Vancouver is a city that offers family fun all year round. No matter the season, there are plenty of exciting activities to explore with your loved ones. From spring blossoms to winter snow, Vancouver’s diverse landscapes and attractions provide something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best family-friendly things to do in Vancouver throughout the year.
Spring in Vancouver is a magical time when the city comes alive with blossoms, bright greenery, and pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures.
Visit VanDusen Botanical Garden
As the flowers bloom, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a must-visit. The garden offers stunning displays of rhododendrons, cherry blossoms, and tulips, making it a perfect backdrop for a family stroll. Kids will love exploring the hedge maze, while parents can soak in the beauty of the seasonal flowers.
Stanley Park Seawall and Playgrounds
In the spring, Stanley Park bursts with new life. Families can enjoy a scenic bike ride or walk along the Seawall, which offers breathtaking views of the water and mountains. Don’t miss the chance to visit Prospect Point and relax at the Stanley Park Pavilion, where you can enjoy a snack after exploring one of Vancouver’s most iconic parks.
Summer in Vancouver is ideal for outdoor fun. Warm temperatures, long days, and clear skies create endless opportunities for families to explore the city’s best attractions.
Beach Day at English Bay
Pack a picnic and head to English Bay for a relaxing day on one of Vancouver’s most popular beaches. Families can swim, build sandcastles, or rent kayaks for a paddle in the calm waters. The nearby Stanley Park is perfect for a post-beach stroll, offering shaded trails and picnic spots.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
For a family adventure in nature, take the free shuttle from downtown Vancouver to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Here, kids and adults alike will be amazed by the 140-metre-long suspension bridge that stretches over the Capilano River. The Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk make for thrilling experiences, all while surrounded by the beauty of the forest.
Granville Island Kids Market
Granville Island is a year-round favourite, but in summer, it truly shines. Families can visit the Kids Market, home to toy stores, games, and play areas designed for children of all ages. While the kids play, parents can enjoy the local art galleries, fresh produce, and waterfront views.
As the leaves change, Vancouver’s landscapes turn into a vibrant display of reds, yellows, and oranges. Autumn is the perfect time for family activities that embrace the season’s warmth and charm.
Explore Grouse Mountain
Fall is a great time to take the Skyride up to Grouse Mountain. As the leaves turn golden, the mountain offers hiking trails with incredible views of the city. Families can meet the resident grizzly bears at the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, enjoy a ride on the mountain’s scenic chairlift, or take part in seasonal events like the annual Oktoberfest.
Pumpkin Picking at Richmond Country Farms
Embrace the fall spirit by heading to Richmond Country Farms for a day of pumpkin picking. Kids will love riding the hay wagon through the farm and picking out their favourite pumpkin to take home. The farm also offers live music and seasonal treats, making it a fun and festive outing for the whole family.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
As fall progresses and the days grow shorter, the VanDusen Festival of Lights kicks off the holiday season with dazzling light displays. Families can wander through the illuminated gardens, take photos with twinkling reindeer, and warm up with hot chocolate. It’s a magical way to enjoy the crisp fall evenings together.
Winter in Vancouver is full of cozy charm, snowy adventures, and holiday festivities. Whether you prefer outdoor activities or indoor delights, winter brings a wealth of family fun to the city.
Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Nothing says winter quite like ice skating, and the Robson Square Ice Rink in downtown Vancouver is a family favourite. Skating here is free if you bring your own skates, or you can rent a pair on-site. With festive lights twinkling overhead and holiday music filling the air, it’s a wonderful way to spend a winter afternoon with your family.
Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas
Grouse Mountain transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Families can ride the gondola up to the mountain for the Peak of Christmas, where kids can meet Santa, explore the Light Walk, or enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow. There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, from skiing and snowboarding to hot chocolate by the fire.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
For an unforgettable winter experience, visit Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The park is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, turning the suspension bridge and surrounding forest into a magical, glowing wonderland. Families can walk the Treetops Adventure at night, enjoying the festive decorations and holiday spirit that fill the air.
No matter the time of year, Vancouver offers endless opportunities for families to have fun and create lasting memories. From the blooming gardens of spring to the cozy lights of winter, the city’s vibrant mix of outdoor adventures and seasonal celebrations ensures that there’s always something exciting to do. So gather your family and explore all the beauty and joy Vancouver has to offer in every season.