As kids grow older, their interests and energy levels evolve, and Vancouver has no shortage of activities to keep them engaged. From outdoor adventures to educational experiences, the city offers a wide variety of fun things to do for tweens and teens. Whether you’re looking for something active, creative, or challenging, here are some of the best activities for older kids in Vancouver.
1. Grouse Mountain: Outdoor Adventure Year-Round
Grouse Mountain is a fantastic destination for older kids who love the outdoors and enjoy being active. The mountain offers exciting activities no matter the season:
- Skiing and Snowboarding:
In the winter months, older kids can hit the slopes with skiing or snowboarding. Grouse Mountain offers lessons for beginners as well as more challenging runs for those with experience. - Skyride and Hiking:
In the summer, the famous Grouse Grind trail is a challenging hike for teens looking for adventure. The hike takes you to the top of the mountain, where they can enjoy stunning views of the city and access fun activities like the Skyride gondola, zip-lining, or visiting the resident grizzly bears at the Wildlife Refuge. - Ice Skating:
In the winter, the outdoor skating rink on Grouse Mountain is a magical experience, surrounded by snowy peaks and twinkling lights. It’s a great way for older kids to enjoy some fresh air while improving their skating skills.
2. FlyOver Canada: A Thrilling Virtual Ride
For a unique and thrilling experience, older kids will love FlyOver Canada. This immersive virtual ride takes guests on a simulated flight across the country:
- Soaring Adventure:
The ride combines motion, wind, and mist to create the feeling of flying over iconic Canadian landscapes, from the Rockies to Niagara Falls. The stunning visuals and special effects make this a fun and memorable experience for older kids who are interested in exploring different parts of Canada. - Interactive Exhibits:
Before and after the ride, FlyOver Canada offers interactive exhibits where kids can learn more about the country’s geography and culture.
3. Escape Rooms: Teamwork and Problem-Solving Fun
Escape rooms are a great way for older kids to test their problem-solving skills while working together with friends or family. Vancouver has several exciting escape room experiences:
- SmartyPantz:
Located in Gastown, SmartyPantz offers a range of themed escape rooms where players must solve puzzles and uncover clues to “escape” within a set time limit. With themes like pirate treasure hunts or zombie outbreaks, the experience is immersive and challenging for kids ages 12 and up. - i-Exit:
Another popular escape room in Vancouver, i-Exit provides a variety of unique scenarios such as escaping from a museum or surviving an earthquake. These rooms offer a mix of physical and mental challenges, making it a thrilling experience for older kids.
4. Go-Karting at TBC Indoor Racing
For older kids who love speed and competition, go-karting is an adrenaline-pumping activity that offers a taste of racing:
- TBC Indoor Kart Racing:
Located in Richmond, just outside Vancouver, TBC Indoor Kart Racing offers high-speed electric go-karts and a challenging track for older kids and teens to race around. The karts are fast and the track has plenty of twists and turns, making it a fun, competitive experience. - Speed and Strategy:
Kids ages 11 and up can participate in races, and they’ll need both speed and strategy to navigate the track. It’s a perfect activity for birthday parties or weekend outings with friends.
5. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Nature Meets Adventure
For a thrilling mix of nature and adventure, older kids will love exploring the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park:
- Suspension Bridge:
The iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 137 meters across the Capilano River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest. Walking across the swaying bridge is an exhilarating experience for teens. - Treetop Adventures and Cliffwalk:
In addition to the bridge, the park offers Treetop Adventures, which consists of a series of suspension bridges set high among the trees, and the Cliffwalk, a narrow walkway that hugs the cliffs above the canyon. Both activities provide an exciting way for older kids to explore nature while getting their adrenaline fix. - Educational Component:
The park also includes educational displays about local flora and fauna, making it both fun and informative for older kids who enjoy learning about the environment.
6. The Richmond Night Market: A Food and Fun Extravaganza
For kids who love food and culture, the Richmond Night Market is an exciting destination where they can experience Vancouver’s rich culinary diversity:
- International Food Stalls:
The night market is famous for its wide variety of food stalls offering delicious street food from around the world. From bubble tea to deep-fried desserts to savory skewers, there’s something for every taste. Older kids will love sampling different foods and trying new flavors. - Games and Live Entertainment:
In addition to the food, the market also offers fun carnival-style games and live performances. It’s a lively, colorful atmosphere perfect for teens to explore in the evening with family or friends.
7. Vancouver Art Gallery: Culture and Creativity
Older kids with an interest in art will enjoy exploring the Vancouver Art Gallery, which offers a mix of classic and contemporary works:
- Special Exhibits:
The gallery often features exhibits that appeal to younger audiences, from modern installations to interactive displays. Older kids can explore the world of art in a relaxed setting, and guided tours are available to help them understand the significance of the pieces on display. - Art Classes and Workshops:
The Vancouver Art Gallery offers art workshops and classes for older kids, where they can learn new techniques and express their creativity through painting, drawing, and sculpture.
8. Mountain Biking at Mount Seymour or Burnaby Mountain
For older kids who love extreme sports, Vancouver’s natural terrain provides the perfect backdrop for mountain biking:
- Mount Seymour and Burnaby Mountain:
Both locations offer trails ranging from beginner to advanced, so whether your kids are just starting or are seasoned riders, they’ll find a trail that matches their skills. These trails feature thrilling descents, challenging terrain, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. - Mountain Biking Programs:
Several local organizations offer mountain biking lessons and camps for older kids, teaching them how to ride safely while improving their skills.
9. Kitsilano Pool and Beach: Sun, Surf, and Swimming
For a more relaxing activity, older kids can spend the day at Kitsilano Beach and enjoy Vancouver’s outdoor Kitsilano Pool:
- Swimming at Kits Pool:
Kitsilano Pool is a huge outdoor saltwater pool located right by the beach, offering kids a fun place to swim and cool off on hot summer days. The pool is ideal for older kids who enjoy swimming laps or splashing around with friends. - Beach Volleyball and Paddleboarding:
Kits Beach is also a great spot for older kids to play beach volleyball or try their hand at paddleboarding. The wide sandy beach and calm waters make it a popular destination for active teens.
10. Cycling Around the Seawall
One of Vancouver’s most iconic activities is biking around the Seawall, the scenic path that wraps around Stanley Park and offers beautiful views of the city, ocean, and mountains:
- Rent Bikes or Bring Your Own:
Families with older kids can rent bikes from one of the many rental shops near Stanley Park or bring their own for a leisurely ride around the 10-kilometer loop. The flat, paved path makes it easy for teens to ride at their own pace while taking in the sights. - Picnic and Outdoor Fun:
Along the way, stop for a picnic at one of Stanley Park’s many grassy areas or beaches, or check out popular spots like Second Beach or Brockton Point to explore more of the park’s attractions.
Conclusion: Adventures Await for Older Kids in Vancouver
Vancouver is filled with activities that will excite and engage older kids, whether they’re thrill-seekers, creative minds, or outdoor enthusiasts. With its mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and recreational opportunities, the city offers plenty of ways for tweens and teens to have fun, stay active, and explore new interests.
Call to Action:
Looking for your next family adventure? Try one of these activities with your older kids in Vancouver and make some unforgettable memories!