Vancouver, Canada’s great Western city and the third largest in the entire nation was the host of 2010 Winter Olympics. In addition to the scenery of the rugged Pacific Ocean coast on one side, a myriad of forested islands, and impressive snow-capped mountains rising to the north; Vancouver offers a great variety of museums and outdoor attractions to choose from. Although beautiful and fun-filled, visitors to Vancouver should be prepared for rain; bring slickers, galoshes and umbrellas! Vancouver’s weather is best from May to September, but you should be prepared all year long.
Few cities combine such stunning vistas and gracious citizens with so many family-friendly spots. And for the budding Olympians in the family, there are many wonderful places to work out. For even more great information, visit www.tourismvancouver.com.
Great Fun for the Kids
(Toddlers to Age 8)
Vancouver Aquarium
845 Avison Way
Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 3X8
604/659-3400
Vancouver Aquarium, Canada’s first official public aquarium, opened on June 15, 1956. It has become the largest in Canada and one of the five largest in North America, with 166 displays of over 70,000 animals that include moray eels, sharks, sea lions, seals, otters and many varieties of fish. Both parents and kids can enjoy the daily whale shows and shark dives. The underwater windows also give kids a chance to look at different aquatic mammals. The aquarium also offers many family-friendly amenities from strollers to family programming. Come during the holiday season for events like Scuba Claus makes his annual visits, as well as the Eel-ectric Lights show.
Granville Adventure Zone
1502 Duranleau St.
Granville Island
1496 Cartwright Street Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3Y5
604/608-6699
This small island near downtown offers a family-friendly excursion including the Kids Zone on Cartwritght Street. A multi-level playground keeps kids busy with slides, climbing structures and indoor adventures. Let the kids dive into the interactive virtual ball pit while they reinstall the real thing on the ground level. For toddlers, games include drumming, cymbals and musical fun.
Fun for Older Children
(Up to Age 18)
Vancouver Museum
Vanier Park
1100 Chestnut Street
Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9
604/736-4431
This museum opened in 1905 in the former Carnegie Library and survived two World Wars. Teens and older children can enjoy permanent displays, exhibitions and educational programs about the Vancouver region, and its natural history. Families can enjoy exhibits from “Boom, Bust and War” (exhibit on the affects of WII on Canada), to “You Say You Want A Revolution,” and “ The 50’s Gallery,” where you can learn about the history of 1950s from poodle skirts and other elements of popular culture.
Science World & Alcan Omnimax
TELUS World of Science
1455 Quebec Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7
604/443-7440
Science World is located in a geodesic dome or ‘golf ball’ that has 391 lights and 766 triangles on the exterior. Besides Science Theatre and OMNIMAX Theatre, there are five permanent galleries: the Eureka! Gallery, the Sara Stern Search Gallery, the Kidspace Gallery, the Our World Gallery, and Illusions (where children can play games such as optical illusions or puzzles to test their brain), as well as many special exhibitions. The OMNIMAX Theatre seats 400 people. Its screen is 27 meters in diameter with high fidelity and two-way sound with sub-bass that creates an unparalleled surround sound experience.
B.C. Place Stadium & Sports Hall of Fame
False Creek
777 Pacific Boulevard (Gate A)
Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8
604/687-5520
This is the world’s largest air-supported dome stadium, which is the home of the British Columbia Lions, one of the Canadian Football League teams. This stadium also presents the city’s largest concert and trade shows. Teens and older children can enjoy going through the history of the museum from old photographs, videos, and memorabilia from the past. There are over 20 galleries that feature BC sports from the early 1800’s to the present. Check their website for exhibits and information.
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Fun for the Family
Stanley Park
604/873-7000
This 1,000-acre park is located in the heart of Vancouver; the place local families go for walking, jogging, rollerblading and bike riding. Visitors can view the downtown skyline framed by trees, or go to the beach to look at different boats sailing on the water. This park has a summer time playground with a pool and water slides to help little kids cool down. Families can also board the old-fashioned horse-drawn tour (instead of walking with young kids in the hot weather) where they will be guided and shown the Deadman’s Island, Vancouver’s Harbour, Lions Gate Bridge, a Coastal Red Cedar Forest and stops at Totem Poles, and the Girl in a Wet Suit Statue. Families can also take their children to Vancouver Aquarium (see above for more information) or they can take them to a Children’s Farmyard and Railway where kids go to the petting zoo or ride on a miniature railway around the park.
Granville Island
This island in the middle of Vancouver is located at the south end of the Granville Street Bridge. It is a great spot for families who can drive, walk, or take a ferry that goes back and forth between Granville Island and different mini-docks around False Creek. This is a perfect family spot for both adults and children who want to shop, relax, and enjoy live free entertainment. Children can enjoy playing, shopping for clothes, or buying toys at the Kids Market or seeing the Granville Island Museums noted above. Families can also go to the largest free Water Park, where they can relax after a long day in the sun or have a picnic day and try different foods from the market.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
3735 Capilano Road
North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1
604/985-7474
The mother of all bridges and the oldest tourist attraction in the region, this novel and frightening 450-feet-long suspension bridge runs across River Canyon. You can spend time going back and forth and ignoring the creaking of planks under your feet, or take advantage of the fun kids’ treehouse, nature hikes, tours, and almost weekly programs designed for ages 6-12. When you’ve learned all about this bridge dating to 1889, and how its original hemp cable was replaced with steel, you can cross over and reach the Treetops Adventure, a series of seven suspended bridges hanging between beautiful old Douglas Fir trees. Like zip-lining, this place gets kids up close and personal with the trees, and in the mood to cross all of the smaller suspension bridges.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
North Vancouver over Lynn Creek
604/981-3103
For those who really enjoy the novelty of bridges, this is a perfect spot and it’s far less crowded than Capilano. Bold family members who want to hike, explore, and learn about Lynn Canyon will first have to cross the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, a narrow bridge that jiggles every time people walk on it. This wooden bridge, built in 1912, is 50 meters above the bottom of the canyon and is safe to cross. Afterwards, you can go on hiking trails, sun bathe on the rocks, visit the Ecology Centre to learn about the rainforest, or go on a picnic. Families can also go on longer hikes that lead to Seymour Demonstration Forest and the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.
Westminster Quay
New Westminster
604/520-3881
Catch the SkyTrain from downtown Vancouver for the scenic ride to Westminster Quay on the Fraser River. There are many activities for the whole family from shopping at traditional or specialty shops to exploring New Westminster. You can also board a paddle wheeler and go sight seeing on the Fraser River. Check the website for upcoming events and festivals and a list of local restaurants.
Lighthouse Park
West Vancouver
Lighthouse Park is a perfect place for families who enjoy going on outdoor adventures. This small park has a three-mile trail that winds along the seaside. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the trees and the ocean. On your walk, you can visit or take family photos near the Point Atkinson Lighthouse in West Vancouver.
Grouse Mountain
6400 Nancy Greene Way
North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
604/980-9311
Hop on the Skyride funicular for a 3,700-feet ascent and spectacular view of the city and bay. There’s also a chairlift to the summit you can take that rises 400 feet higher, and the popular hiking trail known as the Grouse Grind that will give everyone in the family a big workout. In summer, Grouse offers a lumberjack show, paragliding, mountain biking, hiking, and helicopter tours. If that’s not enough exercise, sign up for a zip-lining adventure that whizzes up to 50mph between the trees. Winter visitors to Grouse can ski, snowboard, snowshoe or take a sleigh ride.
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Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
I want to do a car trip with my infant child and wife. But, I was afraid how can I travel with my infant child. After reading your blog I got some courage. Thanks for sharing such information. Thanks a lot.
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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
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I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.