Recommended Vancouver Parks for Families
Recommended Vancouver Parks for Families
Our short list of the parks we recommend most to Vancouver families with young children. Click any name below to get directions on Google Maps.
Vancouver is one of the best cities in North America to raise an outdoor child. We are surrounded by parks that are not just patches of grass but real natural spaces, with forests, lakes, shorelines, and trails within easy reach of every neighbourhood.
Trout Lake (John Hendry Park)
East Vancouver · Near Commercial Drive
Home of Sunhouse Trout Lake Camps. 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.
View on Google Maps →
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
West Side · 4915 W 16th Avenue
Home of Sunhouse Pacific Spirit Camps. 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.
View on Google Maps →Stanley Park
Downtown Vancouver
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.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Central Vancouver · Cambie at 33rd
The highest viewpoint in the city. Quarry gardens, Bloedel Conservatory, and great views make this a strong all-weather pick for families.
Jericho Beach Park
West Side · English Bay
Sandy beach for younger children. The Jericho ponds offer a small wetland experience. Open grass for running. Lifeguarded summer beach.
Lynn Canyon Park
North Vancouver
The free suspension bridge is famous, but the real reason is the river canyon, waterfalls, and rainforest trails. Family-accessible loops. Worth the bridge drive.
Lighthouse Park
West Vancouver
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.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Central Vancouver · 37th and Oak
A paid garden, worth the membership. The Elizabethan hedge maze is a hit. Strong educational programming throughout the year.
New Brighton Park
East Vancouver
Often overlooked. Sanctuary garden at Hastings, expansive grass at New Brighton, harbour views, playground. Sleeper hits for East Van families.
Renfrew Park
East Vancouver · Near Renfrew SkyTrain
Underrated. Big playground, sports fields, real community centre, decent green space. A good in-between park for East Van families.
How We Use Parks at Sunhouse Camps
Two of these parks, Trout Lake and Pacific Spirit, are the homes of Sunhouse Camps. The rest are part of the broader outdoor life we encourage Vancouver families to build with their children. A childhood spent in real natural spaces is one of the most lasting investments a family can make.
Read The Sunhouse Method™ → · Browse Sunhouse Camps → · Recommended Gear →