10 Things to do in Vancouver with Kids

1. Outdoor Swimming Pools in Kitsilano, Second Beach

Take a dip at Vancouver's outdoor swimming pools, be it the beachside saltwater pool in Kitsilano, the ocean-view pool at Second Beach, or the Hillcrest Pool near Nat Bailey Stadium. Lifeguards supervise all Vancouver pools.

2. Kids Market, Water Park at Granville Island

Granville Island makes a great stop for art lovers and foodies. But kids will also enjoy a trip to the island to visit the water park or the toy-stocked Kids Market. To take a break from walking through the shops, stop and watch the buskers—ranging from acrobats to musicians and dancers—that perform around Granville Island.

3. Biking, Train Rides, Playgrounds in Stanley Park

Whether it's biking the Stanley Park Seawall with older kids or riding the miniature railway with younger children, this large forested park offers a variety of activities. Alternately, keep it simple with an afternoon at large Ceperley Playground near Second Beach. The playground includes an antique fire truck plus swings and slides.

4. Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre

Glowing jellyfish, jumping dolphins, and rolling sea otters have unending appeal for kids. You can take a self-guided tour through the aquarium to see the colorful undersea life, or catch a scheduled show.

5. Pet Animals at Maplewood Farm

Contrast the underwater life at the aquarium with a visit to see the sheep, chickens, and goats roaming the heritage Maplewood Farm on Vancouver's North Shore. Petting horses and feeding ducks easily makes for a diversion-filled day.

6. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

Also located on Vancouver's North Shore, Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is a fantastic free and wobbly adventure. There's an ecology center and café near the bridge, but kids will inevitable prefer the swaying planks of the suspension bridge.

7. Venture Up Grouse Mountain

Best for its winter activities, Grouse Mountain has an outdoor skating rink, sleigh rides, and ski hills. In summer, visit the grizzly bear sanctuary or enjoy the clear view from the gondola.

8. Ride the Seabus or SkyTrain

Travel by transit for a low-cost sightseeing trip through the city. Cross Burrard Inlet by SeaBus to North Vancouver or ride the SkyTrain out to New Westminster, where there's a circus school at the newly developed Riverside Market.

9. Go to the Beaches

While Vancouver has about a dozen beaches along its shorelines, and all are welcoming to families, Jericho Beach is perhaps the best for younger kids. Wild rabbits and geese roam the park, plus there's a sailing school nearby.

10. Go Bird Watching

The tropical Bloedel Conservatory is home to flamingos, parrots, and more colorful bird species. Walk through the humid jungle then head to the Frisbee golf course or the pitch-and-putt in Queen Elizabeth Park.