If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Vancouver, you’ve come to the right place! My husband’s family lives in Vancouver, and we visit regularly during the summer holidays. Over the years, we’ve explored much of what this beautiful city has to offer, and after countless visits, I’ve handpicked a selection of our absolute favourite family-friendly activities. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, these experiences are sure to create lasting memories. Read on to discover the best activities for kids in Vancouver – guaranteed fun for the entire family!
Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids
Visiting Vancouver with kids can be a fantastic adventure, offering a mix of outdoor fun, interactive museums, and memorable experiences for children of all ages. Whether you’re into science, nature, or just exploring the great outdoors, Vancouver has something for everyone. Below are some of my favourite things to do with kids in Vancouver.
1. Explore the Granville Island and Kids Market
I can’t get enough of Granville Island – it’s my absolute favourite spot in Vancouver, whether I’m with or without the kids. Located under the Granville Street Bridge, this small island was once an industrial area but is now filled with shops, restaurants, art galleries, and entertainment spaces. It’s a great place to spend a day with kids, as there’s always so much to explore. Whenever I visit with kids, we have a routine: we start at the Kids Market, then head to the Public Market for lunch, and finally, we wander through the nearby art and craft stores, all conveniently within a short walk from each other.
Play in the Kids Market
Don’t miss Kids Market on your visit to Vancouver with kids! This bright yellow, two-story building is entirely dedicated to kids. It’s packed with shops selling toys, games, books, clothes, and all things fun. Inside, there is a soft play area for younger kids, complete with a ball pit, and right next to it, an arcade featuring over 30 games. From pinball and video games to toddler rides, it’s a fantastic place to let loose. Kids can earn points by playing games, which they can redeem for prizes—adding extra excitement for young gamers.
The Kids Market also has a great selection of toy shops, a candy store, a children’s-only hair salon, bumper cars and virtual reality games. Every corner is filled with something fun for kids to explore. The shops carry high-quality items, often from unique brands you don’t usually see elsewhere, making it a great spot to pick up something special. There is a magic shop called Clownin’ Around Magic where kids can grab props for simple pranks and magic tricks. This one is always a big hit!
Behind the Kids Market, you’ll find My Island Café, which serves good coffee and snacks—perfect for a quick break. Just next door is The Crystal Ark, where kids can browse through an assortment of stones and crystals, and even dig through a “stone pit”—though it’s not the most comfortable thing to sit on! A short walk from here leads to a small water park featuring two slides and multiple fountains. It’s the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day, and best of all, it’s free. Right next to the water park is a small playground, so prepare to spend a good chunk of time letting the kids run around and enjoy this part of the island.
Eat at the Public Market
There is something so fun about wandering through all the food stalls, with their incredible variety of fresh produce, artisanal breads, baked goods, cheeses, meats, and seafood. Kids will love exploring the aisles filled with colourful fruits, fresh pastries, and treats like doughnuts and ice cream. The market’s food court offers a range of hot food stalls that provide great value and plenty of tasty options. Many vendors offer free samples, making it a fun experience for little ones to try something new.
One of our favourite things to do on Granville Island is grab take-away food from the market and head outside to sit at one of the many picnic tables by the water. The view of the city skyline is beautiful. It’s the perfect spot to relax while watching the boats pass by. There’s often live music as well, with musicians playing instruments or singing. Just be cautious of the local seagulls—they’re notorious for snatching food! If you leave your plate unattended, you might return to find your meal has disappeared.
Explore Unique Arts and Crafts
The cobblestone streets of Granville Island are lined with galleries, craft shops, and artist studios. Wander through and pop into galleries showcasing local paintings, sculptures, and photography.
The Net Loft building is a covered market filled with artisanal shops. It’s the perfect spot for families who enjoy exploring handmade crafts, unique gifts, and local art. You’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry to beautiful ceramics and textiles, often created by local artists. Browse for unique souvenirs or one-of-a-kind keepsakes from your trip.
One of my favorite shops here is Beadworks, a true gem for anyone interested in jewelry making. If you have daughters who love creating their own accessories, be prepared—you won’t be able to pull them out of this store! Beadworks is filled with thousands of gorgeous beads, along with strings and cords in every material imaginable. What makes it even more special is that you can sit at one of the tables in-store and design your own jewelry. The staff are incredibly friendly and always ready to help if you need guidance. No need to book in advance, though it does get busy on weekends.
2. Go on a Pirate Ship Cruise
On Granville Island, you’ll find another fantastic family-friendly adventure in Vancouver with kids – Pirates Adventures. This interactive experience takes place aboard a pirate ship that sails directly from Granville Island. The fun begins even before you board the ship—at the Pirates office. Here children can rummage through a treasure trove of pirate costumes and choose their favourite outfit. They can also get their faces painted and add temporary tattoos to complete their pirate transformation.
Once aboard, you’ll be amazed by the ship itself—it truly looks like a real pirate vessel! The crew, made up of talented actors, makes the experience come alive. They lead everyone on a thrilling pirate adventure involving a treasure map, defending the ship with water cannons against an evil pirate, singing pirate songs, and of course, discovering a hidden treasure chest.
The entire experience lasts about 75 minutes, but plan to arrive about 30 minutes earlier. With dress up, it’s around a two-hour activity in total. With six sailings a day, including sunset departures, this is a must-do seasonal experience in Vancouver with kids. The cruise runs from May to September and you can buy tickets online here. They are priced at C$45 (plus tax) per adult and C$18 (plus tax) for children aged 2 and under. Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended.
3. Head to Stanley Park for Scenic Views and Family-Friendly Cycling Trails
Stanley Park is a sprawling 1,000-acre oasis located right in the heart of Vancouver, offering plenty of family-friendly activities. One of our favourite things to do in Vancouver with kids is rent bikes and cycle around the Stanley Park Seawall. It’s an easy, scenic ride with great views of the waterfront, mountains, and city skyline. If your kids aren’t quite ready to ride on their own, you can rent a tandem bike or attach a buggy for toddlers to ride behind you. There are plenty of bike rental shops on Denman Street near the park’s main entrance, so finding the perfect bike for your adventure will be easy and hassle-free. The clearly marked lanes—one for cyclists and one for pedestrians—make it a safe and enjoyable outing for families. Along the way, you can stop at beaches, take in scenic lookout points, and pause for breaks whenever you need.
For younger children, the Stanley Park Miniature Train is a must-visit. This fun-filled ride takes passengers through the park’s lush forested areas, providing an exciting and memorable experience. Another highlight is the Vancouver Aquarium, located within the park. Home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea otters, jellyfish, sharks, and dolphins, the aquarium features interactive exhibits and daily shows that kids will love. Don’t miss the Totem Poles at Brockton Point, a collection of colourful and intricately carved poles that tell the stories of Indigenous peoples from British Columbia. These iconic totems are among the most photographed landmarks in the city.
4. Discover Science World at TELUS World of Science
Science World is an interactive museum designed to ignite curiosity in young minds. Its iconic dome is a standout on the Vancouver skyline, making it hard to miss. Inside, your family will find hands-on exhibits that cover a wide range of topics, from physics and space to biology and sustainability. With rotating exhibits and permanent galleries, there is always something new to discover at Science World.
On our last visit to this Vancouver attraction, the kids especially loved the Eureka Gallery, where they could experiment with water, and the Tinkering Space, a large area filled with construction challenges where they could build, deconstruct, and problem-solve. Scientists gave live demonstrations throughout the day, making the topics exciting and easy for kids to understand. Plan to spend at least half a day here, as there’s so much to see and do.
Tickets: C$34.85 per adult, C$28.10 youth (13-18), C$23.65 child (3-12) and free for ages 2 and under (prices do not include taxes)
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Address: 1455 Quebec Street
5. Head to Kits Beach – A Perfect Spot for a Family Day Out
Kitsilano Beach, affectionately known as “Kits Beach” by locals, is one of Vancouver’s top family-friendly beaches. With its soft sand, shallow waters, and breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains, it’s a relaxing and laid-back destination. For teenagers, there are opportunities for sand volleyball, and nearby courts offer basketball and tennis.
We love setting up near the Boathouse Restaurant on the beach. This location puts us right next to the playground, and we have convenient access to food, coffee, and snacks from the restaurant.
Kitsilano Beach has a unique saltwater pool, the Kitsilano Pool, the only one of its kind in the city. Spanning 137 meters in length, the pool offers a spectacular view of Vancouver’s skyline. It includes a small waterpark and two slides, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. The pool is typically open throughout the summer, starting from the May Long Weekend, and is divided into sections to accommodate swimmers of all skill levels. The pool costs around C$8 for adults, C$4 for kids (5-12), and is free for children 4 and under.
6. Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
One of Vancouver’s most famous attractions, the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, is ideal for families seeking a bit of adventure. Spanning 137 meters (450 feet) across the Capilano River and suspended 70 meters (230 feet) above the canyon, the bridge offers thrilling views of the surrounding rainforest. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll find Treetop Adventures, a series of smaller suspension bridges that provide a bird’s-eye view of the forest. For families who enjoy heights and exploration, this experience is sure to be a highlight of your visit.
After crossing the bridge, stop by The Treehouse to pick up a scavenger hunt booklet for the kids. This booklet features games and puzzles designed to guide them through the trails on the far side of the bridge. After they complete the scavenger hunt, they can return to the bridge to claim their prize. Don’t miss the “Birds of Raptors Ridge” show, running every weekend in April and May, and daily June to September. This show allows visitors to get up close with majestic birds such as the Great Horned Owl and the Bald Eagle, thanks to the knowledgeable handlers who share fascinating insights about these remarkable creatures.
On average, visitors spend approximately 2.5 to 3 hours exploring the park. Please note that strollers are not permitted, so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. A free shuttle service is available from Canada Place; you can check the shuttle schedule here.
Tickets: C$71.95 for adults, $42.95 for youth (13-17 years), C$24.95 for children (6-12 years)
Opening hours: The park is open daily, though hours vary by season. Typically, it is open from 9 AM to 8 PM.
7. Visit the Lynn Canyon Park
While the Capilano Suspension Bridge often steals the spotlight, the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge offers a FREE alternative with equally thrilling experiences. Located in Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver, this bridge spans 50 meters across a picturesque gorge. The surrounding park features hiking trails, waterfalls, and swimming holes, making it a fantastic spot for a family day immersed in nature. Kids will enjoy spotting wildlife and exploring the forest.
With several hiking trails to choose from, you can select routes based on your desired activity level and available time. Trails such as the Lynn Loop Trail offer a moderate hike with scenic views, while the Twin Falls Trail leads you to beautiful waterfalls. The paths are a mix of boardwalks and natural ground, ensuring a comfortable and accessible walking experience. I recommend spending a couple of hours at the park to fully enjoy its features. We took the shorter trail (without waterfalls) with our 5 and 9-year-olds, and they found the hike easy.
At the entrance to the park, you’ll find a coffee shop where you can grab snacks, a water fill station, picnic tables, and restrooms, making it easy to prepare for your day out.
Tickets: Free
Opening hours: The park is open daily, though hours vary by season. Typically, it is open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and from 12pm to 4pm on weekends.
8. Explore nature at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Another fun activity to do with kids in Vancouver is to visit the VanDusen Botanical Garden. This 55-acre green oasis is home to more than 7,500 plant species from around the globe. This isn’t your typical manicured garden, though. VanDusen has a touch of wilderness that makes it feel more organic.
During peak season, it’s worth signing up for one of the guided tours, led by expert gardeners who can share fascinating insights about the plants and history of the garden. These tours are available on foot or by large golf carts—perfect for families with younger kids or anyone looking to take it easy. Self-guided tours are another option, with routes highlighted on the map to help you explore at your own pace. What’s blooming will depend on when you visit. In spring, you can’t miss the magnolias and Japanese cherry trees, while summer brings a riot of colour. The hedge maze is always a family favourite, and kids will love checking out the beehives. If you’re visiting during the holidays, don’t miss the Festival of Lights—a magical event that transforms the garden into a sparkling wonderland.
Enjoy a meal the more upscale Shaughnessy Restaurant in the Garden Pavilion, or opt for a casual bite at the Garden Café inside the visitor centre. Before you leave, be sure to visit the gift shop, stocked with garden gadgets, seeds, VanDusen honey, and artisanal soaps—perfect for finding a unique souvenir.
Tickets:
- Adult: C$9.80 (1 November – 31 March), C$13.80 (1 April – 31 October)
- Youth (13-18): C$6.85 (1 November – 31 March); C$9.65 (1 April – 31 October)
- Child (5-12): C$4.90 (1 November – 31 March); C$6.90 (1 April – 31 October)
Opening hours: The park is open daily, though hours vary by season. The garden is generally open from 9 AM to 5 PM, but it’s a good idea to check the official website for the exact hours, as they vary by month.
Final remarks
Vancouver is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wide variety of activities that both kids and parents will enjoy. But don’t stop there—beyond the city, there’s even more to explore. Consider a trip to nearby Whistler, known for its outdoor activities and wonderful mountain views. Just a two-hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler offers year-round activities for families. In winter, it’s a world-class ski resort, while in summer, it transforms into a playground for mountain biking, hiking, and zip-lining. Grouse Mountain is another excellent option for a day trip from Vancouver. A 2,800-meter gondola ride will transport you to the mountains, where you can enjoy lumberjack shows, walking trails, and stunning views. No matter what time of year you visit Vancouver, these experiences will leave your family with lasting memories and plenty of reasons to return.
If you’ve been to Vancouver with kids, share your best tips and favourite things to do in the comments below.
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