Summer fun ideas for kids under 12

LOWER MAINLAND (NEWS 1130) – When you’re a kid, summer vacation is the best part of the year. But for parents and caregivers, it can sometimes be a bit of a struggle to find activities to keep them busy and happy.

There are plenty of things to do with the little ones, and many of them are free (or nearly free)!

Free/cheap options:

Love the low tide!

Walk and walk and walk along the sand to places which will be underwater in a matter of hours! Spanish Banks and Crescent Beach are perfect for beachcombing through warm tidal pools.

Burnaby Village Museum

At Canada Way and Sperling Avenue, Burnaby (Best to search Google Maps for “Burnaby Village Museum”)
Go back in time to the 1920s! You’ll see “townsfolk” in costume, as well as demonstrations in homes, shops, and businesses. Once the kids have gotten a chance to chat with a teacher in the schoolhouse and watch a blacksmith at work, they can take a spin on the 1912 vintage carousel!
Open: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday plus holidays
Price: Free admission. $2.65 carousel rides.

Forestry 101

Take a walk through your local urban greenspace and see how many trees you can identify. Stop by the Stanley Park Ecology Centre and learn about some of the animals living in Vancouver’s crown jewel.

Go for a bike ride!

Try the Seawall or the new Arbutus corridor — both make for great excursions on two wheels. Tip: The False Creek portion of the seawall is often a lot quieter than the Stanley Park portion.

Granville Island

From the Kids Market to giant cranes to boat watching, this popular tourist attraction is a blast for the wee ones.
Open: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Kerrisdale Play Palace

Kerrisdale Arena has been transformed into a massive Play Palace for kids to run, jump and play to their hearts’ desires!
5670 East Boulevard, Vancouver
Open: Daily, but times vary by day and age group. Check online.
Price: Free (Under 6 months), $3.52 (6-23 months), $4.56 (2 to five years), $5.06 (6 to 12 years)

Ride the SkyTrain and SeaBus

Many kids are fascinated by the SkyTrain and love watching the world whizz by. Take the train to Waterfront and hop onto the SeaBus. You’ll catch all the action at Vancouver’s busy harbour and then explore Lower Lonsdale and the revitalized dockyards. Be sure to climb the Lonsdale Quay tower!

Summer Reading Club

The Vancouver Public Library offers free summer reading clubs, where kids can attend free events and earn a medal. The program features several events, all geared to kids in Kindergarten to Grade 7. They include crafts, robotics, animation, and building mazes.

Take a hike!

Try the easy trails in the UBC Endowment Lands or Quarry Rock (on a weekday) in Deep Cove. Lynn Canyon with its suspension bridge is also a thrill. Pack lots of water and snacks.

Walk over a bridge!

If your kids aren’t afraid of heights, you can check out city spans from the highest vantage points!

A few extra bucks:

Britannia Mine Museum

Take a drive up the Sea to Sky Highway to learn all about the Britannia Mine, which operated from 1904 to 1974. it was once the largest copper mine in the British Empire. There are 45-minute guided tours offered throughout the day.
1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach
Open: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Tuesday;10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday
Price: Free (Preschool 4 and under), $18.95 (Child 5-12), $23.95 (Youth 13-17), $26.95 (Senior 65+), $29.95 (Adult 18+)

Kidtropolis

Take the kids to this interactive mini-city in Richmond. It’s a big world of make-believe, where kids can pretend to be a pilot or even anchor a TV newscast!
Unit 110 – 5940 No. 2 Road
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday to Sunday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. holidays
Price: $17 weekdays, $19 weekends/holidays (Kids 2 and up) – admission includes one accompanying adult; $8.50 weekdays, $9.50 weekends/holidays (Additional adults); Adults with kids under 2 (no other children) pay the “additional adult” fee

Science World

Tap into your kids’ natural wonder! From art displays to hands-on activities, and even an outdoor section, there’s something for everyone. There’s even the “Wonder Gallery,” which is specifically designed for kids five and under. The feature gallery is “The Science Behind Pixar,” which costs an additional fee.
1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Open:
UNTIL JUNE 30: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
JULY 1 TO SEPT 3: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Daily except Tuesday); 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday
Price: Free (Child under 3), $17 (Child 3-12), $20.25 (Youth 13-18), $20.25 (Student with ID / Senior 65+), $25 (Adult 19+)

Vancouver Aquarium

Explore everything under the sea, from jellyfish to little “Nemos” (clownfish). There’s a play area for very young children, where they can pretend to rescue and nurse an animal back to health.

845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Open: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: Free (Child 3 and under), $21 (Child 4 to 12), $30 (Youth 13 to 18, Student, Senior 65+), $38 (Adult)