Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Vancouver
We experience many different types of rain in Vancouver – mist, light rain, downpours, rain coming in all directions, and perhaps the pinnacle rain experience – rain mixed with snow. And while you may want to curl up inside with a good book, your kids have other plans that involve you entertaining them. Check out this list of ways to spend a rainy day in Vancouver that are sure to leave everyone (well, almost everyone) singin’ in the rain.
Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Vancouver
Bloedel Conservatory
Escape the rain and head to the tropics at Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park. With its temperature-controlled environment, the Conservatory is home to more than 100 exotic birds and 500 exotic plants and flowers. Take a self-guided tour while learning about tropical ecosystems and biodiversity. Be sure to grab a children’s scavenger hunt from the front desk!
Circus Play Café
If you’ve ever thought your dreams of enjoying a hot coffee in a cozy café on a rainy day with a toddler were unlikely to come true – check out Circus Play Café in Vancouver! The indoor playground has been purposefully designed to allow children and their caregivers to connect through play and imaginative exploration. Plus, there’s a café that serves quality, healthy food (and super cute kids’ “tapas boxes”) – and coffee, of course.
EXIT
When your kids have outgrown indoor playgrounds, escape rooms are the way to go! EXIT offers a range of room options in varying levels of difficulty. Each location features its own themes – at Vancouver West Broadway, you’ll find Avalanche, Horcrux: Haunted Mansion, Arcade Frenzy, and CSI: The Chopping Block. Depending on age and comfort level, look for the degree of difficulty listed in each theme description. An adult must accompany children between the ages of 6-12. Multiple Lower Mainland locations.
Kidtropolis
Explore a world of imaginative play at Kidtropolis in Richmond. The 18,000 square foot facility is home to a pretend city designed just for kids. From a fire station to an animal hospital to a pizzeria and more, there’s no shortage of places for kids to discover. Kidtropolis also features a café, the perfect spot to enjoy a snack after a busy day out on the town (and after washing hands, of course!). While not required, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
Science World
Science World is an obvious choice for a rainy-day activity but it almost seems disrespectful to not include – it is a beloved spot for many Vancouverites and a memorable part of our childhoods (and now, our children’s lives, too). Kids of all ages can enjoy interactive, hands-on exhibits and galleries that encourage exploration through STEAM.
The Hive
Check out the Hive Bouldering Gym if you’re looking for an activity that promises to burn some energy on a rainy day in Vancouver. And if your kids are totally new to climbing – bouldering is one of the easiest ways to start climbing (let’s be honest, they are likely expert climbers around furniture/playgrounds/anything they shouldn’t climb). NOTE: the Hive has age-specific parent-to-child supervisory ratios so be sure to visit the website to plan ahead. Multiple Lower Mainland locations.
Vancouver Aquarium
You can’t go wrong with a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium – rain or shine. Check out thousands of ocean species and aquatic life through a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits and experiences. Current features include BBC Earth’s Shark: A 4D Experience and the interactive exhibit, Nature’s Ninjas: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom. Of course, no visit is complete without a stop at what is arguably the World’s Greatest Gift Shop – start saving now!
Vancouver Public Library
Check out one of the Vancouver Public Library’s 21 locations throughout the city and fill your proverbial bucket with books, movies, and more. The library offers free programs and activities – including crafts, games, creative workshops, and of course, storytime – so be sure to visit the website to find out what’s happening before you go.
Watermania
Kids will be in pool paradise at Watermania in Richmond. The facility features a 57-metre pool, 1- and 3-metre springboards as well as a 5-metre tower, two waterslides, two large whirlpools, and a wave pool with interactive water play features (including a slide for the littlest littles). Universal and accessible change rooms are available and the facility is fully wheelchair accessible.
West Coast Mini Putt
Why not make rainy weather an excuse to par-tee? At West Coast Mini Putt in Richmond, parents and kids, alike will have a blast playing the 18-hole mini putt golf course, featuring nine glow-in-the-dark holes. Be sure to book reservations at the family-owned establishment, especially on weekends.
Lastly, there’s much to be said about suiting up in your raingear and heading outdoors for some family fun. We live in Vancouver, after all! Take the kids for a hike on one of our many scenic trails as you explore parks, forests, and more. For example, Capilano Regional River Park in North Vancouver has several connected trails that can lead you in and around the Cleveland Dam and the Capilano Salmon Hatchery. The clothes will dry, the complaints will become a distant memory, and you’ll be left with happy thoughts about a day well spent together.
