Once Vancouver's industrial manufacturing area, Granville Island is now home to many local artists, restaurants, theatres, a hotel and the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Granville Island has something for everyone; a children's area, jewelry stores, art shops, a beer brewery, boat rental offices and unique clothing stores. Once you have made your away around the shops, head over to the Public Market. There you can treat your taste buds to some local smoked salmon, artisan cheeses, local produce and fresh fudge. Make sure you don't miss the food hall; you can grab a bite from one of the many food vendors and sit inside to enjoy your treat, or make your way outside to watch some of the city's finest street performers. Located in False Creek, an adventure to Granville Island is just a boat or bus ride away from Downtown.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: The largest free outdoor water park calls Granville Island home.
Natasha's expert tip: Go during off peak hours during the weekday to avoid weekend and holiday crowds.
Stretching 5.5-miles (8.8km) around Stanley Park, this lovely jaunt is perfect on a sunny day to bike, walk, run and blade around. Going around the Seawall is best enjoyed with a few stops here and there, and fortunately for you, there are benches, beaches, and scenic spots to stop along the way. Wherever you decide to stop, epic views are always within reach. If the sun is shining and the temperature's rising, pack your towel and swimsuit and take advantage of the sandy beaches and cool ocean waters. No matter what your skill level is, the Seawall is enjoyable for all ages and athletic abilities.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: The Seawall is fun for adults and children. Rent a bike close to Stanley Park and enjoy the scenic stroll around the park.
Natasha's expert tip: There are set paths for specific directions and different lanes for those walking or biking, so make sure to be in the correct lane and avoid getting in the way of oncoming traffic.
Get your boarding pass, take your seat and prepare for a cross-country odyssey that will leave you wanderlust and ready for more! FlyOver Canada is Vancouver's only 4D attraction and the only one of its kind in Canada. Enjoy the smells, sights and sounds of Canada as wind breezes past your face. Located right beside the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, it's easy to access by foot, car or public transportation. The pre-show and Canadian Trail add to the experience of this excellent adventure. Filming these spectacular shots is Sherpas Cinema, while Whistler's own Dave Mossop directed. If you've been to Disney, you may recognize this concept from the Soaring Over California ride. Not only is the concept very similar, but they hired Disney's Creative Director Rick Rothschild to assist in the project.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: You won't find an experience like FlyOver Canada anywhere else - it's the only ride of its kind in Canada.
Natasha's expert tip: You can purchase your ticket ahead of time online at FlyOver Canada's website.
Down the road from Golden Ears Park is WildPlay Park. This park is an old campground that has been revitalized into an interactive park that will keep kids happy and entertain the adults too. The park is a series of treetop adventures, zip lines and other adrenaline inducing activities. The treetop adventures get you to traverse zip lines, swing on ropes, climb scrambling walls and hanging nets, test your balance on wobbly bridges, and navigate other fun challenges. The park has areas that are specifically for younger children and those ages 12 and up, so you really can please everyone in your group. This park is only about an hour away from Vancouver and is an ideal day trip.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: WildPlay Elements Park is a unique place for kids (and adults) to escape the city and have an outdoor adventure.
Natasha's expert tip: There is a campsite close to the park that's awesome to camp at during the warm months.
Go with the kids or your grandma, Science World, also knows as TELUS World of Science, is bound to excite all ages with the cool, interactive and educational exhibits. Science World keeps things fresh and interesting by hosting rotating exhibits alongside their permanent displays. The 400-seat OMNIMAX theatre is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. Located at the end of Vancouver's False Creek, Science World is easily accessible by bus, Aquabus or Skytrain. Science World received funding to undergo renovations and this allowed them to create an outdoor area that's a blast to explore! Make sure to catch a demonstration while you're there as they're neat for kids and adults.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: Science World at Telus World of Science is not only fun, it's educational! Exhibits change periodically so there are new things to explore.
Natasha's expert tip: If you can go during the week, you will find it to me far less busy than during the weekend.
Kitsilano Beach is one of Vancouver's most popular beaches. It's close proximity to downtown Vancouver and easy accessibility by public transportation, car and bicycle make it easy to get to any time of day. There's plenty of sand to stretch out and soak up the sun, plus grassy areas for those who want to keep sand out of their sandwiches. There are tennis courts, basketball courts, an outdoor salt-water pool, washroom and change room facilities and a couple of different dining options both on the beach and within walking distance. Kits beach is a popular spot for all ages and a great place to spend the day.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: The outdoor heated, salt-water pool at Kits Beach is perfect for families and has a shallow area for kids to play in.
Natasha's expert tip: If you like tossing around a football or Frisbee, playing some volleyball and hanging out at a buzzing beach with lots of sun-worshipers, "Kits" Beach is for you.
Located in Downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park offers a green oasis to city dwellers that stretches over 1,000 acres of land. Lord Stanley of Preston opened the park in 1888, and at the time it was a haven for gathering various material and food. Today, Stanley Park is home to half a million trees, the Vancouver Aquarium, the Malkin Bowl, carved totem poles, monuments, beaches, a lighthouse, and plenty of trails to take in the fresh air. During the summer months, the Malkin Bowl hosts a series of concerts that are the perfect way to spend a warm evening in the park. If hiking through forests isn't your thing, take advantage of the Seawall where you can run, walk, cycle or Rollerblade the 5.5 miles around Stanley Park. The lush greenery is a welcome escape from the busy city and though it's right downtown, you will feel miles away.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: Stanley Park has everything from trails to hike or bike, to beaches and a kids water park. Plus, it's super easy to get to.
Natasha's expert tip: There's a small water park along the Seawall and it's a great way to cool kids down on a hot day.
With 42,000 square feet of interlocking trampolines, Extreme Air Park is Canada's largest trampoline park! The trampolines aren't limited to just being on the floor - you can literally bounce off the walls here! The space itself is broken up into a few rooms where you can participate in different activities like 3-D dodge ball, The Air Zone, The Foam Zone, The Half Pipe, Zero Gravity Basketball and more! It's a great way to spend an afternoon with the kids, and adults may also find themselves having a little too much fun here. Located in Richmond, Extreme Air Park is a short drive from Vancouver.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: Extreme Air Park is made up of 42,000 square feet of interlocking trampolines and is Canada's largest trampoline park.
Natasha's expert tip: They provide you with socks to wear so that you won't slip.
Jacques Cousteau has said that Vancouver has some of the best underwater wildlife in the world, the only problem is that the waters off the coast can be rather chilly. Not interested in putting on a dry suit and submerging yourself under the frigid waters? No problem, the Vancouver Aquarium has solved that problem and brought some of British Columbia's most interesting sea creatures inside to inspire and educate visitors. The Vancouver Aquarium is a non-profit organization and they partake in worldwide marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation projects. When inside the aquarium, step into the rainforest exhibition, where you will be greeted by sleep Sloths, tropical birds, crocodiles, snakes and fish. Also, don't miss the display of fish that call British Columbia home. Make sure that you go outside and watch the Sea Otters goof around and catch one of the many shows that include dolphins, Beluga whales and Sea Lions.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: The Vancouver Aquarium's habitats are incredible! Check out British Columbia's marine life without having to travel or get wet.
Natasha's expert tip: They do scheduled shows with the animals and there's a listing inside the aquarium to let you know where and when they will be happening.
About 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver is the area's most famous attraction, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which sees some 800,000 visitors each year. The original bridge was built in 1889, and although it's been replaced since then, there's been a bridge here ever since. Swaying 230 feet above the Capilano River, the plank and cable bridge stretches 450 feet from one side to the other. Other attractions at the park include the world's largest privately owned collection of totem poles, totem carving demonstrations, hiking trails, two restaurants and a gift shop. During peak visitor season, there is a complimentary shuttle that picks up from downtown and drops off at Capilano Suspension Bridge. It also takes you back to the city when you've finished.
Recommended for Things to Do with Kids because: Kids will have a blast at Capilano Suspension Bridge! The bridge, Tree Top Adventure and Cliffwalk will get their adrenaline pumping.
Natasha's expert tip: Edgemont Village is just a short drive a way and a lovely spot to grab lunch after a trip to the bridge.
Read more about Capilano Suspension Bridge and Regional Park →