Downtown Vancouver Playgrounds

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Rounding up some fun looking playgrounds in the downtown Vancouver area, in preparation for our Vancouver weekend before the Alaskan cruise. Amidst all the sightseeing and exploring new places, it can be helpful for our kids to do something they love to do at home, like go to a playground. Plus it offers them an opportunity to get out of the stroller or carrier and move their bodies.

1. Creekside Park (near Science World) - beautiful waterfront area!

2. Hinge Park, Olympic Village area

3. Cooper's Park - on the other side of False Creek, another waterfront area with a playground. Ferry tickets linked here.

4. Emery Barnes Park - very pretty park, lots of fountains.

5. Andy Livingstone Park (Chinatown) - lots of climbing structures, which we love. Update: We went to this one, it was right near our rental apartment and close to the Chinatown SkyTrain station. There are 2 playgrounds, one at each corner of the park, make sure you go to both! They were really fun, 10/10 recommend.
   

6. Nelson Park - beautiful greenspace in the middle of downtown

7. Kitsilano Beach has a playground if your kids get too cold or need a break from the beach

8. Granville Island Water Park - if you're traveling to Vancouver in the summer months, this place looks so fun! You can get there via ferry.

9. Nature's Playground - the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. After crossing the main bridge, explore the treetops adventure, a cliffwalk, raptors ridge, and more. Children under 5 are free, and there's a free shuttle to get to the park (leaves from Canada Place every 15 minutes). Update: This park was magical! Such a good day. The kids activities were great - normally junior ranger activities require lots of reading and are a bit involved, this booklet was simple and interactive (ex: stand and match your wingspan to a bird of prey) and at the end, they gave you a bracelet with seeds embedded in the paper for you to plant at home. They also had a make your own Capilano postcard station with an embosser and animal stamps. So fun! To add even more magic and fresh air to your day, I'd combine Capilano with a trip to Grouse Mountain.

I'll report back in June with post-travel thoughts!