7 Free Things to Do with the Kids in Vancouver

Having fun in the city with the kids doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. When you live in the Vancouver—one of the greatest cities on earth—you can find a plethora of free family activities to keep your little ones engaged while your finances recover.

Open your toddler's eyes to the wonders of our forests. The Lynn Valley Ecology Centre hosts Treetop Tales—an interactive storytime—every other Friday morning. Entrance is by donation.

Embrace your inner Picasso. The Vancouver Art Gallery hosts free family programs every Sunday from 12–4 with the price of admission. Explore the gallery with an Art Agent and learn the story behind the picture.

Find balance. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park is a tranquil and classic Chinese garden maintained by the City of Vancouver, featuring a pagoda and Chinese architecture. It's located beside a classical Chinese garden that charges $14 admission, but you can find harmony in this park for free.

Crazy for trains? Visit the Engine 374 Pavilion at the Roundhouse Community Centre to see the first locomotive to pull into Vancouver after the completion of the transcontinental railway in 1887.

Get handy. Home Depot holds free workshops for kids ages 4–12 every second Saturday. Race cars are even better when you build them yourself.

When in doubt, read. Vancouver libraries offer free drop-in story times for both babies and toddlers. Check your local library for dates and hours.

Lace ‘em up. Bring your own skates and enjoy free skating at Robson Square until the end of February.