My family keeps going back to Granville Island. Years after I moved away from the Pacific Northwest, I couldn’t forget a magical place with parks, glass studios, and a giant store just for kids. Once we moved back and found it again, we recommend it to everyone with children. Here’s ten reasons why.
#1 Kids Market
The premiere offering for kids on Granville Island is the Kids Market, a two-story shopping mall that caters only to the small set. Stores offer clothes, toys, puppets, kites and magic tricks next to an activity zone, cafe, and video arcade. Kids can even get their hair cut in a salon made just for them!
#2 Hit the Swings
Granville Island is dotted with playgrounds. Kids can hop on a see-saw, run up and down green lawns, climb the ropes, or hitch a ride on a saucer swing. Find public equipment to play on in the Railspur Park Playground, the Sutcliffe Park Playground, and Ron Basford Park.
#3 The Water Park
The water park is open on weekends from May until the end of June, then seven days a week from July until Labour Day in September. Hours of operation: 10am – 6pm. Two large slides and colorful pipes keep kids cool during the warm season.
#4 See a Show
The Carousel Theatre for Young People puts on shows that educate and entertain. Professional adult actors delight children with shows written especially for them. The BEE stage is designed for the smallest audience members and a year-round drama is performed for ages 3-17.
#5 The Public Market
Bakeries present fresh bread, cupcakes, and cookies. Chocolatiers display cases of bonbons in every color of the rainbow. Juice stands offer every smoothie flavor imaginable and fruit stands overflow with apples, citrus, and berries. There’s a treat for even the pickiest taste buds in the Granville Public Market.
#6 Rent a Kayak
There are two places to rent watercraft on Granville Island, Vancouver Water Adventures and Ecomarine. The minimum age for a kayaker is 10 years old but children age 6 and up can ride a Seadoo on the passenger side. Lessons and youth camps are also available.
#7 Arts Umbrella
Founded in 1979, this non-profit arts education center offers classes and camps in theater, dance, and the visual arts. Register for camp or check their calendar for public performances and culinary demonstrations year-round.
#8 See the Whales
Prince of Whales and Wild Whales Vancouver depart from Granville Island to observe Pacific Northwest wildlife in its natural habitat. Boats search the water for orca and humpback whales, along with seals, otters, and aquatic birds. Whale watching season runs from April 1 to October 31.
#9 Take a Water Taxi
Aquabus Ferries move passengers daily from Granville Island to destinations all over False Creek, Vancouver’s major waterfront. Tourists share space with busy commuters on colorful boats that are wheelchair-, pet-, and stroller-friendly.
#10 The Children’s Festival
Granville Island hosts the city’s annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival every spring. Youth workshops, Native American dance, craft booths, puppetry and theatrical performances are just a few of the things going on during this weeklong event. Check the website for this year’s schedule.
For more to do in Vancouver, take a look at the Christmas market, 4Cats Arts Studio and Grouse Mountain.