Vancouver is a fantastic city for families, offering exciting, interactive, and kid-friendly attractions that will keep children entertained while creating lasting memories. Whether your little ones love outdoor adventures, hands-on science exhibits, or animal encounters, there’s something in Vancouver that will spark their curiosity and excitement. Here are 10 must-visit attractions in Vancouver that your kids will love.
A visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is like stepping into a storybook rainforest adventure. Kids will love crossing the 137-metre-long suspension bridge high above the Capilano River, exploring the Treetops Adventure, and walking along the Cliffwalk, a thrilling pathway built along the cliffside. For an extra special experience, visit during seasonal events like Love Lights, Canyon Frights, or Canyon Lights. Plus, getting there is easy with the free shuttle from Canada Place.
Few places in Vancouver capture kids’ attention quite like Science World. With hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and live science demonstrations, this is the perfect place for children who love to tinker, explore, and discover. The OMNIMAX Theatre offers breathtaking films on everything from space to ocean life, while seasonal exhibits ensure there’s always something new to experience.
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s crown jewel, and it’s packed with kid-friendly activities. Families can bike or walk along the Seawall, explore hidden beaches, and visit the famous totem poles. One of the biggest highlights for kids is the Stanley Park Miniature Train, which offers themed rides throughout the year, including the Easter Train, Ghost Train, and Bright Nights Christmas Train.
Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is a must-visit for animal lovers. Kids can get up close with sea otters, jellyfish, and colourful tropical fish, while interactive exhibits teach them about marine conservation. The 4D Theatre experience is always a hit, adding a multi-sensory element to learning about ocean life.
For families who love outdoor adventures, Grouse Mountain is a year-round favourite. In winter, kids can enjoy sledding, ice skating, and Peak of Christmas, a holiday-themed event featuring Santa’s workshop, reindeer, and festive lights. In summer, take the Skyride gondola to the top for hiking trails, the grizzly bear refuge, and the Birds in Motion raptor show.
Granville Island is a great stop for families, with its vibrant market, waterfront views, and fun activities. The Granville Island Kids Market is a paradise for children, featuring toy stores, books, puzzles, and hands-on play areas. During summer, the Granville Island Water Park is a perfect way for kids to cool off, offering water slides and splash zones.
VanDusen Botanical Garden is a hidden gem for families, offering wide open green spaces, themed gardens, and a fun hedge maze where kids can run, explore, and play. Seasonal events like the VanDusen Festival of Lights in winter and the Great A-Maze-ing Egg Hunt in spring make this an exciting destination throughout the year.
For a hands-on farm experience, Maplewood Farm in North Vancouver is a fantastic option. Kids can feed goats, meet ponies, and learn about local farm animals in an engaging and educational setting. It’s a great place to introduce children to rural life while staying close to the city.
For families with older kids, FlyOver Canada is an unforgettable virtual flight ride that takes you coast to coast over Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes. This immersive experience includes wind, mist, and motion, making you feel like you’re truly soaring over mountains, rivers, and forests. It’s a fantastic way to see Canada’s beauty in just a few minutes.
Perched at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park, the Bloedel Conservatory is a magical tropical escape featuring colourful birds, lush greenery, and exotic flowers. Kids can walk through the domed greenhouse and spot parrots, finches, and free-flying tropical birds while learning about different ecosystems. After exploring the conservatory, the surrounding park is perfect for a picnic or a quick visit to the nearby fountains and gardens.
Vancouver is packed with kid-friendly attractions that blend adventure, education, and hands-on fun. Whether your little ones love wildlife, science, outdoor exploration, or thrilling rides, the city has something to keep them engaged and entertained. Plan your next family day out and discover why Vancouver is one of Canada’s best destinations for kids of all ages.