Are you looking for kid-friendly summer activities in Vancouver? Summer is officially here and I couldn’t be anymore happier. Vancouver is such a beautiful city with so much to see and do. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful province surrounded by lush greenery, the ocean, and gorgeous landscape. With the kids out of school for 2 months, I’m sure many parents are trying to find ideas on how they can entertain their children. So I’ve compiled a list of the best summer activities for kids in Metro Vancouver that you can take a look at and get some ideas from.
If you’re a Vancouver mama and stuck on kid-friendly summer activities in Vancouver, I’ve got you covered.
Science World
Science world is top on our list as a kid-friendly summer activity in Vancouver There is so much to do for not only the kids of all ages, but adults too. We’ve gone quite a few times this year already. It’s a great place to take the kids when it’s too hot to be outside. They always have fun exhibits year-round so make sure to check out their website for some more information.
Their awesome exhibit at the moment is called Arctic Voices, which is an immersive experience of the fascinating changing Arctic through its many voices: its people, ecology, wildlife, and way of life. Arctic Voices tells the story of a land that is changing in many ways. Through interactive exhibits, you will learn how strong you are compared to a polar bear, go on a garden tour of the Arctic to see how Arctic plants are used for food and medicine, hear fascinating stories from Indigenous peoples and Arctic researchers, and understand just how great your connection to the Arctic is.
You can visit this exhibit now until September 6th.
Click here to book your tickets today.
Address: 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Kit’s Beach Pool
Have you ever been to Kit’s beach pool? It’s Vancouver’s only saltwater swimming pool and the perfect place to take the family on a hot summer day. The outdoor summer pool is located near the beach, cafés, and neighborhood of Kitsilano. It’s such a stunning pool with a backdrop of the ocean and mountains, we can’t wait to take Milan and enjoy a family pool day. Check out their website for pool time and fees.
Registration opens three days in advance at noon. Click here to book your tickets online.
Please keep in mind that there is limited drop-in available. Effective July 12, Kitsilano, New Brighton, Second Beach pools have increased capacities. Drop-in sessions at all outdoor pools will be available in-person, on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance online registration is highly recommended to secure a spot.
Address: 2305 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Stanley Park
Stanley Park is magical and a family favorite kid-friendly summer activity in Vancouver. There is so much to do in the 405-hectare lush, green park. There are plenty of trails to explore, as well as sandy beaches. My absolute favorite spot at Stanley Park is Ceperley field, where the big red firetruck is. The fire truck is close to the Second Beach Pool which is always so much fun. As a kid, we always used to come to this spot with our family and friends and I have so many childhood memories that I want to recreate with Milan. Bring a picnic and enjoy the day at Stanley Park with the fam, and let the little ones run around while you enjoy a nice picnic at the beach.
If you do plan on spending time at Second Beach Pool, please reserve your tickets online beforehand.
You can also enjoy a beautiful and scenic bike ride around the seawall which is always a favorite of ours. We rent our bikes at English Bay Bike Rentals on Denman. Check out their website for their rental hours and rates.
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Granville Island
Granville Island is another one of our top kid-friendly summer activities in Vancouver. Located across False Creek from Downtown Vancouver under the south end of the Granville Street Bridge, it’s definitely a magical escape within the city. We’ve been taking Milan here since he was just a few weeks old, and it just happens to be one of our family favorite spots.
There is plenty to do for the kids including the Kid’s Market and plenty of toy stores for them to wander in. From shopping the best selection of games and toys to hours of fun to be had in the indoor multi-level play area and arcade.
Granville Island also has a fun water park with multiple sprays and fountains. It’s open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, based on the weather. It is located at 1318 Cartwright street.
Make sure to check out Popina Canteen at 1691 Johnston street, for the most amazing ice cream treats, trust me, they’re SO delish.
There are plenty of restaurants to enjoy, our favorite is Bridges which is situated right beside the water and gives you the most gorgeous view if you choose to sit outside.
Another one of my favorite things to do at Granville Island is to shop at the Public Market for fresh produce, amazing desserts, and yummy dinner options.
You can even take the Aqua Bus which is such a treat for the kiddos. The Aqua Bus are these little mini rainbow ferries that take you to popular destinations such as Yaletown, Granville Island, and Plaza of Nations. Make sure to check out their website for hours of operation and booking your tickets online.
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Visit FlyOver Canada
This is another indoor activity to do on those scorching hot days. Have you ever been to FlyOver Canada? It’s seriously so much fun and they have so many different experiences all year round. Right now until August 15th you can experience Hawaii from Above and weave your way through spectacular scenery.
At FlyOver Canada, You will hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-meter spherical screen while their film whisks you away on an exhilarating 8-minute journey across Canada or their featured city/state, from east to west.
This is a fully immersive experience that engages all of our five senses for 8 glorious minutes. Riders need to be at least 102 centimeters (or 40 inches) tall.
You can book tickets by clicking this link. It’s a good idea to book ASAP as time slots book up fast.
Address: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver BC
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Bloedel Conservatory
The Bloedel Conservatory is Situated in Queen Elizabeth Park, The Bloedel Conservatory is a domed lush paradise located on Vancouver’s Highest point. There are more than 120 free-flying exotic birds, and 500 exotic plants and flowers in a temperature-controlled environment.
Milan really enjoyed the Bloedel Conservatory and had the best time walking around and looking at all the beauty surrounding him.
The best part is, is that it’s super inexpensive and fun for the whole family.
Click here to purchase tickets and view their hours. Please keep in mind, the Bloedel Conservatory only has limited spots each hour, so make sure you’re on time. They recommend arriving 5 minutes prior to your time slot so you can enjoy your full 45-minute booking.
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Van Dusen Botanical Gardens
Van Dusen Botanical Gardens is a 55-acre garden hosting more than 7,500 plant species from around the world. There is so much to do here from enjoying educational displays in the visitors center to discovering all of the unique sculptures throughout the gardens.
Van Dusen Gardens is the perfect place to take the family for some beautiful family portraits and an evening stroll. They have some fun summer events that you can check out as well.
This Summer, Van Dusen Botanical Gardens is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Click here to book your tickets now.
Please keep in mind that children 4 and under are free, but a ticket is still required so they can best monitor Garden capacity. One adult, senior, or youth can accompany up to a maximum of five children (0 – 4 years old). For groups of 6 or more, an adult, senior, or youth must be present every five children in the 0 – 4 age category.
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Visit all the Amazing Playgrounds in the Lower Mainland
We love finding new and exciting playgrounds to take Milan to. There are SO many in Vancouver, and we find that this is such a fun and inexpensive way to keep Milan busy.
Some of our favorite playgrounds in Metro Vancouver include:
Creekside Playground: 1455 Quebec Street, near Science World
Charleson Playground: 900 School Green, Vancouver
Ceperly Park Playground: Stanley Park Drive
Coal Harbour Park Playground: 500 Broughton Street
Hinge Park Playground: 1690 Columbia Street
Coopers Park Playground: 1020 Marinaside Crescent
Vancouver General Hospital Playground: 795 W. 13th Avenue
Douglas Park: 801 W. 22nd Avenue
Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment: 2340 River Road, Richmond
Garden City Community Park and Arboretum: 6620 Garden City Road, Richmond
Steveston Community Park: 4011 Moncton Street, Richmond
South Arm Community Park: 8680 Williams Road, Richmond
Variety Park Playground: 3805 Kingsway, Burnaby
Kisbey Park Playground, Kisbey Park
Deer Lake Playground: 5435 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby
Diefenbaker Park Playground: 5579 1 Avenue, Delta
T.E. Scott Park: 7014 148 Street, Surrey
Unwin Park: 13313 68 Avenue, Surrey
Dufferin Park: 17355 2nd Avenue, Surrey
Fleetwood Park: 15802 80 Avenue, Surrey
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: The World of Kidtropolis
Kidtropolis is another one of my favorite kid-friendly summer activities in Vancouver. What is Kidtropolis? It’s an interactive city model and indoor playground designed to provide a safe, unique, and realistic educational environment that lets kids do what they do best, pretend play.
pretend play is vital for children’s learning, and Kidtropolis’ goal is to provide purposeful play and hands-on learning experiences. Children can use their imagination to become firefighters, police officers, restaurant owners, teachers, stage performers, and more in their make-believe play centers.
They also host birthday parties as well, you can click here for more information. Kidtropolis is open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM. Click here to reserve your tickets.
Address: 110-5940 No 2 Rd, Richmond
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Reifel Bird Sanctuary
Located west of the community of Ladner, the Reifel Bird Sanctuary is another one of our favorite kid-friendly summer activities in Vancouver. The sanctuary consists of a mix of 300 hectares of ponds, trees, pathways, intertidal marshes, and channels. Nearly 300 different types of birds have been recorded at the Sanctuary.
Hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, you can book your visit online by clicking here.
Please keep in mind that visitors are required to remain on the trails. Bikes are not allowed on trails. Dogs and other domestic animals are not allowed anywhere on the grounds. The habitat is protected here, so please stay on trails and do not pick flowers or fruit, or other plants. What grows in the Sanctuary stays in the Sanctuary. To maintain the natural ecology, they also do not allow visitors to bring in plant or animal materials including their own birdseed from external sources.
Address: 5191 Robertson Rd, Delta
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Big Splash Water Slide Park
Big Splash Water Slide Park is another one of my favorite kid-friendly summer activities in Vancouver. Formerly known as Splash Down Park, is the ultimate wet n’ wild resort-style experience! The park offers multiple different pools, electrifying slides, and hot tubs for the entire family.
There are also many restaurants and bars to relax after a long day in the sun. It’s the perfect spot to splash about and stay cool on a hot day. Totally gives off those resort vibes. The main pool and kid’s splash pad is the perfect spot to gather for the youngest guests (toddlers).
Hours of operation are 11 AM to 6 PM until September 6th. Click here to reserve your tickets today.
Address: 4775 Nulelum Way, Tsawwassen
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Harrison Hot Springs
Another kid-friendly summer activity around Vancouver is Harrison Hot Springs. It’s the perfect family getaway for Vancouverites, and there is so much fun to have here. Harrison Hot Springs has a laid-back vibe, the village is small and charming, and you are surrounded by nature. There is plenty to see and do for the entire family.
Harrison Lake is the largest lake in the southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia. You can rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, pontoons, and powerboats to explore, and the dock is located right in front of the lake (you can’t miss it). You can also rent jet skis, banana tubes, and bumper boats at Harrison Water Sports (my favorite happens to be the banana tubes). The Marina is open from May to September.
Harrison Lake also has an amazing inflatable water park. The floating water park is open from early June until early September from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Click here to check out their rates.
You can also have a picnic on the beautiful sandy beach at Harrison Lake is located directly in front of the village promenade. It’s a public beach that will get quite busy during the summer months. Keep in mind this body of water is quite cold, but also very refreshing.
Harrison Lagoon is an artificial water body located directly in front of the Village on the southern tip of Harrison Lake. It is separated from Harrison Lake by a man-made sand bar and walking path. The lagoon is a popular swimming spot during the summer because it’s shallow and gets quite warm.
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: The Vancouver Trolley Company – Hop on Hop Off
What better way to spend the summer than being a tourist in your own city. There are so many things we don; ’t know about Vancouver that you can learn on the hop-on-hop-off tour. Why not take the kids on a unique tour of Vancouver on a double-decker bus and visit the best sites in Vancouver. Discover Vancouver with buses operating on 2 routes covering the length and breadth of the city! There is even live GPS commentary in 7 languages to ensure that you don’t miss anything. There are 28 stops from Canada Place, to English Bay to Chinatown.
This is such a fun kid-friendly summer activity in Vancouver, that gives the kids a look into Vancouver that they may not have ever seen before. I suggest starting early and spending the day exploring what Vancouver has to offer.
Click here for more information on how to book.
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Visit La Casa Gelato
Of course, I have to add ice cream as a kid-friendly summer activity in Vancouver. We have so many of them, but nothing beats La Casa Gelato. This legendary ice cream shop offers over 238 flavors of gelato, yogurt, and sorbet. Once inside this ice cream wonderland, you will witness the only shop in the world to carry 238 flavors on location at a time. It is here where you can find your favorite flavors, as well as your not-so-favorite flavors.
They invite everyone to visit them, sample their multitude of flavors, and judge for yourself if it is the best gelato you have ever had. What I love about La Casa Gelato, is that they have something for everyone including non-fat, non-dairy, low-fat, and sugar-free!
Casa Gelato is open from 11 AM to 11 PM every day.
They also make homemade waffles and these amazing chocolate pretzels that are to die for.
Address: 1033 Venables St, Vancouver
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Castle Fun Park
Castle Fun Park is a free-admission family amusement park with a little something for everyone! They’re located in the heart of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BC – an hour from Vancouver. They’re open from 10 AM-10 PM 363 days a year, and bring you a fabulous array of attractions for family fun.
Due to Covid-19, they are operating at 50% capacity to assist with social distancing. Their Batting Cages (10am-9:30pm) Bumper Cars (10am-9:30pm), Go Karts (12pm-9pm) & Mini Golf Courses (10am-9pm) are open, in addition to 75% of their Arcade Games. They have outdoor golf, jungle golf, batting cages, laser maze, bowling, driving range, target hockey, and more!
Snacks and drinks are available daily from our Concession Stand.
Hand hygiene stations are available throughout Castle Fun Park; cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas takes place regularly, but we do encourage guests to sanitize their hands between activities and after eating.
Address: 36165 N Parallel Rd, Abbotsford
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Prince of Whales – Whale Watching Adventures
What better way to spend your summer days than going whale watching. Prince of Whales is a whale watching and marine wildlife adventure for the entire family. Jump on board with mariners, educators, entertainers, scientists, and conversationalists and enjoy the beautiful and breathtaking waters of British Columbia.
Prince of Whales has a sighting success rate of 95%, and it is highly unlikely that you won’t see a whale. The best part is if you don’t see a whale, they’ll get you on another tour free of charge.
Click here to book your tickets today.
Address: 1666 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Rocky Mountain Flatbread
Which kid doesn’t love pizza? One of Milan’s favorite food is pizza (and so is ours). At Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. Children have the opportunity to create their own pizzas every Sunday & Monday from 4-6 PM. How fun is that?! Kids can create their own pizza, roll out their dough, and add their favorite toppings. Such a fun experience for the kiddos. Their rate is $8.95 per child. Such a fun way to introduce cooking to the kiddos.
Check out their website for more information.
Address: 4186 Main Street, Vancouver & 1876 W. 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Greater Vancouver Zoo
The is always a fun place not only for kids but adults too. The Greater Vancouver Zoo is dedicated to education and conservation and is home to many rescued, donated, and orphaned animals. The mission of the Greater Vancouver Zoo is to inspire appreciation of our ecosystems and support conservation efforts by engaging the community.
When visiting the Greater Vancouver Zoo you’ll find Alligators, Flamingos, Camels, Bison, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Lions, Hippos, and so much more. Click here for a list of animals that you can find at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
Discover the sights and sounds of 140 species on 120 acres in the heart of the Fraser Valley. Click here to book your tickets today.
Address: 5048 264 St, Aldergrove, BC
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Maan Farms
Maan Farms is one of our favorite places to visit. Visit their farm animals and have fun with your family by enjoying their wide variety of farm attractions. A place for families and friends to create magical memories through experiences that focus on farms, food, and fun.
This summer they will be hosting a Sunflower Festival this summer which gives you access to their Sunflower Field, Corn Maze, and Barnyard Adventureland, which are all separate attractions.
They have so much to do at Maan Farms from strawberry picking, wineries, goat yoga, and more. They even have a winery and wine tasting available for the adults!
Maan Farms is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day! Click here to buy your tickets today.
Address: 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotssford.
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Grouse Mountain
Just 15 minutes from downtown, Grouse Mountain offers the perfect destination for a truly rewarding and memorable experience. With a variety of cultural, educational, and outdoor adventures to choose from, there is so much to do for the whole family. Who says Grouse Mountain is only for the wintertime!
Most of Grouse Mountain’s summer and winter activities are complimentary with a Grouse Mountain Admission ticket. Check out their Activities Guide to learn more.
Included in your mountains admission are the peak chair lift, mountain ropes adventure, wildlife refuge, ranger talks by a wildlife expert, ziplines, and many amazing restaurants with gorgeous views.
Click here to book your tickets today.
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Visit a Beach
Who doesn’t love a good beach day? Vancouver and the surrounding areas have so many beautiful beaches for you to visit. Pack a picnic basket and some beach toys and spend the day at the beach with the entire family. Some of our favorite beaches are:
- Spanish Banks, Vancouver
- English Bay Beach/First Beach, Vancouver
- Second Beach (English Bay), Vancouver
- Jericho Beach, Vancouver
- Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver
- Sunset Beach, Vancouver
- Ambleside Park Beach, West Vancouver
- Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver
- Centennial Beach, Tsawwassen
- White Rock Beach, South Surrey
- Barnet Marine Park, Burnaby
- White Pine Beach, Port Moody
Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Vancouver: Spend The Day at the Lake
One of my favorite summer activities is spending the day at one of Greater Vancouver’s gorgeous lakes. Summer should be spent at the lake with good food, floaties, and sunshine. Pack some food to last the entire day and head to one of these gorgeous lakes:
- Rice Lake, North Vancouver
- Cabin Lake, Vancouver Island
- Sasamat Lake, Port Moody
- Buntzen Lake, Port Moody
- Burnaby Lake, Burnaby
- Pitt Lake, Pitt Meadows
- Whyte Lake, West Vancouver
- Deer Lake, Burnaby
- Cultus Lake, Fraser Valley
- Lost Lake, Whistler
- Alice Lake, Squamish
So here you have it. Now that the restrictions have died down in Vancouver, I hope that you can all find some time to enjoy our beautiful city with your family. There is so much to do and see in Vancouver, and we are so blessed to be living in such a versatile and fun city. If you’re looking to travel within BC I recommend checking out my blog post Things to do in Parksville BC During The Summer. Parksville is a city on Vancouver Island where we visited last summer and had such a blast.
I hope you all have a safe and happy summer. I hope these kid-friendly summer activities in and around Vancouver, have helped with your summer bucket list. We only have 2 months to really live it up and enjoy this beautiful weather, so what are you waiting for? Get out and have some fun!
Any other suggestions on fun things to do in Vancouver with the kiddos? Comment below.
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Cheers,
