17 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Vancouver, BC
Vancouver is an incredibly family-friendly city, and we got to experience it firsthand on a recent trip with our three-month-old baby. Traveling with an infant definitely slowed our pace (no long hiking days this time), but we were still able to explore and enjoy so much! If you’re visiting Vancouver with kids—whether they’re babies, toddlers, or older—here are 17 fun things to do that worked well for us or were on our list.
Bike (or Stroll) Around Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a must-visit for families! You can rent bikes and ride the famous Seawall or take a casual stroll. We opted for a long walk with our baby in the stroller and enjoyed the peaceful waterfront views. If you have older kids, they will love spotting the totem poles, visiting the playgrounds, or exploring Beaver Lake.
Visit Science World
This hands-on science museum is packed with interactive exhibits, a giant indoor play area, and live science demonstrations. It’s a great spot for kids to burn off energy while learning something new. If you’re visiting with little ones, there’s even a dedicated toddler area for sensory play.
Check Out the Vancouver Aquarium
Located inside Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is another fun thing to do for families with kids. Our baby was mesmerized by the jellyfish tanks, and older kids might enjoy the touch pools and visiting sea otters. There’s also a 4D theater!
Take the Aquabus to Granville Island
Hop on the colorful Aquabus and take a quick ride across False Creek to Granville Island. It’s a fun, easy way to travel and once you’re there, you can explore the Granville Island Kids Market, filled with toy shops and play areas. I (Michelle) loved exploring the Public Market and tried lots of great food!
Ride the Gondola Up Grouse Mountain
Take the scenic Skyride gondola up Grouse Mountain for beautiful views of the city. At the top, families can visit the Grizzly Bear Habitat, catch a live lumberjack show, or explore hiking trails. In winter, you can go snowshoeing, ice skating, or even try skiing.
Explore Queen Elizabeth Park & the Bloedel Conservatory
Located in Queen Elizabeth Park, the Bloedel Conservatory is home to free-flying exotic birds and lots of tropical plants. It’s a great option for families visiting Vancouver BC on a rainy day or a quiet break from the city. We walked through with our baby in a carrier, and it was such a peaceful, stroller-friendly experience.
Discover VanDusen Botanical Garden
This massive garden is beautiful year-round and has plenty of space for kids to explore. The hedge maze is a fun challenge for older kids, and during the holiday season, the Festival of Lights makes for a magical experience for the whole family.
Walk Across Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
For a little adventure without the big price tag, head to Lynn Canyon instead of Capilano Suspension Bridge. It’s completely free and has a shorter but still exciting suspension bridge over a forested canyon. There are also easy hiking trails, waterfalls, and a great visitor center.
Visit the Capilano River Hatchery
A great educational stop, the Capilano Salmon Hatchery lets kids see salmon up close and learn about their life cycle. If you visit in the right season, you might even spot salmon jumping upstream!
Spend a Day at Kitsilano Beach
Kits Beach is one of Vancouver’s most popular spots for families, with sandy shores, a huge playground, and even an outdoor pool in the summer. It’s the perfect place to relax while kids play in the sand or splash in the water.
Gastown Steam Clock
The Gastown Steam Clock is a fun, historic landmark in Vancouver that whistles and releases steam every 15 minutes. Kids love watching the steam rise, and it’s a great spot for a quick photo in the charming Gastown district. After visiting, you can explore nearby shops, grab a treat at Soft Peaks, or stroll to the waterfront at Canada Place.
Explore the HR MacMillan Space Centre
Space-loving kids will have a blast at this interactive science museum, which features a planetarium, hands-on exhibits, and live space demonstrations. The museum is next to the giant crab sculpture (great for photos!) and right by Vanier Park, a great place to let kids run around.
Ride the Stanley Park Miniature Train
If you have younger kids, the Stanley Park Miniature Train is a must. The train winds through a scenic forested route, and during Halloween and Christmas, it transforms into a themed ride with decorations and lights.
Take a Day Trip to Whistler
Whistler, BC is a world-famous mountain resort town, just a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Vancouver! We actually did this as a day trip with our infant, but you could extend it for a fun family weekend getaway. It’s a great year-round destination with the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Whistler Olympic Plaza (which has a free play area), and easy hiking trails.
Meet Animals at Maplewood Farm
Located in North Vancouver, Maplewood Farm is a great place for younger kids to meet goats, rabbits, chickens, and more. It’s a small, interactive farm where kids can learn about farm animals up close and even help feed the animals.
Visit Playland at the PNE
If you’re visiting in the summer, Playland is Vancouver’s best amusement park, with rides for all ages, carnival games, and classic fair food. There are thrill rides for older kids and gentler attractions for little ones.
Go Whale Watching
A family whale-watching tour? Yes please! Vancouver is one of the best places to see orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions in the wild. Most tours leave from downtown and last a few hours—perfect for older kids who love marine life!
Have you been to Vancouver with little ones? What were your favorite spots? Let me know in the comments!
Looking for More Travel Blog?
- 10 Best Indian Food in Vancouver BC You Need to Try!
- 31 Best Restaurants in Victoria, BC with a View You Need to Check Out ASAP
- 55 Things to Do in Seattle This Fall
- 21 Best Restaurants in Guelph, ON to Try This Week
- Skiing at the Summit at Snoqualmie: Full Review of the Mountain’s Terrain, Lifts, and Amenities
- The Ultimate Road to Hana Itinerary
- 33 BEST Local Places to Eat in Maui
- 14 Best Oahu Hikes & Top Trails for First-Time Visitors
- 2 Day Itinerary in Porto, Portugal
- 16 Cool Day Trips from Lisbon, Portugal
- 57+ Things to Do in Washington, DC This Summer
Subscribe to DWELL and get new travel ideas delivered straight to your inbox! In addition, follow along on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram to get all the latest updates!
Copyright © All Rights Reserved. Content is written by Michelle Schmidt and/or team of dwellbymichelle.com.
