Thinking about planning a family trip to Canada‘s Vancouver? Then, you are in for a treat. Vancity boasts many kid-friendly attractions and activities that will keep your children hooked from the beginning of your trip. From museum visits to mini adventures, there are so many things to do in Rain City that no matter how many days you plan, they might still not be enough. Thankfully, we have compiled the town’s must-do activities in this 5-Day Vancouver Itinerary With Kids. Get ready to explore Raincouver like never before!
? Bonus: We’ve even created a free downloadable 5-Day Vancouver Itinerary With Kids PDF to make your planning super easy. [Get it here??]
Budgeting For A Family Trip To Vancouver
Given Vancouver’s reputation as a top travel destination, it may not come as a surprise that it is an expensive city to visit, especially compared to other areas in Canada. That said, you can control your expenses by adopting budget-friendly measures. These include traveling during the off-season (December to February), enjoying free activities, and opting for more affordable transportation, accommodations, and food options.
? Transport
Vancouver is a walkable city, so explore the majority of attractions on foot. If you have to travel farther, consider using public transportation. The town boasts an excellent public transit system, including buses, the SkyTrain, and the SeaBus. It utilizes a 3-zone system, with fares starting at $3.35 for a 1-zone trip, $4.85 for a 2-zone trip, and $6.60 for a 3-zone trip. ? Tip: Buy a Compass Card, which offers a cheap fare, starting from $2.70 for a 1-Zone.
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? Accommodation
Vancouver offers a diverse range of accommodations, from hostels and Airbnb rentals to 3-star hotels and 5-star luxury properties. The prices for a night’s stay vary depending on the type of hotel, its location, the number of days staying, and the number of guests. That said, budget travelers can expect to pay C$30 to C$50 in a hostel. A mid-range hotel typically charges between CAD 100 and CAD 180 per night, while luxury resorts charge more than CAD 300 per night. ? Tip: Book accommodation in advance to secure a better rate.
? Food
The most effective way to reduce food expenses is to eat like a local. These include dining at casual restaurants or seeking happy hour deals to save money. In a nutshell, a fast food meal can cost as low as C$25, while a meal in a mid-range restaurant can cost between C$50 and C$80. A fine dining experience can cost you C$100 to C$150 or more. ? Tip: Cook your own meals.
5-Day Vancouver Itinerary With Kids: Day 1: Explore Stanley Park
? Morning: Vancouver Aquarium
- Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Your Vancouver Family Itinerary starts at the popular kid-friendly attraction, Vancouver Aquarium. Canada’s largest aquarium is in the heart of Stanley Park, where over 65,000 animals are on display. Meet rescued sea otters, splashing sea lions, the unique Blacktip Reef Shark, the Giant Pacific Octopus, and many fascinating marine creatures across 120 world-class indoor and outdoor exhibits. In addition to sealife, the aquarium has Goeldi’s Monkey, Linnaeus’s Two-Toed Sloth, Golden Poison Frog, Green Anaconda, and Yacare Caiman. Learn hands-on in the Wet Lab and dive into an immersive 4D Theatre Experience on-site.
? Midday: Explore playgrounds and totem poles in Stanley Park.
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- Admission to the Vancouver Maritime Museum
- Access to permanent and temporary exhibitions
? Afternoon: Vancouver Seawall
- Address: 1199 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6E 4T1, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Things To Do: Walking, Cycling
After a lunch break, digest your food with a stroll along the Vancouver Seawall. Located in the serene Harbour Green Park, this 28-km seaside greenway is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. The best part of this Seawall is the Stanley Park Seawall, running across the Vancouver Convention Center to Spanish Banks Park and looking over English Bay. The Seawall has a marked section for walkers and joggers closest to the water. You can also rent a cycle and bike along the waterfront path.
? Evening: Dinner In Yaletown District
- Recommended Restaurant: The Flying Pig Yaletown
- Address: 1168 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2S2, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 3 PM – 11 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Head to Yaletown for a nice family dinner. If you’re looking for recommendations, The Flying Pig Yaletown is known for its kid-friendly amenities. The establishment offers a kids’ menu featuring braised beef short ribs, crispy chicken cutlet, market fish, jumbo macaroni and cheese, mixed fruit bowl, milk, apple juice, vanilla ice cream, and additional dishes. The Flying Pig draws inspiration from the available fresh ingredients and the tradition of unforgettable family feasts, thus creating a dining experience that feels like home.
Day 2: Science World & Granville Island
? Morning: Science World
- Address: 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning your second day in Vancouver. Your first destination is Science World, a charitable non-profit science center on Quebec Street. This science museum features interactive exhibits, displays, and films for kids from toddlers to early teens. Explore its permanent galleries, including BodyWorks, Art Displays, Search: Sara Stern Gallery, Eureka, and the Creative Technology Gallery. You can also experience hands-on activities in Science World’s Living Lab, Puzzles and Illusions, and Tinkering Space: The WorkSafeBC Gallery. If you have toddlers, don’t forget to check out the Wonder Gallery.
? Midday: Granville Island Kids Market
- Address: 1496 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
After a learning experience, it’s time to have fun. Head to Kids Market, an indoor two-story market on Granville Island. This warehouse-style, kid-centric shopping mall features numerous kid-friendly activities, including arcade games, toys, play spaces, and unique experiences such as journeying through the “Kids Door” to discover Jack climbing his beanstalk. Its Adventure Zone features an arcade with over 30 games, a multi-level play area with a 2-story slide, a ball pit, and mini-games, as well as a world of Virtual Reality with 30 immersive experiences.
? Foodie Tip: Hunt for local delicacies in Granville Island’s markets.
⛴️ Late Afternoon: Ferry Ride On False Creek
- Address: 1519 Foreshore Walk, Vancouver, BC V6H 3X3, Canada; Google Map
- Price Range: $20 onwards
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
See Granville Island through a ferry ride on False Creek. This sightseeing ferry ride typically lasts 1 to 2 hours and covers key locations along the creek, including Granville Island, Yaletown, Science World, and the Olympic Village. False Creek Ferries and the Aquabus are two primary operators here, each with distinct vessel styles and service routes. Both operators are pet-friendly, bike-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and cater to large groups.
? Evening: Close your day with a family dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 3: Grouse Mountain
? Morning: Skyride
- Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
On the third day of this 5-day Vancouver Itinerary with Kids, you will spend a day exploring the majestic Grouse Mountain. It is a year-round attraction for endless adventures on Vancouver’s North Shore. Start your expedition with Skyride, a scenic gondola ride to the summit. This tram ride operates year-round and offers stunning views of Vancity and the surrounding mountains. It will depart every 15 minutes from 7:30 AM. Skyride will be a perfect start to an epic day ahead.
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? Midday: Refuge For Endangered Wildlife
Continue your Grouse Mountain expedition to its Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. This wildlife refuge is a must-visit for animal lovers, offering the opportunity to observe endangered grizzly bears and owls. Meet the two rescued grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, who were found in 2001. The wildlife refuge also includes Grouse Mountain’s native owls and the critically endangered Northern Spotted Owl. Don’t forget to meet their owl ambassadors: Cleo, Odin, and Apollo.
? Afternoon: Mountain Adventures
Enjoy a lovely lunch with breathtaking panoramic views in the mountain. Then, spend the rest of your day exploring Grouse Mountain’s adventurous activities. If you are visiting during the summer months, enjoy the seasonal Lumberjack Show, a fascinating display of lumberjack skills. Are your kids adventurous? If so, take them to ride a zipline or give Mountain Ropes Adventure a try. If you have planned a winter trip to Vancouver with kids, hit the slopes on a ski or a snowboard. You can also explore the mountain’s winter landscape by snowshoeing.
Day 4: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
? Morning: Cross Suspension Bridge
- Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Experience a world of adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. It is a must-visit attraction for both children and adults. The highlight is the legendary 450-foot-long Suspension Bridge, built in 1889. It has been featured in numerous TV series, including MacGyver, The Crow: Stairway to Heaven, and Psych. After entering the park, start your itinerary by crossing the suspension bridge. Follow the swinging planks to experience a wobbly walk across the bridge. Admire stunning views of green forests below.
? Midday: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Adventures
There are numerous activities to enjoy at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Start with Treetops Adventure, soaring over 33 meters above the forest floor. Walk from the reclaimed timber-frame Treehouse to towering canopy platforms that are interconnected by seven suspension bridges. Get a squirrel’s eye view of the thriving coastal rainforest below. Next, Cliffwalk is for adventurous kids who are not afraid of gravity-defying activities. Experience thrill as you walk through narrow walkways, stairs, and viewing platforms 30 storeys above the Capilano River Canyon.
? Afternoon: Have a picnic in the park~
? Late Afternoon: Capilano Salmon Hatchery
- Address: 4500 Capilano Park Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4L3, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 7 PM
- Social Media: Official Website
After having your fill, enjoy a short 20-minute walk to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery on the Capilano River. Part of the Capilano River Regional Park, this hatchery welcomes over 400,000 visitors annually. Take your kids to learn and see how fish develop from eggs to their juvenile stage before being released to the river. The entire process will be a great learning experience for your little ones. Don’t forget to visit the “Fishway” in the observation gallery, where you can witness salmon climbing the fish ladders.
? Evening: Have dinner in a local restaurant or at your hotel.
Day 5: Museums & Kitsilano Beach
?️ Morning: Museum of Vancouver
- Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
On this final day of the 5-Day Vancouver Itinerary for Families, cover the remaining city highlights. Start your morning at the Museum of Vancouver on Chestnut Street. It is a must-visit destination for those interested in Raincouver’s history. The museum features a significant collection of historical, archaeological, ethnographic, Asian studies, and natural history objects. It also regularly hosts special exhibitions on Vancouver’s history, culture, tradition, and people.
?️ Midday: Kitsilano Beach
- Address: Vancouver, BC, Canada; Google
- Opening Hours:
- Things To Do: Sunbathing, Swimming, Playing, Water Adventures
You can’t end your Vancouver trip without visiting at least one of the city’s beaches. Head to the popular urban beach, Kitsilano Beach, on Cornwall Ave at the north end of Yew Street. It is the ultimate destination to soak up the sun lying on sandy shores. Allow your kids to swim and splash water at the saltwater outdoor pool. You can also play a round of volleyball with your family on the beach. If time allows, try at least one water adventure, such as seal boat tours, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, and skimboarding.
Afternoon: Bloedel Conservatory
- Address: 4600 Cambie St., Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M4, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Your final destination is Bloedel Conservatory, a glass-domed aviary in Queen Elizabeth Park. Located atop Vancouver’s highest point, this lush conservatory is home to over 500 unique plants and 200+ exotic birds. Bloedel collaborates with local bird sanctuaries to rescue birds from poor living conditions and perilous situations. You can easily spot rescued birds as their wings are clipped. Wander among colorful birds like dwarf macaws, parakeets, parrots, and cockatoos, and learn about their origins. This conservatory offers a serene retreat from Vancouver’s hustle and bustle.
? Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Vancouver’s downtown or the West End with your kids~
Also Read:
- Things to Do in Vancouver
- Things to Do in Toronto: The Biggest Canadian City
- Toronto Itinerary: A Friendly Guide to Newcomers
This 5-Day Vancouver Itinerary With Kids is primarily designed for families. You can follow it step-by-step or alter it to your preferences to explore the city. In addition to being ideal for family trips, Vancity is also great for solo travelers, couples, and friends’ getaways. For activity recommendations, check out TourTeller. You can discover thousands of Vancouver activities from the top OTAs all in one place. Compare tours and tickets with just a click, or chat with AI-powered Torch to get personalized recommendations.
