A family of four can do three full days in Vancouver for $350-$700 CAD (~$255-$510 USD) on activities and food, with the range depending on whether you choose Capilano ($225) or Lynn Canyon (free) and how many meals you pack versus buy. June through September gives you the best weather and the longest beach days, but Vancouver's indoor options can fill a rainy winter visit just as well.
This itinerary groups activities by neighbourhood so you're spending time with your kids, not stuck in traffic.
Day 1 — Stanley Park + Downtown Waterfront
Morning (9:30AM-12:30PM): Stanley Park
Start at Stanley Park Seawall. Rent bikes from a Denman Street shop (cheaper than waterfront stands — ~$80-$120 CAD for a family of 4 for 2 hours) or walk the seawall for free. Hit the totem poles at Brockton Point, stop at one of the four playgrounds, and let kids run through the Variety Kids Water Park at Lumbermen's Arch (free, open all summer). Spot harbour seals sunning on rocks along the way. Cost: $0-$120 CAD.
If you have younger kids, swap the bike ride for a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium inside the park. Sea otters, jellyfish, touch pools — plan for 2-3 hours. Under 3 free. Cost: $140-$180 CAD.
Lunch (12:30-1:30PM): Granville Island
Drive or take the mini-ferry to Granville Island Public Market. Free entry. Free samples from vendors. Kids build their own lunch from different stalls. The outdoor playground is right outside. Cost: $40-$60 CAD for food.
After lunch, walk to the Kids Market on Granville Island. Free entry — play areas and the Adventure Zone indoor jungle gym cost $5-$15 per child. Toy shops to browse. Cost: $10-$30 CAD.
Afternoon (3-5PM): Science World
A 10-minute walk from Granville Island brings you to Science World. The Wonder Gallery is built for toddlers (water tables, sensory play). Bigger kids head to the Eureka Gallery. Live science shows with fire and liquid nitrogen run throughout the day. Cost: $120-$140 CAD. Plan for 2-3 hours.
After Science World, let kids burn remaining energy at Creekside Park Playground right next door — zipline, climbing tower, tube slide. Cost: free.
Evening: Dinner
Head to Sal y Limon on Commercial Drive for casual Mexican food. Kids can share a burrito — they're massive. Cost: $50-$65 CAD.
Day 1 Total: $220-$415 CAD (~$160-$300 USD)
Day 2 — North Shore Adventures
Morning (9:30AM-12PM): North Vancouver
Option A (free): Lynn Canyon Park. Free suspension bridge 50 metres above the canyon, old-growth forest trails, and summer swimming holes at the 30 Foot Pool. The Ecology Centre is by donation. Cost: $0.
Option B (splurge): Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. 230-foot-high bridge, Treetops Adventure in the forest canopy, Cliffwalk on the cliff face. Kids 5 and under free. Free shuttle from downtown. Cost: $200-$250 CAD.
Lunch (12-1PM): Lonsdale Quay
Take the SeaBus from downtown (or drive from North Van) to Lonsdale Quay Market. Indoor market with bakeries and international food stalls. The Shipyard Commons outside has a splash pad and playground. The SeaBus ride across Burrard Inlet is exciting for kids. Cost: $30-$50 CAD for food + transit fare.
Afternoon (2-4:30PM): Maplewood Farm or Grouse Mountain
Budget pick: Maplewood Farm in North Vancouver. Over 200 animals, petting area, bunny feeding ($2). Small and manageable. Free parking. Cost: $25-$30 CAD. 1.5-2 hours.
Splurge pick: Grouse Mountain. Skyride gondola, grizzly bear habitat, lumberjack show, Tree Canopy Adventure for kids 3-8. Kids 4 and under free. Cost: $180-$220 CAD. 3-5 hours.
Evening: Dinner
The Old Spaghetti Factory in Gastown. Vintage trolley car dining. Kids' meals ($7-$8) include soup/salad, pasta, and ice cream. Cost: $60-$80 CAD.
Day 2 Total (budget): $115-$160 CAD (~$85-$115 USD) Day 2 Total (splurge): $470-$600 CAD (~$340-$435 USD)
Day 3 — Beaches + Hidden Gems
Morning (9:30AM-12PM): Kitsilano
Start at Kitsilano Beach. Free beach, free spray park, free playground. Kits Pool (137-metre heated saltwater pool) costs about $25 CAD for family admission — worth it. Cost: $0-$25 CAD.
Lunch (12-1PM): Go Fish
Walk along the seawall to Go Fish Ocean Emporium near Granville Island. Walk-up fish and chips shack — arguably the best in Vancouver. Share orders; portions are generous. Eat on seawall benches watching boats. Cost: $50-$65 CAD.
Afternoon (1:30-3:30PM): Queen Elizabeth Park + Bloedel
Drive to Queen Elizabeth Park — highest point in Vancouver with mountain views in every direction. Dancing fountain jets for kids, sunken quarry garden, duck pond. Free. Then step inside the Bloedel Conservatory at the summit — tropical dome with 120+ free-flying birds. 45 minutes is enough. Cost: $25-$30 CAD for Bloedel.
Late Afternoon (4-5:30PM): VanDusen or Departure
If you have time before heading to the airport, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 5-minute drive from Queen Elizabeth Park. The hedge maze is the kid highlight. Cost: $30-$40 CAD. Or skip it and head straight to the airport.
Departure Dinner Alternative
White Spot has multiple locations — grab a Pirate Pak kids' meal on the way to the airport. Every BC kid has eaten one. Cost: $55-$75 CAD.
Day 3 Total: $130-$235 CAD (~$95-$170 USD)
What This Trip Will Cost
| | Budget Route | Splurge Route | |---|---|---| | Day 1 (Stanley Park + Waterfront) | $220 CAD | $415 CAD | | Day 2 (North Shore) | $115 CAD | $600 CAD | | Day 3 (Beaches + Hidden Gems) | $130 CAD | $235 CAD | | 3-Day Total | $465 CAD (~$340 USD) | $1,250 CAD (~$910 USD) |
The budget route uses Lynn Canyon (free) instead of Capilano and Maplewood Farm ($30) instead of Grouse Mountain ($220). You're not sacrificing quality — both alternatives are genuinely great.
Practical Tips for Your Vancouver Family Trip
- Compass Card for transit: covers SkyTrain, buses, and SeaBus. Cheaper than parking downtown and faster than driving to the North Shore.
- Rain plan: Science World + Circus Play Cafe ($15-$20) + Old Spaghetti Factory fills a rainy day. Watermania ($35-$50 CAD) in Richmond is a solid alternative.
- Timing: Visit the Aquarium at opening (10AM weekdays) for near-empty galleries. Hit Granville Island before noon to avoid lunch crush. Lynn Canyon is less crowded before 10AM.
- Food savings: Pack snacks and water bottles every day. Granville Island market and Lonsdale Quay are the best places for affordable family meals. Restaurant food near attractions is marked up significantly.
- Driving vs. transit: North Shore attractions (Lynn Canyon, Capilano, Grouse, Maplewood) are easiest by car. Downtown and False Creek are easier by transit and walking.
- Seasonal note: Richmond Night Market runs weekends April-October and is worth adding to Day 2 evening if your schedule allows. $60-$90 CAD for the family.
Bottom Line
This itinerary gives you Vancouver's highlights without crisscrossing the city. Day 1 anchors on the waterfront. Day 2 goes north for nature and adventure. Day 3 finishes with beaches and gardens. The budget and splurge routes both deliver a full trip — the free options in Vancouver are legitimately some of the best experiences in the city.