With a mild climate and tons of outdoor activities there are tons of things to do with kids in Vancouver.

That said, our little ones can be picky travellers so crafting a Vancouver itinerary with kids is by no means an easy task, though with this list of kid-friendly activities I hope to lighten the load.

Here’s what 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!

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.

Related: Skiing in Vancouver

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!

Related: Best Indoor Activities in Vancouver

See Vancouver’s Resident Killer Whales

Especially between March and October, the waters around Vancouver are home to killer whales, humpback whales, and grey 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.

Related: Best Vancouver Sightseeing Tours

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, and turtle species and more. It’s the adorable sea otters, penguins, and sea lions that steal most visitor’s 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 here.

Kids Only Market has a number of shops and services aimed at children include 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 and crawls 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 enjoyed just beside the water.

Related: How Many Days Do I Need to Spend in Vancouver?

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 and sand castle in 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 salt water 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 huge indoor pool nearby Second Beach and huge playgrounds. You can also visit one of many restaurants, cafés and food kiosks scattered in the park.

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 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 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 around (exception is during Christmas day) and normally run between 9:30 am till 6:30pm.

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!

Related: Best Festivals in Vancouver

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

Fun Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids FAQ

Is Vancouver good for kids?

Vancouver is packed with stunning places both indoors and outdoors – with plenty to do for children with various ages. For active kids there are parks like Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park. Grouse Mountain has tons of Vancouver family activities as well, and whale watching season also presents a great opportunity to explore nature.

What can toddlers do in Vancouver?

Some of the best things to do in Vancouver with toddlers include going to Kitsilano beach, checking out the Vancouver aquarium, and heading to the Great Vancouver Zoo (which is actually an hour away in Surrey).

Where can I take my kids in Vancouver?

If you’re wondering what to do with kids in Vancouver you should strongly consider going to Science World, hitting up Kids Only Market at Granville Island, riding a 4D flight simulator at Flyover Canada, or head to Vancouver’s outdoor playground: Grouse Mountain.

Still Looking for Top Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids?

Planning a Vancouver itinerary with kids is no easy task, so if there’s something I’ve missed here don’t be afraid to get in touch in the comments below.

Whether it’s visiting Vancouver with kids or anything else, I’ll be quick with an answer!