9 Fun Family Activities in Vancouver, BC You Can't Miss

Vancouver, Canada, is a favorite year-round destination for families. Its laid-back style, beautiful location and wealth of kid-friendly activities make it a winner when it comes to family travel.

With a diverse range of accommodations and some of the best restaurants in British Columbia, this bustling west coast town has a lot to offer.

Family attractions in Vancouver range from free places the whole family will enjoy (like Stanley Park) to outdoor adventure fun and places where kids can learn and experience something new.

From the Vancouver Aquarium to Science World, here are our recommendations for things to do with kids in Vancouver.

1. Vancouver Aquarium

Discovering rays at the Vancouver Aquarium in Vancouver, British Columbia. Image Credit Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Canada, is home to more than 50,000 animals, including dolphins, sea lions, sharks, sea otters and more. The aquarium has a full schedule of educational and entertaining shows, including an excellent presentation on sharks.

Don’t miss the feature programs, such as Wet Lab Exploration, which takes you behind the scenes at the aquarium to get up close and personal with marine animals.

2. Stanley Park

Stanley Park Seawall. Image by mysticenergy from Getty Images Signature via Canva

After visiting the Vancouver Aquarium, explore the surrounding Stanley Park. This giant green oasis in Downtown Vancouver has half a million trees, miles of trails, a lighthouse, beaches and even carved totem poles. Kids love the numerous playgrounds scattered throughout the park.

There’s even a water park and beaches to keep you cool on summer days. Take a picnic and spend the afternoon here.

3. Second Beach Pool

Pool at Second Beach. Image by mynewturtle from Getty Images via Canva

Located within Stanley Park, Second Beach Pool is a favorite summer destination for Vancouver families. This heated outdoor saltwater pool sits right on the waterfront with stunning views of English Bay. The pool is surrounded by sandy beaches and includes a shallow wading area perfect for younger children.

Open from late May through September, the pool offers an affordable way to cool off on warm summer days. There’s also a large playground nearby and a concession stand for snacks.

4. Science World

Science World lights up at night. Image by Adi K from Pexels via Canva

One of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks, with its iconic geodesic dome, Science World is a hands-on science center that makes learning irresistible. Kids can explore interactive exhibits on everything from physics to biology, watch live science demonstrations, and experience shows in the OMNIMAX theatre.

The museum features permanent galleries like the Eureka! gallery for younger children and rotating exhibitions that keep repeat visits fresh. Plan to spend at least two to three hours here.

5. Granville Island

City view from Granville Island. Image by Unai Huizi from Imágenes de unaihuizi via Canva

Once home to Vancouver’s industrial area, Granville Island is now a shopping and entertainment district filled with restaurants, theaters, hotels and more. For little ones, the Kids Market is an indoor 2-story building with shops, services and kid-friendly activities.

Kids can play in the ball pit, create an artistic masterpiece in one of the interactive craft shops or splash around in the nearby spray park. The Adventure Zone is an old-fashioned arcade with a four-level play area, a perfect spot for rainy days.

6. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Treetop Adventure takes visitors along the treetops in a West Coast rain forest at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Image Credit Tourism Vancouver Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

For families looking for a little adventure, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a must-visit. One of the most popular attractions in Canada, this heart-stopping suspension bridge spans 450 feet (137m) and rises 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River.

But the park is much more than the bridge; there are many attractions and unusual ways to experience the area. One of the best ways to view the park is from the treetops.

Treetops Adventure takes guests high above the 250-year-old forest, walking across seven suspension bridges, some as high as 110 feet (33.5m) above the forest floor.

For the little ones, the Kids’ Rainforest Explorer Program is a fun and entertaining way to make the most of this unique rainforest encounter.

Another way to experience the park is the Cliffwalk, a journey along a series of suspended walkways that jut out from the granite cliff above the canyon. All park attractions are included with admission.

For families who want to pair Capilano with more of the city in one day, a full-day Vancouver sightseeing tour adds context and convenience, combining time at the suspension bridge and Cliffwalk with guided visits to neighborhoods like Gastown and Granville Island, plus sweeping views from the Vancouver Lookout.

8. Grouse Mountain Skyride

For an incredible view of Vancouver, the Gulf Islands and the surrounding Pacific Ocean, take the Grouse Mountain Skyride to the Peak of Vancouver.

The largest aerial tramway in North America, Grouse Mountain Skyride, operates 365 days a year and departs every 15 minutes, running from 8:45 am to 10:00 pm. Grouse Mountain is located 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver.

9. FlyOver (Canada)

Sails at Canada Place Vancouver — FlyOver is located in Canada Place. Image by Arah from DeelayLens via Canva

Located at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver, this interactive 4D ride is a hit with the whole family. Using the latest “in-flight” ride technology, guests soar across Canada and other destinations, viewing some of the world’s most incredible sights, from sprawling prairies to snow-capped mountains and vibrant cities.

The entire experience lasts about 25 minutes, including a pre-show presentation and the eight-minute flight ride itself. Passengers hang suspended before a 20-meter giant screen while FlyOver uses wind, mist, scents and state-of-the-art technology to make you feel like you’re truly flying.

Formerly called FlyOver Canada, the attraction now offers multiple film experiences beyond just Canada, giving families different viewing options. Note that children must be at least 40″ (102cm) tall to ride.

10. Maplewood Farm

Kids can experience farm animals up close at Maplewood Farm in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Image Credit Flickr peter pelisek

This attraction on Vancouver’s North Shore is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Maplewood Farm is home to more than 200 animals and birds. Kids can ride ponies, pet Pygmy goats, lambs and even calves in an area called “Goathill.” Fluffy New Zealand rabbits enjoy being fed dandelions, kale and parsley by visiting children.

Maplewood Farm also has larger animals, including Belgian Draft horses. Daily milking demonstrations take place at 1:15 pm, and there is an Annual Sheep Shearing Festival on the last Sunday in May.

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Janna Graber

Travel Journalist and Managing Editor at Go World Travel Magazine

Janna Graber is an award-winning American travel journalist who has written for national magazines, newspapers and websites. She is the managing editor of Go World Travel Magazine, and a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Since studying abroad in Austria, she's been in love with world travel, and has covered travel in more than 60 countries. She's the author of three travel anthology books, including "A Pink Suitcase: 22 Tales of Women's Travel" and "Adventures of a Lifetime".