Vancouver International Children's Festival
Rating
Family of 4
$60-100 USD for a family of 4.
Duration
3-5 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-12
About
The Vancouver International Children's Festival takes over Granville Island every May or June with a week of performances, workshops, and hands-on activities designed entirely for young audiences. It's been running since 1978, making it one of the longest-running children's festivals in North America.
The lineup changes every year but typically includes international puppet troupes, acrobats, musicians, dancers, and storytellers. Shows range from 30 to 60 minutes, and they're staged in indoor venues and outdoor tents across Granville Island. The quality of performances is genuinely high — these aren't amateur hour acts.
Between shows, the activity village is where kids spend most of their free time. Face painting, craft stations, circus skill workshops (think juggling and plate spinning), and music-making stations keep everyone busy. This area is included with any ticket purchase, so you can hang out here as long as you want.
Granville Island itself adds to the experience. The Kids Market is right there for shopping, and the Public Market food court handles lunch easily. Parking on the island fills up fast during the festival, so take the Aquabus or False Creek Ferry instead — kids love the mini boat ride. Plan to see 2-3 shows and spend the rest of your time in the activity village for a full day.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Indoor & Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Arrive early on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds and get seats for popular shows
Wait Times
15-30 min for popular performances; outdoor activity tents have shorter waits
Nearby Food
Granville Island Public Market has dozens of food vendors with everything from crepes to sushi to fresh fruit. Go Fish near the docks does amazing fish tacos. The Sandbar restaurant has a kids menu with waterfront seating.
Why Kids Love It
This festival is pure magic for kids — imagine live puppetry, acrobats, musicians, and storytellers all performing in tents and on stages at Granville Island. The activity village lets kids try face painting, circus skills, and crafts between shows. Little kids go wide-eyed at the puppet performances while bigger kids love the acrobatic and comedy acts.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Take the Aquabus or False Creek Ferry to avoid the Granville Island parking nightmare during festival week
- Book popular shows online in advance — the puppet and acrobat shows sell out first
- Arrive 15 minutes early for shows to get seats near the front where kids can see best
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and hats — many activity stations are outdoors with limited shade
- A blanket for sitting on the grass during outdoor performances
- Cash for face painting and food vendors
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$60-100 USD for a family of 4.
Individual show tickets range from $12-20 CAD each, plus food and activity costs.
Tips to Save
- Buy a multi-show pass for discounts.
- The outdoor activity village is included with any ticket purchase, so maximize your time there.
- Some shows sell out — book online in advance to avoid day-of disappointment.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Monday
- 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
