A visit to the Pacific coast city of Vancouver is sure to please children of all ages. The city, located in southwestern Washington state, offers a wide variety of activities to keep children interested and entertained. Families with children visiting Vancouver will fall in love with the bicycle-friendly city and enjoy visiting the local farmers market that offers arts, entertainment and special events organized with children in mind.
Children will love examining the World War I and II aircraft exhibits and seeing the experimental flying aircraft found at the Pearson Air Museum. The museum is adjacent to Pearson Air Field, the oldest operating airfield in the US as of 2010. Visit the Historic Hangar at the museum, built in 1918 and still in use today. Pearson Air Museum has several permanent exhibits, including the world's first bomber, a flight simulator lab, a replica of the plane flown by the Red Baron, and Russian Transpolar flight items. Children will be thrilled with the interactive science exhibit at the museum where they can get their hands on flight equipment while learning about aviation. Pearson Air Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to five p.m. as of 2010.
Pearson Air Museum
1115 E. Fifth St.
Vancouver, WA 98661
360-694-7026
fortvan.org
Located just three miles from downtown Vancouver, Vancouver Lake Park occupies 234 acres situated alongside Vancouver Lake. With picturesque views of Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens, children will find numerous outdoor activities at Vancouver Lake Park. A playground, sand volleyball court and swimming area on a sandy beach invite children of all ages to have a great time while enjoying nature. For older children who are adventurous, the park offers windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking. There is also a 2.5-mile paved trail in the park for hiking enthusiasts to enjoy. Vancouver Lake Park is open from March 1st to November 30th, daily from seven a.m. until dusk as of 2010. Vehicle parking fees are required from May to September, while bicyclists and pedestrians may enter for free.
Vancouver Lake Park
6801 NW Lower River Road
Vancouver, WA 98660
360-619-1111
vancwa.com/lake
Children will have a blast at Kids Club Fun and Fitness, a large indoor playground and swimming pool. Recreational activities include Jungleland Ballocity, the largest kids' play attraction in the region, with six slides, a suspension bridge, a ball pit and a volcano that erupts thousands of squishy balls. Open Swim is a program offered in a pool filled with 90-degree water and a life guard on duty at all times. The pool features two slides and a selection of water toys for fun in the pool. Kids Club Fun and Fitness also offers lessons in yoga, swimming, dance, gymnastics and martial arts for children. The facility is available for private events and birthday parties. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, as of 2010.
Kids Club Fun and Fitness
13914 NW Third Court
Vancouver, WA 98685
360-546-5437
kidsclubfunandfitness.com
