10 Things to do in Vancouver with Kids

Vancouver, like Canada's major cities, is a family destination with attractions for all ages, making it an ideal place to visit with children. In this city, the little ones will find cultural and entertainment activities, as well as green and natural spaces to enjoy the warm days out doors.

Some of the best things to do in Vancouver with kids include checking out the FlyOver flight simulators, taking a bike tour of the Seawall boardwalk, riding the Grouse Mountain cable car, exploring the fun exhibits at Science World, visiting the local aquarium, checking out the playground at Stanley Park, exploring Kids Market and visiting the intricate mazes of the VanDusen Garden.

Vancouver offers visitors a unique experience that combines the thrill of a flight simulator with the scenic beauty of the city. FlyOver simulators allow children and adults alike 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, giving young 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 fresh wind and natural aromas that complement the visual experience, FlyOver creates a multi-sensory journey that captivates children and arouses 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 lives of its inhabitants, children will have the opportunity to appreciate the country's diversity and history 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 storytelling and natural beauty make this simulator a must-see for those wishing to explore Vancouver with children.

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

One of the outstanding advantages of opting for a bike tour in Vancouver is that you'll be able to move around the network of routes which provides 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 way. From scenic beaches to green parks, Vancouver's coastal strip offers many nooks and crannies to dazzle visitors. 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.

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

Comfort is key when it comes to travelling with children, and the Skyride cable car provides just that. With spacious and safe cabins, little ones can enjoy the ascent without worry, while parents can relax and discover the scenery in peace and quiet.

Once at the top, Grouse Mountain offers a wide range of activities for all ages. From easy level 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 such as skiing and snowboarding lessons at the top of the mountain.

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 hands-on exhibits. Children are greeted by a universe of discoveries waiting to be explored.

Interactive displays 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 little scientists discover the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry and biology in a way that captures their attention.

Science World's vibrant and welcoming atmosphere 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 chance to directly experiment with scientific concepts fosters critical thinking and stimulates interest in disciplines that could set the course for future careers.

The Science World complex is also located in the city centre, making it easily accessible by both Vancouver's hop-on-hop-off tour buses and local public transportation.

If you want to visit one of Vancouver's favourite places for kids, you can't miss the local aquarium. This exhibit, which creates a marine ecosystem, offers families the opportunity to explore the rich underwater life off the coast of British Columbia and deep in the North Pacific in an educational and entertaining way.

The Vancouver Aquarium features interactive exhibits that allow children to get up close and personal with marine species such as manta rays, octopus and starfish. Every corner of this exhibit offers a tactile experience that will make it easy for little ones to connect 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. And if you're planning to visit Vancouver over Christmas, you'll also discover the Christmas Eve decorations that proliferate throughout the city, and the Aquarium is no exception.

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

This green lung is one of the largest in the city and offers ample outdoor space for the little ones to have fun. From swings to climbing frames, 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 by the activities.

The diversity of playground equipment at Stanley Park offers something for all ages. From sandbox areas for toddlers to challenging play structures for older children, the park accommodates all stages of growth. In addition, the park's friendly and relaxed atmosphere invites cooperation among visitors.

If you're planning to visit Vancouver during the Christmas season, you'll find decorated trails, Christmas trees with natural garlands and festive decorations, and a calendar of activities ranging from the nativity scene installation to Father Christmas' presence on Christmas Eve.

The Museum of Anthropology is one of Vancouver's most important museums and part of the reason for this is that its interactive children's exhibits have a captivating and educational profile that will pique the curiosity of the youngest visitors. The museum offers children a unique opportunity to connect with diverse cultures through exhibits designed especially for them. Children's exhibits are presented in an interactive and didactic way and offer a hands-on experience led by expert guides.

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

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

If you're looking for an easy way to find a focus of fun for the whole family, a visit to the Playland amusement park is a must. This iconic park, located on the city's fairgrounds, offers a wide variety of attractions ranging from roller coasters to classic rides in the traditional amusement park style.

Playland is known for its gravity-defying thrill rides that give visitors a dose of adrenaline. From the classic wooden roller coaster, which is one of the oldest in the world, to the more modern rides, the park knows how to match the interests of all ages.

The park also hosts a variety of rides and attractions for the little ones, 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.

Playland's season, which generally runs throughout Vancouver's summer months, adds a special tinge to the experience. With themed events, live entertainment and culinary delights, the park transforms into a space that attracts visitors from far and wide and brings families together.

A tour of Kids Market in Vancouver is a unique experience designed exclusively for the little ones. This eclectic market, located on Granville Island, is a kid's paradise filled with shops and activities that capture the imagination and attention of youngsters. 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.

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

Products available at Kids Market range from educational toys to decorative items and unique 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 just a few blocks away from the Granville Island flea market, which you can tour on a guided tour and get a taste of the everyday spirit of this destination, as it's where locals shop for fresh food and other regional produce.

If you prefer to combine tours with the kids with adventurous experiences, then you might want to check out the mazes of the VanDusen Botanical Garden, which combine the wonder of nature with exploration.

This garden, located in the heart of the city, offers intricate mazes in which children, in particular, can wander, discovering its secret paths and hidden corners. The careful design of these labyrinths creates an atmosphere that sparks the imagination of the youngest visitors. In addition, the paths meander through lush plants and flowers, providing a multi-sensory experience.

Travelling through the mazes at VanDusen is an ideal activity for families. Children can enjoy the thrill of momentarily losing themselves while parents appreciate the scenic 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.

The garden is located in close proximity to other attractions in the city, such as the Vancouver Lookout observation deck and the local Police Archives Museum.