Waterparks and Water Fun for Hot Summer Days

Looking for fun things to do this summer? A visit to a water park Vancouver-style is the perfect way to cool down in summer. From splash pads and outdoor pools to exciting waterslides, there's something for every age and comfort level.

The Fox’s Den Stanley Park Water Park, Vancouver

The popular Fox’s Den Splash Park is located on the Stanley Park Seawall, offering a great view of the North Shore Mountains. There are lots of sprayers and jets for kids to splash and play, as well as grassy areas for picnicking. Admission is free. When it's time for a snack, the Lumberman's Arch concession stand is just a short walk away. You can also pair your visit with a trip to the Vancouver Aquarium, located less than five minutes from the water park.

Second Beach Pool, Stanley Park, Vancouver

If you want the best of both worlds, head to Second Beach Pool in Stanley Park. It has a sloped bottom that mimics a beach entry, but the water is heated. There are also two kid-sized slides. Since spots in the pool are limited, advance reservations are recommended. If you want the real beach experience, you can also go for a dip in the ocean at Second Beach, right beside the pool. There is an on-site concession, a nearby playground, and plenty of picnic spots, so you can easily spend the whole day here.

Granville Island Water Park, Vancouver

The free Granville Island Water Park has lots of fire hydrants, splash areas, and sprayers. But the stand-out attraction is the waterslide. Kids must be at least 3’6″ to use the slide, and they will want to ride down again and gain. Pick up lunch from one of the vendors at the Granville Island Public Market and enjoy it in the shaded picnic pavilion next to the water park. The Kids Market building is just one block away and is a fun place to shop for kids’ toys, clothing, and more.

Hillcrest Aquatic Centre, Vancouver

A legacy of the 2010 Olympic Games, the Hillcrest Aquatic Centre has both indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pool has a sprayer and bubble jets, perfect for cooling down on a hot day. After your trip to the pool, head across the street to Queen Elizabeth Park for a picnic by the duck pond or a wander through the rose garden. Or walk to nearby Main Street to browse the shops or eat at a cafe.

Shipyards Splash Park, North Vancouver

Each summer the Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver transforms into the free 8,000 square foot Shipyards Splash Park. There are water jets, splash areas, sprayers, waterfalls, and more. Part of the park is covered, which provides great shade on hot days. With lots of restaurants and boutiques in Lower Lonsdale and the nearby Lonsdale Quay Market, it is easy to grab a snack or do some shopping before getting wet. You can also combine a scenic Seabus ride with a trip to the splash park – the terminal is short walk from the Shipyards.

Waterslide Parks

If you drive a little ways outside of Vancouver, you can hit up a destination water park. Big Splash Water Slide Park in Delta is about 45 south of downtown Vancouver and has six waterslides and two tube rides, plus hot tubs and a splash pool.

The Aldergrove Community Centre in Langley has a great outdoor water park with waterslides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. East of Vancouver, Cultus Lake Waterpark in Chilliwack has 10 waterslides, a lazy river, mini slides for kids, and lots more. Or visit the Harrison Lake Inflatable Water Park in Harrison Hot Springs, which includes an obstacle course, swings, and a cliff jump. The park floats out in Harrison Lake and your ticket includes a shuttle ride on an inflatable tube.

More Ways to Cool Off

Looking for even more ways to cool off? Vancouver and the surrounding region are home to dozens of neighbourhood pools, splash parks, and wading pools. With 27 outdoor pools near Vancouver, 12 fantastic spray parks, and plenty of shallow wading pools perfect for toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly water fun to explore.