There are a variety of family friendly activities in Greater Vancouver to explore—and many are open year-round! From the Fraser Valley all the way to the Sea to Sky area, there are plenty of exciting destinations for families with kids.
Revisit an old family favourite in your area or venture out for the day to explore something new.
Fraser Valley
The EcoDairy. The EcoDairy in Abbotsford offers a unique, educational experience that blends fun with learning about the importance of agriculture. Families can tour the farm to learn about sustainable practices, meet friendly animals and see firsthand how dairy farming operates. ecofarmbc.ca
Minter Gardens. Minter Gardens in Chilliwack is a must-visit for all novice and experienced gardeners to pick up anything and everything for their gardens all year long. But it’s not just a place for shopping, kids will love exploring the vibrant blooms and natural playgrounds throughout the garden’s 18 acres, while parents can relax in the peaceful environment. mintergardening.com
Greater Vancouver Zoo. Located in Aldergrove, this zoo provides opportunities to see a wide variety of animals up close, safely. The expansive grounds are perfect for a family walk while learning about wildlife conservation. gvzoo.com
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park. A short hike through Bridal Veil Provincial Park—located just east of Chilliwack—leads to the stunning Bridal Veil Falls, where kids can marvel at the beauty of nature at the 60-metre waterfall tumbling over smooth cliffs. Hike through lush valleys and up majestic mountains to find your perfect spot for a picnic. bcparks.ca/bridal-veil-falls-park
Harrison Hot Springs. Enjoy the natural hot springs, lakeside beach activities and family friendly trails in Harrison Hot Springs. Visit the quaint town, then stroll along the lake to the south side view the springs. harrisonhotsprings.ca
Tri-Cities
Evergreen Cultural Centre. Often referred to as “the jewel” of Coquitlam’s town centre, the Evergreen Cultural Centre is a non-profit, charitable organization that has something for everyone. Attend family friendly art workshops, theatre performances and view a variety of exciting exhibits. evergreenculturalcentre.ca
Rocky Point Park. Rocky Point Park is Port Moody’s most popular park. With walking trails, a large playground and waterfront views, it’s a fantastic spot for families. It’s a great place to explore and play year-round, but make sure to visit during the summertime when the spray park is on, and the ice cream stand is open. portmoody.ca
Coquitlam Crunch Trail. Introduce your kids to hiking with the Coquitlam Crunch Trail. This scenic hike is a great way to work up to hiking at nearby Grouse Grind. This elevated trail is suitable for anyone who has some experience hiking trails and is looking for a moderate workout. Get your kids to count all the stairs during the hike. (Spoiler: There are 894!) coquitlam.ca
Port Moody Station Museum. Step back in time at the Port Moody Station Museum, proudly owned and operated by the Port Moody Historical Society. Families can explore interactive exhibits and learn about the history of the region’s railway. pomo.museum
Castle Park. Castle Park in Port Coquitlam boasts a large playground, miniature golf and a ride park—all designed for kids to let their imaginations run wild. The exciting seasonal events will have you coming back all times of the year. castlepark.com
Downtown Vancouver
Stanley Park. Stanley Park is the area’s largest urban park. Stroll along the seawall, let the kids play at the park’s many playgrounds, stroll through the botanical gardens and the pollinator meadow. And no visit is complete without exploring the Vancouver Aquarium, located at the heart of the park. vancouver.ca
Science World. Science World captivates kids with its hands-on exhibits and live science demonstrations. It’s an ideal destination for curious minds and offers hours of interactive learning and entertainment. Plan to spend the whole day there because there is so much to see! scienceworld.ca
Granville Island Kids Market. For over 40 years, the Granville Island Kids Market has been a haven for young ones. With toy stores, craft workshops and a unique play area, it’s a paradise for kids. Relax with a treat from the food market, visit the arcade and enjoy the seasonal waterpark. kidsmarket.ca
Vancouver Maritime Museum. Discover maritime history at the Vancouver Maritime Museum. The interactive exhibits, including ship models and historical artifacts, make learning about the ocean’s past fun and exciting for kids. vanmaritime.com
FlyOver Canada. This immersive virtual flight experience lets families soar across Canada’s landscapes and through other venues known only in your wildest imagination. It’s both thrilling and educational for all ages. flyovercanada.com
North Shore
Grouse Mountain. Enjoy year-round activities, including the Skyride gondola and many seasonal attractions like the Peak of Christmas in winter. Enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and skating in the winter, and the many hiking trails as well as safely viewing the resident grizzly bears in the summer. grousemountain.com
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This iconic attraction features a thrilling suspension bridge, treetop adventures and educational exhibits about the rainforest. It’s a mix of adventure and nature exploration where you can make some great family memories all year long. capbridge.com
Lonsdale Quay Market. This is a vibrant waterfront market with eateries, a large play area for kids and beautiful views of downtown Vancouver. It’s currently being revitalized to offer fun interactive activities and an even bigger food and market area so keep checking back to see what’s new! lonsdalequay.com
Maplewood Farm. Perfect for young children, but a fun learning experience for the entire family, this farm lets kids interact with goats, sheep, rabbits and other animals throughout the beautiful property. It’s an educational and hands-on experience that the whole family will love. maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
Capilano River Hatchery. The Capilano River Salmon Hatchery teaches kids about the salmon lifecycle with interactive displays and viewing windows where they can watch salmon in action. This site is open year-round for educational purposes but be sure to visit in the fall when the salmon return to the area. pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Sea to Sky Area
Sea to Sky Gondola. The Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. Families can enjoy the suspension bridge, hiking trails and many seasonal activities. seatoskygondola.com
Britannia Mine Museum. Step into the past at the Britannia Mine Museum, located just south of Squamish. The museum offers engaging activities like panning for gold and exploring an underground mine, providing an entertaining history lesson. britanniaminemuseum.ca
Whistler’s Family Adventure Zone. Located in Whistler Village, the Family Adventure Zone features family activities like mini golf, bungee trampolines and more. It’s a lively spot where kids can burn off energy while parents enjoy the vibrant village atmosphere. whistlerblackcomb.com
Shannon Falls Provincial Park. Shannon Falls is a stunning natural attraction perfect for families located just south of Squamish. The short, easy walk to the falls makes it accessible for young children, and the surrounding park is ideal for picnics and exploring. bcparks.ca
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Immerse your family in important Indigenous culture through interactive exhibits, crafts and storytelling at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Show up at the hour for a guided tour from cultural ambassadors, including a drum welcome. shop.slcc.ca
These destinations across the Lower Mainland promise memorable experiences for your family. From outdoor adventures to educational outings, there’s something to delight everyone.
