Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Kids of all ages will enjoy learning science concepts at the Science World at Telus World of Science, just five minutes from downtown Vancouver. Explore the beaver lodge and T. Rex skeleton in "Search: The Sara Stein Gallery" or learn about various energy concepts at the "Our World" electricity exhibit. Science World also has the domed giant screen at the Omnimax Theatre, which shows science features, about the ocean and the history of gold panning, on its 27 meter (or 89 foot) wide screen. Should the kids get hungry, treat them to a burger or wrap at the on-site Triple-O's restaurant. In addition, there are vending machines, stocked with snacks and drinks, and concession stands with candy and ice cream.
Science World is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. It is easily accessible via public transit and ferry. Public pay parking is nearby.
Science World at Telus World of Science
1455 Quebec Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7
604-443-7440
scienceworld.ca
Visit the marine animals at the Vancouver Aquarium, located in the city's first public park, Stanley Park. See beluga whales, dolphins, butterflies in the "Graham Amazon Gallery" or see a 4-d movie about sea life at the on-site theater. Let the little kids get wet and wild at Clownfish Cove, where they can play in touch pools or play dress-up with costumes. For an extra fee, get even closer to animals and act as animal trainer via the animal encounter experience. Not only will you directly interact with a Beluga whale, sea otter and sea lion, but you can feed them and learn first-hand about the animals. If the kids get hungry, try the on-site Upstream Cafe for a hot dog, salad or club sandwich. You can always bring your own lunch and enjoy it at one of the many on-site picnic spots.
The Aquarium is open daily, but hours vary according to season. Winter hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. And summer hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pay public parking lots are located near the Aquarium and nearby at Stanley Park.
Vancouver Aquarium
845 Avison Way
Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
604-659-3474
vanaqua.org
Teach the kids about the wild outside world at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre in Lynn Canyon Park of North Vancouver. Check out the centre's interactive displays and learn about the plants and animals that dwell in the area's temperate rainforest. Discover the animal food chain and learn how animals defend themselves from becoming lunch, or let the kids loose with the animal toys and puppet theatre in the play area. The best attractions however, may be what is outside the centre. Take a walk on the many trails throughout the rainforest and see waterfalls, salmon swimming in Lynn Creek and walk the Lynn Cannon Suspension Bridge. The bridge is suspended 50 metres (164 feet) over Lynn Creek and is free to visitors. Be sure to grab a burger or beverage at the nearby Lynn Canyon Cafe. If you decide to picnic within the park, be sure to take your trash with you when you leave.
The centre is open year-round, but hours of operation do vary. The centre is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. The centre is closed on Boxing Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. However, from June to September, the centre is seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre
3663 Park Rd.
North Vancouver, BC V7J 3G3
604-990-3755
dnv.org