Vancouver with kids

Free Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids

Vancouver's best family days often cost nothing: a suspension bridge over a rainforest canyon, ten kilometres of seawall, sandy city beaches and summer splash parks. Transit fares and parking are usually the only costs.

By Play Your Trip · Updated · 3 min read

The Play Your Trip card for Vancouver

Here's a free day plan, then more ideas by season.

A free day: canyon, seawall and beach

The North Shore's free bridge in the morning, Stanley Park in the afternoon, a beach sunset.

  1. Morning

    Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge (opens Google Maps)

    A free suspension bridge swaying high above a canyon, with forest trails and, in summer, cold swimming holes. Hold little hands; the bridge moves. Parking is hard on busy days: arrive early. Bring a picnic, and dip your feet in the stream in calm, shallow spots.

  2. Lunch · Lunch

    Picnic at Lonsdale Quay (opens Google Maps)

    Bring lunch, then take the SeaBus back across the harbour (a transit fare, and a great view).

  3. Afternoon

    Stanley Park seawall and totem poles (opens Google Maps)

    Walk part of the seawall to the totem poles at Brockton Point; in summer, the free Variety Kids Water Park is nearby at Lumberman's Arch.

  4. Late afternoon

    English Bay or Kitsilano Beach (opens Google Maps)

    Sandy city beaches with playgrounds nearby; lifeguards in summer. Stay for the sunset.

More free ideas

  • Granville Island: the Public Market and the Kids Market are free to wander, with buskers outside.
  • Capilano River Regional Park: forest trails and a salmon hatchery where you can see fish climbing the ladders in season.
  • Gastown's steam clock: it whistles every quarter hour; the cobbled streets around it are fun to explore.
  • Queen Elizabeth Park: the city's highest point, with gardens and views (the Bloedel Conservatory dome inside charges a small fee).
  • Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch: a big children's area and a rooftop garden downtown.
  • Pacific Spirit Regional Park: easy forest trails near UBC, cool on hot days.
  • Summer splash parks: the Variety Kids Water Park in Stanley Park, Granville Island's water park, and neighbourhood spray parks like Prince Edward Park (near Main Street) and King George Park in Richmond.
  • Winter skating at Robson Square: free to skate on the covered downtown rink; rentals are extra.

Tips

  • Transit is the cheapest way around: one fare covers SkyTrain, buses and the SeaBus within its time limit.
  • Parking adds up at parks and beaches; check rates or go by transit.
  • Pack for rain even on a free day: the forest trails are best in waterproof shoes.

Questions

Is Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge free?

Yes. Lynn Canyon Park and its suspension bridge are free to visit; Capilano Suspension Bridge is a separate, paid attraction.

What can kids do for free in Vancouver?

Lynn Canyon's bridge, the Stanley Park seawall and totem poles, the beaches, summer splash parks, Granville Island's markets and the library's children's area.

Is Stanley Park free to visit?

Yes. The park, seawall, beaches and totem poles are free; the aquarium and parking are paid.