Things to do with kids in Vancouver

Things to do with kids in Vancouver

1. DoWest End

   English Bay Bike Rentals

   Offers top quality bikes at discounted prices including cruisers, city hybrids and tandem bikes in all sizes. Helmets and locks are complimentary with each rental. Children's bikes, training wheels, roller blades and dog trailers are also available. Convenient location offers easy access to the Stanley Park sea wall, Granville Island, False Creek and Science World. Call ahead to book for large groups at a discounted rate. Weekly and monthly rentals are available on request.

   Daily 8AM-9PM

2. SeeKitsilano-Granville Island

   H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and Planetarium

   The Space Centre is not unlike Science World, with most activities fascinating primarily to pre-teens. The planetarium, however, is a more interesting excursion, and will not be so fascinating to children. It is a small planetarium staffed by volunteers whose knowledge of all things space will stun and amaze you.

   Mon Tue Thu Sat Sun 9:30AM–4:30PM, Wed Fri 7-11PM·Admission $18+GST, child under 5 free

3. DoUBC-Point Grey

   Jericho Beach

   Is a more family oriented sandy beach with a large picnicking area. The beach forms a crescent shape which creates a sheltered swimming area that is relatively shallow. In the summer, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards who monitor beach near the floating dock. Jericho Beach is also a great location to go windsurfing or dinghy sailing.

4. SeeWest End

   Lions Gate Bridge

   This green coloured Vancouver landmark links the city with the North Shore across Burrard Inlet. Similar in style to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, it was built in 1937-38 in large part to help develop land owned by the Guinness family (of beer fame) in West Vancouver. Although the family sold their land in the 1950s, a link remains in the decorative lighting they donated for the bridge in 1986. The bridge is three lanes with sidewalks on either side for walking or cycling. The centre lane is controlled by traffic signals, so it alternates direction depending on the traffic conditions.

5. SeeKitsilano-Granville Island

   Museum of Vancouver

   formerly the Vancouver Museum

   The largest civic museum in Canada, with over 1 million items from Vancouver's history, only a fraction of which fit in the exhibit halls. Tucked away to the left off the Orientation Gallery is a series of rooms telling Vancouver's story from the 19th century to the 1970s. The museum makes an effort to tell many stories of Vancouver: English Canadian, First Nations, various immigrant groups, etc. Kid-friendly exhibits.

   Sun-Wed 10AM-5PM, Thu-Sat 10AM-8PM·$20, senior or student $15, youth (6 to 17) $15, children (5 and under) free

6. SeeCommercial Dr-Hastings Park

   New Brighton Park

   Good-sized park tucked on the shore of the Burrard Inlet between port facilities. It provides an interesting, grittier view of the North Shore mountains with the port facilities and Second Narrows Bridge in sight. Amenities include playing fields, a children's playground, a beach and a trail along the shore. There is also the New Brighton Pool, a heated outdoor pool that is usually open from the Victoria Day long weekend to Labour Day (late May to early Sept).

   The park is free, $3-6 for the pool

7. DoCommercial Dr-Hastings Park

   Playland at the PNE

   Playland is a medium-sized amusement park, like something you may find at a U.S. county fair, and activities include a wooden rollercoaster, games, shows for kids and perhaps 20 or so other rides that spin, throw and hurl you in various ways.

   Open daily from late June through August and weekends only in May and September. Hours of operation are generally 10AM-6PM; during the PNE hours are from 11AM - late·$20 if under 4 feet, $30 otherwise. Parents of kids under 12 pay $13

8. DoWest End

   Second Beach Pool

   A very large heated outdoor swimming pool. Alternatively you could swim at the beach or use the spray park near Lumberman's arch for no charge. There are lifeguards at both Second Beach and Third Beach.

   Adult $4.40, children $2.25 (family entry at child rate)

9. EatMt Pleasant-South Main

   Shiro Sushi

   If Toshi is too busy, walking west a half dozen blocks will bring you to another affordable family-run sushi restaurant with friendly service and a packet of Pocky with your bill.

10. DoWest End

    Spokes Bicycle Rentals

    Offers bike rentals and guided bike tours from a fantastic location on the doorstep of Stanley Park. Various styles of bikes for adults and children, plus helmets and locks. Weekly and monthly rates also available.

    Daily 8AM-9PM·Kids bikes starting at $4.75 an hour, Adult bikes starting at $8.57 an hour

11. SeeWest End

    Stanley Park Train

    Stanley Park Railway

    Who doesn't like to ride a miniature railway? At Christmas, there is a very popular light display for the miniature railway.

    4–10PM·Adults $7, less for seniors, children and youth (slightly higher during special events)

12. EatMt Pleasant-South Main

    Toshi Sushi

    A small mostly family-run sushi restaurant that serves relatively cheap, good sushi. Avoid the garlic beef, but one must try the tempura. It's a popular spot so it's best to get there before 5PM.

    Tue-Sat 5-9:45PM

13. SeeUBC-Point Grey

    UBC Museum of Anthropology

    Devoted to world cultures, but with an emphasis on the First Nations of the Northwest Coast. Includes a splendid collection of totem poles, a mind-boggling array of artifacts from around the world, and a number of changing exhibits.

    Daily 10AM-5PM (closes 9PM Tue)·$15.68 adults, $13.44 students/seniors, children 6 and under free ($7.84 flat rate Tu 5-9PM)

14. SeeWest End

    Vancouver Aquarium

    In Stanley Park near its eastern edge. Be sure to visit the Amazon River section for some truly unusual and extraordinary animals. The last weekend in April, there is a salmon release event where you can learn about the Aquarium's new salmon breeding program and get to release and name your own fish.

    Open 10AM-5PM, summer hours 9:30AM-6PM·Adult $38, senior/student/youth $30, child (4-12) $21

15. SeeCity Centre

    Vancouver Lookout

    Located on the top floor of the Harbour Centre, the Lookout offers a full 360-degree panoramic view of the city from 130 m up. You'll see the downtown area, Stanley Park, the North Shore mountains and even the skyline of nearby Burnaby. The ticket is good for two trips during the day, so you can see it in the daytime and return for the sunset view.

    Winter: daily 9AM-9PM; summer: daily 8:30AM-10:30PM·$18.25, discounts for children, seniors and students available; best prices if bought at Tourism Vancouver office

16. SeeKitsilano-Granville Island

    Vancouver Maritime Museum

    Canada's premiere western maritime museum. Covers the maritime history of Canada, includes artifacts, models and the St. Roch ship. The museum apparently has far more things than space to show them, so they frequently rotate their exhibitions in fascinating thematic arrangements. Previous exhibitions included such familiar topics as the history of the Vikings, to the less familiar "1500 years of Croatian sailors". Check for $2 discount coupons that you can print from the website.

    Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM·(credit card only) Adult $13.50, senior or student $11, youth (ages 6-18) $10, child 5 and under free, Family Pass (2 adults and 4 children) $38

17. SeeGastown-Chinatown

    Vancouver Police Museum

    Exhibits on the history of Vancouver's police, unusual weapons that have been confiscated and notable Vancouver crimes. There are also a number of programs and activities geared towards kids.

    Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM·Adult $7, senior or student $5

18. DoCity Centre Not mapped

    Canada Day at Canada Place

    A large, engaging, though somewhat corporate celebration of Canada's national holiday. The citizenship ceremony can be moving. There are usually several bands, fun activities for the kids, and exhibits of Canadian Forces and other bits of Canadiana.

    1 Jul only, 10AM–7PM·Free

19. DoKitsilano-Granville Island Not mapped

    Greek Day

    Greek Day is a family-oriented street festival that invites visitors to taste Greek food at its many kiosks while enjoying entertainment and activities for all ages. It is the culmination of the Hellenic Heritage Month that celebrates Greek heritage and culture. Greek Day takes place on the last Sunday of every June along West Broadway between Macdonald St and Blenheim St.

20. BuyKitsilano-Granville Island

    Kids Market

    Lots of toys and activities for the children.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Vancouver (CC BY-SA 4.0).