Vancouver for Kids

A great list from Tourism Vancouver!

Lions Gate Bridge

With its mile upon mile of sandy beaches and sprawling green parks, Vancouver is paradise for kids of all ages-and anyone who's a kid at heart. Attractions, adventures, and a calendar packed with lively festivals and colourful celebrations add up to a city where the whole family can kick back, relax and have fun.

Take a Ride

Sail across the harbour, or soar above the city. Even getting around Vancouver on public transit offers the fun of a fairground ride-all for the price of a bus ticket.

• SeaBus to North Vancouver (604.986.1501): Seagulls dip and glide at eye level. Floatplanes take off and land right in front of your nose. Departing every 15 to 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver this commuter "cruise" via catamaran across Burrard Inlet provides a fabulous view of the harbour, Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge. Mountains on the skyline make it a marvellous photo opportunity.
• SkyTrain to New Westminster and beyond (604.953.3333): Swooping past the glittering golf ball of Science World at TELUS World of Science, past backyards and gardens, these sleek white, yellow and blue trains whisk travellers out to the Eastern suburbs. Starting in 2002 an additional route, known as the Millennium Line, will provide additional travel options. SkyTrains depart every 2 to 5 minutes. Visitors usually stop at Westminster Quay, a 28-minute ride from the city centre, but the SkyTrain makes a spectacular crossing of the Fraser River on its way to Surrey. And hey kids, you know what's special about these trains? There's no driver. It's all done by computer (just like a horizontal elevator.)

Granville Island (604.666.5784)

Developed in 1979 from what used to be an industrial wasteland under the Granville Bridge, this island of treasures is a must on any family's list.

An easy journey by car, bus, bike-or boat-from any part of the city, Granville Island is a-buzz with activity. Take in live free entertainment in the waterfront courtyard. Sample freshly made fudge or warm donuts in the Public Market. Wander along beside the houseboats, or chat with authentic fisherfolk.

• Kids Market (604.689.8447): Not your usual plastic, mass-produced stuff by a long shot. Instead this colourful building is home to a bustling play area and shops selling all kinds of offbeat, handcrafted, and educational toys, many of them locally made. Nifty junior-sized fashions too.
• Water Park: The largest free water park in North America is on Granville Island. Open all summer, this wet wonderland is a great place to linger with a picnic lunch, fresh from the Market.
• Granville Island Museums (604.683.1939): This kid's haven is home to the largest public display of toy and model trains in the world, housed here with a magnificent diorama and with stunning collections of sport fishing and model ship memorabilia.
• Ferry: To reach the Island, you can drive, walk, cycle or try the most-fun alternative, mini-ferry. Every two or three minutes, cute little ferries buzz back and forth between Granville Island and various mini-docks around False Creek.

Kitsilano Beach

A beach full of soft gold sand is better than a toy chest. And then there's beach combing for shells or funny-looking pebbles, writing your name in wet sand with a stick. Would you believe it's all only ten minutes from the heart of downtown Vancouver? Kits Beach is one of Vancouver's favourite places to hang out. Little ones can check out the playground. Logs on the beach, or park benches provide a spot for Mom or Dad to relax. Teens can join in a basketball game, play tennis on one of 10 courts, or strut their stuff with their peers.

P.S. Kits Beach is right next to Vanier Park. Take in the attractions, then sack out for a while.

• Kitsilano Pool (604.731.0011): This terrific heated salt-water pool with its wrap-around view of the city and mountains sits on the ocean's edge and is open through the summer. Teenies can frolic in the gentle shallows. Swimmers can rub shoulders with the city's triathletes in training.

Stanley Park

Vancouver's green heart is a magnificent 1000 acres, almost all of it dense West Coast forest. Marked trails let families roam through the "jungle" of giant trees. Beaches offer a close up look at all kinds of boats. A playground with a vintage fire engine, a pool and water slides make this one of the city's great escapes.

• Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours (604.681.5115): Step aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn vehicle and meander in comfort through the natural beauty of the 1000-acre park. A professional guide fully narrates the tour, which highlights Deadman's Island, Vancouver's Harbour, Lions Gate Bridge, a Coastal Red Cedar Forest and includes stops at the Totem Poles, the Girl in a Wet Suit Statue, the S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead and the Rose Gardens. This amazing one-hour tour departs from the Coal Harbour parking lot beside the information booth on Park Drive, east of the Rowing Club. No reservations required.
• Vancouver Aquarium (604.659.3400): This underwater wonderland is home to a dizzying variety of fish and aquatic mammals in natural habitats. Kids can gape at the multi-coloured life inside a tide pool, and marvel at deadly piranhas, scary insects, and even a shark. The whale pool is a must, especially around feeding time. Underwater windows provide a rare close-up view of these enormous but gentle creatures. An instant trip to faraway places, the Amazon Gallery brings together exotic birds and plants, then schedules a tropical thunderstorm. www.vanaqua.org
• Children's Farmyard and Railway (604.257.8531): Two treats in one. They can pet and pat farm animals, then board a miniature train for a ride through the forest.

Magic in Vanier Park

Just east of Kits Beach and a hop, skip and a jump from downtown or Granville Island are a whole slew of fabulous places that whisk kids into the past-and into space. Views are gorgeous from this beautiful green park which, every May, plays host to the Vancouver Children's Festival. By the way, if you want to go fly a kite, this is the place in town to do it.

• H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (604.738.7827): A journey into space aboard a realistic virtual flight simulator. Interactive exhibits in the Cosmic Courtyard. Games, star shows, a chance to touch a real piece of the moon brought back on a space mission-tomorrow's scientists will be happy for hours.
• The Maritime Museum (604.257.8300): This triangular glass structure was built around the historic St. Roch, the first ever ship to sail the Inside Passage across the top of Canada from west to east. Aboard, there are bunks-"Gee, Mom, how did they fit in something that small?"- the Captain's quarters, and more to see. Kids love to take a turn at the wheel and imagine they're ploughing through arctic ice. P.S. Don't miss the wonderful model ships-the museum has its own resident ship-builder, the historic boats moored down at the water's edge, or the nearby totem pole.
• Vancouver Museum (604.736.4431): Sub-teens and teens will be enthralled by the story behind Vancouver then, and Vancouver now. Peer through windows into a century-old home-and a world without TVs and microwaves. Through souvenirs and artifacts, track the story of the early explorers who started this city. A series of glass-sided mountains reveals the many sides of Vancouver-and an ancient mummy.

Downtown

Dotted with public parks, plazas and fountains, Downtown Vancouver is an easy place for young urbanites of all ages to explore. Even the city's sidewalks dip politely at crosswalks accommodating strollers.

• Vancouver Art Gallery (604.662.4719) On the third Sunday of each month, the Gallery is transformed into a fun-filled place for families with school-aged children to learn about art together. Staff and volunteers show invited every one in the family to draw, paint and create crazy art projects.
• The Children's Library (604.331.3603): Duck the rain and check out the stunning landmark Vancouver Public Library building which houses one of the largest collections of materials for kids in British Columbia. Venture to the historical collection with its early children's books. There are multimedia computer stations, including two for preschoolers, Internet stations, listening stations and a host of special events like book-binding workshops. For special needs, there are materials in braille, twin-vision and large print.
• The Old Spaghetti Factory (604.684.1288) is a great family spot in locations across North America. Little known, the first Old Spaghetti Factory Restaurant was opened in the Gastown district of Vancouver in the 1970s. Red Robin (604.662.8288) is a bright, fun place for families to eat.

Science World at TELUS World of Science & OMNIMAX Theatre (604.443.7440)

The golf ball, as it's affectionately called in Vancouver, looks like it's landed from another planet, especially at night when Science World sparkles with its thousands of lights at night. Up close, the chings, rattles and bells of a massive moving sculpture only hint at all the fun to be found inside. Imagine blowing a soap bubble as tall as you are. Or playing a giant piano with your feet. Or freezing your shadow on a wall.

IMAX Theatre at Canada Place (604.682.2384)

This is like no movie they've ever seen. The screen alone is as tall as a five-story building. Sitting up close with a picture stretching w-a-a-ay above your head is a fantastic experience. Climb mighty mountains, explore deep space, the movie program changes often but always offers jaw-dropping excitement.

Nat Bailey Stadium (604.872.5232)

Bring on the hot dogs and pop! Taking 'em out to the ball game is a Vancouver tradition; and, this has to be one of the prettiest stadiums in the world. It's located next to a playground and fields, with flowery Queen Elizabeth Park and the mountains in the background.

Slipstream Rock Climbing & Guiding Centre (1.800.616.1325)

Experience the thrill of rock climbing on Slipstream's private cliffs - located an hour north of Vancouver. No experience is necessary, but experience climbers will find plenty to challenge them too.

Vancouver Aquatic Centre (604.665.3424)

Fun and games whatever the weather, right by the beach, minutes from downtown. Kids head for the 50-metre indoor pool or diving tank. There's a special pool for little guys. Meanwhile, Mom and Dad can bask in the sauna, and whirlpool or flex their pecs in the fitness centre.

Vancouver Lookout! Harbour Centre Tower (604.689.0421)

Discover the magic of this 360 degree view through the eyes of a child. The north shore view serves as the perfect traffic control tower locations as helicopter and float planes take flights and cruise ships, tug boats, trains and SeaBuses are all on the move. View highlighters and activity worksheets ensure every kid is equipped with new found knowledge as they head out to explore the rest of the city.

North Vancouver

Fifteen minutes, by SeaBus or car, and you're into the mountains where you'll discover the city's wilder side.

• Lonsdale Quay Market (604.985.2191): Here's where the SeaBus docks. Packed with intriguing stalls, stores and restaurants, the bustling public market is wonderful fun to explore. Put together a picnic lunch, sit outside and eyeball the passing ships. Summer time features a wealth of festivals and street entertainers.
• Grouse Mountain, The Peak of Vancouver (604.984.0661): Up, up and away... For real adventure, head for the city's favourite ski hill. Board the air tram, and climb to 3700 feet. Marvel as the city grows smaller and smaller-and the view gets bigger and bigger. Up top, there's a playground, grizzly bear and wolf enclosure and tempting hiking trails. Pack a picnic, or check out the restaurant. Grouse is a must for seasonal good times. During summer nights, applause rings out for Theatre in the Sky. Come winter, this is a magnet for skiers, snowboarders, ice skaters, snow-shoers, and those who like to sit back and enjoy a sleigh ride.
• Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park (604.985.7474): Making your way across a suspension bridge that's 230 feet high is a little bit scary, but a whole lot of fun. Intriguing exhibits explain local history and forestry. Totem poles stand as tall as the nearby trees. Watch native carvers at work, or follow a tranquil nature park trail into the unspoiled rain forest. Also, experience Capilano Suspension Bridge's newest attraction-Treetops Adventure. Offering visitors a squirrel's eye view of a thriving coastal forest, as they venture from one magnificent Douglas fir tree to another via a series of elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 80 feet above the forest floor.
• Lynn Canyon Suspension Park and Ecology Centre (604.987.5922): Strung across a rocky canyon, this narrow bridge is like something from an adventure movie. The river rushes along 166 feet below-watch for kayakers. Enough excitement? Check out the slide shows, displays and tours offered at the ecology centre. Save enough time to wander along the clearly marked trails that fan out through this stunning 617-acre park.
• Capilano Salmon Hatchery (604.666.1790): Salmon really do swim upstream-and a visit here at certain times of the year proves it. Watching a full-grown fish leap a foot or more at a time is a sight kids never forget. Tiny newborn salmon swim in the pools. Exhibits depict the salmon's dramatic life cycle.
• Maplewood Farm (604.929.5610): It's a farm, it's a park, and it's always a hit with kids. Here, they can take a close-up look at 200 domestic farm animals and birds, pet a bunny and pat a horse. The farm hosts special events throughout the year. Spring is a favourite time. That's when the baby animals are born.

Burnaby

• Burnaby Village Museum (604.293.6500/293.6501): History comes alive in this replica of a turn-of-the-century village next to Deer Lake Park. Favourites with small fry include the dentist's office, a ride on the 1912 carousel, and a stop at the ice cream parlour. Dressed in old-fashioned clothing, residents welcome visitors into their world of the past.
• Deer Lake Park (Boat rentals 604.667.BOAT, Theatre 604.291.6864): Cut loose on a sunny afternoon and let them paddle their own canoe or operate a pedal boat. Dance, theatre and musical productions-both indoors and out-at the James Cowan Theatre let visitors make a day of it.
• Central Park (604.294.7450): Sometimes kids need a place to burn off their energy. This 219-acre park has space to spare, as well as pitch 'n putt, a large playground, an outdoor pool and lots of trails.

New Westminster

• Westminster Quay (604.520.3881): A scenic ride from downtown Vancouver by SkyTrain brings families to Westminster Quay on the Fraser River. Possibilities? Lots of 'em! They can saunter around the public market, or outside along the boardwalk-now's the time for an ice cream cone. Take in local festivals and events. Board a paddlewheeler for a voyage into the wilderness. Or explore the only Russian submarine in North America.
• Queen's Park (604.524.9796): A lot of entertainment in one spot. The Rainbow Playland includes a petting farm, spray pool and adventure playground. Energetic types can get a kick out of ice-skating or the athletic complex. The arts centre and theatre means fun for the whole family.
• Canada Games Pool (604.526.4281): Major splash time. Popular with locals and visitors, this complex includes an Olympic-sized pool, waterslide, pool for toddlers, water toys and a fitness centre.

Richmond

• Minoru Aquatic Centre (604.278.3178): With its indoor pools (25 and 30 metres) special warm pool for tots, whirlpools, sauna and exercise room, this centre just south of Vancouver is a major hit with families.
• Richmond Nature Park (604.273.7015): A peat bog sounds yucky to kids-until they see the many wonders it conceals. Plants, animals, birds and butterflies, the trails through this wilderness park provide a close-up view. A stroll around the pond reveals turtles and ducks. Inside the Nature House are displays, games-plus live frogs and snakes.

Beyond Vancouver

Want more fun? There's plenty within an hour's drive of the city centre.

• Greater Vancouver Zoological Centre, Aldergrove (604.856.6825): Bears, elephants, bison, tigers...oh my! All roam through their 120-acre home just 30 miles east of Vancouver. A picnic area, petting farm and play area make it ideal for family excursions.
• Trans Canada Water Slides, Bridal Falls, Hwy 1 (604.794.7455): Water slides, pools, mini-golf, arcade, kids' area, and a campground.
• Cultus Lake Water Park, Cultus Lake (604.858.7241): Free fall towers, radical rapids, blasters, twisters and the heart-stopping Valley of Fear. Wading pools for the little ones, volleyball, whirlpools, night sliding and a picnic area.
• Splashdown Park, Tsawwassen (604.943.2251): A ton of watery fun with its 13 slides, arcade, BBQ rentals, volleyball, badminton, basketball-and all just three minutes from the BC Ferries terminal.
• Fort Langley National Historic Site (604.888.4424): Once upon a time, back in the 1800s, this was a fur trading post. Relive the history of the west at this picturesque site that houses the oldest surviving building in BC Demonstrations and exhibits of arts and crafts too. Pan for gold!
• Sun Valley Trout Park (604.826.6471): It was thi-i-i-s big! Most visitors to our part of the world like to take in a little fishing. At this trout farm, a catch is guaranteed.
• Bear Creek Park and Train (604.501.1232): All aboard, this super park in Surrey with a miniature train, water park, adventure playground, picnic area, public outdoor swimming pool (summer only), running track and more. The Surrey Art Gallery is located on adjacent property.
• A charming little seaside town, White Rock is just five minutes from the Canada/US border. Eight kilometres of sandy beach and warm shallow waters of Semiahmoo Bay make it a great stop for a walk along the promenade and heritage pier or a bite in its sidewalk cafe.
• Newton Wave Pool (604.501.5540): Surf's up! A wave pool, water slides, whirlpool and lagoon set the scene for a tropical family day.
• A short drive north along the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway takes you to Squamish (604.892.9244) where families can watch for eagles, river raft (ages 5 and up) and explore historical attractions including the BC Museum of Mining and the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. There are breathtaking natural roadside attractions including Porteau Cove and Alice Lake Provincial Parks as well as stunning Shannon Falls.

Special Events

• Cloverdale Rodeo (604.576.9461): Bucking broncos, real live cowboys. This authentic Western rodeo explodes into rip-roaring action each year on the Victoria Day Weekend. Agricultural displays, arts, crafts and live performances and a charming fairground are all part of the fun.
• Hyack Festival (604.522.6894): It's a parade, it's fireworks, a Fun Run, a fair, and more-and it all takes place mid-May in New Westminster.
• Pacific National Exhibition (604.299.9000): Spending a day at this lively fair (which runs late August through Labour Day) has been a city tradition since 1910. With livestock shows, entertainment, a prize dream home and marketplace exhibits rides on the roller-coaster, a visit to Vancouver isn't complete without a trip to the P.N.E.
• Playland (604.253.2311): Open from Easter through Summer, this fun centre has more than 35 exciting rides, including the thrilling Roller Coaster, the Ferris Wheel and the Wild Wasserbahn. For kids of all ages, Playland also features various entertainment attractions, a petting zoo, mini golf and live entertainment.
• Vancouver International Children's Festival (604.280.4444, TicketMaster): Each May, in waterfront Vanier Park and, story-tellers, mimes, clowns, jugglers and musicians of all stripes gather together to entertain kids of all ages. A special program for teens was launched in 1998.
• Vancouver Folk Music Festival (604.602.9798): For a mellow couple of days in mid-July, Jericho Beach Park becomes home to musicians and singers from all over the world. Face painting, crafts, and special musical programs for kids, even wee ones will have a blast at this upbeat beachside event.

Good Contacts and Useful Information

• Kids' Guide to Vancouver: Pick-up a copy of this comprehensive brochure, which includes a handy map, at the Vancouver Touristinfo Centre.
• Kid friendly! British Columbia (604.541.6192) www.kidfriendly.org: Working to build awareness of communities that are welcome, safe and friendly for families and their children while visiting a city, learn more about Kid Friendly and its family friendly member businesses.