PNE - Pacific National Exhibition (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is PNE - Pacific National Exhibition?
What makes it 89% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can enjoy Kids Discovery Farm, gentle rides like Bug Whirled, pig races, and free shows, offering hours of age-appropriate fun. Expect height checks, long queues, and added ride fees.
Positives:
- Family-Friendly Layout: Wide paths and seating areas make it easy to navigate with a stroller.
- Hands-On Learning: Kids earn a prize at the Discovery Farm by completing activity stations.
Challenges:
- Peak-Hour Crowds: Popular rides and shows draw long lines from midday through early evening.
- Limited Event Window: The main Fair runs only in late summer; check exact dates before planning.
What is PNE - Pacific National Exhibition?
- A non-profit exhibition complex occupying over 110 acres within Vancouver’s Hastings Park
- A campus of event venues including the historic Pacific Coliseum, Forum convention centre, exhibition halls and the Playland amusement park
- Inaugurated in 1910, it operates an annual summer fair and hosts diverse year-round cultural and trade exhibitions
What is so special about PNE - Pacific National Exhibition for with kids?
- Hands-on farm fun with prizes at Kids Discovery Farm
- Gentle family rides like the Express Train and Merry-Go-Round
- Mirror maze and mini-golf challenges for all ages
- Free shows and performers spread across the Fair
- Advance tickets and weekday visits minimize lines
Recommended visit duration: 5-8 hours
Why 5-8 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This gives families time to enjoy farm activities, gentle rides, shows and explore gardens at a relaxed pace.
Kids-Friendly Activities in PNE - Pacific National Exhibition
Farm Country & Kids Discovery Farm:
Meet live farm animals, milk a cow and collect eggs.
Tip: Start here in the morning when animals are most active and claim your prize at the end.
PNE Express Train:
5-minute scenic ride around the duck pond and gardens.
Tip: Ride early or late to avoid lines and let little ones spot ducks on the way.
Mini Golf & Glass House Funhouse:
Play 18-hole mini-golf and explore the mirror maze.
Tip: Buy a Playland Fun Pass online in advance to save a few dollars per person.
Merry-Go-Round, Teacups & Bug Whirled:
Gentle rides perfect for ages 3 and up.
Tip: Use your Fun Pass here—kids under 3 ride free with an adult pass.
Strolling Performers & Magic Shows:
Catch short family-friendly juggling, dance and magic acts.
Tip: Check show schedules at the information kiosk and arrive 5 minutes early for good seats.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to PNE - Pacific National Exhibition
- Advance Fun Pass: Purchase Fun Passes online to save up to $5 per pass and skip ticket lines.
- Early Parking: Arrive before 11 AM to secure free parking closer to the main entrance.
- Stroller Rental: Rent a stroller at Guest Services if your toddler tires after a few hours.
Reviews of PNE - Pacific National Exhibition
Dianne Jamieson
The Disco Ball Head dancers were AMAZING! We loved their energy. They are so talented!! How can our Strata hire them...please send details and contact number. The entire day was fabulous. My 70 years sis and myself 67, both worked at PNE as teenagers. Its was a fabulous day down memory lane❤️. Only bummer....She wouldn't go on the Old Wonderful Roller Coaster 🙃 see you next year!!!
Eata Mitchuk
I’ve been going to the PNE since I was a kid, and now as an adult, but it feels like it has really changed over the years. Lately, it doesn’t seem to offer anything unique anymore. The marketplace, which I used to love exploring for interesting finds, has shrunk to maybe a fifth of what it once was. Normally, one of the highlights is seeing new or unique food options introduced each year, but even...
Shirley Ann Harris
I went to the coliseum to watch Flo Rida in concert! That man is one talented human being. His whole team is amazing! His engagement with the audience I've never seen before. He made a little boy 's life, when he let him come up on stage with him along with many others, men and women. He came into the crowd on multiple occasions. He threw roses out into the crowd. He knows how to ensure that his a...
Dave Wright
Love going to the PNE, but this year there are highly questionable marketing that is occurring with ticket ordering online. Received an email from the PNE with an offer for a Wednesday deal, but the system would not recognize the code. Tried a code from BCAA and received an error message that the code worked but payment could not be processed - and this is the only time my credit card has not be...
Zia Waraich
New roller coaster is quite fast but the ride lasts for only 30 seconds. Old wooden coaster is back in operation. Rest of the rides are same. Beast and Hellevator are good ones. Food is very average. Parking at times might be challenging.
When is the best time to visit PNE - Pacific National Exhibition (Vancouver, Canada)?
Visit during the August Fair dates when the full lineup of rides, concerts and farm demos run. Evenings cool off—bring a light jacket. Weekdays have shorter lines.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Fair admission (2 adults + 1 child) | CAD 56 |
| Playland Fun Pass (3 people) | CAD 132 |
| Express Train rides (4 tickets) | CAD 8 |
| Snacks & beverages | CAD 30 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 226 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of PNE - Pacific National Exhibition
Address: 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 2A3, Canada
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About PNE - Pacific National Exhibition
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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