Vancouver with kids
Vancouver for Spring Break with Kids: Rain-Proof Fun and a 3-Day Plan
Spring break in Vancouver is a city of two seasons: snow is still on the mountains while the first cherry blossoms open downtown. It also rains a lot in March, so the best plan mixes indoor favourites with dry-spell adventures.
In 2027, most Metro Vancouver schools are off from March 15 to 26 (North and West Vancouver until Easter Monday, March 29), so local attractions get busy. Book what you can and check each official website for hours.
Day 1 · Science and the seawall
Science World, then a walk or bike along False Creek between showers.
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Morning
Science World (opens Google Maps)
Hands-on galleries, live shows and the outdoor science park. Spring break is its busiest time: book online and arrive at opening.
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Lunch · Lunch
Lunch in Olympic Village
Cafés and bakeries around the Olympic Village plaza, a short walk along the water.
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Afternoon
False Creek ferry to Granville Island (opens Google Maps)
Hop on one of the tiny ferries across False Creek, then explore the Kids Market and the Public Market (both indoors).
Day 2 · Stanley Park and the aquarium
Sea otters in the morning, the seawall when it's dry.
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Morning
Vancouver Aquarium (opens Google Maps)
Sea otters, sea lions, jellyfish and an Amazon gallery. Timed tickets help on busy break days.
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Lunch · Lunch
Lunch in the park
Cafés near the aquarium, or a picnic if the sun is out.
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Afternoon
Totem poles and the seawall (opens Google Maps)
See the totem poles at Brockton Point, then walk or bike part of the seawall (rent bikes near the park entrance).
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Evening
Cherry blossoms at dusk (opens Google Maps)
In late March the early cherry trees bloom downtown; the city's Cherry Blossom Festival usually starts at the end of March.
Day 3 · The North Shore
Snow on the mountain or a bridge over a canyon, depending on the weather.
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Morning
Grouse Mountain in snow (opens Google Maps)
The Skyride gondola goes up to snow in March: snowshoeing, sledding and tubing for kids (check what's open, as the season winds down).
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Lunch · Lunch
Lunch in Lonsdale Quay (opens Google Maps)
An indoor market by the SeaBus, with views back to the city.
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Afternoon
Lynn Canyon suspension bridge (opens Google Maps)
A free suspension bridge over a rainforest canyon. Paths can be muddy and slippery in spring: wear good shoes.
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Evening
SeaBus back to the city (opens Google Maps)
A 12-minute ride across the harbour with city lights ahead.
Good to know
- Rain gear wins: waterproof jackets and boots for everyone mean the trip goes on whatever the weather.
- Camps and drop-in programs: museums and community centres run spring break programs; they fill up weeks ahead.
- Two weeks, two crowds: many districts break for two weeks; Easter (March 28, 2027) adds a long weekend at the end.
- Richmond next door: a rainy afternoon of Asian food courts and the indoor Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston. See our Richmond guide.
Make it a game
A Play Your Trip book turns this plan into an adventure: every stop a quest with a coin to collect, every place one tap from the map. Vancouver books are coming soon; see how it works.
Questions
When is spring break in Vancouver in 2027?
Most Metro Vancouver school districts are off from March 15 to 26, 2027. North and West Vancouver run until Easter Monday, March 29.
What can kids do in Vancouver on a rainy spring break day?
Science World, the Vancouver Aquarium, Granville Island's Kids Market, the Museum of Vancouver and the Richmond food courts are all indoors. See our rainy day guide for more.
Is there still snow in Vancouver at spring break?
Usually on the North Shore mountains (Grouse, Cypress, Seymour), not in the city. Check each mountain's conditions before you go.