Pandora Park
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
1-14 years
About
Pandora Park is a well-used community park in East Vancouver, located at Franklin Street near the Grandview-Woodland neighborhood. It covers a decent footprint with facilities spread across the grounds, including a playground, sports courts, and a seasonal wading pool.
The playground area features equipment for multiple age groups. Younger kids will find slides and smaller climbing structures, while older children can use the monkey bars and larger play frames. The surface is a mix of sand and rubber matting depending on the section. There are also swings, including some designed for toddlers.
During summer months (typically late June through early September), the wading pool opens and becomes the main draw for families with kids under 8. The pool is shallow and supervised during operating hours, making it a good option on hot days. It's free to use and doesn't require registration.
The park also has basketball courts and open grassy areas that work for pickup games, flying kites, or just running around. A small fieldhouse near the playground has seasonal washroom access, though availability can be inconsistent outside of summer.
Pandora Park sits in a residential area, so it stays relatively calm compared to larger destination parks. It's the kind of place where neighborhood families drop in for an hour after school or on weekend mornings. Street parking is available on Franklin and surrounding streets.
The park is well-connected by transit — it's a short walk from the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station, making it accessible if you're staying downtown and want to explore East Vancouver neighborhoods. There are several cafes and restaurants along Commercial Drive, about a 10-minute walk north.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or late afternoons in summer
Wait Times
No wait
Nearby Food
Commercial Drive is a 10-minute walk north and has dozens of options including JJ Bean Coffee Roasters, Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen, and plenty of pizza-by-the-slice spots that kids love.
Why Kids Love It
Pandora Park has a well-equipped playground with climbing frames and swings, plus a wading pool that opens in summer. The basketball courts and open fields give older kids space to burn energy while little ones stick to the play structures.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Check the Vancouver Parks Board website for wading pool hours before visiting in summer
- The fieldhouse washrooms are most reliably open during summer programming
- Walk north on Commercial Drive after your park visit for family-friendly restaurants and coffee shops
What to Bring
- Swimsuits and towels if visiting during wading pool season
- Sunscreen and hats — the playground has limited shade
- A basketball or soccer ball for the courts and fields
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Free.
Bring your own snacks for about $10 total.
Tips to Save
- Everything is free.
- Pack a picnic lunch to avoid restaurant costs nearby.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Monday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

