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Sunhouse Camps.
Parks guide,

Vancouver parks for families

Our short list of the parks we recommend most to Vancouver families with young children. Vancouver is one of the best cities in North America to raise an outdoor child.

  1. East Vancouver · Near Commercial Drive

    Trout Lake (John Hendry Park)

    A spacious park with a freshwater lake, sandy lakeshore, expansive grassy fields, and mature trees. Off-leash dog area, picnic spots, sports fields, and a community centre.

    Directions to Trout Lake (John Hendry Park) (opens Google Maps)
  2. West Side · 4915 W 16th Avenue

    Pacific Spirit Regional Park

    Ancient second-growth forest, well-marked trails, and profound stillness. The Park Centre at the main entrance is the most family-accessible. Bring waterproof shoes.

    Directions to Pacific Spirit Regional Park (opens Google Maps)
  3. Downtown Vancouver

    Stanley Park

    The classic. Beaver Lake, Lost Lagoon, the seawall, the giant cedars near Third Beach. Children’s playgrounds at Ceperley Meadow and the Variety Kids Water Park are both worth a visit.

    Directions to Stanley Park (opens Google Maps)
  4. Central Vancouver · Cambie at 33rd

    Queen Elizabeth Park

    The highest viewpoint in the city. Quarry gardens, Bloedel Conservatory, and great views make this a strong all-weather pick for families.

    Directions to Queen Elizabeth Park (opens Google Maps)
  5. West Side · Cornwall and Arbutus

    Kitsilano Beach Park

    Sand, a playground, calm water on warm days and a long grassy stretch for running.

    Directions to Kitsilano Beach Park (opens Google Maps)
  6. West Side · English Bay

    Jericho Beach Park

    Sandy beach for younger children. The Jericho ponds offer a small wetland experience. Open grass for running. Lifeguarded summer beach.

    Directions to Jericho Beach Park (opens Google Maps)
  7. North Vancouver

    Lynn Canyon Park

    The free suspension bridge is famous, but the real reason is the river canyon, waterfalls, and rainforest trails. Family-accessible loops. Worth the drive over the bridge.

    Directions to Lynn Canyon Park (opens Google Maps)
  8. West Vancouver

    Lighthouse Park

    Douglas firs that are some of the oldest accessible trees in the region. Easy trails for young families, dramatic ocean cliffs, a working lighthouse. A real outdoor cathedral.

    Directions to Lighthouse Park (opens Google Maps)
  9. Central Vancouver · 37th and Oak

    VanDusen Botanical Garden

    A paid garden, worth the membership. The Elizabethan hedge maze is a hit. Strong educational programming throughout the year.

    Directions to VanDusen Botanical Garden (opens Google Maps)
  10. East Vancouver

    New Brighton Park

    Often overlooked. Harbour views, a big lawn and a playground. A favourite for East Van families.

    Directions to New Brighton Park (opens Google Maps)
  11. East Vancouver · Near Renfrew SkyTrain

    Renfrew Park

    Big playground, sports fields and a community centre. An easy pick for East Van families.

    Directions to Renfrew Park (opens Google Maps)
We use the

Land

At camp, the park itself is the classroom: open fields, trees to climb, trails and the lakeshore. We skip the playground equipment, even when a park has one, and play with what the land gives us.

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