with the kids A WEEKEND AWAY

As a parent in Vancouver, planning the perfect weekend with kids can be both exciting and daunting. There are so many activities and attractions to choose from but not all of them will be suitable for children. However, with a little bit of planning and research, it is possible to create a fun and memorable weekend that the whole family will enjoy. Here is a suggested itinerary for the perfect family weekend in Vancouver.

Day 1: Saturday

9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the Granville Island Public Market. This bustling indoor market is a great place to grab breakfast or brunch and let the kids explore. They can sample fresh fruit, baked goods and even watch artisans create hand-crafted products.

11:00 AM: Take a water taxi from Granville Island to downtown Vancouver. This short boat ride is a fun way to see the city from a different perspective and kids will love being out on the water.

12:00 PM: Head to Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre park located in the heart of Vancouver. Take a stroll through the park’s beautiful gardens, visit the totem poles and then stop at the Vancouver Aquarium. The aquarium has a variety of marine life, including dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters and more. Be sure to catch one of the animal shows, which are both educational and entertaining.

3:00 PM: Head back downtown and check out the historic Gastown district. Kids will love the steam clock and the cobblestone streets and parents will enjoy the trendy boutiques and cafes. Grab a coffee and a treat and take a walk around the neighbourhood.

6:00 PM: For dinner, try Burgoo, a family-friendly restaurant that serves comfort food such as mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. There are several locations throughout the city.

8:00 PM: End the day with a visit to Science World. This interactive science museum has exhibits and activities that are fun for kids of all ages. Be sure to catch an Omnimax movie, which is shown on a giant domed screen.

Day 2: Sunday

9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This park has a variety of activities, including a suspension bridge that spans 450 feet over a river, a treetop adventure course and a cliff walk. The park is located in North Vancouver but is easily accessible by public transit.

12:00 PM: For lunch, head to The Fish Counter, a seafood restaurant that is committed to sustainability and has a kid’s menu. Try the fish and chips or the fish tacos.

2:00 PM: After lunch, head to the Vancouver Art Gallery. The gallery has a collection of over 11,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures and photographs. Kids will enjoy the Family Fuse program, which has hands-on activities and art projects.

5:00 PM: For dinner, try Virtuous Pie, a plant-based pizzeria that has a variety of creative toppings and a kid’s menu. There are several locations throughout the city.

7:00 PM: End the weekend with a visit to the Vancouver Lookout. This observation deck is located at the top of the Harbour Centre and offers panoramic views of the city. Kids will love seeing the city lights and the boats in the harbour.

Overall, this itinerary provides a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences and good food. Of course, it can be modified to suit the interests and ages of your children. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Vancouver, there is always something to do with kids in this beautiful city.