Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Vancouver - 2021

Dedicated to education and conservation, the Greater Vancouver Zoo is home to many rescued, donated and orphaned animals. The mission of the Greater Vancouver Zoo is to inspire appreciation of  our ecosystems and support conservation efforts by engaging the community.

Discover the sights and sounds of 140 species on 120 acres in the heart of the Fraser Valley.

Since 1979, Granville Island has been representing arts and culture in Vancouver to locals and tourists alike. With a world-famous Public Market that houses over 50 vendors whose wares vary from local produce to international delicacies, and the artwork of hundreds of Canadian artisans on display in studios around the Island, Granville Island is a delight and a feast for all the senses. It is a magnet for children of all ages, and it’s no wonder, considering there is a market devoted entirely to kids! Home to the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, as well as North America’s largest outdoor free waterpark, open annually from May until September, no matter your age, there is something here that will make you fall in love!

The Vancouver Aquarium is a self-supporting, non-profit society dedicated to effecting the conservation of aquatic life through display, communication, public programming and education, research and direct action. We are an Ocean Wise® initiative and home to thousands of incredible ocean species and amazing aquatic life. It’s also Ocean Wise headquarters, where our scientists, educators and conservation experts do their work, not only to protect our oceans but to inspire others to join us in our mission. Since opening in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium has connected more than 40 million people from around the world to our oceans and all the wonders within them.

Ignite your curiosity and discover the wonders of science and technology at Science World. Immerse yourself in interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits, inspirational feature exhibitions and jaw-dropping live science demonstrations. 

Dates of Operation: Please visit scienceworld.ca for operating hours and special closure dates.

Of course, the libraries in the Vancouver area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them #3 in best places to take kids this year!

From one small berry stand, Maan Farms has grown into a place with something for everyone, whether you want to sample the fresh berries, fruits and vegetables, enjoy the delicious ice cream and jam, make some new friends in the critter corral, get lost in the fall corn maze, enjoy a free wine tasting, whiz by on the zipline or simply stop by for a visit in the family picnic area. But some things have not changed. Maan Farms still grows the juiciest red strawberries in the Fraser Valley, and we are always happy to greet everyone who stops by, whether they are a familiar face or a first time visitor.

Maplewood is a municipal park/farm operated by the Parks Department of the District of North Vancouver; located on 2.5 beautiful pastoral hectares, minutes from Mount Seymour & downtown Vancouver. Specializing in the display and care of domestic farm animals & birds, the Farm offers three areas where guests can interact with the animals: Rabbitat where the bunnies reside; Goathill where the goat kids & their moms play; & the Duck Yard where the ducks & geese hang out. Pony rides are available seasonally.

Please check out our website to learn more about how Maplewood Farm is ensuring safe visits during COVID-19.

Theatre Under the Stars Vancouver is a not for profit society that has entertained through outdoor musical theatre shows since 1940. So much more than just a night at the theatre, TUTS interweaves a kaleidoscope of elements - setting, scenery, concessions, and quality art - into a fun, encompassing experience that is much greater than the sum of its parts. Nestled among awe-inspiring Douglas Firs, the company is uniquely suited to Vancouver and reflects some of the city’s most collectively embraced values: exuberance, expression, nature, and youth.

FlyOver Canada utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight. You will hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-metre spherical screen while our film whisks you away on an exhilarating 8-minute journey across Canada, from east to west. Special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience. While FlyOver Canada is intended for all ages, all passengers boarding FlyOver Canada must be over 102cm/40″ tall.

The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is less than one hour's drive from the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is one of 92 federal Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in Canada. Public use is managed by the British Columbia Waterfowl Society under a long-term agreement with Environment Canada. The Sanctuary consists of a mix of 300 hectares of ponds, treed pathways, intertidal marshes and channels. It is located west of the community of Ladner.

Massey Theatre opened in 1949 as British Columbia's largest theatre. Today, Massey Theatre proudly hosts professional orchestras like the Vancouver Symphony, stars like singing sensation Jewel, and stunning productions like Hello Dolly! by the Renowned Royal City Musical Theatre. The Massey Theatre boasts production workshops, a full-size stage, an audience chamber of 1260 seats and a visual arts gallery. Massey Theatre is a free-standing organization that works to support the performing arts throughout the Metro Vancouver Region.

The Vancouver Art Gallery School Programs provide exhibition tours and workshops designed for elementary and secondary school groups. These programs introduce tools to foster visual literacy in students and to promote critical thinking about the world around us.

The Gallery also offers a Teen Art Group (TAG), an exciting art program for teens who are interested in art and design and who want to explore and expand their creative practice while attending high school. The program takes place two afternoons each month during the school year, from October to May, and alternates between Emily Carr University of Art + Design and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Students are introduced to art-making practices in the studio and visual culture in the Gallery and work with a variety of artists and innovators.

Outreach, field trips, and teacher resources: Discover the wonderful world of animals! Join us every Spring and all Summer long for our Jr. Zoologist Camps! Kids aged 7-12 can come explore the wonderful world of animals through a variety of activities here at the GVZoo.