Hey, what happened to the Summer? It seemed so easy when we could just tell them to play outside. Set up a pool or give them a soccer ball and be back in time for dinner. Now it’s raining, again, they’ve been stuck in the house all day and if you don’t take them somewhere, they’re gonna flip out.

Kidtropolis – a miniaturized town inside a building in Richmond. It’s safe to let them just run around for hours, plus they sell snacks. This is always a winner.

Maple Wood Farm – a family-friendly farm that’s open rain or shine. Bring an umbrella or a ‘Muddy Buddy’ and let them feed the ducks, pet the goats, or hang out in the bunny hutch.

Hillcrest Centre – next to the Nat Bailey Stadium, this place has a huge indoor pool, an ice skating rink, gym, and library. Also, their coffee is pretty good.

Grouse or Cypress Mountain – during the cold winter months, if it’s raining downtown, it’s snowing up at the local peaks. Go for a ski, a snowshoe, or just for a hot chocolate.

Watch a movie – there are plenty of movie theatres in Vancouver. The two newest ones are at Park Royal, North Vancouver and at Marine Gateway. I love the VIP seats at the Cineplex at Marine Gateway, although you have to be 18+ to go in. Bliss!

The Vancouver Aquarium – spend all day looking at the fish, frogs, sloths, otters, and more. There’s usually some kind of workshop or movie to keep the family busy too.

Science World – two floors of experiments, things to press, and twirly things to, well twirl. This is great for all ages and also has an IMAX screen for really big documentary screenings.

Get a gelato – La Casa Gelato has over 200 flavours to try, although I don’t recommend you taste them all in one visit. There are people behind you who are really hungry!

Visit the birds at The Bloedel Conservatory – walk among the covered mini rainforest and see the tropical birds. It’s not huge, but it’s located within the Queen Elizabeth Park so there’s a restaurant, big fountain, and other things to check out.

Kids’ Market at Granville Island – arcade games, kid’s shops, a caged-in jungle gym activity area, the Kid’s Only Market has it all. It’s also close enough to the main market that you can go and grab something delicious for lunch and hit JJ Bean for a coffee too.

Any other ideas? Please, pleeeease let me know! It’s only September and we’ve done these 10 things already.

Update

I asked on Reddit /r/Vancouver and the local community shared a few more ideas:

YVR Airport – u/Millijuna said: They have a couple of publicly accessible sports where you can watch the activity on the ramp and runways, or sit in your car near the foot of 26R and watch the jets do their thing.

Origins Parkour – An amazing place for people to get their energy out by running and jumping over/under/through obstacles. r/usetheforce_ said: Origins on Main Street has drop-ins sometimes (I know there’s a Tuesday 10-11am one) and it’s amazing.

Vancouver Planetarium – Go and explore all the excitement that Space has to offer. Also, check out the giant metal crab fountain out front.

Capital City Classic Arcade, New Westminster – just outside of the city, but plenty of fun once you’re there.

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