12 Things to Do in Vancouver With Kids This Winter

As a parent, you know it can sometimes be a struggle to keep kids entertained during those cold-weather months. If you're looking for things to do in Vancouver with kids this winter, we've got you covered. Keep everyone having fun with family-friendly activities like sledding, skating, snowshoeing, museum visits, and rock climbing.

Visit the Sea to Sky Gondola

Let the Sea to Sky Gondola whisk you up into the snowy mountains for truly jaw-dropping views where you can see our mountains in all their glory. From the summit lodge, venture across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge or walk the snowy, family-friendly Panorama Trail to a beautiful viewpoint. For even more outdoor fun, rent snowshoes and explore the trails or slide down the mountain at the tube park.

Go Sledding or Snow-Tubing

The Sea-to-Sky gondola is just one of many excellent spots to go sledding near Vancouver. Though snow is rare in the city, Vancouver’s local mountains often get plenty of it, creating endless opportunities for family-friendly winter fun.

Spend the day at the Vancouver Aquarium

One of the very best things to do in Vancouver with kids in the winter is to spend the day at the Vancouver Aquarium. The whole family will love the annual Holiday Splash event, which features a scuba-diving Santa Claus, festive décor, and seasonal treats every year, adding a little magic to life beneath the surface.

Go Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an easy and fun winter activity for the whole family. Vancouver’s North Shore mountains offer plenty of trails to explore, with snowshoe rentals available at all three local ski hills. Our guide to beginner-friendly snowshoe trails has all the details.

Try Indoor Rock Climbing

If you're looking for indoor fun that will still tire out kids and adults alike, check out one of the many indoor climbing gyms around the Lower Mainland. Many offer orientation sessions for first-time visitors and in-depth lessons for those looking to hone their skills. Equal parts adrenaline-pumping and fun, it's a fun way to switch up your usual routine and try something new.

Go Hiking

There are few activities more peaceful than a winter hike in the city. Trails are often very quiet compared to warmer months, allowing you a peaceful retreat into the forest to enjoy the fresh air. It might be snowy in the mountains, but the forest is usually green closer to sea level. Check out snow-free Vancouver hikes to pick a trail, or head into the mountains for a walk in a winter wonderland. There are great options for families with kids of all ages.

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

Burnaby Village Museum gets decked out for the holidays with lots of twinkling lights and decorations. The 10-acre museum includes a collection of historical buildings, many with on-site interpreters. Admission to the museum is free, but there is a small charge for rides on the beautifully restored antique carousel.

Go Skiing or Snowboarding

With six ski resorts near Vancouver, there’s a mountain for every age and ability. Many offer discounted lift tickets and rentals for kids, along with lessons to help young skiers build confidence. Book a morning lesson, then spend the afternoon hitting the slopes together as a family.

Get Tropical at the Bloedel Conservatory

Who says you have to get on a plane to feel like you're in the tropics in the winter? Head to the Bloedel Conservatory on a cold or wet day to escape the cold and immerse yourself in a plant and animal paradise. The huge domed building is kept at tropical temperatures to support the 500+ species of exotic plants inside. Kids will delight in watching over 100 free-flying Macaws, African parrots, and Chinese pheasants flitting from branch to branch.

Go Ice Skating

One of the most quintessential activities to do in Vancouver in winter is to hit one of outdoor skating rinks in and near the city. Each rink has skates available for rent, as do the many community ice rinks where you can go indoor skating. Most have family-friendly drop-in skating sessions.

Visit Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Walk across the swaying Capilano Suspension Bridge and enter a forest filled with twinkling holiday lights. The Canyon Lights event features multi-coloured light displays on the bridge, through the forests of the Treetop Adventure, and on the Cliffwalk pathway. It’s a memorable winter experience for kids, as the magic of the season transforms the forest into a glowing nighttime wonderland.

Visit Grouse Mountain

Take the Skyride up to the top of Grouse Mountain. The Peak of Christmas event runs every year and includes live reindeer, Santa, and lots of festive decor. There’s plenty of family-friendly fun all winter long, from outdoor ice skating and sledding to the magical Light Walk.

Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids in Winter

Winter in Vancouver is never short on exciting, family-friendly activities that make the season special. From snowy mountain adventures to cozy indoor escapes, winter in Vancouver gives families plenty of reasons to get out and explore. Bundle up, bring the kids, and make the most of the season together.