5 fun things to do with kids in downtown Vancouver

My kids and I are lucky to be living just outside Vancouver, Canada, which is (though I am biased) one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

If you're traveling in this part of the world, and visiting Vancouver, there are lots of fun things to do around the city with your kids. Here are some of my family's favorite places and activities.

Third Beach, Stanley Park.

1. Walk around Stanley Park
A visit to Stanley Park is a must for anyone in Vancouver, whether you're a local or tourist. There's so much to do: beaches, playgrounds, walking the seawall, renting a bike and riding around the park, seeing the gardens... My kids love going there, and for more ideas on what to do, check out this post: 13 things to do in Stanley Park.

2. Visit Science World
Science World is one of the best places to take your kids for hands-on, educational fun. You can learn about electricity, alternative energy sources, the human body, animals and insects, and much much more. It's walking distance from the downtown core, or you can take the Skytrain to the Main Street/Science World Station.

3. Explore Vancouver Aquarium
Together with Science World, the Aquarium is my kids' favorite destination if they get to pick one themselves. The Aquarium is located inside Stanley Park, so it's a perfect spot to visit if you're already there. It's fun for kids, it's educational, and it's just a tremendous experience for adults and kids to see some fantastic creatures up close and personal. 

4. Enjoy Granville Island
This is another place my kids love to visit. There's a lot to do here: shop for one-of-a-kind arts and crafts in the stores, buy some local produce, take a walk around the island, have some ice cream or baked goods at a cafe, spend some time at the playground, have a meal at a restaurant, or just people-watch, listen to the buskers, or chase some pigeons around. For some tips about what to do if you visit, you can read: 12 fun things to do with kids on Granville Island.

5. Ride a ferry
For a cheap and easy way to see Vancouver from the water (and this is a city where the water is everywhere), grab your kids and hop aboard one of the little bright-colored ferries that travel around the city. False Creek Ferries and Aquabus go to many destinations, including Granville Island, Yaletown, Science World, and the Maritime Museum.