When you spend $8 to park for the day, it’s a good idea to make an event of it. Is it possible with kids? Oh yes. The Vancouver Aquarium (and its new baby beluga) aside, there are tons of kid-friendly activities that will also provide ample photo ops for a good holiday card shot. We suggest you start with a picnic breakfast at Second Beach. The tables seem to jut into the ocean, and you see both Lighthouse Park and UBC while nibbling on your croissant. Possibly the best view of a Vancouver summer. Wander next door to the huge and stunning Second Beach Pool, and play all morning. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
If the hip snack bar isn’t your thing, head to Stanley’s at the Stanley Park Pavilion. Located beside the rose garden and the Theatre Under the Stars location, this fab patio supplies high chairs, ice cream, Granville Island beer, and yummy fries. You can have a post-lunch wander amongst the pristine gardens, and kick a soccer ball around the adjoining grass.
Now, what to do…. the Children’s Farmyard is a good bet if the tots have an affinity for mingling with goats, and afterwards you can hop on the famous Stanley Park Miniature Train. Following the same track as the Ghost Train at Hallowe’en and the Bright Nights Christmas Train in December, this is quite the thrill for the young ones. If the heat has gotten to you, whip to the water park just north of the aquarium. Finish the day with a picnic at the totem poles, or, if wine glasses and martinis are more your thing, a gorgeous dinner at the Teahouse. If you’ve wandered too far from your vehicle by now, hop on a horse-drawn tour and find your way back. Don’t get too romantic, though. The kids are still here.
For more information see the Vancouver Park Board website.
No Comments »
No comments yet.
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL
