What Should We Do This Weekend?
The question every Vancouver parent asks on Thursday night. We have the answer — updated weekly with local events, activities, and hidden gems.
It's Raining. Again. Now What?
166 rainy days a year means we've mastered indoor fun. Science World, trampoline parks, play cafes, pottery, swimming — 40+ ideas ready.
Skip Capilano. Try Lynn Canyon.
Same suspension bridge. Completely free. Plus swimming holes, waterfalls, and no tourist crowds. The local's guide to outdoor Vancouver.
Birthdays, Camps & Weekend Plans
Birthday party venues rated by real parents. Summer camp listings across Metro Van. Weekend events updated every Thursday.
By Vancouver Parents, for Vancouver Parents
We're not a tourism board. We're local parents who got tired of Googling "things to do with kids in Vancouver" and getting the same Capilano Suspension Bridge article for the 400th time.
So we built this. A real, updated, local guide to activities, events, and hidden gems across Metro Vancouver — from the spray parks in New West to the tidepools at Whytecliff, from the $5 Tuesday nights at Science World to the secret beach at Third Beach that most tourists never find.
Every recommendation comes from someone who's actually taken their kids there. We know which playgrounds have shade, which restaurants actually have high chairs, and which "easy" hikes are lying.
What Are You Looking For?
Pick a category. We'll handle the rest.
Kids Activities
Science World, aquarium, playgrounds & more by age group
Outdoor Adventures
Seawall bikes, Deep Cove kayaks, Grouse Grind & Lynn Canyon
This Weekend
Farmers markets, festivals & family events happening now
Indoor & Rainy Day
It rains 166 days here — we have 40+ indoor ideas ready
Free Things To Do
Stanley Park, Lynn Canyon, spray parks & free gallery nights
Birthday Parties
Go Bananas, Science World parties, rock climbing & more
Summer Camps
Sports, STEM, arts & nature day camps across Metro Van
Family Restaurants
Kits brunch spots, Granville Island eats & kid-friendly patios
Local Guides
Written by Vancouver parents who actually live here
Insider Tips Only Locals Know
The stuff you won't find on TripAdvisor. Money-saving hacks, crowd-avoiding strategies, and the real best spots.
Skip Capilano, go to Lynn Canyon
Same suspension bridge experience, completely free. The 30 Foot Pool swimming hole is a bonus.
Rent bikes at Denman, not Stanley Park
Better rates, same Seawall access. Ride the full 10km loop — budget 1.5 hours with kids.
Granville Island on a weekday morning
Weekend crowds are brutal. Go Tuesday-Thursday before 11am for the real experience.
Kits Pool closes Labour Day
Canada's longest saltwater pool is heated and has ocean views. Go before September.
The Aquabus is $4 and kids love it
Tiny rainbow ferries across False Creek. Way more fun than walking to Granville Island.
Science World does $5 Tuesdays after 5pm
Pay-what-you-can evening admission. Same exhibits, fraction of the price and crowds.
166 Rainy Days a Year. Zero Excuses.
Vancouver rains. A lot. That's why we built an entire section of indoor activities — from Science World and trampoline parks to pottery classes and indoor swimming pools. Rain doesn't stop Vancouver families.
40+ Rainy Day Ideas →Happening This Weekend
Updated every Thursday. Bookmark this page.
Kitsilano Farmers Market
Every Sunday, 10am–2pm
Kitsilano Community Centre
50+ vendors. Live music. Free samples. The Sunday ritual for Kits families.
Free Spray Park Season Opens
Daily through September
Lumberman's Arch, Stanley Park
The biggest spray park in the city. Bring towels, sunscreen, and snacks. No admission.
Granville Island Busker Festival
This Saturday, 11am–5pm
Granville Island
Street performers, magic shows, and live music along the waterfront. Combine with Kids Market.
Explore by Neighbourhood
Every Vancouver neighbourhood has its own personality. Here's what to do in each one.
Downtown & Stanley Park
Seawall · Second Beach Pool · Science World · Aquarium
Ride the Seawall, feed raccoons at Lost Lagoon (don't actually), hit Second Beach pool in summer, and grab fish & chips at the Teahouse. Science World and the Aquarium are a SkyTrain ride away. If your kids can handle 2.9km straight up, the Grouse Grind is a rite of passage.
Granville Island
Kids Market · Public Market · Aquabus · Waterfront Playground
The Kids Market alone is worth the trip — three floors of toys, an indoor play space, and a ball pit. Then hit the Public Market for free samples (the cheese lady is generous). Take the Aquabus back — it's $4 and kids lose their minds over it.
Kitsilano
Kits Pool · Kits Beach · Farmers Market · Cornwall Ave
Kits Pool is the longest saltwater pool in Canada and it's heated. The playground at Kits Beach is massive. Walk to Cornwall for ice cream at Rain or Shine. On Sundays, hit the farmers market at the community centre. In summer, this is the best neighbourhood in the city.
North Vancouver
Lynn Canyon (free!) · Deep Cove · Grouse Mountain · Lonsdale Quay
Skip Capilano ($65) and go to Lynn Canyon instead — the suspension bridge is free and the 30 Foot Pool is where locals swim in summer. Deep Cove is a 20-minute drive for kayaking and the famous honey doughnuts. Grouse Mountain has the Skyride, lumberjack shows, and bear habitat.
Built for Locals, Not Tourists
We don't recommend the $65 Capilano bridge. We tell you about the free one at Lynn Canyon. We don't suggest "visiting Stanley Park" — we tell you exactly which playground has shade, where the spray park is, and that the mini train runs weekends only.
Every week we update with new events, seasonal activities, and the stuff that makes living in Vancouver with kids actually amazing. Bookmark us. Tell your parent friends. You're welcome.
- ✓Updated weekly with real local events
- ✓Covers Metro Vancouver — not just downtown
- ✓Age-specific recommendations (toddler to teen)
- ✓Honest reviews from parents who've been there
- ✓Free activities featured prominently