Things to do in Vancouver with kids: Our family guide

Last updated on October 12, 2026

Vancouver was one of those love-at-first-sight cities for me. As soon as we drove in, I was wowed by the mountain views and how the skyscrapers seem to grow from among the forest. Add to that the coastline, forested islands and beautiful beaches, and I can see why so many people want to move there. It’s a place where an outdoorsy lifestyle seems easy alongside all the comforts of city life.

And even if you’re not hankering after a Vancouver move, it’s a brilliant place to visit too. You can spend a morning cycling beside the sea, take a boat to a market for lunch, and head into the mountains the next day. There’s plenty for children, but it’s also the sort of place where the adults don’t have to put their own wish lists on hold.

This is my guide to the best things to do in Vancouver with kids. It brings together all our Vancouver family highlights. Our trip was in summer with our six- and eight-year-old boys, but I’ve included rainy-day alternatives and tips for younger children too.

Also see our full Canada road trip itinerary.

Is Vancouver worth visiting with kids?

Absolutely – Vancouver is brilliant for kids. One of its biggest strengths is the variety. There are beaches and forests, boat trips and bike rides, museums and markets, and plenty of opportunities to do something active without committing to a big hike. You can even be up in the mountains on a day trip.

You can also make a day out of simply enjoying the city. A ferry ride, some market treats and time on the beach can be every bit as memorable as a big-ticket attraction. And that’s useful in a city where the paid activities can quickly add up.

Vancouver makes a wonderful start or finish to a British Columbia road trip. We combined it with the Canadian Rockies and Vancouver Island, but it would work equally well as a city break.

How many days do you need in Vancouver with kids?

I’d allow at least three full days for a first visit, and four or five if you want to explore the North Shore without rushing. With two days, you could focus on Stanley Park and Granville Island, then choose one mountain or forest outing.

Don’t underestimate the time spent getting between places. Vancouver’s attractions are spread across the city and neighbouring communities, and a day with children usually works best with one main activity and a couple of smaller stops.

The best things to do in Vancouver with kids

1. Cycle or walk around Stanley Park

Stanley Park delivers much of Vancouver’s appeal in a single outing: forest, sea, mountain views, indigenous roots and the city skyline, all together.

Hire bikes or walk along the seawall, stopping at the totem poles at Brockton Point and the Girl in a Wetsuit statue. Be sure to read the interpretation beside the poles as they’re a great way into learning about the Indigenous cultures represented here.

There’s also more to the park than the seawall, including woodland playgrounds, lakeside beaches, mini golf, and the Vancouver Aquarium (more on that below). We had planned to do the mini golf, but couldn’t quite stomach the $90 cost.

The park’s waterfront circuit is roughly 10km (6 miles), so you don’t need to do the whole thing with little children. Pick a shorter section, or build in beach and playground breaks. Be aware that it gets pretty busy so it’s best for confident cyclists – it causes a bit of chaos when people suddenly stop on the cycle path! Also bring a map of the cycle paths and plan your route. We went off piste at one point and were on a road that was busier than we felt comfortable with for our 6-year-old.

We hired bikes from Coal Harbour Bike Rental beside our hotel and at the start of the bike path. They also had child seats and trailers for smaller kids.

2. Explore Granville Island

Granville Island is a vibe-filled place with live performances, open studios, outdoor patios and city views. There are lots of different buildings on the island that you can wander around, but the centrepiece is the Public Market. It’s brilliant for putting together a picnic or letting everyone choose something different for lunch. Lee’s Donuts is one of the most iconic spots, but I also loved Siegel’s Bagels.

A highlight for children is the Kids Market. It’s separate from the Public Market, with shops geared towards children and indoor entertainment like a big soft play and arcades. Expect plenty of requests to buy things!

It’s fun to arrive by Aquabus. The little boats turn getting there into part of the outing, and offer a different view of the city from False Creek. They’re separately ticketed rather than part of the public transit network.

Allow time to wander beyond the market buildings. The studios and waterfront are part of what makes it special. We all loved Nooroongji Books so much!

3. Head up Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of the things that makes Vancouver so special. There aren’t many cities where you can be up in the mountains within minutes of the city! There’s a whole complex of activities at the top – you can even ski in the winter!

To get there, take the Red Skyride or gondola to the top. The skyride is more iconic, transporting up to 100 people at a time. You can even “surf” on top during the summer.

At the top you can simply enjoy the views, walking trails and mountain setting, or choose from the menu of attractions.

There’s a grizzly bear habitat, owl talks and guided nature walks. And there are seasonal shows and activities, including the popular lumberjack show with logger sports.

For those who want something more energetic, there are plenty of adventure options too, including a treetop ropes course, adventure playground, bike park and zipline. The newest addition is the Grouse Gravity Coaster. Be aware that this books up quickly with timed slots so try to book in advance.

For everything, check what is included in your ticket as different combinations include different things. You’ll likely have to book some parts separately. And also check the height/age requirements carefully. For example, kids must be at least 122cm and 8-years-old to do the mountain ropes.

If you have flexibility, choose a clear day if you can, and bring an extra layer as it gets chilly up there even in summer. I’d allow a generous half day, longer if you’re adding adventure activities.

4. Spend an afternoon at Kitsilano Beach

Kitsilano is one of the city’s most popular family neighbourhoods with a relaxed, outdoorsy feel that had me imagining an alternative life there. The beach is lovely, and it’s a good place to slow down after a morning of sightseeing.

Bring a picnic, spend time on the sand and at its playgrounds, and explore the surrounding neighbourhood and all its shops.

The outdoor saltwater Kitsilano Pool is a great summer option when open – it even has a small waterslide.

5. Try Flyover at Canada Place

If you know the Soarin’ ride at Disney, that gives you an idea of Flyover, but with a Canada theme instead. It’s the same ride system where you sit suspended in front of a huge screen, with movement and effects creating the feeling of flying through the scenery.

It’s a fun change of pace from walking around the city, and a useful indoor option – plus the experience is pretty spectacular.

They normally show a couple of different films. If you’re with kids, check which is most suitable before booking. My 6-year-old was scared of the pre-show for the Rockies adventure (it was very loud and quite intense with tribal drumming and visuals) so he and my husband had to leave before the main experience.

It also won’t suit anyone uncomfortable with motion-based rides (I felt quite sick!), but again, this varies by the film showing (we chose a particularly frenetic one!).

Flyover is on Canada Place next to the cruise ship port, and our kids loved marvelling at the size of the ships!

6. Explore the North Shore and The Shipyards

We loved the North Shore and had a great evening at The Shipyards market. It’s a lovely setting for food, browsing and enjoying the waterfront, with the downtown skyline across the water. There was live music and a fun, family vibe.

Take the SeaBus from Waterfront to Lonsdale Quay to make the journey part of the experience. Unlike the little False Creek ferries, SeaBus is part of the TransLink network. It was much bigger than I expected!

You can explore Lonsdale Quay and the surrounding waterfront even when a market isn’t running. For the evening events, check the calendar before you go; the market atmosphere from our visit isn’t something to expect every night throughout the year.

7. Choose Capilano or Lynn Canyon

Both Capilano and Lynn Canyon offer suspension bridges in a beautiful forest setting on the North Shore, but they are quite different outings.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is the paid attraction, with the main bridge, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk. There’s more here than simply crossing a bridge: Treetops Adventure takes you between rainforest platforms on seven smaller suspension bridges, while Cliffwalk follows a narrow walkway around the canyon’s cliff face. It’s a more developed visitor experience, and those different perspectives on the forest are a big part of what you’re paying for.

Lynn Canyon is the free alternative for a forest walk and suspension bridge. It doesn’t have Capilano’s network of treetop attractions, and the uneven trails and steps mean it isn’t a straightforward buggy outing – but it

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is the free alternative for a forest walk and suspension bridge – but it’s worth visiting in its own right. The bridge hangs above a dramatic canyon, and you can extend your visit with woodland trails and a walk towards Twin Falls. It doesn’t have Capilano’s network of treetop attractions, and the uneven trails and steps mean it isn’t a straightforward buggy outing, but it’s a lovely option if you’re more interested in a forest wander than a full visitor attraction.

For a short family trip, I’d choose one rather than feel you need to do both. Capilano offers more variety within one attraction, while Lynn Canyon is a good choice for keeping costs down and enjoying the forest.

8. Wander around Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is a creative neighbourhood with indie shops, cafés and breweries, and a good place to get away from the main sightseeing circuit for a while.

Explore around Main Street, stop for coffee and enjoy the shops and street art. This is more of a neighbourhood wander than a dedicated children’s attraction, but I love exploring creative areas and there are also hot chocolate and book/toy shop stops to keep the kids happy. Try Bean on Main for a cafe, and browse the Main Street branch of Granville Island Toy Company for toys and games.

9. Science World

This hands-on science centre has interactive galleries and live demonstrations. The Eureka! gallery explores things such as motion, light and water, while Wonder is designed for children aged five and under. We didn’t do this as it sounded a little dated in comparison to some of the other science museums we’ve been to around the world – plus we were keen to explore more of the outdoor attractions. That said, it’s a great rainy day option.

10. Vancouver Aquarium

The aquarium deserves its own place on the shortlist rather than being lost in the Stanley Park paragraph. It’s another great rainy day option.

There’s plenty to explore beyond the familiar tanks of colourful fish. You can watch rescued sea otters, admire the jellyfish and discover the marine life living off British Columbia’s coast. There’s also an Amazon rainforest gallery, so the experience takes you well beyond Canadian waters.

Check the daily programme for animal talks and feeding sessions, particularly if your children are keen to see the otters in action. The aquarium has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, so bring waterproofs if it’s wet.

Allow around two to three hours, depending on your children’s interest and how many talks you want to catch. You can combine it with a shorter Stanley Park walk, but I wouldn’t try to squeeze it into a quick stop halfway through cycling the whole seawall.

11. VanDusen Botanical Garden and Queen Elizabeth Park

VanDusen Botanical Garden and Queen Elizabeth Park are two good options for a garden day out, and they’re right next to each other so you could feasibly do both.

Queen Elizabeth Park has landscaped quarry gardens and views across the city towards the mountains, with space to wander and enjoy a picnic. It’s home to the domed Bloedel Conservatory, you’ll find tropical plants and colourful birds, giving children something to look for beyond the flowers. It reminds me of the Eden Project in Cornwall and is a useful wet-weather option. The park is free to explore, but the conservatory has separate admission.

Nearby, VanDusen Botanical Garden has winding paths, ponds and plants from around the world, plus a hedge maze that’s a big hit with children. Check the events calendar too, as seasonal celebrations and activities are often very family-focused. VanDusen is a paid garden, so you could choose one or combine both if your family enjoys a garden day.

12. Museum of Anthropology at UBC

The Museum of Anthropology looks incredible and I would have loved to visit, but sadly we didn’t have the time. It celebrates art, storytelling and Indigenous cultures of the Northwest Coast. The Great Hall contains large carvings, poles and canoes, while other galleries display objects from communities around the world. The museum also holds an extensive collection of work by Haida artist Bill Reid.

Check the programme for hands-on activities and art sessions, which can offer a more engaging way into the collections. It’s on the UBC campus, away from downtown, so allow for the journey too.

Map of things to do in Vancouver with kids

The best free things to do in Vancouver with kids

Vancouver isn’t a cheap city, but some of the loveliest outings don’t require an admission ticket.

• Walk a section of the Stanley Park seawall and visit the totem poles.
• Spend time at Kitsilano, English Bay or another city beach.
• Browse Granville Island and enjoy the waterfront. Food, shopping and ferries cost extra.
• Explore Mount Pleasant and its street art.
• Wander around the North Shore waterfront and The Shipyards.
• Walk in Lynn Canyon, allowing for any transport or parking costs.

For a short trip, I’d balance one or two paid attractions with plenty of these simpler outings.

What to do in Vancouver when it rains

Science World, the aquarium and Flyover give you three quite different indoor options. The Public Market and Kids Market also offer shelter, although getting around Granville Island still involves some outdoor walking. The Hologram Zoo is another option to kill an hour or so.

A drizzly day needn’t rule out the forest, provided everyone has waterproofs and suitable shoes. But I’d save a mountain-view outing for clearer weather where possible rather than pay for a panorama hidden by cloud.

Where to eat in Vancouver with kids

The markets are a useful starting point because everyone can choose something different. Granville Island Public Market works well for lunch or picnic supplies, while Richmond Night Market offers a more elaborate evening food adventure when running.

We enjoyed an evening at The Shipyards market, and Mount Pleasant is a good neighbourhood to build a café stop into a wander.

I’d keep food plans flexible and group meals with the area you’re exploring. Crossing the city for dinner after a big family day out isn’t always the most enjoyable way to finish it.

For reliable family meals, Cactus Club Cafe and Nook are useful options with several locations. Cactus Club has a broad menu, while Nook is a good choice for pizza and pasta. Neither have dedicated kids’ menus, but they’re happy to adapt dishes for little ones. The Cactus Club on English Bay is gorgeous for sunset. For poutine, try La Belle Patate on Davie Street, a little taste of Quebec on the west coast. We also loved Douce Diner on the North Shore, and Steamworks Brewery had a great patio for a casual family meal and cocktails. Lots of people also recommended Tomahawk Diner.

Where to stay in Vancouver with kids

The Westin Bayshore

We stayed at The Westin Bayshore, in an excellent waterfront position between Coal Harbour and Stanley Park. It isn’t our usual indy-style hotel, but Vancouver doesn’t really have those and is all about the big hotels instead. This is a great one to pick with gorgeous mountain and harbour views. The indoor and outdoor pools and easy access to Stanley Park worked particularly well with children. It felt like having a relaxing resort holiday in the city centre. Plus I really couldn’t get enough of the view from our balcony.

Capilano River Park RV Resort

We stayed at Capilano River RV Park as an unplanned stop when escaping the wildfire smoke in Kelowna. It’s a useful option if you’re visiting Vancouver in a campervan, with a convenient North Shore location in West Vancouver, near Park Royal and the Lions Gate Bridge.

There are partial- and full-hookup pitches, plus showers, laundry facilities, a playground, a small outdoor pool and a hot tub. It’s an urban RV park, so think of it as a practical base for exploring rather than a secluded wilderness campsite.

The location works well for North Shore attractions or continuing towards Squamish and Whistler.

Which area should you stay in?

Coal Harbour or the West End would be my starting point for a first visit, particularly if Stanley Park and the waterfront are high on your list.

Kitsilano suits families who prefer a beach-neighbourhood atmosphere, while North Vancouver is worth considering if mountain and forest outings are your priority. Think about the travel time to the rest of your shortlist before choosing a base across the water.

Whichever area you choose, check room occupancy, bed arrangements and parking costs carefully.

Getting to Vancouver

Vancouver International Airport is in Richmond, and the Canada Line links it with downtown. A taxi or transfer is another option if you have lots of luggage – remember to make appropriate child-seat arrangements if needed.

If you’re arriving from Vancouver Island, remember that both Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen ferry terminals are outside downtown. Allow time for the onward journey rather than treating your ferry arrival as arrival at the hotel.

For a wider trip, see our Canada road trip itinerary.

How to get around Vancouver with kids

You don’t need a car for a visit focused on central Vancouver. Walking, cycling and public transport cover a lot, with boats adding some fun to the journeys.

SkyTrain, buses and SeaBus are part of TransLink. Children aged 12 and under currently travel free. Aquabus and False Creek Ferries are separate operators with their own tickets, so that free-transit rule doesn’t automatically apply to them.

A car can be useful for a wider itinerary, but don’t assume you need one for every North Shore attraction. Look at public transport and any attraction shuttles first, checking current schedules and eligibility. Parking can be really tricky on weekends/holidays – we tried to park at Grouse Mountain, but ended up leaving the car at a busy stop down the hill and getting the bus from there!

If you are driving, budget for hotel and attraction parking and allow for traffic around the bridges.

When to visit Vancouver with kids

Summer is a lovely time for the combination of city exploring, beaches and mountain activities that we enjoyed. It’s also busy, so book accommodation ahead and check availability for any attraction that matters particularly to your family. It’s also smoke season and we did have one bad-air day in Vancouver, so that’s always something to be aware of. I’ve written a guide with tips on how to prepare for smoke season.

Spring and autumn can work well for a city break, with a more flexible weather plan. Winter is a different kind of trip, with mountain snow activities and more indoor time.

Whatever the season, check the specific opening dates for outdoor pools, markets, amusement rides and mountain adventures. And pack waterproofs and layers even if the forecast looks promising – it rains a lot in Vancouver!

A three-day Vancouver family itinerary

Here’s a suggested way to spend three days in Vancouver with kids in the summertime.

Day one: Stanley Park and the waterfront

Spend the morning walking or cycling in Stanley Park. Choose the aquarium or a beach break for the afternoon, rather than feeling you need to do both. Finish with a waterfront wander and sunset meal around Coal Harbour or English Bay.

Day two: Granville Island and Kitsilano

Take a little ferry to Granville Island, explore the markets and have lunch. Then catch another boat down to Kitsilano for a relaxed afternoon by the beach. If it’s wet, swap the beach for Science World and save Kitsilano for another day.

Day three: The North Shore

Choose Grouse Mountain or one of the suspension bridge outings as your main activity. Finish around Lonsdale Quay and The Shipyards if you have energy, taking the SeaBus back across the water. You can combine Grouse and Capilano on a longer day, but I wouldn’t make that the default with young children.

With extra days, add Mount Pleasant and whichever museum or garden best suits your family.

A few practical tips for visiting Vancouver with children

• Check height restrictions before booking. Flyover and the mountain adventures won’t all suit the same ages and sizes.
• Plan one main outing each day. Leave room for beaches, playgrounds and simply enjoying the city.
• Check the forecast before mountain visits. Cloud can change the experience considerably.
• Bring layers and waterproofs. The beach, mountain and evening waterfront can feel quite different. I was surprised by how much the temperature varied!