• Home
  • 5 Screen-Free Family Activities on Granville Island

5 Screen-Free Family Activities on Granville Island

Go to show description
A close-up image of the Granville Island entryway sign.

Image gallery

An evening shot of the Granville Island entryway sign. The entrance to Granville Island it lit with warm, yellow fairy lights, covering the entrance archway.
A picture of the Granville Island Kid's Market from across the pond.
A picture of the Adventure Zone spiral slide, inside the Kids Market.
A picture inside the Adventure Zone Arcade in the Kids Market, on Granville Island. There are lots of arcade games, all lit up with neon lights around the room.
An image of the False Creek Ferries boats driving in a snake shaped line, one after the other.
A close up image of a False Creek Ferries boat with the Burrard Bride in the background.
A picture of the waterpark at Sutcliffe Park on Granville Island. There are lots of kids and families running and playing in the sprinklers.
A picture taken from the top of the big yellow waterslide, at Sutcliffe Park's waterpark on Granville Island.
A picture of a roaming performer, dressed in colourful make-up and a butterfly costume, posing with a wooden cutout of a zebra.
A child playing at the Circus Arts tent in the Activity Village - dancing with multiple hula-hoops around them.
An image of the Public Market entryway on Granville Island, displaying lots of people walking inside.
An image of the produce stands inside the Public Market, on Granville Island, with customers shopping and walking around.

Come explore Granville Island with your family! This must-see Vancouver destination is not just for adults. Did you know that Granville Island has many interesting things for families to see and do? With so much to offer, this Vancouver landmark provides the perfect opportunity to unplug and enjoy some quality time together. It’s no wonder that Granville Island is consistently one of the top things to do with kids in Vancouver. In this post, we showcase five screen-free activities for your family to enjoy on Granville Island. 

Kids market

With a diverse range of more than 25 shops, entertainment options and services, there’s something for everyone. Explore the charming, locally owned and operated stores, each offering a carefully curated selection of unique products just for kids. In addition to shopping, Kids Market also offers some great, one-of-a-kind experiences such as the Adventure Zone and the Arcade. 

For families seeking to burn some energy, the Adventure Zone is the place to be. This indoor play area is filled with exciting activities that will keep your children entertained for hours. Experience non-stop fun at the Adventure Zone — hidden amongst the shops and games on the upper floor of Kids Market!

This indoor playground offers a range of entertaining options. Dive into the ball pit, glide down winding slides or hang-out in the jungle gym. The area is a supervised environment, providing a secure space for your little ones to play.

Feeling competitive? Classic games like Skee-Ball, Basketball and Whack A Frog are waiting for you and your family at the Granville Island Arcade! Play games, win tickets and then claim your prize from the Adventure Zone Prize Counter and take home a fun souvenir! 

Take in A Scenic ferry tour!

Take a break from the hustle and bustle within the walls of Kids Market and head outdoors to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Hop on a False Creek Ferry for a scenic ride through False Creek and admire breathtaking views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains. 

Vancouver International Children’s Festival

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival takes place each year on Granville Island and brings together families to celebrate the joy and wonder of childhood. Imagine the enchantment of seeing dancers, actors, musicians and acrobats make a show come alive on stage for the very first time … or joining an impromptu musical jam … painting your face… or learning to balance on stilts…all by yourself.  Children of all ages can do these things, and much more, at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, the not-to-be-missed annual arts and culture event for kids and their families.

Have fun at the playground and Waterpark

No family outing is complete without a visit to Sutcliffe Park. Let your kids climb, slide and swing to their heart’s content at the park’s popular playground. It’s a wonderful place for children to burn-off energy and make new friends.

Afterwards, make your way to the Waterpark, where kids can splash around in fountains, streams and sprays. It’s a fantastic way to cool off on a warm day, and there’s even a waterslide and on-site lifeguards during the summer season. 

During the week of the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Sutcliffe Park becomes the site of the Festival’s Activity Village and comes alive with the sights and sounds of children igniting their playful joy. The welcoming atmosphere of the Activity Village invites families to relax, be silly and enjoy some time together. With over 15 arts activities, the Activity Village provides many ways to engage your child’s imagination and creativity all while having fun together as a family. Your show ticket includes access to all these wonderful activities. Get your face-painted, learn how to juggle, grab a snack, or simply enjoy the festival atmosphere together.

Don’t Forget Lunch at the PUblic Market

After all the excitement, you’ll undoubtedly work up an appetite. Head over to the Granville Island Public Market, where you can indulge in a wide array of delicious food options. From freshly caught seafood to artisanal baked goods and international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Take a break, sit down as a family, and enjoy a leisurely lunch together while enjoying the lively ambiance of the Public Market.

Granville Island is the perfect destination for families seeking screen-free fun. There’s definitely no shortage of activities to keep your family entertained at Granville Island. Have fun!