Vancouver with kids

Rainy Day in Vancouver with Kids: Indoor Ideas and an Easy Plan

Rain is part of Vancouver life, and the city is well set up for it: some of its best family places are indoors, and several of them are linked by little ferries across False Creek. The trick is to stay in one area instead of crossing town in the wet.

By Play Your Trip · Updated · 4 min read

The Play Your Trip card for Vancouver

This plan keeps everything around False Creek. The list below has more ideas, from the aquarium in Stanley Park to the tropical birds at Queen Elizabeth Park. Check opening hours on each official website before you go.

A rainy day around False Creek

Science in the morning, a ferry ride, lunch in a covered market and a whole building of toy shops.

  1. Morning

    Science World (opens Google Maps)

    The big silver dome on False Creek is packed with hands-on science. Little ones have their own play gallery with water and sand tables, and older kids can spend hours on the experiments. Go at opening time on rainy weekends.

    Official site

  2. Midday

    Mini ferry across False Creek (opens Google Maps)

    The little passenger ferries that zip around False Creek are a treat for kids, and they're covered. Hop one from near Science World over to Granville Island.

  3. Lunch · Lunch

    Granville Island Public Market (opens Google Maps)

    A big covered market where everyone can choose their own lunch, from chowder to fresh bread and fruit. Busy at noon on weekends, so go a little early.

    Official site

  4. Afternoon

    Kids Market (opens Google Maps)

    A whole building of toy and craft shops made for children, a short walk from the market. A good place to spend pocket money while the rain keeps going.

  5. Late afternoon

    Back by ferry, or hot chocolate

    Take the ferry back, or find a café on the island and wait out the last shower.

More indoor ideas

  • Vancouver Aquarium (Stanley Park): sea otters, jellyfish and a giant Pacific octopus. Plan around three hours. Tickets
  • Bloedel Conservatory (Queen Elizabeth Park): a warm tropical dome full of free-flying birds and plants, one of the city's most affordable outings.
  • H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (Vanier Park): planetarium shows and space exhibits, in the same building as the Museum of Vancouver.
  • Museum of Anthropology at UBC: huge carved poles and canoes in a glass hall; striking for older kids.
  • FlyOver Canada (Canada Place): a flying-ride film over the country, a few minutes long and thrilling for kids tall enough to ride.
  • Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch: a big children's area downtown, free to enter.
  • Gulf of Georgia Cannery (Steveston, Richmond): a real salmon cannery turned museum, run by Parks Canada.

Tips for wet days

  • Dress for it, like locals do: rain jackets and waterproof boots beat umbrellas in the wind.
  • Go early to the big ones. Science World and the aquarium fill up fastest on rainy weekends.
  • Stay in one area. False Creek, Stanley Park or Vanier Park each make a full indoor day.
  • Pack a spare set of socks for each child.

Questions

What can kids do in Vancouver when it rains?

Science World, the Vancouver Aquarium, the Bloedel Conservatory, the Space Centre, the Kids Market on Granville Island and the library's children's area are all indoors. Combine places in one area to avoid crossing town in the rain.

Is Science World or the Vancouver Aquarium better for kids?

Both are great. Science World suits kids who like to touch and try things, and has a play area for under-6s; the aquarium suits animal lovers. Each is a half day or more.

Does it rain a lot in Vancouver?

Yes, especially from October to March. Plan an indoor option for each day and bring proper rain gear: there's plenty to do whatever the weather.