The Lower Mainland of BC offers a wealth of nature-based opportunities for families all year round. Get your kids excited about nature and the world they live in, teach them that exploring and learning is fun and best of all—make great memories as a family!
Teach Navigation Skills
Teaching children basic navigation skills, including how to use a map and compass, can come in handy in the future. Plan a treasure hunt or a geocaching adventure to make learning fun and practical. There are lots of apps and websites that can help you get started.
Go Camping
Many provincial parks in the Lower Mainland offer family friendly camping opportunities. Camping trips provide a great way to immerse yourself and your kids in nature and learn what it’s like to cook, eat, sleep and play outdoors for a few days.
Have a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Finding unique things in nature is cool! Organize a nature scavenger hunt where children search for specific natural items like leaves, rocks, flowers and feathers. This activity enhances observational skills and encourages exploration of their surroundings. Many books and websites are available to help you find lists of interesting things that you can discover in your area.
Seek Indigenous Knowledge
Explore the rich Indigenous heritage of the Lower Mainland by learning about the traditional ecological knowledge of local First Nations. Visit places like the Museum of Anthropology at UBC or participate in guided tours that explain the cultural significance of the land and its natural resources. Visit your local library to pick up books written by Indigenous people and learn about their lands and experiences.
Create Pollinator Gardens
Involve children in creating a pollinator garden to attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. They can learn about the importance of pollinators in ecosystems and how to support their habitats. If you don’t have the room to do this at your home, or need help getting started, find a local pollination garden or garden centre in your area for advice.
Explore Flora and Fauna
On the Lower Mainland, we are lucky to have many opportunities to explore nature. Forests and parks offer the chance for children to learn about local flora and fauna. In coastal areas, children can explore tidal pools, learn about marine life and understand the importance of coastal ecosystems. Mountains and trails teach children about the local geology, plant life and wildlife. At community gardens and farms, children can learn about plant growth, organic farming and the importance of local food systems.
Encourage Nature Photography
Teach children the basics of nature photography by providing them with cameras or smartphones to capture images of plants, animals and landscapes. This activity enhances their observation skills and encourages them to appreciate the beauty of nature. Many local photographers offer lessons or tips online to get you started.
Start a Nature Journal
Encourage children to keep a nature journal during camping trips and their days out in parks, on mountains or at beaches. They can document their observations, make sketches and reflect on their outdoor experiences. Have them describe or draw the birds they see—and try to identify them—as well as all other creatures, trees and anything else that catches their eye. Nature journaling enhances their observational skills and helps them develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Attend Eco-Based Programs and Camps
Many nature sanctuaries and parks departments offer eco-camps or marine programs for children and teens. These camps feature nature hikes, wildlife observation, environmental games and arts and crafts. The programs are designed to foster a love for nature and teach children about the importance of ecological conservation. These camps are often looking for teens to lead the programs, which teaches them leadership skills in addition to nature learning.
Find Family Adventure Tours
Most nature parks and eco-centres in the Lower Mainland offer both guided tours and options for self-exploration. A few of these places include the Stanley Park Ecology Society, Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, UBC Botanical Garden and the Burnaby Lake Nature House.
Families can also borrow eco-kits from Stanley Park Ecology Society, which include tools and guides for self-led explorations. Kits are themed around topics like bird watching, bug hunting and plant identification, making it easy for families to engage in hands-on learning at their own pace.
At the Burnaby Lake Nature House, families can join citizen science projects, such as bird counts and water-quality monitoring.
These activities engage families in scientific research and contribute to the conservation of local ecosystems.