Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Science World
★4.5(15,520 reviews)$Museum
🕑 3-4 hours for a thorough visit, or 4-5 hours if including an OMNIMAX film👶 Best for ages 2-14. Toddlers and preschoolers love the Kidspace gallery with water play and sensory activities, while elementary-aged kids enjoy the interactive science experiments throughout the galleries. Tweens and teens appreciate the more complex exhibits on topics like sustainability and physics, plus the immersive OMNIMAX theater experience.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Science World at TELUS World of Science is a hands-on wonderland housed in Vancouver's iconic silver dome on False Creek. With hundreds of interactive exhibits spanning biology, physics, chemistry, and more, plus spectacular OMNIMAX films on a five-story screen, this attraction keeps curious minds engaged for hours. The live science demonstrations and galleries designed specifically for younger children make it perfect for families with kids of all ages.
Highlights
- ✓Kidspace gallery with water play, building zones, and activities designed for ages 6 and under
- ✓Live science shows and demonstrations performed multiple times daily by enthusiastic educators
- ✓OMNIMAX dome theater with stunning films on a five-story curved screen
- ✓Outdoor Ken Spencer Science Park with water features and exhibits open seasonally
- ✓Search: Sara Stern Gallery featuring optical illusions, puzzles, and mind-bending exhibits
Pro Tips
- 1.Purchase tickets online in advance to save money and skip the ticket line, especially on rainy days when locals flock here
- 2.Arrive right at opening (10 AM) to experience popular exhibits before they get crowded, particularly on weekends
- 3.Check the daily schedule for science show times immediately upon arrival and plan your visit around these entertaining demonstrations
- 4.Pack a change of clothes for young kids as the water-based exhibits in Kidspace can get them quite wet
- 5.Consider the annual membership if you're staying in Vancouver for an extended period, as it pays for itself in just three visits
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday through Thursday) are least crowded, especially during the school year when most local kids are in class. Rainy days attract more visitors, so sunny weekends in summer can ironically be better times to visit. Arrive at opening time regardless of the day for the best experience.
What to Know
Admission is affordable at about $30 CAD for adults and $22 CAD for youth (note that OMNIMAX films cost extra). The venue has an on-site cafe with kid-friendly options, and there's paid parking available nearby or you can easily reach it via SkyTrain to Main Street-Science World station. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. The outdoor Science Park is only accessible during warmer months (typically May through September). Science World hosts special themed events during school holidays, spring break, and summer vacation with extended hours and extra activities. Holiday-themed exhibits and shows often run in December.
Nearby Eats
The nearby Olympic Village neighborhood (10-minute walk) has family-friendly options like Tap & Barrel with waterfront patio seating and a kids menu. Alternatively, walk 5 minutes to Main Street where you'll find casual spots like Uncle Fatih's Pizza and numerous Asian restaurants with kid-pleasing noodle and rice dishes.
More Activities Near Vancouver
Museum
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
★4.7$❤️59
The Museum of Anthropology at UBC offers an extraordinary journey through Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest and beyond, with world-class totem poles, interactive galleries, and hands-on discovery areas designed specifically for young explorers. Kids are captivated by the dramatic Great Hall featuring towering carved figures, while touchable artifacts and engaging multimedia displays make learning about First Nations art and traditions accessible and exciting for all ages.
Museum
Vancouver Art Gallery
★4.3$❤️29
The Vancouver Art Gallery offers excellent family programs designed to make art accessible and fun for children. Interactive galleries and dedicated kids' art activities encourage hands-on creativity, while rotating exhibitions showcase diverse cultural perspectives that spark curiosity and conversation. The museum strikes a wonderful balance between serious art appreciation and playful learning experiences that keep young visitors engaged.
Museum
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
★3.9$❤️11
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre offers an out-of-this-world experience for young astronauts with its immersive planetarium shows, interactive space exhibits, and thrilling simulator rides. Located in beautiful Vanier Park with stunning views of English Bay, this hands-on science museum makes learning about astronomy and space exploration exciting and accessible for children of all ages.
Restaurant
Minado Sushi Restaurant
$$❤️11
Minado Sushi Restaurant turns mealtime into entertainment with its mesmerizing conveyor belt that delivers colorful plates of sushi right to your table. Kids love picking their own dishes as they glide by, while parents appreciate the all-you-can-eat format that lets picky eaters try new things without waste or the pressure of ordering specifically for them.