Vancouver Family Activities – 8 Places to Visit with Kids

One of the hardest parts of planning a vacation is making sure there are activities for everyone to enjoy! Vancouver is a dream for traveling families with kids, offering plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy, from outdoor recreation and science museums to shopping and unparalleled dining. See what makes Vancouver one of the best places to visit with your family: 

Vancouver is a kid friendly city! There are hundreds of things to do with kids in Vancouver, and the rest of the family will enjoy these activities as well. Vancouver is home to activities for kids year round, offering interactive museums, fun seasonal festivals, innovative playgrounds, open outdoor space to play, and more. 

Downtown Vancouver | Open year round

Stanley Park is a hotspot for outdoor activities in Vancouver. Take in the scenery on foot, or rent bikes and ride along the iconic Stanley Park Seawall. This 400-hectare park is home to beautiful coastline and beach, local wildlife, and tons of trails to explore.

Across False Creek from Downtown Vancouver | Public Market open all summer, 9 am to 8 pm | Individual retail hours vary

Just a nine minute drive from Carmana Hotel & Suites, Granville Island is a fun and unique stop on any family trip to Vancouver. Shop local vendors and boutiques, enjoy kid-friendly play areas, delicious restaurants, fishing charters, art studios, and more. While the drive to Granville Island is quick, many visitors prefer to take the Aquabus ferry to enjoy stunning views of downtown Vancouver and the island on the way.

3663 Park Rd. | Open year round | Free admission

Adventurous families will find tons of fun at Lynn Canyon Park in Vancouver. This park features a 160-foot high suspension bridge that connects two walls of an immense canyon, treating visitors to breathtaking views of the waterfalls and forest below. Aside from the famed suspension bridge, visitors to Lynn Canyon Park can also enjoy several hiking trails, the Lynn Canyon Cafe, and the Ecology Centre.

1455 Quebec St. | Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm | $34.85 for adults, $23.65 for kids 3 – 12

Science World Vancouver is a top destination for families visiting this Canadian city. Science World is an interactive science museum with exhibits that explore biology, technology, physics, and more in ways that kids enjoy and understand. Kids love Science World’s hands-on experiments, live science demonstrations, and interactive displays.

2901 E Hastings St. | Open select days in June from 10 am to 5 pm | Hours vary seasonally | Save $5 when you purchase tickets early

While the famed PNE Fair takes place in August, Playland is open year round. Vancouver’s favorite outdoor playground is home to tons of rides, tasty food and drinks, and a venue that hosts live music and performances.

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2305 Cornwall Ave | Closed for repairs | Opening slated for mid-June 2024

Kitsilano Pool is Vancouver’s only outdoor saltwater swimming pool. At 137 meters long, the Kitsilano Pool is the longest outdoor swimming pool in North America – a record-breaking way to cool off and relax during your family trip to Vancouver. The Kitsilano Pool is set to reopen in early- to mid- June.

Stanley Park Dr. | Open May 18 – September 2

This heated outdoor pool is conveniently located near the beaches, trails, and lush forest of Stanley Park. With a sloped entry perfect for families of all sizes to splash at their ideal depth, Second Beach Pool is an easy and fun way to enjoy a swim with your family in Vancouver.

Ferguson Point at Stanley Park | Open year round

Located at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park, Third Beach is a naturally sandy beach popular for sunbathing, quiet picnics, and watching the sunset. Third Beach is surrounded by trees that shield visitors from city noise, offering a truly tranquil environment to enjoy all this beautiful area has to offer.

Ready to visit Vancouver with the family? Keep these fun activities in mind and make the most out of your trip to Vancouver. Stay close to the action at Carmana Hotel & Suites and experience Vancouver like a local!