Playland at the PNE
Family of 4
$150-200 CAD (~$110-145 USD) for passes + food
Duration
3-5 hours
Best Ages
3-16 years
About
Playland at the PNE is Vancouver's amusement park — the only one in the city — and it's been a family tradition since 1958. Located on the Pacific National Exhibition grounds in East Vancouver, it's compact compared to major theme parks, but for Vancouver families, it delivers the essential amusement park experience.
The ride collection spans over 35 attractions. KidZone is the section designed for younger riders (roughly ages 3-8), with mini roller coasters, spinning rides, bumper boats, a carousel, and a miniature train. Height requirements vary, but most rides in this section accommodate kids 36-42 inches tall.
Older kids and teens gravitate to the thrill rides. The Wooden Roller Coaster, dating from 1958, is a heritage-listed ride and Playland's signature attraction — it's genuinely exciting with sharp turns and drops that produce real screams. The Revelation and AtmosFEAR are more modern additions for adrenaline seekers. The Hellevator drop tower and spinning rides fill the middle ground.
Beyond rides, the midway games are a classic amusement park experience — ring toss, water gun races, basketball shooting — where kids compete for oversized stuffed animal prizes. Mini golf, a climbing wall, and the Dark Mansion haunted house add variety.
The PNE Fair in August transforms the entire grounds. In addition to Playland's rides, the fair adds live concerts (with surprisingly big-name performers), agricultural exhibits with farm animals, a food court with international vendors, market shopping, and shows like SuperDogs and demolition derbies. It's Vancouver's biggest summer event, but it also brings the biggest crowds.
Practical details: Playland is open seasonally, typically from late June through late August (plus Fright Nights in October). The Fun Pass covers all kid-friendly rides and is the best option for families with children under 10. The Thrill Pass adds the bigger rides for kids who meet height requirements. Both are cheaper when purchased online in advance.
Food inside the park is typical amusement park fare — corn dogs, pizza, cotton candy, funnel cakes — at amusement park prices. Bringing your own snacks and water saves significant money. Parking is available on-site.
Playland doesn't compete with Disneyland, and it doesn't try to. What it offers is a manageable, fun, half-day family outing with enough rides and attractions to make kids feel like they had a proper amusement park day.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays for shorter ride lines. Opening hour on any day has the shortest waits. The PNE Fair (August) adds concerts, exhibits, and agricultural shows but brings massive crowds.
Wait Times
5-15 minutes on weekdays; 20-45 minutes for popular rides on summer weekends
Nearby Food
Inside the park: cotton candy, corn dogs, pizza, and funnel cakes at midway stands. Outside, East Hastings has several family restaurants. The PNE Fair (August) adds dozens of food vendors with international options.
Why Kids Love It
Playland is Vancouver's only amusement park, and it's been thrilling families since 1958. With over 35 rides and attractions, there's something for every age. Little kids head straight to KidZone — a section of rides designed for shorter riders, including mini coasters, spinning teacups, a carousel, and bumper boats.
Bigger kids graduate to the classic Wooden Roller Coaster (a heritage ride from 1958 that still delivers genuine thrills), the Revelation spinning coaster, and the Hellevator drop tower. The midway games — ring toss, water guns, basketball — are the classic amusement park experience, with oversized stuffed animals as prizes. Mini golf, a climbing wall, and the haunted Dark Mansion round out the non-ride attractions.
During the PNE Fair in August, the entire grounds expand with concerts, farm animal exhibits, market shopping, and superdogs shows.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The Fun Pass covers all kid-friendly rides — it's cheaper than the Thrill Pass and perfect for under-10s
- Arrive at opening and head to the back of the park — most people start near the entrance
- Bring a water bottle and snacks — midway food is overpriced and lines are long
- The Wooden Roller Coaster is a must for kids tall enough — it's a Vancouver icon since 1958
- During PNE Fair (August), arrive early — the grounds fill up fast by afternoon
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and hats (most of the park is uncovered)
- Comfortable shoes (lots of walking on pavement)
- Cash for midway games (some don't take cards)
- Snacks and water bottles
- A change of clothes if kids will ride the water rides
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$150-200 CAD (~$110-145 USD) for passes + food
Tips to Save
- Buy passes online in advance for discounted rates.
- The Fun Pass covers kid-friendly rides and is cheaper than the Thrill Pass.
- Bring your own snacks — midway food is expensive.
- Season passes are a deal if you'll visit 3+ times.