6 Must-Visit Places for Families in Vancouver

Have you run out of ideas for kid-friendly summer activities? Or maybe the little ones are getting stir crazy on a rainy weekend? Whatever the situation is, here are our five must-visit places for families in Vancouver to keep everyone entertained.

This awesome attraction, wedged between the uber-popular Stawamus Chief and Shannon Falls, is much more than just a 10-minute gondola ride: it's a new way to access a previously inaccessible area of Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. At the summit, there are spectacular views of Howe Sound and Garibaldi Park, several newly constructed hiking and walking trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels (wheelchair accessible too) and a breathtaking new suspension bridge called Sky Pilot. If you're afraid of heights (yikes) relax in the small self-serve restaurant, aptly named Summit Lodge.

You don't have to live in a yellow submarine to be exposed to tiny seahorses, armoured sturgeon, graceful beluga whales and everything see-worthy in between. Just visit the Vancouver Aquarium. Where else can little ones wander through the Amazon, explore Canada's Arctic, and then walk up and down BC's varied coastline and just in time for lunch?

If you have sports fans in the family then be sure to visit the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Located at Gate A of the new BC Place, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games and Hall of Champions galleries honour BC's rich sport history, while inspiring the future. It's the only museum ‘that makes you sweat!'

What kid doesn't love the hands-on exploration at a science centre? Vancouver's Science World offers an experience that will have everyone in the family—even you 'big kids'—wanting to go back. From featured exhibits like Creativity in Motion to the always intriguing BodyWorks, this place is guaranteed to tire you out with hours of fun.

This natural garden is not a well-manicured field of blooms—it's an amazing collection of indigenous plants and trees, spanning 110 acres of forested trails for exploring. There are lots of benches along the way to enjoy a snack, and a handful of family activities from the Canopy Walkway to the Rainforest Garden to the UBC Farmers' Market.

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 new FlyOver Canada attraction at Canada Place designed to show us all just how amazing and diverse our country is, while experiencing the special effects that make us feel that we are truly flying over it all. Good to Know: Kids must be 102 cm (40 inches) tall to enjoy the attraction.