The 14 Best Places to Take the Kids in Vancouver

Need some fun things to do with the kids? We've rounded up all of our favourite picks and places to take the kiddos that we've featured over the years.

Kokopelli Cafe is mom-designed and operated—need we say more? Some of the family-friendly touches include a large play area, an extra-wide door for those double strollers, kiddie-sized bathroom fixtures and a big clock on the wall so you don't miss preschool pick-up time. You'll feel so at home you might forget to go home—but never fear, if you're running late for dinner prep you can grab one of the family-sized, homestyle meals from the Kokopelli freezer.

Opened in 2011, 6Pack Indoor Beach is Western Canada's only indoor beach volleyball facility. Bring the 7 and under crowd to Kidz Beach for Lil' Diggers, where they can play in the largest indoor sandbox in the city (and you don't have to remember sunscreen).

Buckle in for an amazing ride experience and travel from east to west, feeling the effects of being 20 feet off the ground, wind in your hair, spray off the water and enjoy the local smells along the way. It's all part of the FlyOver Canada attraction at Canada Place designed to show us all just how amazing and diverse our country is. Good to Know: Kids must be 102 cm (40 inches) tall to enjoy the attraction.

The Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge is a spectacle that everyone (young and old) should see. With thousands of lights glittering throughout the rain forest, it's dazzling. And don't worry if you're scared of heights, it takes place when it's dark out, so you won't be able to see anything when you look down from the Cliffwalk, a suspended walkway jutting out from a hunk of granite high above the ground—terrifying in daylight!

Chances are you've heard of Spa Utopia, which has three locations in Greater Vancouver and is beyond sumptuous. Its school offers full-body Swedish massages, therapeutic sessions for sports injuries and joint complaints, and pregnancy massages. A 60-minute massage goes for $38.

The Vancouver Aquarium is open throughout the Christmas break with regular holiday hours, so there's no reason why you shouldn't check it out. Luminescence: A celebration of aquatic life is also featured and the 4-D theatre and craft corner will keep the little ones busy.

The popular wintertime sport is fun for all ages. Skate with your family at Robson Square and participate in some of their other family-friendly activities, such as Christmas carolling and their New Years Eve celebrations.

The Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden is a magical wonderland of twinkling lights, joyful music and the glowing smiles of happy people. From December 11 to January 4 (closed on Christmas Day), meet Santa Claus in his living room and enjoy the Dancing Lights.

Mount Seymour is the least expensive option if you are looking to ski this holiday break. Children five and under ski free and a family pass is $148 for the day. For non skiers, there are tubing, tobogganing and snowshoeing on offer. If you are interested in the tobogganing, bring your own magic carpet (no rentals or inflatables allowed).

If you're also catching a Whitecaps or Canucks game over the break, then bring your ticket and get 1/2 price off admission to the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Offer is valid two weeks before and after event date. You'll be entertained and educated about sports through interactive exhibits, displays and videos. The stories of featured athletes will make the whole family appreciate the next Olympic games that much more.

This stunning 2010 Winter Games legacy building is open to the public all day, and their warm leisure pool offers water toys, spray jets, cannons and a lazy river. If you prefer your water frozen, pop over to the rink for a Parent and Tot Skate. Whether you prefer to swim or skate—Hillcrest is a blast.

We're amazed every year by the Bright Nights in Stanley Park—the lengths (and heights) that the firefighters go to illuminating the Douglas Firs in Stanley Park is truly breathtaking (as are the firefighters). And did we mention proceeds go to the Burn Unit?

Stay warm and spend some quality family time around the kitchen table this holiday break. We have some great game suggestions for all ages.

When all else fails over the holiday break, take the kids to your local Vancouver Public Library branch. You can't go wrong with their family fun workshops and activities, and they will be busy for hours getting lost in their favourite children's books the library has to offer.