Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Guildford Recreation Centre
★4.4(2,385 reviews)Sports
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 2-16. Toddlers can splash in the pools and try introductory programs, while older kids enjoy ice skating, swimming lessons, and organized sports activities. The variety of offerings means siblings of different ages can all find something engaging.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
About
Guildford Recreation Centre is a one-stop destination for active families, offering everything from swimming pools and ice skating to gymnastics programs and sports activities under one roof. With programs and facilities designed for all ages and abilities, it's the perfect place to burn off energy rain or shine while visiting the Vancouver area.
Highlights
- ✓Indoor swimming pools with dedicated family swim times
- ✓Ice skating rink with public skate sessions and skate rentals available
- ✓Gymnastics and sports programs that visitors can sometimes join for drop-in sessions
- ✓Clean, modern facilities with family change rooms
- ✓Variety of activities means one stop satisfies different interests and energy levels
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit during weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid after-school and evening rush times when local programs fill up the facility.
- 2.Bring Canadian cash or a credit card, as some vending machines and lockers may require loonies (Canadian $1 coins) for deposits.
- 3.Check the online schedule before arriving, as pool and ice rink times are divided into public swim, lessons, and sports bookings that vary daily.
- 4.Pack swim diapers for young children as they are required in the pool areas and may be more expensive to purchase on-site.
- 5.The facility is about 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver via SkyTrain and bus, so plan extra travel time if staying in the city center.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) offer the quietest experience with smaller crowds. Weekend mornings fill up quickly with local families, so arrive right at opening if visiting Saturday or Sunday.
What to Know
Drop-in rates are charged per activity (swim, skate, gym access) and are paid in Canadian dollars. Ample free parking is available on-site. No on-site restaurant, but vending machines offer snacks and drinks.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent programming. Holiday periods may have adjusted schedules or special family events, so check the facility calendar before visiting. Indoor venue makes it perfect for rainy Vancouver days.
Nearby Eats
Guildford Town Centre mall (5-minute drive) has a food court with familiar chains and kid-friendly options. Boston Pizza on 152nd Street offers a casual family dining atmosphere with a kids menu.
More Activities Near Surrey
Community Center
South Surrey Recreation and Arts Centre
★4.6❤️204
South Surrey Recreation and Arts Centre is a top-rated modern community hub offering fantastic family swimming opportunities, youth programs, and fitness activities in a clean, welcoming environment. With dedicated family swim times, swimming lessons for all ages, and a range of drop-in programs, it's an excellent indoor option for active families visiting the Greater Vancouver area.
Water Park
Cloverdale Athletic Park Spray Park
★4.7❤️45
This free outdoor splash pad in Surrey's Cloverdale Athletic Park provides refreshing water play perfect for beating the summer heat. With gentle water features designed for young children, it offers a safe, shallow environment where toddlers and preschoolers can splash and play while parents relax nearby in the park setting.
Park
Crescent Park
★4.7Free❤️17
Crescent Park is a welcoming neighborhood gem in Surrey that offers families a perfect spot for casual outdoor play and relaxation. With well-maintained playgrounds, sports courts, and plenty of open green space for picnics and games, it provides an ideal setting for letting kids burn off energy while parents enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Museum
Museum of Surrey
★4.6$❤️39
The Museum of Surrey offers an engaging journey through local history with hands-on interactive exhibits specifically designed to captivate young minds. This budget-friendly museum makes learning fun through family-focused programs and displays that bring Surrey's heritage to life, making it perfect for a meaningful educational outing without breaking the bank.