As a parent, I’ve had my fill of Saturdays spent running errands and Sundays that turn into lazy days on the couch. On the other hand, my kids are just glued to their gadgets, and I just knew we needed a change.
I craved fun family outings to get us all moving and create lasting memories instead of just scrolling through screens. So, I set out on a mission to find weekend activities that could beat boredom and bring us closer together.
After trying out a bunch of spots around Vancouver, I’m excited to share our favorite family activities that promise an unforgettable day out. So, let’s dive in and discover the best ways to spend a fun-filled day with your family in Vancouver!
- 1. Explore the whimsical shops at the Granville Island Kids Market.
- 2. Walk through Stanley Park's lush trails and scenic views.
- 3. Try the Kids Tree Canopy Adventure at Grouse Mountain.
- 4. Explore hands-on exhibits at Science World.
- 5. Meet adorable farm animals at Maplewood Farm.
- 6. Lounge at the sandy shores of Kitsilano Beach.
- 7. Cross the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge.
- 8. Learn about marine life at the Vancouver Aquarium.
- 9. See the stunning sculptures at the Museum of Anthropology.
- 10. Explore the floral displays at Queen Elizabeth Park.
1. Explore the whimsical shops at the Granville Island Kids Market.
Media credit: kidsmarketgranvilleisland
Website: https://kidsmarket.ca/
Address: 1496 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5
Contact details: +16046898447
Operating hours: 10 AM–6 PM
The Granville Island Kids Market is perfect for families with young kids, especially those aged 0-8. It has over 25 cool shops and activities on two levels. This place used to be a paint factory, and the historic vibe mixed with all the modern fun is so cool.
My kids loved the multi-level play area with slides and an arcade. They also had a blast with the bumper cars and virtual reality rides. There are convenient services like stroller rentals and a children’s hair salon, ensuring a stress-free visit.
The shops have everything from toys to crafts, so the kids can explore and have fun at the same time. And the setting beside a duck pond is just beautiful – a great place for parents to relax while the kids play freely.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy a quieter experience. You can also snag the best parking spots near the entrance!
2. Walk through Stanley Park’s lush trails and scenic views.
Media credit: livingdlovinlife
Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx
Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4
Contact details: +16046816728
Operating hours: 9 AM–5 PM
Stanley Park is 1,000 acres massive and filled with natural beauty and wildlife. You won’t believe it’s right in the middle of the city. Over 230 species of birds and wildlife, like raccoons and squirrels, live there.
The park has incredible walking and biking trails that extend over 27 kilometers. Stroll through towering trees and along the waterfront on the world’s longest uninterrupted path.
But here’s the cool part—if you’ve got kids, they’ll have a blast here. There’s a water park with splash pads and fun water features for those hot summer days.
My kids loved the miniature train rides. They have themed rides like Halloween and Christmas that are just magical.
Pro tip:
You can watch your kids play at one of the playgrounds, have a chill picnic, or go for a peaceful walk on the forest trails. And don’t forget to take family photos with the stunning ocean views!
3. Try the Kids Tree Canopy Adventure at Grouse Mountain.
Media credit: mzladypinkz
Website: https://www.grousemountain.com/
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
Contact details: +16049809311
Operating hours: 9 AM–9:30 PM
Grouse Mountain is called “The Peak of Vancouver,” and let me tell you, it lives up to its name. The Skyride, this cool aerial tramway, took us on a breathtaking journey above the Douglas Firs, giving us views of Vancouver’s skyline and the sparkling ocean.
For families, it’s a paradise. My kids had a blast at the Kids Tree Canopy Adventure, and they were so excited to watch the rescued grizzly bears playing in their habitat. We also caught the Lumberjack Show, which was a hit with the kids and us adults.
The whole vibe at Grouse Mountain is just incredible. It’s lively but peaceful, and there’s so much space to explore without feeling crowded, even on busy days. Plus, they’ve got educational programs and loads of outdoor activities.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to secure parking and take advantage of the free shuttle service from downtown Vancouver during peak seasons; this will help you avoid long lines for the Skyride and maximize your time enjoying all that Grouse Mountain offers.
4. Explore hands-on exhibits at Science World.
Media credit: scienceworldca
Website: https://scienceworld.ca/
Address: 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7
Contact details: +16044437440
Operating hours: 10 AM–5 PM
Science World is a geodesic dome with over 500 exhibits that make science fun and engaging. The live science demonstrations were mind-blowing, and there were also awesome feature exhibitions. It’s no wonder that 300,000 people visit every year.
It’s like a wonderland for kids. There’s this area called the Wonder Gallery, designed specifically for little ones aged 0 to 5, and my kids had a blast playing with water and lights there.
They also loved GroundStation Canada, where they participated in live science demos that made learning so much fun. And get this—they even have child-friendly washrooms and quiet rooms for nursing moms, so it’s super family-friendly.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to catch one of the live science shows; they fill up quickly and provide an unforgettable experience that enhances your visit!
5. Meet adorable farm animals at Maplewood Farm.
Media credit: maplewoodfarm
Website: http://www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca/
Address: 405 Seymour River Pl, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1S6
Contact details: +16049295610
Operating hours: 10 AM–4 PM
Maplewood Farm is located on 2.5 hectares of beautiful land in North Vancouver since 1975. When you step onto the farm, you’re greeted by around 200 animals, including Pygmy goats, New Zealand rabbits, and Belgian Draft horses.
They have cool areas called “Goathill” and “Rabbitat” where you can get up close and personal with the animals. It’s a great experience for families, especially for the little ones.
Speaking of kids, there are so many things for them to do there. There are pony rides and milking demonstrations; they can even feed the animals with veggies they bring home.
Pro tip:
Bring some fresh veggies for the bunnies; they love dandelions and kale! This simple gesture enhances your kids’ experience and allows them to form a special bond with the animals.
6. Lounge at the sandy shores of Kitsilano Beach.
Media credit: dsirota
Address: 1499 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC V6J 5N2
Contact details: +16048737000
Operating hours: 6 AM–10 PM
Kitsilano Beach, or as the locals call it, “Kits Beach,” is a beautiful spot with soft golden sands and stunning views of English Bay and the North Shore Mountains. The beach is about 1,000 meters long, and it’s always buzzing with locals and tourists.
One of the coolest things about Kits Beach is the Kitsilano Pool, the longest saltwater pool in Canada at 137 meters. It’s perfect for chilling out and having fun in the water.
When I was there with my kids, they had a blast splashing around in the pool, and we even rented some kayaks from Vancouver Water Adventures to explore the coastline together.
And let me tell you, the playground is top-notch, with rubberized surfaces and sensory play areas for kids of all abilities. You’ll also see people sunbathing, kids building sandcastles, and groups playing beach volleyball or tennis.
Pro tip:
Consider taking public transit or riding your bike along the scenic Seawall to avoid parking hassles.
7. Cross the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Media credit: capilanosuspensionbridge
Website: https://www.capbridge.com/
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1
Contact details: +16049857474
Operating hours: 10 AM–8 PM
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park has a 450-foot-long suspension bridge swaying 230 feet above the Capilano River. It’s so high that it can support the weight of a fully loaded 747 airplane – how crazy is that?
But that’s not all. The park has so much more to offer. The Treetops Adventure involves wandering through suspended walkways above the forest floor. And then there’s the Cliffwalk, an exhilarating path that hugs the canyon’s edge.
And guess what? It’s not just for adults. The park has tons of activities for families. My kids loved the Rainforest Explorers Program. They got to complete puzzles and games using their exploration booklet.
Plus, they had a blast at the Treetops Adventure – they felt like little fairies up there! A scavenger hunt kept them running from station to station, collecting clues and earning rewards.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience on the bridge. Mornings often provide a quieter atmosphere, perfect for taking in stunning views without feeling rushed.
8. Learn about marine life at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Media credit: vanaqua
Website: https://www.vanaqua.org/
Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Contact details: +17786559554
Operating hours: 10 AM–5 PM
Vancouver Aquarium‘s not just your typical aquarium – it’s a real marine research and conservation hub. You’re surrounded by all these vibrant exhibits with over 65,000 animals when you step inside.
From playful sea otters to majestic beluga whales, there’s so much to see and learn about ocean conservation. There’s this area called Clownfish Cove, where they can play and explore interactive exhibits.
My kids absolutely loved the touch pools, where they could gently interact with marine life and learn about their habitats. And the 4D theatre experience? It’s a hit. The stunning visuals and sensory effects bring the underwater world to life.
The aquarium’s ambiance is just so enchanting. It’s educational but also lively and calming. The sounds of water and playful animal interactions are all around you.
Pro tip:
Consider booking your tickets online in advance; this secures your preferred time slot and often comes with discounted rates.
9. See the stunning sculptures at the Museum of Anthropology.
Media credit: moa_ubc
Website: https://moa.ubc.ca/
Address: 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
Contact details: +16048275932
Operating hours: 10 AM–5 PM
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) is on the University of British Columbia campus. It was designed by Arthur Erickson and has one of the most incredible collections of Northwest Coast First Nations art.
I was blown away by the 9,000 objects celebrating diverse cultures, including the largest collection of works by Haida artist Bill Reid. But you know what stood out to me? The way they make it so welcoming for families.
My kids had a blast in the MOA Learning Lab, where they created art inspired by Indigenous cultures. They even made cedar bracelets and heard cool stories about the significance of cedar in Indigenous traditions.
And get this—the museum’s Great Hall has amazing views of the surrounding mountains and sea. It’s the place that encourages reflection, and the displays spark conversations about Indigenous cultures and their contemporary relevance.
Pro tip:
To make the most of your visit, plan to arrive on Thursdays, when admission is half-price after 5 PM. This allows you to enjoy a quieter atmosphere while exploring the exhibits.
10. Explore the floral displays at Queen Elizabeth Park.
Media credit: viawesome
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx
Address: Vancouver, BC
Contact details: +16048737000
Operating hours: 6 AM–10 PM
Queen Elizabeth Park is an amazing 130-acre oasis, like a little slice of paradise in the city. It’s the highest point in Vancouver, so the views are breathtaking. You can see the whole city skyline and the North Shore mountains.
One of the coolest things in the park is the Bloedel Conservatory. It’s like a tropical paradise with over 200 species of birds and all these exotic plants.
There’s this awesome playground called Tumbling Bay with rock pools, sand pits, and treehouses for them to play in. And get this – there’s a water maze with 195 jets! It’s like a giant water playground for them to run around in.
Oh, and my kids had a blast with the scavenger hunt they offer at the front desk. It turned our visit into a fun adventure as we searched for hidden treasures throughout the park.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to secure a parking spot near the entrance, especially on weekends, as this park can get busy. Also, consider bringing your picnic to enjoy in one of the many scenic spots!