VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen Botanical Garden offers 55 acres of stunning landscapes where kids can explore themed gardens, spot wildlife, and burn energy at dedicated playgrounds. This internationally acclaimed garden combines educational experiences with outdoor fun, featuring family-friendly walking paths, seasonal events like the magical Festival of Lights, and interactive programs that make learning about plants exciting for young visitors.

• ✓Elizabethan Hedge Maze where kids can navigate twisting paths
• ✓Multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups
• ✓Turtle and duck ponds with wildlife viewing opportunities
• ✓Seasonal scavenger hunts and educational family programs
• ✓Festival of Lights in December with over one million twinkling lights

1. 1.Pick up a free family scavenger hunt sheet at the visitor centre to keep kids engaged as you explore the gardens.
2. 2.Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and the best chance to spot wildlife like turtles, ducks, and herons near the ponds.
3. 3.Bring a blanket for picnicking on the lawn areas, though outside food must be consumed in designated spots only.
4. 4.Wear comfortable walking shoes as paths are mostly paved but extensive, and bring a stroller for younger children (garden is stroller-friendly).
5. 5.Download the VanDusen app before visiting for interactive maps and kid-friendly garden highlights.

Spring (April-May) offers spectacular blooms and mild weather perfect for exploring with kids, or visit during December for the enchanting Festival of Lights. Weekday mornings provide the quietest experience for families with young children.

Admission fees apply (children 12 and under are free with paying adult, typically $11-12 CAD for adults). Free parking is available on-site. The Truffles Cafe offers kid-friendly snacks and meals, and there are family washrooms throughout the garden.

Open year-round with varying hours (extended summer hours, shorter winter hours). Spring brings cherry blossoms and tulips, summer offers rose gardens and longest days, fall showcases colorful foliage, and winter features the popular Festival of Lights from late November through early January. Some garden areas may be less interesting in winter months outside the festival period.

Oakwood Canadian Bistro (5 minutes away) offers a kids menu with classics like mac and cheese and chicken fingers. The nearby Kerrisdale neighborhood (10-minute drive) has multiple family-friendly options including White Spot, a BC institution known for kid-friendly burgers and the beloved pirate pak meals.