Vancouver is a world-class city that's big on family fun.
With its picturesque waterfront parks, pedestrian-and-bike-only seawall and host of family-friendly activities for kids of all ages, the scenic city offers the ultimate adventure — rain or shine.
To inspire your planning, check out these seven awesome family-focused activities to experience with kids this weekend.
Take your kids on an unforgettable coast-to-coast flight ride without ever leaving the city. After boarding Flyover Canada at Canada Place, you'll soar across the nation's most breathtaking landscapes. The multimedia flight simulator is a full-sensory adventure that is sure to thrill kids of all ages. Afterwards, check out your souvenir photo and then grab the kids a sweet treat from the Flying Whale Waterfront Cafe.
A favourite among locals, Maplewood Farm — located near Seymour Mountain on the North Shore — is a quaint rural attraction and home to more than 200 domestic farm animals and birds, including goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks and ponies. Interacting with these friendly creatures, meeting the farmhands and learning how to care for and feed the animals is a perfect and fun learning experience to share with the kids.
The experiential learning museum, Science World, is one of the best things to do when it rains in Vancouver. It's equally fun for kids — and adults — of all ages on sunny summer days as well. Admission includes access to 10 wondrous arts and science-focused permanent galleries and exhibits, plus a bonus feature exhibit. Plan to spend at least four hours exploring the attraction's indoor and outdoor spaces.
Embark on a marine wildlife tour and explore the Salish Sea with Wild Whales. Granville Island's oldest and best-known whale watching adventure company can accommodate families with kids of all ages, including infants. Tours run from three to five hours, with possible sightings including orcas, humpback whales, porpoises and sea lions. The bonus? If you don't see a whale on the first trip, your next one is free.
Visit the Kids Market on Granville Island for a family-friendly shopping and entertainment experience. The Adventure Zone is the market's biggest attraction, complete with a multi-level indoor jungle gym, Circus Circus Games Zone and interactive i-Floor for virtual soccer and hockey matches, and video games. Level up the experience by catching False Creek Ferries’ service to Kitsilano Point, watching for sea lions along the way, and walk the seawall to Kits Beach for ice cream and a swim.
Head to the North Shore for a gondola Skyride up to Grouse Mountain. At the top of the legendary Peak of Vancouver awaits sweeping views of Metro Vancouver and tons of family-fun and kid-friendly adventures — from the Kids Canopy Adventure play zone and disc golf to a world-famous lumberjack show and Wildlife Refuge complete with owls, grizzly bears and ranger talks. Stay for a casual mountaintop lunch at Lupins, then share a BeaverTail pastry — or two.
Bring the kids to Queen Elizabeth Park, about 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, for a round of family-friendly pitch-and-put. As the picturesque par 3, 18-hole course is more challenging than mini-golf, it's best for older kids or younger kids who've played before. Queen Elizabeth Park offers a lot to see and do beyond golf. Highlights include spectacular flower gardens, a summer fountain that kids love to run through, and the Bloedel Conservatory, a by-admission attraction housing tropical flowers and birds.
Feeling inspired and ready for an epic family-friendly adventure with the kids in Vancouver this weekend? Start by booking your coast-to-coast Flyover Canada flight ride today.
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