Vancouver is a paradise for kids on holiday. Stanley Park is full of fun during the summer months, with fun attractions such as the Spray Park near Lumberman's Arch and the Children's Farm, a fantastic petting zoo for the younger tots.Families can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park and kids will love the gardens, so much so that you may find yourself coming back on more than one occasion. There are plenty of other green lungs to enjoy in the city, including the lovely Vandusen Botanical Gardens and Queen Elizabeth Park.Animal lovers will have a great time exploring the Vancouver Aquarium and the Greater Vancouver Zoo, while older kids should visit Granville Island's Water Park and Adventure Playground for a day of fun.On rainy or cold days, when outdoor activities with kids are not an option, head to the Science World at Telus World of Science or the Space Centre for a fascinating day out, or visit the Richmond Go-Kart track for a day of racing. There are also plenty of indoor playgrounds available, such as the Kerrisdale Play Palace in the Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena, or Kid Zone at the Park Royal Mall South Shopping Center.
Animal lovers of all ages will have a fabulous time exploring the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Boasting more than 500 animals from about 140 species, including lion, giraffe, black bear, bison, spider monkeys, coyotes, cheetah, hippo, lemurs and caracals, just to name a few.Children will simply love watching all the animals and naming the ones they know. Kids can enjoy meeting a selection of reptiles, taking the safari mini train, listening to an educational talk, or even watching the lions and tigers being fed. Refreshments are available from kiosks and restaurants so nobody will go hungry. Allow at least a few hours to explore the zoo properly.
Address : 5048 - 264th Street, Aldergrove
Website : www.gvzoo.com
Telephone : (604) 856 6825
Opening times : Summer Season (April to September): Open daily, from 9am to 7pm. Winter Season (October to March): Open daily, from 9am to 4pm.
Admission : C$25 (adults); C$19 (children). Concessions are available.
Home to a vast array of aquatic mammals and animals, at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre you'll find sea otters, penguins, dolphins, sharks, whales, sea lions and many more exciting creatures.Exhibits, displays and programmes are geared towards kids, including Clownfish Cove, with small animals, play areas, and costumes aimed at teaching children about the natural world and the importance of marine conservation.The aquarium features a gift shop, cafeteria, and wheelchair access. Visitors of all ages should enjoy a trip to this well-organised and large aquarium, which consistently receives rave reviews from travellers.
Address : 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Website : www.vanaqua.org
Telephone : 604 659 3474
Opening times : Summer (21 June to 1 September): Open daily, from 9.30am to 6pm; Winter (6 September to 24 June): Open daily, from 10am to 5pm
Admission : Summer: C$38 (adults), C$21 (children). Other concessions are available
With 22 hectares (55 acres) and roughly 11,000 different plant species, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a spectacular showcase of the natural world, right in the heart of Vancouver. Landscaped gardens are laid out exquisitely and specific areas are cultivated to demonstrate botanical relationships or geographical origins, such as the popular Rhododendron Walk or the Sino Himalayan Garden.One of the most popular events held in the garden is the annual Festival of Lights, when the beauty of the flowers is matched by over a million dazzling lights set up in order to celebrate the festive season. Choirs and carol singers, visits with Santa, a Dancing Light display on Lake Island in the park, the Golden Chain Walk, magicians, and tasty treats are all part of this family favourite, running from 9-31 December each year. Daily walking and cart tours are available in the garden from April to October at 2pm and also at 11am on Wednesdays.
Address : 5251 Oak Street (37th Avenue and Oak)
Website : www.vandusengarden.org
Telephone : (604) 257 8335
Transport : #17 Oak bus from downtown Vancouver to West 37th Avenue
Opening times : Opening times vary according to season, with slightly different hours every month - check the official website for details.
Admission : October to March C$8.25 (adults), C$4.25 (children aged 3 - 12); April to September C$11.25 (adults), C$5.50 (children aged 3 - 12). Concessions available.
Travel Guide powered by Word Travels, copyright © 2023 Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media Ltd nor Travel Vogue can accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
