FAQ
Is Vancouver good for kids?
Yes, Vancouver is good for kids. For active kids, there are parks like Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park. Grouse Mountain has tons of Vancouver family activities as well, andthe whale watching season also presents a great opportunity to explore nature.
What can toddlers do in Vancouver?
Toddlers in Vancouver can go to Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver Aquarium, and the Great Vancouver Zoo (which is an hour away in Surrey).
Where can I take my kids in Vancouver?
You can take your kids to Science World, hit up Kids Only Market at Granville Island, ride a 4D flight simulator at Flyover Canada, or head to Vancouver’s outdoor playground: Grouse Mountain.
What are some fun facts about Vancouver for kids?
A fun fact about Vancouver for kids is that it is home to Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. It features a seawall for biking, a miniature train, and totem poles.
Still Looking for Top Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids?
Designing an itinerary for Vancouver with kids can be quite challenging. If there’s anything I overlooked here, feel free to reach out in the comments section below.
Whether it’s about exploring Vancouver with kids or any other query, I’ll respond promptly!
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