Vancouver Attractions for Families
What to Do in Vancouver While on an Alaska Cruise with Children
May 26, 2009
The most popular attractions in Vancouver for families on an Alaska cruise are Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), an estimated 1.6 million kids cruised in 2008, in part due to the growth in multigenerational bookings. And Alaska cruising is seeing a fair share of those numbers. Families cruising with kids on an Alaska cruise will enjoy spending a couple of extra days in Vancouver to enjoy some of the family attractions the city has to offer.
Stanley Park, Family Friendly Attractions for All Ages
- Vancouver Aquarium – Along with large viewing areas, interactive touch pools, marine animal shows, and daily feedings, there are also opportunities to go behind the scenes. Feed and train the animals alongside the trainers during an Animal Encounter with Beluga whales, sea lions, sea turtles, and dolphins. The 90-minute Beluga Encounter costs $210 for one adult accompanying one child between the age of 8 and 12.
- Driving Lessons for Kids – During the months of July and August, children aged five to eight years old can participate in Traffic School. Kids learn the rules of the road by driving pedal cars around a course featuring miniature traffic signs and stop lights. The 30-minute sessions are supervised by Vancouver Police Department on a first-come first-served basis (offered Monday to Friday between 10:30am and 1:30pm).
- Children’s Farmyard and Railway – The Children’s Farmyard is located on one-acre within Stanley Park featuring over 200 animals, birds, reptiles, sheep, goats, rabbits, and a llama. Included in the price of admission is a 15-minute miniature train ride through the forest (Admission: Adult $6; Youth $4.25; Child $3).
- The Seawall – The Stanley Park seawall wraps itself around the perimeter of the park. One of the best ways to experience the seawall is to rent a bike and ride the six mile loop. Bike rentals are available from Spokes Bicycle Rentals (1798 W. Georgia) at the entrance of Stanley Park. They offer a large selection of rental bikes by the hour, including child’s one-speed bikes, bike trailers, and junior mountain bikes.
- Kids Market – Located at the entrance to Granville Island, this colorful building is home to 28 different shops and services for children and their families. But the main attraction here is the supervised indoor play area, the Adventure Zone. There are four levels climbing structures, nets, slides, tunnels and a ball pit to keep young children entertained.
- Guided Kayak Tour – Families can enjoy a 2.5 hour guided kayak tour with Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre. Tours depart from Granville Island daily offering an experience to paddle the protected waters of False Creek, seeing floating homes and marinas. Contact Ecomarine for more information (888) 425-2925.
The copyright of the article Vancouver Attractions for Families in Cruise Activities is owned by Renee Ruggero. Permission to republish Vancouver Attractions for Families in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
 |
 |
 |
