A Quick Guide to the Best Family Activities in Vancouver

So you've just moved to Vancouver, British Columbia. Now you need to figure out what to do once you finish moving into your new house. A trip to the Vancouver Lookout to get a view of Vancouver's skyline? A walk by the English Bay? Maybe, but is it a good fit for the whole family? The city is vast and we won't be able to tell about everything happening in it, but here are some of the best family activities and spots to visit in Vancouver.

Visit the Vancouver Aquarium

Why visit the aquarium?

One of the best family activities in Vancouver is a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium. With over 50,000 animals on display, there is plenty to see and learn for visitors of all ages.

From beluga whales to Pacific white-sided dolphins, there are many different species of aquatic life on display at the aquarium.

In addition to sea creatures, there are also numerous land animals on display. Visitors can see the panda bears in the Chinese rainforest exhibit or check out the black-tailed prairie dogs in their habitat.

This is an attraction that offers something for all ages, so it's no surprise that this is one of the best family activities in Vancouver.

What is there to see and do at the Vancouver Aquarium?

One of the best things about visiting the Vancouver Aquarium is that there is so much to see and do. Visitors will find a lot of different activities and exhibits to keep them engaged and entertained during their visit.

Some of the most popular attractions at the aquarium include:

• The Stanley Park Seawall: this scenic walk follows the edge of Stanley Park and offers beautiful views of the harbour and North Shore mountains.
• The Graham Amazon Gallery: a walk through this exhibit is like taking a trip to the Amazon rainforest, with lush vegetation and exotic animals on display.
• If sea lions are more your thing, you can visit the Marine Mammal Rescue exhibit where you can take a sneak peek at the aforementioned sea lions (and seals!) and learn about how the aquarium is working on the safety of the species.
• The Vancouver Aquarium's Beluga Experience: visitors can get up close and personal with these gentle creatures in a special exhibit. You can even help feed them!

There are also numerous other exhibits and activities to enjoy at the Vancouver Aquarium, so visitors are sure to find something that interests them. With its diverse collection of animals and engaging exhibits, the Vancouver Aquarium is one of the best family activities in Vancouver.

Tips for visiting the Vancouver Aquarium with kids

If you're planning on visiting the Vancouver Aquarium with your kids, here are a few tips to help make your visit fun and enjoyable:

• Start by checking the aquarium's website for information on current exhibits and activities. This will help you plan your visit and ensure that you see all the exhibits that your kids are interested in.
• Arrive early: the aquarium can be quite busy during peak hours, so try to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
• Bring snacks and water: there are no food or drink facilities available inside the aquarium, so pack some snacks and water to keep your kids fed and hydrated.
• Stay together: it can be easy for kids to get lost in a large crowd, so try to stay together as a family but don't worry, the staff is incredibly helpful.

If you're looking for something fun and exciting to do with your family, a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium is a great option. With its diverse collection of animals and engaging exhibits, the aquarium is sure to keep everyone entertained.

How much does it cost to visit the Vancouver Aquarium?

Admission to the Vancouver Aquarium is $42.00 for ages 13-64, $36.75 for seniors (ages 65+), and $26.25 for children ages 3-12. Children under the age of 3 can enter for free. Admission includes all exhibits and animal interactions, except for the Beluga Experience which has an additional cost. Note that prices are subject to change, take a quick peek at their website before heading out!

Spend a day at Stanley Park

Why visit Stanley Park?

If you're looking for a beautiful and convenient place to spend a day with your family, Stanley Park is the perfect option. This 1,001-acre park offers something for everyone, with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.

What is there to see and do at Stanley Park?

Some of the most popular things to do at Stanley Park include:

• The Seawall: this scenic walking path is a great way to explore the park and take in the beautiful views. It's also a fun place to bike around.
• The Stanley Park Train: this mini train is fun for kids and adults, as it takes visitors through the forested areas of Stanley Park.
• Beaver Lake: everyone will enjoy visiting this popular attraction, which offers paddleboat rentals, a playground, and a variety of birds and wildlife to observe.

There are also plenty of other things to see and do at Stanley Park, so visitors are sure to find something that interests them. Between the natural beauty of the park and the breadth of activities, it's fit for an entire day trip. Did we mention that the aquarium is also in the park itself?

Tips for visiting Stanley Park with kids?

If you're planning on visiting Stanley Park with your kids, here are a few tips to help make your visit fun and enjoyable:

– Start by checking the park's website for information on current exhibits and activities. This will help you plan your visit and ensure that you see all the exhibits that your kids are interested in.

• Take a look at the different dining options available at Stanley Park. There are so many options throughout the park from food carts to many restaurants, one which boats about the view on "Vancouver's best and longest sunset."
• Sunscreen! If you will be adventuring throughout the park, sunscreen will help shield both you and your family from sunburns. Keep this in mind for all outdoor excursions, even if it's just a stroll around the shore of the English Bay.
• Look out for events like Halloween or Christmas where the Stanley Park Train takes on a whole new dimension.

How much does it cost to visit Stanley Park?

Admission to Stanley Park is free.

Go on a hike with your family in Lynn Canyon Park

Why go for a hike in Lynn Canyon Park?

If you're looking for a beautiful and easy hike to do with your family, Lynn Canyon Park is the perfect option. This park is located in North Vancouver and features several hiking trails that are perfect for all ages.

What can I expect on a hike in Lynn Canyon Park?

The hikes are well marked, so it's simple to navigate your way through them. Some of the features you will see on the trails include: an outdoor pool or more, waterfalls big and small, intriguing bridges, and beautiful forests. That's not to mention the gorgeous scenery.

Make sure to find a way to cross the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. To say it's a scenic ride would be an understatement. This is one of the many things this pacific northwest park has over even New York's Central Park.

Are there places to eat in the park?

The Lynn Valley Centre is close to the park with an array of restaurants to help you refuel after your trip or prepare for the suspension bridge with some amazing food. Maybe not the best idea to order fresh seafood beforehand, just saying.

What are some tips for hiking in the park with kids?

If you're planning on hiking at Lynn Canyon Park with your family, here are a few tips to help make your experience enjoyable:

• Check the park website for a map of the trails. This will help you plan your hike and make sure that everyone in your group knows where they are going and so that you don't miss the suspension bridge.
• The park is open from sunrise to sunset (7 AM to 6 PM), so be sure to plan your hike accordingly.
• Many of the trails are easy and perfect for kids, but there are also more challenging hikes if you're looking for something a bit more strenuous.

How much does it cost to visit Lynn Canyon Park?

There is no admission fee to visit Lynn Canyon Park.

Pacific Spirit Park

Why go to Pacific Spirit Park?

Pacific Spirit Park is a dense west coast forest turned into an urban park that features trails through forested areas, meadows, and even beaches. This Vancouver park is about 922 acres in size with convenient access to downtown Vancouver; you can be at the park within 20 minutes of leaving your house.

What should I expect when visiting Pacific Spirit Park?

When you visit Pacific Spirit Park, you can expect to find a diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. Some trails wind through lush rain forests, over creeks, and past ocean vistas. You might even see some wildlife along the way! There's also a beach that is part of the park and worth seeing. A perfect getaway at the edge of the city.

Are there food options in the park?

Your best shot for a fulfilling meal though will be the nearby restaurants around the park. There is a wide selection of foods available that are the perfect stopping points when the sun goes down before the drive home.

How much does it cost to visit Pacific Spirit Park?

Admission to Pacific Spirit Park is free.

How kid-friendly is the park?

There are plenty of trails to explore and the park is not too large, making it easy to navigate. It's also a perfect place to take the dogs for a walk, just remember to keep them on a leash - the dogs, but maybe the children too, we won't judge.

Any tips for when you're visiting?

The park is open from 7 AM to 5 PM, so plan your visit around these hours. There are washrooms available in the park and you can bring a picnic lunch if you like.

There might not be food trucks or street performers here, but rest assured that the sheer beauty of this tranquil park is the perfect way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

How much does it cost?

There is no admission fee for visitors.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Why visit VanDusen Botanical Garden?

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It's easy to see why; with over 55 acres of gardens, there's something for everyone to enjoy. More than just the beauty on hand, they have themed installations for Christmas day and other holidays, turning the garden into a truly magical experience.

There are only a few places in British Columbia, let alone the entire west coast, that can rival the beauty of the gardens.

What are the Nature Camps?

A botanical garden is not the first you think of when little kids are involved. But if you have budding nature-lovers waiting to blossom (puns intended), then you can look into the very popular VanDusen Nature Camps.

Your young ones' days will be spent with friends and almost entirely outdoors. You're part of the great city of Vancouver now, it's time to let your kids plant their roots too. (We'll stop with the puns now.)

What is the price of admission to spend the day?

One thing to note: the prices change depending on the season.

In the winter months, adults (19-64) can expect to pay $8.40, and from April through September the price will be adjusted to $11.70. Seniors (65+) will pay $5.90 in the winter months and from April through September will be $8.20. The same rate applies to "Youth" ages 13-18. Children (5-12) will pay $4.20 during the winter months and from April through September will pay $5.85. Children ages 4 or under can enter for free regardless of the season.

If you find yourself coming back often, it may be worth looking into the yearly memberships they have available.

Granville Island

Why go to Granville Island?

Granville Island is a vibrant spot in the city with a great mix of shopping, food options, and arts and culture. It's also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vancouver - and for good reason!

With over 100 shops and services, it's easy to find something you'll love doing and a place where your older kids will find things they love. Just pull them back before they sneak off, lured by to the charm of Granville Street's nightlife.

It even just reopened its indoor skateboarding area where everyone is welcome. Granville Island also features a selection of delicious vegan food at various restaurants. The island is a concentration of some of the best that West Vancouver has to offer.

Whether you have time to kill before an event near the downtown core or just need to grab lunch, Granville is packed with things to do.

What is the price of admission?

There is no admission fee to Granville Island but be warned that while entrance to the island is free, there are many activities on the island with an entry fee. Do note that parking can be tricky, plan ahead if you intend to use your car or a rental car. It's best to scout the location to have a better plan for the future, but it doesn't have to be an uneventful round trip if it's your first time.

It's well worth visiting the Granville Island Public Market, touted as the "jewel in the Island's Crown." It can be a lot to take in, but a walk along the water's edge while watching the sea bus bobble along the Pacific Ocean while the lights dance along the cresting waves is almost enough on its own.

If you want, you can even ride one of these water busses or the ferries for a small fee. You can, however, purchase a ticket to the False Creek Ferries for short sight-seeing cruises.

Prices for adults are either $8.50 or $12 depending on the length of the cruise. Children (ages 4-12) and Senior (65+) tickets range from $5.50 to $9.00 for equivalent cruises.

Granville Island is also home to art exhibitions and other events, it's a place that changes with time and is always a good idea if you want fresh produce too.

Vanier Park

Why go to Vanier Park?

Vanier Park is a great place to take the whole family. It's home to the Vancouver Museum and Planetarium, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, an outdoor theatre, picnic spaces, and much more. The park is large enough that it will take you all day if you want.

There is a charge for parking in the park but if you're planning on spending the whole day, it's still cheaper than taking the family to an amusement park or movie theatre.

It's also pet-friendly and features public restrooms too. While it does not have a nature centre like VanDusen Botanical Garden, the Museum of Vancouver is a great place to learn about the city and its history.

What is the price of admission?

For the museum, adults (18+) will pay $15 for general admission. Seniors (65+), Children 6 to 11, and Students with a school ID will pay $10. Children 5 and under as well as those self-identifying as Indigenous can enter for free.

Predictably, tickets sell out quickly on statutory holidays and weekends but you can book your tickets ahead of time.

Is the Museum kid-friendly?

Yes! There are a variety of exhibitions, one of the current ones running until October 2022 features work by artists from Indigenous nations across Canada and use skating culture to touch on a variety of themes. This one might be best suited to older kids so they can appreciate the exhibit more.

Another exhibit running until the Summer of 2022 dives into Vancouver's neon-lit past. It features some real neon fixtures used throughout the city back when it sported more neon than Las Vegas.

Of course, exhibits change over time and your family's interests do so too, so check back from time to time to see if there could be something you would enjoy!

What about other parts of the park?

Aside from the museum, you can also explore the Planetarium and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. You could easily spend an entire day here without getting bored. If your family is up for a walk through a couple of city blocks, you can find your way to Kitsilano Beach - also known as "Kits" Beach.

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is a great place to learn about space and the universe. It's also home to the largest planetarium in British Columbia. Some of the things you can expect to find at the Space Centre include exhibits, hands-on activities, demonstrations, a theatre, and more.

Grouse Mountain

What is Grouse Mountain?

Grouse Mountain is a mountain in North Vancouver, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. It's a popular ski resort and tourist destination, with activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and a zipline.

The mountain is open all year round, but the winter months are when it's busiest. The summer months are a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.

What can you do at Grouse Mountain?

Winter activities are the star. There is an 8000 sq/ft dedicated to a skating pond. Other winter sports like skiing or snowboarding are part of the fun too with both downhill paths and what they call "terrain parks" for the more adventurous outdoor activities like performing spins and tricks off of ramps.

Less adrenaline-pumping activities like a beautiful walk through a snowswept light installation and many restaurants that give you a range of dining options make Grouse Mountain a complete package. Yes, there's a Starbucks in case you or your teenager wants to know.

There's even a range of Christmas-themed events during the relevant periods geared towards younger children.

The summer months let you take advantage of the glorious views without the shivers, go on an obstacle-filled adventure with rope ladders and lots of wobbling, and there's even a treehouse with netted corridors to let even your young children get to feel like they're on a forest-bound adventure.

What about pricing?

Grouse Mountain features a range of experiences that have different price points but offers a family day pass for 2 adults and 2 children that costs $109. It's best to check out their website to have the best idea of what to expect in terms of cost.

The Pacific National Exhibition

Though its name might suggest otherwise, the Pacific National Exhibition is a summer fair with food, historical exhibits and even rides worthy of an amusement park. This may be the pinnacle of summer activities in the city of Vancouver but we'll let you judge for yourself.

Is it good for kids of all ages?

The breath of activities makes it so that your family can have all the fun they want in one spot in the city. It's a perfect place to unwind for parents going on rides with their smaller children while still being close to their older children who may be hanging out with friends.

Saturday roller skate nights, a farmer's market, concerts from major and niche artists - all within a short walk of the English Bay. Chances are you'll wish there was a free shuttle.

How much does it cost to get access to the summer fair?

The prices for 2022 aren't set yet but in 2021, getting into the would visitors $15 if they were between 14 and 64 years old. Seniors and people between 6 and 13 years old only had to pay $12 while kids 5 and below could get in for free but still needed a ticket. It's a good idea to look into the fair far in advance given its popularity.

And here were some of the things you can do in Vancouver as a family...

Of course, there are many other things to do to spend time as a family in a fun way that isn't just pizza. Now you've got range: from going to a game of your new favourite sports team who are now obviously the Vancouver Canucks, stopping by Waterfront Station to admire its architecture, sunbathing at Kits Beach, or just marvelling at Vancouver's skyline. You won't run out of things to do in Vancouver, British Columbia as a whole can wait for a little while.

Though we've given you a quick rundown, there's more to discover but as canucks, it's up to you to explore and find your favourite local haunts.

View All Homes For Sale in Greater Vancouver >>>

About Search Home Listings

SearchHomeListings.ca has simplified the home buying and selling process by giving you superior tools with up-to-the-minute information including active homes for sale, sold homes, market reports, and a home valuation tool! We have a team of success managers on standby to support you with setting up your saved home search and agents ready to take you out on a tour. Tap into our industry experts from inspectors, to contractors to interior designers to provide you with the best prices and service possible. Everyone attached to our website has been rigorously vetted and is made up of caring, knowledgeable professionals that work tirelessly to help you to make your home buying experience as stress-free as possible. Contact us today to see how we can help! 

Sites We Follow

• Google
• Facebook
• Twitter