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Vancouver, situated in British Columbia, Canada, is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities – the city is well policed, has good infrastructure,

and is wealthy and cultured, and is considered to be an extremely family friendly place.

The temperate climate during the summer months is very well suited for children. Keep in mind though that Vancouver is a fairly expensive place to stay and visit, so it’s worth planning an itinerary in advance so that possibly costly last minute decisions are avoided. So with that in mind, here are some of the best things to do with kids:

• Splashdown Park

Splashdown Park is a Water Park located between Tsawwassen and Vancouver, a reasonably short distance by ferry. The Park is only open during the summer months, (June to September) but if you’re in Vancouver at this time it’s highly recommended. Admission for a family of four stands at $72.95 Canadian Dollars, but you really get your money’s worth with a large variety of slides for all ages of children and an area for picnics and sports as well as an arcade with all kinds of video games. Fun for all the family and you can easily spend the whole day there as there really is something for everyone.

• Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is a skiing area overlooking the entire city of Vancouver, which is great for families with slightly older children. During the winter there’s every kind of activity imaginable, such as Helicopter tours, Zip lines, a Cable car, Sleigh Rides, and Ice Skating, and during summer a whole new range of activities including Hiking, Paragliding, and even Lumberjack and Bird Shows. There is also a wildlife conservation centre for parents who want their kids to actually learn something on holiday!

• Stanley Park

Seldom will you find a guide of Vancouver which doesn’t talk about Stanley Park at some length. It’s situated on a little peninsula north of Downtown, and has all sorts of activities for all ages, as well as just being a relative abode of peace to the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Vancouver. Things that the kids will definitely love are Horse-drawn carriage tours, a beach pool, an aquarium, a little water park with water cannons and very shallow water that also boasts free admission, and even a driving school for kids featuring pedal cars, traffic signs, and stop lights. As a kid, I personally couldn’t have found anything more exciting than the thought of driving a small pedal car around a tarmac circuit –I had to make do with my sister’s tricycle!

• Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates and Patisserie

The Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates and Patisserie, is a Chocolate and Bakery shop located in North Vancouver and is a great place for parents who like to indulge their little ones (at least on holiday) with things that kids of all ages just can’t seem to get enough of. Whoever had a child that didn’t like chocolate, after all? Everything is handmade here, from sweets to wedding cakes. Children will probably want to spend a lot more time that you might have originally envisaged, so you had better be prepared to get your wallet out if you don’t want a riot on your hands. There is a Cafe and Patisserie where you and the kids can sample many of the delights and watch chocolate works of art being made before their eyes.

Family-friendly Hotels in Vancouver:

• Holiday Inn North Vancouver – Double room from CAD $170.
• Hotel The Pan Pacific Vancouver – Double room from CAD $269.
• Hotel Accent Inns Vancouver Airport – Double room from CAD $100.

Photo of Stanley Park, Vancouver, by Chang’r