Weekends with kids are all about having options. Some days call for fresh air and space to run. Other days need something structured, engaging, and easy to say yes to. Vancouver makes this easier than most cities.
This list mixes outdoor adventures, easy wins, rainy-day backups, and classic Vancouver experiences that work for a wide range of ages. Nothing here requires perfect weather or a perfectly planned day.
Here are 50 weekend activities to keep the kids busy in Vancouver, BC.
- Queen Elizabeth Park – Playgrounds, views, and space to picnic or unwind as a family. This is a great spot to throw down a blanket and let the kids run around and throw a frisbee.
- Stanley Park Seawall – Walk or bike at your own pace, stop for snacks, and let kids lead the way without worrying about traffic.
- Stanley Park (Prospect Point area) – A short walk with big views and enough excitement to keep kids interested without a long hike.
- Stanley Park Pavilion area – Wide open lawns and nearby paths make this an easy place to slow things down.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – Equal parts adventure and nature, with forest trails that feel like a real escape for kids.
- Lynn Canyon Park – A free alternative with suspension bridge views, waterfalls, and shaded trails that feel adventurous.
- Grouse Mountain Skyride – Gondola rides, wildlife, and seasonal activities make this feel like a full-day experience.
- VanDusen Botanical Garden – Open paths, seasonal displays, and room for kids to explore without feeling rushed.
- Bloedel Conservatory – Warm, calm, and colourful, especially nice on rainy or colder weekends.
- English Bay Beach – Let kids dig in the sand, watch ships pass, and burn energy with minimal planning.
- Spanish Banks at low tide – Endless space to explore, splash, and collect shells when the tide is out.
- Jericho Beach Park – A mix of playgrounds, paths, and grassy space that works for short or long visits.
- False Creek Ferries – A simple boat ride that feels like an adventure, even if you only stay on for one stop.
- Granville Island Kids Market – Toy shops, treats, and street performers make this an easy crowd-pleaser.
- Street performers on Granville Island – Free entertainment that lets kids sit, watch, and recharge.
- Science World – Hands-on exhibits that work for curious kids and parents who like learning too.
- Vancouver Aquarium – Always engaging, especially for animal-loving kids who like structured exploration.
- UBC campus walks – Wide paths, big trees, and nearby beaches give kids room to roam.
- Wreck Beach lookout trails – Skip the stairs and enjoy the forest paths and viewpoints instead.
- Pacific Spirit Regional Park – Flat trails and quiet forest walks that feel far from the city.
- Trout Lake Park – Playground, ducks, and an easy loop walk that works for all ages.
- Deer Lake Park (Burnaby) – Paths, bridges, and picnic spots that feel calm and spacious.
- Burnaby Village Museum – A slower-paced outing with old buildings and space to explore safely.
- Richmond Olympic Oval – Indoor space to move around and try different activities year-round.
- SeaBus ride – A quick trip across the water that feels special without taking all day.
- Lighthouse Park – Short forest walks with dramatic views that keep kids engaged.
- Deep Cove village – Easy walks, water views, and snacks make this a relaxed half-day outing.
- Kayak rentals in Deep Cove – Older kids love getting on the water for a short paddle.
- Squamish day trip – A change of scenery that feels adventurous without long travel.
- Sea to Sky Gondola – Big views with minimal effort, perfect for kids who don’t want long hikes.
- Shannon Falls – A short walk to an impressive waterfall that delivers fast payoff.
- Local playground hopping – Pick two or three neighbourhood playgrounds and turn it into a mini tour.
- Vancouver Public Library (Central Branch) – A fun building to explore with great kids’ sections.
- Neighbourhood libraries – Quiet, free, and surprisingly engaging for younger kids.
- Indoor swimming pools – Reliable fun when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
- Community centre drop-in programs – Crafts, sports, and low-cost activities on weekends.
- Indoor climbing gyms with youth areas – A good way to burn energy safely.
- Bowling as a family – Low-pressure fun that works across age ranges.
- Trampoline parks – Great for rainy days when kids need to move.
- Cherry blossom walks in spring – Short walks that feel special and seasonal.
- Pumpkin patches in the fall – A classic weekend activity with built-in excitement.
- PNE Fair – Rides, games, and food make this an easy full-day outing.
- Farmers markets – Snacks, music, and wandering keep kids engaged longer than expected.
- Ice cream shop crawl – Pick one destination and let the treat be the highlight. We love Rocky Point Ice Cream in Port Moody.
- Food trucks – Casual meals that feel like an experience, not a chore.
- Watch planes near YVR – Surprisingly fascinating for younger kids.
- Seawall sunset walks – A calm way to wind down the weekend together.
- Scavenger hunts in parks – Turn a walk into a game with simple challenges.
- Neighbourhood mural walks – Spot colours, shapes, and characters along the way.
- Spin the wheel – Have the kids pick one of the 49 items above out of a hat and go exploring.
Vancouver makes weekends with kids feel manageable because the city doesn’t ask you to choose between structure and spontaneity. You can plan a full day, keep it simple, or change course halfway through and still end up somewhere worthwhile. With so many easy wins close together, the hardest part often isn’t finding something to do — it’s deciding what to save for next weekend.
