Fall in Vancouver is a special kind of magic. The crowds thin, the colours shift, and the city becomes a cozy playground of crisp air, seasonal treats, and unforgettable family fun. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or squeezing in some quality time before winter sets in, here are 10 family-approved activities to make your Vancouver fall trip count.
From mid-October, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park transforms into a family-friendly Halloween wonderland with glowing pumpkins, spooky decorations, and gentle thrills. Kids will love the lights and themed scavenger hunts, while parents can enjoy the fall foliage from the Cliffwalk and the Treetops Adventure. It's a seasonal twist on a Vancouver must-do.
Stanley Park is stunning year-round, but fall brings an explosion of red, orange, and gold. Walk the seawall or explore forested trails near Prospect Point. Stop at Stanley Park Pavilion for a bite, or grab hot chocolates to go. It’s stroller-friendly, scenic, and full of space to roam.
VanDusen in the fall is a photographer’s dream. Families can wander winding paths under Japanese maples, spot wildlife, and check out the garden’s fall programming. Keep an eye out for the popular Harvest Days events, which include seasonal crafts and nature-based learning for little ones.
When it’s rainy or chilly, head into this tropical dome at Queen Elizabeth Park. It's home to over 100 exotic birds and plants from around the world. Kids will be amazed by the colourful parrots and banana trees, and parents will appreciate the warm, dry atmosphere.
This Halloween-themed ride is a local favourite. The train winds through decorated forest scenes with lights, music, and gentle spooks—perfect for all ages. Themes change yearly and offer just the right amount of thrill without the chills.
Just outside the city, you’ll find farms like Southlands Heritage Farm and Richmond Country Farms offering hayrides, petting zoos, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking. Bundle up, grab a cider, and make a day of it. There are also some great patches in the Fraser Valley, closer to Maple Ridge if you’re further east.
Just an hour north in Britannia Beach, this indoor-outdoor museum is a hit with curious kids. Ride the underground train, pan for gold, and watch the BOOM! show inside the historic mill building. The coastal drive alone makes it worth the trip. One of the actors from Stranger Things recently said this museum was the ultimate field trip from Vancouver, high marks for one of BCs oldest attractions.
With interactive exhibits, live demos, and seasonal science shows, Science World keeps curious minds engaged. It’s a perfect rainy-day activity and a great way to sneak in some learning while everyone’s having fun.
Take a walk along the seawall, grab a warm snack at the Public Market, and explore kid-friendly shops like the Kids Market. There’s live theatre, indoor play zones, and always something new to see—rain or shine.
Fall is salmon season, and this free spot lets you watch them leap upstream through fish ladders. It’s a short drive from downtown, scenic, and educational. Combine it with a visit to nearby Cleveland Dam for some bonus views and picnic potential.
Whether you're chasing fall colours, carving pumpkins, or just looking for ways to keep the kids entertained outdoors (and indoors), Vancouver delivers. With its mix of cozy, curious, and classic family experiences, autumn here isn’t just a season—it’s an invitation to slow down, bundle up, and make some memories together.