
Are you looking for ways to stay sane while the kids are off for spring break? You’re likely not alone.
For most school districts in the region, this year’s spring break will take place over two weeks from
March 16 to 27
.
While there are plenty of parks and playgrounds to check out across the Metro Vancouver region, there are also various attractions (both ticketed and non-ticketed) where you can spend a morning or afternoon entertaining the kids.
Here’s a list of family friendly things you can do around Metro during spring break, across all sorts of price ranges:
Where:
1455 Quebec St.
When:
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission:
Varies
More info:
scienceworld.ca/
Science World’s latest exhibit Artemis Space Adventure with Lego Bricks invites families to explore the outer reaches of space through Lego play. “This interactive exhibition is inspired by none other than NASA’s groundbreaking Artemis Missions, a series of ambitious programs designed to return humans to the moon for the first time since 1972. Visitors will take on the roles of Artemis space explorers (engineers, scientists and astronauts) using Lego bricks to imagine, design and build their way through the challenges of deep space.”
Where:
845 Avison Way
When:
Open most days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours for members
Admission:
Varies
More info:
vanaqua.org/
Meet axolotls and dragons galore this spring break at the Vancouver Aquarium. “Science and cuteness collide in our new immersive gallery featuring axolotl habitats, interactive displays and engaging visuals that bring this extraordinary creature’s story to life … Meet the real life creatures behind legendary dragon tales in our all-new limited time exhibit. Explore striking animal habitats, make daring hands-on discoveries and experience daily dragon presentations together.”
Where:
Vancouver
When:
Daily, from 10 to 6 p.m.
Admission:
Free
More info:
granvilleisland.com
Head down to Granville Island so the kids can visit the colourful Kids Market, and so mom and dad can grab a coffee and a bite at the Public Market. Browse local artisans and shops while also keeping your shopping dollars in Canada. Then enjoy a meal out on the back deck, watching the boats go by and the seagulls steal food from an unsuspecting tourist. Fun for everyone. (Except the tourist whose food was just stolen.)
Where:
5251 Oak St.
When:
Daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission:
Varies
More info:
vandusengarden.org
Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor experience, you’ll find it in Queen Elizabeth Park, where you can visit the gardens if the weather is nice or pop into the Bloedel Conservatory if the weather’s terrible. Challenge your kids to explore all the different flowers and plants in the Conservatory or take in the view from the top of Queen Elizabeth Park and see if you can spot all the different mountain ranges on the North Shore.
Still looking for a spring break camp?
Van Dusen still has spots left
.
Where:
No. 201, 999 Canada Pl., Vancouver
When:
Daily from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Admission:
Varies
More info:
flyovercanada.com
Just in time for spring break, explore Flyover Canada’s latest destination: Chicago! “Lose yourself in the award-winning Flyover adventure set in the heart of a city, our most thrilling experience yet. Dive deep into Chicago’s vibrant cityscape, discovering the sights, sounds and people that bring it to life. Don’t just see the city, feel it.” Flyover Chicago begins March 12.
Where:
14225 Green Timbers Way
When:
Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sundays.
Admission:
Free
More info:
surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/surrey-nature-centre
“Nestled beside Green Timbers Urban Forest, the Surrey Nature Centre is a place for kids and adults to explore nature in Surrey. To add to your fun, pick up an activity backpack or fishing rod from the front desk.”
Where:
13750 88th Ave.
When:
From dawn to dusk
Admission:
Free
More info:
surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/bear-creek-park
“Bear Creek Park, next to the Surrey Arts Centre, features an outdoor pool and waterpark, a large playground, flower gardens and the Bear Creek Miniature Train. It also features football and soccer fields, a running track, a fenced-in dog off-leash area and a skate park.
“You’ll also find outdoor fitness equipment for cardio and strength training, nature trails and paved walking paths. Just a short walk down from the trail, catch a glimpse of spawning salmon or trout.”
Where:
Various locations
When:
Various hours
Admission:
Free
More info:
surreylibaries.ca/events
Looking for something for all ages? Check out Surrey libraries’ extensive list of spring break activities, including Family Lego Club, Minecraft afternoons, free movie nights and more.
Where:
6501 Deer Lake Ave.
When:
Seasonal hours, open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during spring break
Admission:
Free, though carousel rides are ticketed
More info:
burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/what-s-on/spring-break.html
“Histories of Burnaby’s diverse communities are showcased in this 10-acre open air site. Explore how homes and businesses used to look, see how different cultures help shape our community and learn from Indigenous educators. Education staff are available in select exhibits to interact with and learn from.” The museum will have special programming during spring break so be sure to check the website and time your visit accordingly.
Where:
6450 Deer Lake Ave.
When:
From dusk until dawn
Admission:
Free
More info:
burnaby.ca/explore-outdoors/parks/deer-lake-park
“As you walk along the many connecting trails that surround Deer Lake, watch for wildlife like majestic great blue herons fishing in the shallows or turtles sunning themselves on logs — and, just maybe, beavers building dams in the marshy areas to the west. To the north of Deer Lake, you’ll find Burnaby’s cultural centre — Burnaby Art Gallery, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby Village Museum and more. It’s a hub of activity during the busy summer season, hosting concerts and festivals on the Festival Lawn.”
Where:
6111 River Rd.
When:
Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission:
Varies, though Richmond residents receive complimentary admission
More info:
olympicexperience.ca/visit/
Still riding that high from the Olympics last month?
“Visitors enjoy a highly interactive and dynamic experience that conveys the power of the Olympic spirit through digital media, hands-on virtual sport simulations, physical challenges, informative displays and artifact exhibits.
“The museum touches on the entire history of the Games, featuring stories from every nation that has participated, and celebrating the excellence of the greatest athletes from Canada and around the world. Guests of all ages are welcome to discover the ideals of the Olympic movement, feel the thrill of competition first-hand and relive the triumphs of the Games.
“The Richmond Olympic Experience is located in the Richmond Olympic Oval, which was host to long-track speedskating during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. The building has since been converted to a world-renowned multi sport facility. There are over 30 museum exhibits throughout the three levels of the building.”
Where:
12138 Fourth Ave.
When:
March 14 to 29 daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission:
Adults age 18-and-up are $14.75; kids 17-and-under are free
More info:
gulfofgeorgiacannery.org/events/spring-break-salmon-run/
“It’s spring. The first of the salmon are returning for the season, and so is the cannery’s annual Spring Break Salmon Run challenge.
Every year, Pacific salmon brave the challenges of the West Coast’s waters to return to the homes where they were born, where they will lay eggs of their own and restart the salmon life cycle. From March 14 to 29, experience the salmon’s annual journey for yourself. Using our exclusive self-guided activity booklet, complete your own salmon run through the cannery as you face a series of salmon-run-themed activities and challenges, and return triumphant to your home stream.
“Complete all of the activity book’s challenges to receive an exclusive salmon life cycle-themed prize. Spring Break Salmon Run booklets will be available at the Cannery’s Front Desk between March 14 and 29.”
Where:
11851 Westminster Hwy.
When:
Nature House is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; trails are open from dawn to dusk
Admission:
By donation
More info:
richmond.ca/parks-recreation/parks/aboutrnp.htm
“B.C.’s Marvellous Mushrooms, a travelling exhibit created by the Royal B.C. Museum, is currently on display at the Nature House. The exhibit explores the science and practical uses of mushrooms, highlighting some of the most fascinating of the 3,400 known species in B.C.
“Through a cross-section of species, the exhibit showcases the remarkable versatility of B.C.’s fungi and illustrates how their lives are interwoven throughout British Columbia’s ecosystems.”
Where:
2748 Lougheed Hwy., Port Coquitlam
When:
Hours vary
Admission:
Single- and multi-visit passes available
More info:
ohmylandclub.com
If the weather doesn’t co-operate, you can take your little ones to Oh My Land Club, a sprawling indoor play place geared toward younger kids. Enjoy the massive ball pit and slide, a dedicated area for inflatables and bouncy castles, multi-level climbing structures, push toys and pretend play, an interactive water table and more. Parents can order a latte or snack at the in-house café too.
Where:
2734 Murray St., Port Moody
When:
Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed on Wednesdays
Admission:
$19.99 per child on weekdays, $24.99 per child on weekends
More info:
glowplay.ca/
“At GlowPlay, we offer a one-of-a-kind ‘phygital park’ experience, blending physical and digital play in a way no other playground can. Your kids will enjoy hands-on activities and immersive experiences that combine active play with exciting virtual adventures.
Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for your child on a rainy day or a birthday party venue in Coquitlam, GlowPlay has something for everyone. The endless opportunities for exploration and fun-filled activities ensure that kids of all ages will leave with big smiles.”
Where:
2734 Murray St., Port Moody
When:
Open Tuesday to Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
Admission:
Entrance by donation, recommended donation is $5
More info:
pomo.museum/hours-admission
“The POMO Museum, built in 1908, was the second railway station built in Port Moody. The first was the 1882 Western Terminus Station which was demolished in 1961.” Explore the museum’s quaint exhibits to learn about the area’s industrial history and Port Moody’s early beginnings.
You can also check out POMO Museum’s
family movie night on March 21 at 4:30 p.m.
, when they’ll be screening Night at the Museum. Tickets on sale March 7 and are $10 each; snacks will be available for purchase. Come dressed in your comfiest movie-watching loungewear.
Where:
5760 Production Way
When:
Karting available daily from 10 a.m. to midnight, playzone is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission:
Drop-in rates vary but start at $29.95 for one race, with junior pricing available. Playzone pricing starts at $8.99 for toddlers and $14.99 for children ages six to 12.
More info:
fasttrackkarting.ca
Kids can’t seem to slow down? Check out Fast Track Karting in Langley where those old enough to drive a go-kart can take a rip around the indoor track. For little ones, there’s also an indoor playzone where they can burn off excess energy.
Where:
23433 Mavis Ave., Fort Langley
When:
Wednesday to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.; Closed Monday and Tuesdays
Admission:
Adults are $14; seniors and youth are $10; kids five and under are free
More info:
canadianflight.org
“The Canadian Museum of Flight is a non-profit, volunteer driven museum dedicated to restoring, preserving and showcasing Canada’s rich aviation heritage.” The museum is “ideal for family outings,” according to its website, thanks to the ample space and large outdoor areas where kids can run around.
Where:
5048 53rd Ave., Aldergrove
When:
Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., last entry at 4 p.m.
Admission:
Adults are $36; seniors, students and youth are $25; kids two-and-under are free
More info:
gvzoo.com
“Dedicated to education and conservation, the Greater Vancouver Zoo is home to many rescued, donated and orphaned animals. The mission of the Greater Vancouver Zoo is to inspire appreciation of our ecosystems and support conservation efforts by engaging the community. Discover the sights and sounds of 140 species on 120 acres in the heart of the Fraser Valley.”
Where:
36165 North Parallel Rd., Abbotsford
When:
Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission:
Free to enter, though games and attraction costs vary
More info:
castlefunpark.com
“Castle Fun Park is a family owned and operated business that has been serving the Abbotsford community for over 35 years. Founded by Hank and Doreen Wiebe, the park has become a beloved local landmark. Hank, a man with a passion for creating fun and memorable experiences, and Doreen, with her incredible business acumen and drive, built Castle Fun Park from the ground up. Now, their children continue their legacy, committed to providing the same family friendly atmosphere and exciting entertainment.”
Where:
150 Copper Dr., Squamish
When:
Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., last tour at 3 p.m.
Admission:
Adults are $42.95; seniors, students, youth and child-pricing available as well
More info:
britanniaminemuseum.ca
“Get ready for an unforgettable spring break adventure at Britannia Mine Museum. With underground tours running every 30 minutes, engaging daily presentations and hands-on science experiences in the Terra Lab, there’s something happening around every corner.
“Travel back in time to explore life in Mount Sheer and the days before rail and road connected the coast, then step into the role of a mineral detective in our new Live in the Lab: Secret Identities.
“All spring break programming is included with regular admission — making it the perfect time to discover, learn and explore together.”
Where:
150 Copper Dr., Squamish
When:
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission:
Adults are $75, kids age six to 12 are $28; student, youth and seniors pricing also available. Single-day and annual pass pricing is the same.
More info:
britanniaminemuseum.ca
“Discover a world of stunning natural beauty, fascinating history and family friendly activities at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in Vancouver … As a signature Vancouver attraction, cross the legendary suspension bridge, wander through the lush canopy on the rainforest walkway at Treetops Adventure and feel the thrill of Cliffwalk as it winds high above the canyon. With unforgettable views and immersive experiences for all ages, it’s easy to see why Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is B.C.’s most popular attraction.”
Source: vancouversun.com