Things to do in Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC with Kids

We had the opportunity to visit with my toddler while I was 7 months pregnant. That meant we really had to pick and choose what activities we could manage.

We wanted to see the park and also do things that were especially fun for our toddler.

Here’s what we ended up doing:

At first I thought the ride was a bit bumpy, but after a few minutes, I didn’t notice it at all. Our tour guide had a lovely presentation of facts mixed with stories about the people and places of Stanley Park.

 

We had five minutes to get off and look around the Totem Poles and the waterfront, but the rest of the time was spent in the carriage. We really enjoyed the breathtaking scenery!

• If you sit in the front row, right behind the driver, you may have reins at your feet. They aren’t long, but could be uncomfortable if you have long legs.
• There are just ropes on the sides of the carriage, so keep an eye on small kiddos who may be sitting close to the edge.
• Be warned, you will pass an awesome spray park and your kiddos may want to stop and play. You can’t hop off the tour, so you can go back after the Stanely Park Horse Drawn Carriage Ride. The spray park has a Kid Dryer, where you can dry off your kids if you didn’t bring a towel. That sounds like an experience in itself!

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Stanley Park Train

• The front of the train, right behind the conductor, seems to be the most coveted spot. Get there early if your kiddo wants to sit there.
• If you are coming to Vancouver for the Stanley Park Christmas Train, you might want to get your tickets ahead of time as it can be very busy
• Your train-enthusiast child may want to do the ride several times.
• There is a concession stand nearby that has lunch items and mini donuts.
• If your child is celebrating a birthday, you can reserve the train for a private birthday celebration!

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Lunch at Stanley Park

WATERFALL CAFE

If you are headed to the Vancouver Aquarium, Waterfall Cafe might be a great place to stop for lunch. It’s located just a few minutes from the Stanley Park info booth.

Their sunny patio is a nice place to enjoy a bite and take in views of the Vancouver Aquarium, the 300 year old Western Red Cedar tree, and Bill’s Reid’s Chief of the Undersea World sculpture.

The Waterfall Cafe is open from June to September, and admission to the Aquarium is not required.

TEA HOUSE AT STANLEY PARK

If you want to enjoy a leisurely meal, check out the Tea House at Stanley Park. They offer seafood dishes, steak, pizza, brunch and many other kid-friendly menu options.

It’s a higher end restaurant and the view of Stanley Park is incredible!

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Vancouver Hop On Hop Off Bus

• Get a map. I cannot stress this enough.
• Pick just a few places to stop if you use it all day. The line to get on the bus at popular places like Granville Island was incredibly long and you may have to wait.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat if you go in the Summer

Vancouver Aquarium

• Go in the morning
• Find out the event schedule for the day to see shows featuring the mammals
• Warning: There really isn’t a way to avoid the sign for ice cream near the mammals

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Stanley Park Tours

Vancouver Private Secrets of Stanley Park Walking Tour

Get off the beaten path of Stanley Park and find out the tragic history of Deadman’s Island, discover the location of a long lost indigenous village known as Whoi Whoi, see trees that are hundreds of years old and more!

Stanley Park First Nations Interpretive Walking Tour

Stanley Park Bike Rentals

Something that we didn’t do this trip, but would love to do next time we’re in Vancouver in the summer is to rent a bike in Stanley Park. I’ve found a couple of companies that offer services to families with young children.

And you can always do a private bike tour.

SPOKES BIKE RENTALS

Conveniently located at the entrance of Stanley Park, Spokes Bicycle Rentals has been serving Vancouver locals and tourists since 1938. They have the largest selection of the newest bicycles and offer complimentary helmets and locks.

Plus, they have balance bikes, children’s 1 speed bikes, trail-a-bike, child trailer, and child’s seats for adult bicycles.

ENGLISH BAY BIKE RENTALS

Another option is English Bay Bike Rentals, which offers kids’ bikes, child trailers, child seats, and junior mountain bikes. They have 12″ and 16″ kids bikes that are available with or without training wheels.

And they have the Weehoo tag along bike that attaches to their Hybrid or Crosstail bikes and gives kids the ability to pedal along and enjoy riding while an adult does the work!

Stanley Park Playgrounds

If your kids just want to run around, check out some of the Stanley Park playgrounds! There are four designated children’s playgrounds located near other Stanley Park attractions and activities.

Plus, the park itself is one big Vancouver playground!

Stanley Park Events

MOVIES IN STANLEY PARK

What better way to watch a movie than to experience an outdoor movie at Stanley Park? During July and August (weather permitting) families can watch movies every Tuesday night after sunset.

It’s free to sit on the Grand Lawn and Ceperley Meadow. Just show up with your picnic blanket or lawn chair to enjoy this Stanley Park summer evening tradition!

BRIGHT NIGHTS AT STANLEY PARK

During the holiday season, the Bright Nights Christmas Train and Stanley Park Train Plaza sparkle with three million twinkling lights.

Update: We did the Stanley Park Christmas Train last year and it was fantastic! You can read about it here.

Ride the Bright Nights Train and experience the lights, breathtaking displays, and live performers along the train route. But, Bright Nights at Stanley Park is so much more than just a train ride.

You can also view the displays at the Train Plaza by donation ($5.00 suggested).

Stanley Park Parking

Wondering where to park at Stanley Park? There are a ton of pay parking lots. They have passes sold by the hour, day, season or year. If you are visiting from out of town, I recommend getting a day pass.

Since Stanley Park is so massive, it’s easier to drive and park rather than walk, especially with kids.

Tourism Vancouver provided admission to Stanley Park Horse Drawn Carriage, Hop On Hop Off Bus and the Vancouver Aquarium for review purposes.

Looking for more things to do in Vancouver, BC?

4 Days in Vancouver with a Toddler Tips & Itinerary
Vancouver Lookout and Harbour Cruises
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Science World with Babies and Toddlers
Holiday Festivities in Vancouver, BC
Bright Nights at Stanley Park

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