Hence, it is imperative to pick a destination that is not only child friendly, but also turns out to be a learning experience. Our pick? Vancouver, Canada. Not only is it dotted with attractions that promise family-friendly activities, but it also has a cosmopolitan flavor, that will appeal to the adults, when their babies are tucked in bed.
Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful Coast Mountains, the city is speckled with museums, aquariums, shopping centers and family friendly restaurants. Connectivity in and around the city is a breeze and the sky train is a great way to cut costs and is also a faster alternative to taxis.
When it comes to hotels, one is spoilt by choice, however, we do feel you cannot go wrong with the Rosellen Suites. Affordable and extremely children friendly, the rooms are well furnished, come with a kitchen, include free Wi-Fi connectivity, and have the home-feel flat screen as well. There are different categories of suites, but the classic suite with two bedrooms and attached bathroom should suffice for most families.
Before heading to the various attractions, make a stopover at the Little Nest Café for some yummy breakfast. The homey retro interior, the cool play area and the incessant chatter makes this an absolute favorite. Do try the homemade muesli and the fresh fruit fries with the super scrumptious jam.
Once over with breakfast, head over for a stroll at Stanley Park and make your way to the Vancouver Aquarium. Here your children can enjoy the wonders of the sea and watch creatures like sharks, beluga whales and even sea otters. For a dose of history instead do a stopover at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and at the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology.
Granville Island is our next stop and this funky little town will charm both adults and kids alike. Take a ferry to the island (an adventure in itself for your little tykes) and explore the Kids Market on Granville Island. The specialized stores sell cute stuff toys, novelty items and other collectibles and the Ecuadorian flute players, face painters, jugglers etc. will ensure that your children have a complete blast.You will also come across vendors selling fresh cheeses, sandwiches, and fresh seafood and do grab lunch here. Once you are done shopping with your children, make your way downtown towards the Capilano Suspension Bridge. This swaying 450-foot-long and 230-foot-high bridge is built upon the Capilano River and children will be absolutely love walking on it.
All these sites in one day can be exhausting and the perfect way to finish the fun-filled evening is to head towards the Grouse Mountain Skyride. Fifteen minutes from downtown, the skyride offers breathtaking views of the Grouse Mountain and one can also sign up for the Eye of the Wind tour or grab a snack at the Observatory. Before heading back to your hotel, grab a delicious but quick meal at the JapaDog. Serving hotdogs with sushi, Japadog epitomizes fusion street food and will be loved by children and adults alike. The storefront location of Japadog is in downtown, but you can also make a beeline for any of their carts, which are all over the city.
No matter what age group you are, or whom you are travelling with, there is something for everyone in Vancouver. With its natural beauty, touristy spots and loads of child-friendly attractions, the city of Vancouver is the perfect spot for a fun filled family vacation.