We’ve all heard it and have used it before, the dreaded ‘B’ word that usually accompanies this sentence… “Mommy I’m BORED!” Summer vacations stuck in the house can be a downer. I get it vacations can be costly. Why not have a staycation and play tourist in your own city! This is exactly what my family and I did last week! Here’s a list of 12 things to do in and around Vancouver to keep the kids from using the dreaded ‘B’ word.
1. Science world
My kids always love visiting science world. Science world always has something new to offer with different exhibits being showcased year round. They’re hours of operation varies depending on what time of the year you go so I suggest checking the website before visiting!
Tickets Price: Adult – $25.00, Child – $17.00
2. H.R. Macmillan Space Centre and Museum of Vancouver
My Girls are obsessed with astronomy and growing up I was to! You can dress up like astronauts, try and lift a meteorite and journey to the moon with the space centre’s awesome planetarium dome with different shows be sure to catch one! The Museum of Vancouver is located right next door and offers some very cool facts and history about The early starts of Vancouver. My girls loved seeing the different eras of Vancouver from the settlers to the 50s and 70s there so much to learn and see!
Space Centre Ticket Price: Adult – $18.00, Child (5 to 11) – $13.00, Family (2 adults, 3 kids) – $56.00
Museum of Vancouver Ticket Price: Adult – $19.00, Child (9 to 18) $9.00, Family (2 adults, 3 kids) – $40.00
3. The Vancouver Aquarium
Two out of my three girls, Belle and Aria, love the Vancouver aquarium. Margaux on the other hand could do without it! She’s afraid of all the huge tanks of water with different types of fish. Especially the amazon ones! My favourite thing about the aquarium are the jelly fish and penguins.
Ticket Prices: Adult – $48.00, Child (4 to 12) – $21.00
4. Steveston Village
This is a popular place for fish and chips, Ice cream, walk the boardwalk and buy fresh seafood. There are many restaurants to choose from and little boutique shops. Steveston Village is a great place to pick up a souvenir if your visiting from out of town.
5. Bike the Seawall at Stanley Park
Stanley park is our version of Central Park! There are SO MANY things to do here. From biking the seawall, to water parks and beaches you could spend an entire day with the kiddies here!
6. Queen Elizabeth Park
My girls love looking at all the flowers that the gardens of Queen Elizabeth Park has to offer. There’s some great picture taking opportunities at the fountain by the floral conservatory, oh and there’s also the floral conservatory to visit!
7. Take a Splash at a Waterpark or take a dip in a Pool
What better way to entertain the kids during the summer than to visit one of Vancouver’s many water parks?! Second Beach pool located in Stanley Park is always a hit with the kids as well! Featuring three waters slides and an 80m length pool you can spend so many fun filled hours here, I know we did!
8. Beach it!
Our favorite beach is hands down centennial beach! Heads up you must know when the tide is in or you’ll be with an ocean less beach for most of the day but it’s super family friendly and there’s an awesome playground for the kids. The bathroom facilities are also usually well kept.
9. Twilight drive-in
Catch a movie the old school way at the twilight drive-in! Our girls LOVE the drive in and so do he hubby and I! Get 3 movies for the price of 1 and the kids can play around all they want. Look out for what movies are playing Friday – Sunday by checking their website on Tuesday!
10. Grab some Ice cream
Who can say no to grabbing ice cream on a hot summers day! Try baskin robins, earnest ice cream, la casa gelato and so much more!
11. Sea to Sky Gondola
My family and I just experienced the sea to sky gondola last week while the hubs was on vacation and it was amazing! The kids enjoyed the entire day. There’s so much to do once you get up on the mountain from playgrounds to hiking trails a suspension bridge and stunning picturesque views.
Ticket Prices: Adult – $41.95, Child (6 to 12) $13.95, Family (2 adults, 2 kids) $107.95
12. Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is not my favourite thing to do as I am deathly afraid of heights and when I was 9 years old my dad had to carry my crying self across this bridge but the girls and my hubby find this an adventure! If you’re a B.C. resident I recommend getting the annual pass! Annual pass holders get to experience the Capilano Suspension Bridge all year round for the price of one regular admission!
Ticket Prices: Adult – $46.95, Child (6 to 12) $15.95
While you’re out and about in enjoying the Summer sun don’t forget your sun safety! Check out my 8 ways to beat the summer heat post for tips on how to stay cool this Summer.
What are your favorite places to visit around Vancouver?
Until next time
xoxo
Beth
With this blog I strive to cultivate and foster a community that encourages and empowers women from all walks of life. I am a stay at home to my three beautiful daughters and I am married to my high school sweetheart and together we have built a life we love. You can usually find me with a book in one hand and a Starbucks coffee in the other. I hope that this blog brings you comfort in knowing that you aren’t alone in whatever it is you’re growing through as a mother, a wife, a woman.
