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Top 15 Vancouver Amusement Parks That’ll Keep the Whole Crew Grinning All Day
- Playland Amusement Park
- FlyOver Canada
- The Adventure Zone
- Granville Island Water Park
- The Fox's Den (Spray Park)
- WildPlay Maple Ridge
- Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment
- Cultus Lake Adventure Park
- 365 Fundays Theme Park
- Hastings Park
- Cypress Eagle Coaster
- VR Funtastic World
- Cultus Lake Waterpark
- The World of Kidtropolis
- Castle Fun Park
Recently, my sister rolled into town with her three kids in tow, ready for a week of nonstop fun—and let me tell you, coming up with a solid game plan wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.
The oldest was 13, the youngest basically ran on rocket fuel, and I quickly realized I needed more than just the go-to Playland to keep them entertained (and maybe tire them out a little).
So, after some serious planning and lots of snacks, I pulled together a list of family-friendly spots that might’ve secured my “best uncle mug.” If you’re in the same boat, here’s your shortcut: a full guide to the best amusement parks in Vancouver.
Playland Amusement Park
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Address: 2901 E Hastings St
Contact details: +1 604-253-2311
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
The first thing locals will say when you ask them about an amusement park in Vancouver will probably be Playland Amusement Park. It sits right at Hastings Park, giving it that old-school fairground feel while still being close to downtown.
A family will easily have fun given that the park has over 35 rides and attractions for all ages. From high-speed thrill rides like The Beast or Atmosfear to more family-friendly options like the Super Slide, Ferris Wheel, or Balloon Explorers, there’s something for every comfort level.
And of the most iconic things to experience is the Wooden Roller Coaster built in 1958—it’s fast, rickety in all the right ways, and sort of a rite of passage for thrill-seekers. Also, don’t forget to try out their midway games, like ring toss, whack-a-mole, and water gun races.
Pro tip:
You can buy tickets online or at the gate, but online usually gets you a discount and helps skip the line. And if you’re planning multiple visits, getting their season passes is a good idea, especially if you’ve got kids or teens on summer break.
FlyOver Canada
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Address: 999 Canada Pl #201
Contact details: +1 855-463-4822
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Now, if you’re after the thrill but with the safety of staying indoors and on your seat, then FlyOver Canada might do the job. It’s a flying theatre attraction that simulates soaring over Canada’s diverse landscape—an 8-minute virtual flight experience that takes you from coast to coast.
We’re also quite surprised at how realistic it is. The ride uses a 20-metre spherical screen, motion seats, and special effects like wind, mist, and scents to imitate the real thing and—in a way—transport you over those places.
Just a heads-up: while the attraction is suitable for a wide age range, there’s still a minimum height requirement of 102 cm (40 inches), and children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pro tip:
To get the best value and avoid long lines, consider purchasing your tickets online in advance. Also, try to schedule your visit during weekdays or non-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
The Adventure Zone
Media from cyndsvong
Address: 1496 Cartwright St #230
Contact details: +1 604-608-6699
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
The Adventure Zone is perfect for little kids who want to go on play dates, mess around, have fun, or even throw parties. We like how the facility prioritizes safety with features like see-through netting for easy supervision and self-maintaining materials for cleanliness.
It’s basically an amusement centre for kids—the centrepiece is a sprawling, multi-level jungle gym that has a giant corkscrew slide, tunnels, and climbing structures. There’s also the i-Wal, an interactive play surface where kids can throw softballs at virtual targets.
If your kid wants to win some prizes, the arcade area offers a range of games, from classic skeeball to modern options like Monster Drop. The kids can earn tickets to redeem prizes, adding that extra layer of excitement to their playtime.
Pro tip:
To make the most of your visit, consider arriving early to avoid the rush, especially on weekends. And don’t forget to bring socks for everyone, as they’re required for play.
Granville Island Water Park
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Address: 1318 Cartwright St
Contact details: +1 604-666-6655
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Granville Island Water Park is a great spot for warmer months, and if you think a plain swimming pool is too boring. Being situated on Granville Island, it’s close to the Public Market, artisan shops, and various eateries, making it easy to combine the water park with other activities.
We love that they have multiple spray zones, fountains, and a waterslide since it provides entertainment for kids of different age groups. Plus, the splash areas are designed to be safe and enjoyable, which is why it’s popular for families.
Speaking of safety, you’ll have some peace of mind knowing that trained lifeguards are on duty during operating hours. We also like that the park has clean restrooms and changing facilities—it’s just more convenient that way.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, water shoes, and a change of clothes for the kids. Packing a picnic can also be a great way to enjoy the adjacent green spaces after splashing around.
The Fox’s Den (Spray Park)
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Address: 1151 Stanley Park Dr
Contact details: N/A
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Situated in Stanley Park, The Fox’s Den (Splash Park) offers a picturesque setting right along the Seawall, so you’ll be greeted with beautiful views of the North Shore Mountains. Plus, the proximity to the Vancouver Aquarium and Lumbermen’s Arch is a convenient stop in the park.
Families with kids will have fun since the splash park has numerous sprayers, jets, and a unique rock structure known as the “Fox Den” that children climb and play around. And near the splash area are grassy lawns perfect for picnicking or relaxing while the kids play.
We also like that the park is equipped with wheelchair-accessible entrances and washrooms, making sure guests can be as comfortable as possible. On the flip side, parking can be tricky sometimes, particularly on busy days.
Pro tip:
If your kids love running around, it’ll be a good idea to bring water shoes since the surface can be a bit rough in some areas. Also, using public transit or commuting might be best during peak times since parking can be full by that time.
WildPlay Maple Ridge
Media from wildplaymapleridge
Address: 23485 Fern Crescent, Maple Ridge
Contact details: +1 855-595-2251
Opening hours:
- Monday to Tuesday, Thursday to Friday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Wednesday, Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 8 PM
WildPlay Maple Ridge goes for the nature route with a backdrop of towering trees and lush greenery. The park is packed with all sorts of aerial courses that allow visitors to navigate through the forest canopy in a fun and adventurous way.
Starting with the classic course, it has three levels of obstacles that increase in height and difficulty—think tightropes, ziplines, cargo nets, and swinging logs. They also have a kids’ course featuring a single-level experience up to 15 feet high.
For adventure junkies, you might love the extreme course that showcases obstacles up to 60 feet high. You can also go for their 40-ft jump, where you climb up a rope ladder and jump from a platform—don’t worry, it’s like a secured free fall.
Pro tip:
If you’re interested in tackling multiple courses and activities, you can go for their bundle deal like the “Do-It-All Deal” to save money and time. Also, wearing gloves can enhance your grip and comfort during the aerial courses.
Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment
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Address: 2340 River Rd, Richmond
Contact details: +1 604-276-4000
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Tucked within the 63-acre Terra Nova Rural Park, Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment is a haven for families or friends craving that outdoor fun. You’ll be able to enjoy the scenic views and opportunities to spot local wildlife, especially since it’s along the Fraser River.
The place has two distinct play zones: the Homestead has a 10-meter tall treehouse with multiple platforms and a spiral slide, a Log Jam climbing structure, a rope walkway, the Spinnery, and a water and sand play area.
The second one is the Paddock. Once a horse paddock, now transformed into a play area with tandem 35-meter zip lines, 3-meter high swings, a pivot swing, a twisting hillside slide, a rolling hill, and a meadow maze. You can imagine how jam-packed both zones are.
Pro tip:
It’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes for the kids, especially if they plan to enjoy the water and sand play areas. And for something chill, you can go around the gardens, picnic areas and trails for walking and biking.
Cultus Lake Adventure Park
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Address: 3993 Sunnyside Blvd, Cultus Lake
Contact details: +1 604-858-8777
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Just about an hour outside Vancouver, Cultus Lake Adventure Park is a refreshing and exciting escape from the city. With over 18 rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone, like the 150-foot drop tower called the Cloud Buster and the pendulum ride known as the Round-Up 360.
For your kiddos, rides like Ribbit, a bouncing frog-themed ride, and Honey Pots, a whimsical spin on the classic teacup ride, can give them that gentle thrill. Aside from rides, you can also go for the 18-hole mini golf course or the Cultus Cave, a 130-foot maze of caves.
But what we love the most is that the park lights up at night, and you can snag a Night Rider pass that offers unlimited rides for three hours before closing.
Pro tip:
Admission to the park is free, so you can explore and look around. For rides, you can choose between purchasing individual ride tokens or opting for an All-Day Unlimited Rides Wristband, providing flexibility based on your plans.
365 Fundays Theme Park
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Address: 3810 Jacombs Rd #120, Richmond
Contact details: +1 604-370-0093
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 12 PM; 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM; 3PM – 5 PM
Spanning over 25,500 square feet, 365 Fundays Theme Park is a jungle-inspired place where kids can explore and play regardless of the weather. It features multi-level play structures painted with vibrant colours and creative designs, making it literal eye candy for children.
Some of the fun attractions and spots include the Donut Slide, Volcano climbing structure, Myth Maze laser tag arena, and the foam ball pit and spider tower. They even have a dedicated toddler zone, which means little ones can play safely.
And we have to give them credit for emphasizing cleanliness. To maintain a clean and safe environment, the park operates in sessions, and each session is followed by a 30-minute sanitization period so that the facilities are clean and ready for the next group of visitors.
Pro tip:
Packing your own water bottles can be a practical choice since on-site beverages can be on the pricier side. It’s also a smart move to visit during weekday mornings when the park is typically less crowded.
Hastings Park
Media from natachahostyn
Address: 2901 E Hastings St
Contact details: +1 604-873-7000
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 6 AM – 10 PM
Other than Playland, you’ll get a lot of “amusement” from Hastings Park, especially how it seamlessly integrates green spaces with entertainment venues and attractions. The best part? It’s open daily, has no admission fee, and the park is wheelchair accessible.
It’s also home to the Hastings Racecourse, a historic horse racing venue. And beyond racing, the facility includes a gaming floor with slot machines and dining options, making it a year-round entertainment destination.
For those who want to be active, they have facilities for soccer, softball, basketball, and beach volleyball. Also, the rubberized running track and outdoor gym equipment cater to fitness enthusiasts.
Pro tip:
To fully experience the park, visit during the Pacific National Exhibition in late August. The fair transforms the park into a lively hub of entertainment, featuring live performances, exhibitions, and expanded amusement rides.
Cypress Eagle Coaster
Media from cypressmtn
Address: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver
Contact details: +1 604-926-5612
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 7 PM
For some cool, thrilling Alpine descent, the Cypress Eagle Coaster should be on your list. It’s a gravity-fed ride that begins at the top of the Eagle Express Quad Chair on Black Mountain, stretching over 1.7 km with a 279-meter drop, and riders control the speed with a hand brake.
We love how it’s suitable for a wide range of ages and physical capabilities; children aged 3 to 7 can ride with an adult (as long as they meet the height requirement of 96 cm or 3’2″). Riders aged 8 and up, standing at least 124 cm (4’1″), can ride solo.
While the ride itself is accessible via chairlift, it’s worth noting that there are no washrooms at the top of the lift. So, it’s best to do your business and use the facilities at the Cypress Creek Lodge before ascending.
Pro tip:
If you want to avoid long queues, try gunning for weekday mornings. Also, buying tickets online in advance is recommended, as slots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
VR Funtastic World
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Address: VR FUNTASTIC WORLD, 1496 Cartwright St
Contact details: +1 604 500 6097
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Located on the second floor of the Kids Market at Granville Island, VR Funtastic World showcases a range of virtual reality experiences suitable for both children and adults. You’ll get to play with popular VR games like Beat Saber, Job Simulator, and Space Pirate Trainer.
They also have interactive rides where participants sit in motion-enabled chairs that enhance the immersive experience. For instance, their egg-shaped motion simulator rides offer 360-degree visuals and synchronized movements, simulating things like roller coasters.
It’s also great to come in a group since they have multiplayer games. You can choose between cooperative and competitive games.
Pro tip:
If you’re new to VR, start with shorter experiences to acclimate yourself before diving into more intense simulators. Also, walk-ins are welcome, but during peak times like weekends and holidays, there might be longer wait times.
Cultus Lake Waterpark
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Address: 4150 Columbia Valley Hwy, Cultus Lake
Contact details: +1 604-858-7241
Opening hours: Saturday to Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
It’s impressive how Cultus Lake Waterpark has grown into a premier summer destination in Western Canada. It has over 20 attractions, so the appeal it has to thrill-seekers, families, and young children is incredibly high.
If you’re after the thrill rides, Freefall, a 72-foot vertical drop slide, is a good start. The Bazooka Bowls makes riders swirl around a large bowl before dropping into a 9-foot-deep pool, while the Colossal Canyon, with twists and turns, is Western Canada’s largest waterslide.
We also enjoy the more gentle attractions, like the 350-foot lazy river, the Pirates Cove, which has an interactive spray park, and the Tots Castle with small slides and shallow water perfect for toddlers.
Pro tip:
If you bring some food or want to have a nice BBQ, they have free-to-use picnic tables scattered around the park, and you can rent BBQ grills.
The World of Kidtropolis
Media from kidtropolis
Address: 110-5940 No 2 Rd, Richmond
Contact details: +1 604-285-7529
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
As the name suggests, The World of Kidtropolis is like a child-sized city. This place will help you tire out your little kiddos by letting them immerse themselves in various scenarios, exploring settings like a fire station, hospital, grocery store, and more.
And it’s not just the setting; kids can grab costumes and dress up as different characters. Not to mention, these interactive setups are designed to be both fun and educational, promoting social skills and teamwork.
On that note, this place is also great for birthday parties for different group sizes. Each package they offer includes a 2-hour party room rental, access to play areas, a party host, and basic tableware.
Pro tip:
If you want something more exclusive, you can also avail of their private event rentals starting at around $1,250. These events are held after regular hours and can accommodate up to 100 guests.
Castle Fun Park
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Address: 36165 N Parallel Rd, Abbotsford
Contact details: +1 604-850-0411
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Castle Fun Park has been a staple of family entertainment in the Fraser Valley since 1989. There’s a lot to do here, especially since they have over 200 arcade games, from classic pinball machines to modern video games.
We personally like the idea and experience at the Underwater Adventure Golf—you’ll play mini golf in this space designed to look like you’re underwater. For something a bit more cardio, their laser maze challenge will be a good activity.
It’s also neat that they have go-karts and bumper cars. This place is pretty much an indoor heaven for kids or even adults who want to have fun by playing games.
Pro tip:
It’s best to buy a Playcard upon arrival. This card can be loaded with any dollar amount and used across all games and attractions, streamlining your activities and often providing bonus credits.
