Best Kid-friendly Spots in Vancouver

Ditch the toys and the TV and head out with the little ones to a fun-filled day at one of these child-friendly spots

Finding something entertaining to do with the kids can be challenging and bank-breaking. But it doesn't have to be.

These fun-filled places in Vancouver cater to the wee ones and will keep the young-at-heart happy too.

The Bloedel Conservatory

If it’s raining—this is Vancouver after all—take the family to the indoor tropical garden in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Open daily, the conservatory lets your little ones commune with exotic plants, tropical flowers and Koi fish. What's especially fun are the 100-plus birds of various species that call the conservatory home and free-fly throughout the domed building.

Encourage your kids to look for and identify specific plants and birds as highlighted on theBloedel blog.

Granville Island Kids Market and Water Park

Okay, it's true. A trip to the Kids Market at Granville Island could cost you a pretty penny. Situated near the main Granville entrance, this warehouse-cum-mini-shopper’s paradise comes complete with a huge active play area. It's a great place to find unusual, handcrafted, and educational goodies. But if you can rein in the need to purchase, the market offers some great window shopping for the kids.

Head outside and the Granville Island Water Park can keep them occupied for hours on a hot day. They can splash around in the open air with slides, sprays and a special zone for toddlers. No one leaves disappointed from North America’s biggest free water park.

Little Nest

Rarely do parents feel at home at a trendy restaurant with their bambinos in tow. Little Nestnot only makes it possible, but probable.

Located off Commercial Drive, this extremely kid-friendly eatery serves up tasty, fresh, local grub amid alphabet blocks and mini chalkboards. There's a central area where kids can play while parents can sip their ethical coffee. It’s by no means a quiet place to nosh, but it’s a safe haven from any shaming or blaming about your kid's dining-out etiquette, or lack thereof.

Lynn Canyon Park and Ecology Centre

Explore Vancouver’s natural splendour through 616 acres of temperate rainforest habitat, a suspension bridge 20 stories above the canyon floor, a beautiful waterfall, hiking trails and more.

Located in North Van, Lynn Canyon Parkmakes for a fun family outing with learning to boot! The ecology centre highlights local ecosystems through a number of hands-on exhibits and family programs such as nature storytime and a young naturalists' club.

Stop in at the Kids' Nature Nook, which features a puppet theatre, animal sound machine, and giant insect exhibit. The Discovery Drawers also expose your little ones to the likes of bird eggs and snake skins.

Maplewood Farm

At Maplewood Farm in North Vancouver, kids can get up-close and personal with more than 200 farm animals of all kinds. Help feed the chickens, milk the cows and cuddle the bunnies. Springtime offers the chance to visit newborn baby animals and pony rides can also be booked.

This is a place where pint-sized folks can safely roam around outdoors, pet and chat with all sorts of animals, and just enjoy themselves. It's also just plain fun for parents to watch their kids interact with furry four-legged friends.