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12 Family Activities You Can Do in Vancouver for under $10
We love Vancouver, we love summer and we love a good deal (who doesn't?). So, why not combine the three? Grab the kids and check out these 12 fun activities you can do in Vancouver this summer—all for under $10 a person.
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Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
On a rainy day, head to the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. It's simply one of the best galleries in the city. Highlights include a full-scale totem pole, plenty of Haida manga art, Reid's jewelry and a beautiful and inspiring short film called The Flight of the Hummingbird. Adults pay $10, youth are $5 and children under 12 are free.
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Tour of False Creek on the Aquabus
If outdoor adventures are more your speed, then take a tour of False Creek on the Aquabus. Our recommendation: start at Science World, enjoy the 25-minute boat ride and finish at Granville Island (take the afternoon to explore). The Aquabus is $8 for adults, a mere $4 for kids, and tots under three (and Fido) are free.
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Tour the Fairmont Waterfront’s Rooftop Apiary
Take your mini foodies or aspiring chef on a tour of the Fairmont Waterfront's rooftop apiary (open daily at 3 pm, from May to September). Tours are free, but we recommend making a post-tour stop at the ARC Restaurant on the lobby level to try their house churned ice cream (we recommend the burnt honey flavour, made with help from those rooftop bees).
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Free movies in Stanley Park
Free movies in Stanley Park? Sign me up. Movies will be shown every Tuesday in July and August (weather permitting) and have a roster that includes hits like Rocky Horror, Dirty Dancing and Labyrinth. Also, consider taking the SkyTrain, bus or Seabus to Stanley Park (if my niece and nephew are any indication: kids loooove public transit).
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Vancouver Art Gallery
If your little ones are into art like my niece is (she redecorated her room to look like an art gallery), head on over to the Vancouver Art Gallery (admission is by donation on Tuesdays from 5pm to 9pm). There is also a weekly family program on Sundays (kids under 12 are free), where they bring exhibitions to life and offer art-making activities.
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Catch Some Live Music
There are plenty of opportunities to watch free music in Vancouver this summer. Check out your local farmers' market, the Jazz Festival (June 24rd to July 3rd) and the Shipyards Night Market (Fridays at 5pm at the bottom of Lonsdale Ave. in North Van).
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Honey Doughnuts at Deep Cove
Make your way to Deep Cove and hike to Quarry Rock (kid and dog-friendly!) When you're done, head to Honey's Doughnuts (the real reason you came to Deep Cove or went on the hike to begin with). A doughnut and coffee will cost you less than $5.
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Vancouver Public Library
I could probably write 20 activities to do just at the Vancouver Public Library (as I was writing this article, there were over 1,200 upcoming free children's events at VPL!) Everything from story time to board games to arts and crafts are happening at locations across the city.
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Hives For Humanity
Starting May 19th, Hives for Humanity will be hosting weekly beekeeping workshops every Thursday at Hastings Urban Farm. Attend any weekly workshop or their celebratory feast on July 28th (complete with a honey tasting!) for free.
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Nourish Vancouver Café & Cooking School
The brand new French farmhouse-inspired Nourish Vancouver Café & Cooking School in Point Grey/Kitsilano offers a mini farmers' market and fun kitchen play area for kids. Entrance is free with a purchase from the café (most items are under $10!)
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The Rio Theatre
One of my favourite places in Vancouver? The Rio Theatre. Although many of the movies in this old-fashioned theatre are 19+, they do offer some shows that are kid-friendly too (like the Oscar-nominated Boy & The World). Tickets range from $6 to $10.
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Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
If you can handle heights, there's a free alternative to the popular Capilano Suspension Bridge – the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. Be sure to steady yourself before taking any photos of the surrounding scenery (the bridge is 50 meters high!)