It’s easy to celebrate the changing of the season with your family in Vancouver. Each fall, there are lots of ways to entertain kids of any age. Autumn in Vancouver brings seasonal events, delicious food, outdoor sports, and more. Here are some ideas for family-friendly fall activities around Vancouver.
Go for a Hike
Fall is a beautiful time to go hiking with your family: breathe in the crisp air, listen to the crunch of leaves underfoot, and enjoy colourful leaves overhead. Vancouver has so many trails to choose from, but for the best fall colours, choose a trail from our list of the most gorgeous fall hikes near Vancouver.
Shop at a Farmer’s Market
Fall is harvest season and the vendors at Vancouver’s farmer’s markets have a bounty of produce at this time of year. Bring the kids along to help choose freshly picked apples, pumpkins, squash, gourds, and more.
Wander Through a Corn Maze
A trip to a corn maze is a great way to celebrate autumn. With mazes ranging from easy to challenging (and some with intricate designs), there is sure to be a Vancouver-area corn maze that is perfect for your family.
Have a Pumpkin Pie Taste-Off
Organize a pumpkin pie taste test with your family to see whose pumpkin pie is best. Bake a family recipe or order a pie from one of Vancouver’s delicious pie shops. Aphrodite Cafe and Bake Shop, Savary Island Pie Company, Tartine Bread and Pies, The Pie Hole, and The Pie Shoppe all offer scrumptious pumpkin pies.
Go for a Bike Ride
With bike lanes and separated bike paths all over the Vancouver area, biking is a fun family activity. In autumn, cruise your neighbourhood to find the best places to watch the leaves change, or use our list of the best Vancouver bike rides to see fall colours.
Visit the PNE
Each fall, the PNE hosts fun (and scary) Halloween activities. In 2020, families with younger kids will love their Drive-Thru Tricks & Treats experience. Older (and braver) kids won’t want to miss Slayland: Night of a Thousand Screams. Attend in costume to enjoy the spooky decor and all your favourite scary rides.
Head to a Pumpkin Patch
Let each member of the family pick out their own pumpkin, then pose for that perfect fall family photo at one of Vancouver’s pumpkin patches. Allow extra time for fun farm activities like petting zoos and hayrides too.
Ride a Halloween-Themed Train
Each autumn, the Stanley Park Train in Vancouver and the Bear Creek Park Train in Surrey transform. During the day, little kids will love the seasonal decor. But things get scary at night with live actors, creepy music, and lots of spooky special effects. (Note: The Stanley Park train is closed for Halloween 2020.)
Have a Picnic With Changing Leaves
Head to a nearby park, spread out a blanket, bring some games for the kids, unpack your picnic basket, and settle in to enjoy the beautiful fall colours. Not sure where to go? Use our list of the best places to see fall colours around Vancouver.
Eat Pumpkin Spice Everything
Kids don’t drink pumpkin spice lattes, but they do like sweet treats. Thankfully Vancouver’s restaurants are cooking up all kinds of pumpkin spice deliciousness this fall. Try the pumpkin spice goodies at Lucky’s Doughnuts, La Casa Gelato, Thierry Chocolates, Bjornbar Bakery, or Thomas Haas.
Check out a Fall Event
Each year Vancouver hosts tons of fun fall and Halloween themed events. Check out Destination Vancouver’s event listings to find a family-friendly fall event near you. In 2020, don’t miss HowlOver Canada, a Halloween-themed flight-ride experience at FlyOver Canada.
Credit: FlyOverCanada.com
10 Fun Rainy Day Hikes Around Vancouver
Don’t let the rain spoil your fun! Grab your rain gear and head out for a hike. The forest will look extra green, rivers and waterfalls will be more spectacular, and you may even have...
Best Vancouver Bike Rides to Enjoy the Fall Colours
Each autumn, Vancouver’s tree-lined streets explode into yellows, golds, and reds. Why not enjoy it by bike? There are plenty of great fall photo ops as you cruise along quiet bike...
Most Instagrammable Fall Locations around Vancouver
Fall in Vancouver is spectacular as pumpkin patches open, botanical gardens transition to autumn colours, and trees all over the city light up in hundreds of shades of yellow, orange, and...
