Greetings from Anna at WeeTravel.ca! Our recent family expedition took us to the stunning city of Vancouver, and I’m thrilled to share the unforgettable experiences that make this Canadian gem a must-visit for families. Having explored Vancouver before, nothing quite prepared me for the sheer delight of experiencing it through the eyes of my children. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, coupled with kid-friendly attractions, makes it an unparalleled destination for families.

Here are my Top Five Reasons to Love Vancouver with Kids:

5. Playgrounds Galore

Vancouver’s playgrounds are nothing short of spectacular, offering endless fun for children all year round. Thanks to the mild climate, outdoor play is a year-round activity here. From sprawling, well-equipped playgrounds to innovative play spaces, there’s an adventure around every corner. My little one, Luna, was particularly enchanted, finding joy and excitement at each playground we visited.

4. The Seafood Extravaganza

The culinary scene in Vancouver, especially the seafood, is a dream come true for foodie families. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean means the catch is always fresh and the variety is astonishing. Whether it’s indulging in the freshest prawns at Steveston’s Fisherman’s Wharf, enjoying the iconic Pajo’s Fish and Chips, or sampling exquisite wild-caught salmon sushi, we relished the opportunity to feast on seafood every day of our visit.

3. Outdoor Adventures

Vancouver’s natural beauty offers a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Our visit to English Bay provided not just a stunning beach experience but also an opportunity to bask in the beauty of the surroundings. A highlight was our walk around Stanley Park along the seawall, a perfect blend of scenic views and physical activity that’s enjoyable for both adults and kids. The numerous outdoor playgrounds along the way added to the charm of our explorations.

2. The Wonders of Granville Island

Granville Island, with its bustling market and the unique Kids Market, is a paradise for families. The market is a sensory feast, offering everything from artisan foods to handcrafted toys. The Kids Market, although commercial, is a treasure trove of fun finds for the little ones. The added adventure of taking the sea bus to the island made our trip even more memorable.

1. Science World: A Realm of Discovery

Topping our list of Vancouver favorites is Science World, especially its outdoor park. With a safe cork floor and an array of innovative play equipment, it’s a haven for kids to freely explore and engage. The backdrop of the water adds to the serene yet exhilarating experience. Inside Science World, the interactive exhibits and activities captivate children’s imaginations, making it a rich educational experience as well.

Vancouver: A City That Captures the Heart

Our journey through Vancouver was filled with laughter, discovery, and the creation of cherished memories. Each of these top five highlights showcases the city’s commitment to fostering environments where families can thrive and explore together.

Do you have any Vancouver favorites that your family loves? We’d be thrilled to hear about your experiences and add them to our ever-growing list of reasons to love Vancouver with kids. Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s spread the joy of family travel!

For more family travel tips, guides, and adventure stories, keep following us at WeeTravel.ca. Happy travels!

This weekend, August 4-7, 2023, Vancouver is hosting a variety of family-friendly events and activities. Here are some of the best ones to check out:

• Agrifair and Mighty Fraser Rode: Agrifair and Mighty Fraser Rodeo event in Vancouver

A three-day festival with something for everyone, including rodeo events, live music, midway rides, and a petting zoo. When: Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6, 2023 Where: Abbotsford Exhibition Park, 32450 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford

• White Rock Sea Festival: White Rock Sea Festival event in Vancouver

A three-day festival celebrating the marine life and culture of White Rock. There will be live music, seafood vendors, a sandcastle competition, and more. When: Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6, 2023 Where: White Rock Promenade, 1500 Beach Avenue, White Rock

• Vancouver Mural Festival: Vancouver Mural Festival event in Vancouver

A 10-day festival that celebrates public art. There will be new murals painted throughout the city, as well as art walks, workshops, and more. When: Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 13, 2023 Where: Various locations throughout Vancouver

• Harmony Arts Festival: Harmony Arts Festival event in Vancouver

A family-friendly festival celebrating the cultures of the world. There will be live music, dance performances, food vendors, and more. When: Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 11:00am to 7:00pm Where: Grandview Park, 1695 Grandview Highway, Vancouver

• Tsawwassen Sun Festival: Tsawwassen Sun Festival event in Vancouver

A three-day festival celebrating the community of Tsawwassen. There will be live music, food vendors, a beer garden, and more. When: Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6, 2023 Where: Tsawwassen First Nation, 5600 12th Avenue, Tsawwassen

• BC Day at Burnaby Village Museum: BC Day at Burnaby Village Museum event in Vancouver

A family-friendly celebration of BC Day at the Burnaby Village Museum. There will be live music, historical reenactments, and more. When: Monday, August 7, 2023 from 10:00am to 5:00pm Where: Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby

I hope this gives you some ideas for fun and family-friendly events to check out this weekend in Vancouver!

To learn more about these events, please visit the following links:

• Agrifair and Mighty Fraser Rodeo: https://www.agrifair.ca/
• White Rock Sea Festival: https://www.whiterockcity.ca/366/White-Rock-Sea-Festival
• Vancouver Mural Festival: https://www.vancouvermuralfestival.com/
• Harmony Arts Festival: https://westvancouver.ca/harmonyarts
• Tsawwassen Sun Festival: https://www.sunfestival.ca/
• BC Day at Burnaby Village Museum: https://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/what-s-on/events-activities/bc-day-long-weekend-2.html

I hope you have a great weekend!

Victoria is a popular destination in spring and summer, when the flowers are in bloom and the days are warm and long.  But if you are visiting Victoria over winter, there is still plenty to do with little ones on colder (and even wetter!) days.  Here are 16 ways to stay busy with babies and young kids on a winter’s day in Victoria.

1. Warm up with the butterflies: Butterfly Gardens is not only a beautiful place to admire thousands of different butterflies, as well as birds, frogs and tortoises, but it is a delightfully warm tropical oasis!  Leave the chilly temperatures behind as you wander through the jungle among a myriad of colourful creatures.  
2. Bounce the day away: The whole family is sure to have fun at Flying Squirrel trampoline park. The facility features a number of different trampoline attractions including areas specifically catering to younger kids. 
3. Seek shelter in the trees: For some fresh air on a wet West Coast day, head to one of Victoria’s many forests. Tall fir and cedar canopies keep much of the rain away and the lush green foliage is invigorating on a grey day. Some of the best forests in the area are found at Francis King Regional Park, Thetis Lake Regional Park, John Dean Provincial Park, and Mount Douglas/Pkols Park, which recently opened a nature play area called “Tinker Town”. 
4. Tumble, jump, slide and pretend at an indoor play centre: Victoria is lucky to have a few indoor play areas that cater to young ones.  I Want to Be features an indoor sandbox, sports zone and a role play village! And Playzone features a large structure for climbing and sliding as well as a toddler area for younger ones. 
5. Go back in time at the museum: The Royal BC Museum is full of engaging exhibits that the whole family will enjoy.  Watch a Charlie Chaplin film in the Old Town, pan for gold in the mining camp, learn about BC’s First Nations people and wave hello to a wooly mammoth.  And if you aren’t tired out by all that, take in the rotating exhibition (currently “Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises”) or watch a movie at the museum’s IMAX theatre. 
6. Curl up with a book at the library: The downtown branch of the Victoria Public Library is a great spot for kids to read and play!  The Children’s area has a train table as well as a number of other toys, and books for all ages of course!
7. Splash around (but not in a puddle): There are a number of swimming pools at community centres throughout the city. The most popular with kids is the Saanich Commonwealth Pool, with a giant waterslide and a tot pool complete with pirate ship. If you want to squeeze in some adult exercise, childminding is available in the morning. 
8. Go to the (baby-friendly) movies: Silver City Cinema at the Tillicum Center features two “Stars and Strollers” films every Thursday afternoon. These baby friendly showings feature lowered volume, dimmed lighting, change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking.  And they are $2 off regular price!
9. Hunt for rocks: Nothing brightens a grey day like a colourful treasure!  A growing group of locals regularly paint and hide rocks at parks all over town as part of the Sooke to Sidney Rock Hunt. Some artists share the locations where they plan to hide rocks, which can make them easier to find. 
10. Enjoy some tea time: What better way to escape the cold than by indulging in high tea? Downtown, both the Fairmont Empress and Pendray’s Inn and Tea House offer children’s tea menus that are sure to delight your youngest customers.  
11. Tour the town wrapped up in a blanket: Take in the sights of downtown and Beacon Hill park from the comfort of a horse drawn carriage!  You and your little ones will stay cozy as you admire the view and listen to the clip-clop of hooves in a Tally Ho or Victoria Carriage. 
12. Get your game on: if your young ones enjoy board games, check out the Board Game Cafe! With over 800 games to choose from and an extensive selection of snacks and milkshakes, it’s a perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon.  
13. Feel like a giant: Miniature World has been a favourite among kids for almost fifty years.  There are over 85 displays to fascinate and delight your little giants in a 100 percent rain-free environment.   
14. Explore the ocean from indoors: Take a trip out to picturesque Sidney BC to visit the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. This aquarium and learning centre will introduce your little ones to the sea life of the waters surrounding southern Vancouver Island. Kids can go on scavenger hunts during their visit and engage in hands-on activities on weekends. 
15. Become a bug expert: visit Victoria’s only zoo, for bugs! At the Victoria Bug Zoo knowledgeable experts help visitors of all ages develop an appreciation for tropical insects from around the world.  The more daring among you can choose to interact with the live inhabitants in a safe (and dry) environment. 
16. Watch the puck drop at a hockey game: While it does involve ice, you can stay warm cheering from the stands at a Victoria Royals hockey game at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena. Adults and kids will love the action and excitement that this Western Hockey League teams brings to the rink. 

Travelling to Victoria for BC Family Day this February?  Here are some fun (and free!) things you can do with your kids while you are in town.