10 Things to do in Vancouver with Kids

Vancouver, like Canada's major cities, is a family-friendly destination with attractions for all ages, making it an ideal place to visit with children. In this city, children can enjoy cultural and entertainment activities, as well as green and natural spaces to enjoy warm days outdoors.

Among the best activities you can do in Vancouver with children are experiencing the FlyOver flight simulators, participating in a bike tour along the Seawall promenade, riding the Grouse Mountain cable car, exploring the fun exhibits at Science World, visiting the local aquarium, checking out the playgrounds at Stanley Park, touring Kids Market, and visiting the intricate mazes at VanDusen Garden.

Vancouver offers visitors a unique experience that combines the thrill of a flight simulator with the panoramic beauty of the city. FlyOver simulators allow children and adults to immerse themselves in a virtual journey that will take them through Canada's most iconic sites. This attraction is not only entertaining, but also educational, as it gives children the opportunity to learn about the country's geography and diversity in an interactive way.

In this simulator, you can travel through mountains, waterfalls, rushing rivers, and modern cities, all while experiencing the sensation of flying. With special effects such as cool wind and natural scents that complement the visual experience, FlyOver creates a multi-sensory journey that captivates children and awakens their curiosity about the world around them, but is also entertaining for adults.

This simulator not only highlights Canada's natural landscapes, but also immerses visitors in the country's rich culture. From local festivities to the daily life of its inhabitants, children will have the opportunity to appreciate the diversity and history of the country in an adrenaline-filled simulated flight experience.

FlyOver is an attraction that appeals to all ages, making it an ideal choice for families looking for a fun and educational activity. The combination of cutting-edge technology, historical narration and natural beauty makes this simulator a must-see for those who want to explore Vancouver with children.

Vancouver, with its extensive network of bike paths, offers families a safe alternative for exploring the city: a bike tour along the picturesque Seawall waterfront. This tour not only allows you to enjoy views of the ocean and surrounding mountains, but also offers an ideal experience for summer days in the city.

One of the notable advantages of choosing a bike tour in Vancouver is that you can navigate the network of routes that provide a safe environment for families to enjoy a carefree ride, ensuring that the little ones can participate in the activity in a relaxed and fun way.

During the Seawall bike tour, families will have the opportunity to discover hidden gems along the route. From scenic beaches to green parks, Vancouver's waterfront offers many places to dazzle visitors. The expert local guides on these tours will not only provide you with information, but also ensure that the pace of the tour is suitable for all ages.

Climbing Grouse Mountain by cable car is an experience that combines comfort and fun, making it an ideal option for families who want to explore the heights of Vancouver but don't have the opportunity to hike the trail that connects the base to the summit. This scenic trip offers children and adults a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings from a unique perspective.

Comfort is key when travelling with children, and the Skyride cable car provides exactly that. With spacious and safe cabins, little ones can enjoy the ascent without any worries, while parents relax and discover the landscape at their leisure.

Once at the summit, Grouse Mountain offers a wide range of activities for all ages. From easy trails to live shows, the options are diverse. Children will discover the city from a unique perspective 1,200 metres above sea level, while parents will enjoy the comfort of having reached the summit in a pleasant way.

If you plan to visit Vancouver in winter, you can also find seasonal activities at the top of the mountain, such as skiing and snowboarding lessons.

Exploring the exhibits at Science World in Vancouver with children is a fascinating experience that easily combines fun with learning. This interactive science centre offers families the opportunity to learn about the world of science through participatory exhibits. There, children are welcomed into a universe of discoveries waiting to be explored.

Interactive exhibits are at the heart of the Science World experience. From hands-on experiments to live demonstrations, children can touch, play and learn in a unique way. Education becomes an exciting adventure as young scientists discover the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry and biology in a way that captures their attention.

The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere at Science World creates an environment conducive to family learning. Children not only gain knowledge in a fun way, but also develop an innate curiosity about the world around them, as the opportunity to directly experiment with scientific concepts encourages critical thinking and stimulates interest in disciplines that could shape future careers.

The Science World complex is also located in the city centre, making it easily accessible by both :::link|text=Vancouver's hop-on hop-off tourist buses|element=sc-100-1730::: and local public transport.

If you want to visit one of Vancouver's favourite places for children, don't miss the local aquarium. This exhibition, which recreates a marine ecosystem, offers families the opportunity to explore the rich underwater life of the British Columbia coast and the depths of the North Pacific in an educational and entertaining way.

The Vancouver Aquarium stands out for its interactive exhibits that allow children to get up close and personal with various marine species such as manta rays, octopuses and starfish. Every corner of this exhibit offers a tactile experience that will help little ones connect easily with a hands-on approach.

The aquarium's educational programming adds additional value to the visit. Children will have the opportunity to participate in presentations and talks where they will learn about the importance of conserving the oceans and respecting the marine environment. In addition, if you plan to visit Vancouver during Christmas, you can also discover the festive decorations that proliferate throughout the city, and the aquarium is no exception.

If you want to opt for an inexpensive experience or simply want to relax between excursions and are planning to visit Vancouver with children, an ideal alternative is to use the playgrounds in Stanley Park.

This green space is one of the largest in the city and offers a large, open-air space for children to have fun. From swings to climbing structures, every corner of the park is designed to provide fun and safety for families.

The park's play areas are strategically located so that adults can enjoy the natural beauty of the park while children are entertained with activities.

The diversity of children's games in Stanley Park offers alternatives for all ages. From sandpits for the little ones to challenging play structures for older children, the park adapts to all stages of growth. In addition, the park's friendly and relaxed atmosphere encourages cooperation among visitors.

If you plan to visit Vancouver during Christmas, in this park you will find decorated trails, Christmas trees with natural garlands and festive decorations, and a calendar of activities ranging from the installation of the nativity scene to the presence of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

The Museum of Anthropology is one of the most important museums in Vancouver, partly because its interactive children's exhibits are educational and captivating, sparking the curiosity of young visitors. This museum offers children a unique opportunity to connect with different cultures through exhibits designed especially for them. The children's exhibits are presented in an interactive and educational manner and offer a hands-on experience led by expert guides.

The children's exhibitions at the Museum of Anthropology often include activities that allow children to immerse themselves in the traditions and cultural practices of diverse communities around the world. From creating traditional crafts to participating in games and activities inspired by a wide variety of cultures, children will have the opportunity to learn through participatory play.

These children's exhibitions not only focus on fun, but also seek to foster understanding and respect for cultural diversity, with a focus on Canadian indigenous peoples. Through games and activities, the museum invites children to explore and appreciate the differences and similarities between the cultures represented, thus creating an enriching perspective for the little ones.

If you want to find a fun spot for the whole family, be sure to visit Playland amusement park. This iconic park, located on the city's fairgrounds, offers a wide variety of attractions ranging from roller coasters to classic games, in the purest style of traditional amusement parks.

Playland is known for its thrilling attractions that defy gravity and give visitors a dose of adrenaline. From the classic wooden roller coaster, which is one of the oldest in the world, to the most modern attractions, the park knows how to combine the interests of all ages.

The park also hosts a variety of games and attractions for younger children, making it an ideal destination for families. From carousels and bumper cars to themed play areas, Playland offers options for children to have fun in a safe and exciting environment.

The Playland season, which generally runs during the summer months in Vancouver, adds a special touch to the experience. With themed events, live entertainment, and culinary delights, the park is transformed into a space that attracts visitors from all over and brings families together.

Browsing Kids Market in Vancouver is a unique experience designed exclusively for little ones. This eclectic market, located on Granville Island, is a children's paradise filled with shops and activities that capture the imagination and attention of young ones. From educational toys to seasonal clothing and accessories, Kids Market offers a variety of options to meet the needs and desires of children of all ages.

The distinctive concept of Kids Market lies in its interactive approach. The shops are designed as small worlds of discovery, where children can touch the items on display and explore freely. In addition to the shops, the market houses themed play areas that complement the shopping experience, turning every corner into an ideal excuse for learning and enjoyment.

The products available at Kids Market range from educational toys to unique decorative items and gifts. In addition, some shops offer special activities, such as workshops and events, which add an educational and creative touch to the shopping experience.

Kids Market is also located a few blocks away from :::link|text=the Granville Island Market|element=sc-100-1105:::, which you can explore on a guided tour and get a feel for the everyday spirit of this destination, as it is the place where locals buy fresh food and other regional products.

If you prefer to combine sightseeing with your children with adventure experiences, then you may be interested in exploring the mazes at VanDusen Botanical Garden, which combine the wonder of nature with activities of exploration.

This garden, located in the heart of the city, offers intricate mazes where children, in particular, can wander, discovering secret paths and hidden corners. The careful design of these mazes creates an environment that awakens the imagination of the little ones. In addition, the paths wind through lush plants and flowers, providing a multi-sensory experience.

Exploring the mazes at VanDusen is an ideal activity for families. Children can enjoy the thrill of getting momentarily lost while parents appreciate the landscaping details of the surroundings. In addition, the botanical garden organises special events and activities designed to engage younger visitors, making the visit an educational and entertaining experience.

This garden is located in an area close to other city attractions, such as the :::link|text=Vancouver Lookout|element=sc-100-1109::: observation deck and the Museum of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.