Vancouver Aquarium (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Vancouver Aquarium?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 enjoy Clownfish Cove, touch pools, crafts, and animal feedings, while wide corridors, stroller parking, and family toilets keep the visit safe, interactive, and low-stress for parents.
![🇨🇦[4k] Walking tour in Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver ,BC, Canada, 2023](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-Ru94gmhbgA/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Family Amenities: Nursing rooms, family restrooms, and stroller rentals are included with admission.
- Indoor Comfort: Fully indoors with climate control, ideal when Vancouver weather is cool or wet.
Challenges:
- Peak-time Crowds: Summer weekends bring longer lines at ticketing and popular exhibits.
- Age & Height Limits: 4D Theatre requires age 4+; VR and Wet Lab have size or age restrictions—ask onsite.
What is Vancouver Aquarium?
- A public aquarium set in Stanley Park, Vancouver, dedicated to marine life conservation and education
- Houses over 70,000 marine animals across hundreds of species, from Pacific Northwest habitats to tropical reef ecosystems
- Functions as a research and rehabilitation centre, advancing marine biology studies and supporting global conservation efforts
What is so special about Vancouver Aquarium for with kids?
- Hands-on Touch Pools for tactile fun
- Clownfish Cove play area to burn off energy
- Daily animal shows and feedings with expert talks
- Kid-friendly 4D Theatre thrills with motion and effects
- Optional VR dive for an extra adventure
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time to see main exhibits, join a show, and enjoy the play area without rushing younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Vancouver Aquarium
Clownfish Cove Play Area:
Indoor kids’ zone with tunnels, blocks, and a pretend animal clinic.
Tip: Visit early to let kids burn energy before the crowds arrive.
Animal Shows & Feedings:
Watch sea lions, dolphins, and belugas at feeding time.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early for front-row spots and photo ops.
Touch Pools:
Feel sea stars, urchins, and anemones in shallow tanks.
Tip: Supervise closely and ask staff to identify each creature.
4D Theatre Experience:
15-minute multi-sensory film with moving seats and effects.
Tip: Children must be 4+; check showtimes on the Aquarium app and grab a timed pass.
Undersea Explorer VR (Add-On):
6-minute virtual dive alongside sharks and rays.
Tip: Book on arrival; children need an adult and must meet height guidelines.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Vancouver Aquarium
- Download the Mobile App: Track live showtimes and reserve 4D theatre passes to maximize your schedule.
- Arrive at Opening: Beat crowds to Clownfish Cove and secure good seats at the first feeding.
Reviews of Vancouver Aquarium
Jessica Chen
Great sea otter program by Vanessa! Super engaging and loved getting to know more about the otters. Also really enjoyed the seal feeding and getting to know more about the rescues! The entire aquarium was a blast, got to see so many amazing creatures, the pacific and tropical sections are beautiful. Highly recommend getting tickets online, and they have a great student discount. 10/10 would recomm...
Leo P
Had such a great time at the Vancouver Aquarium! My favorite part was watching the sea otters—they’re so playful and fun to see up close. The exhibits are well done and very educational without being overwhelming. Staff were super friendly and clearly care about the animals. A wonderful place to spend a few hours and definitely a must-visit in Vancouver!
Francis Wu
One of the better attractions in Vancouver! There is a variety of marine and tropical animals to see, and it's good for young and old. You can easily spend most of the day here, taking in featured talks, wet lab to touch some of the sea life, 4D theatre, and more. There is food on site in case you didn't eat before coming here. It can get quite busy on weekends and holidays, so it is best to go e...
Roxy Diotte
We had a great time at the Vancouver aquarium. Well worth coming here. It was a bit crowded, but that’s ok it was Easter long weekend. Very well organized and clean. The staff and volunteers were lovely and very friendly and helpful. It was very educational, and it filled my heart that they rehabilitated some of the animals and some permanent residents as they could not survive back i...
J J
Spent about 5 hours there. Came out for 30 min for kiddos to have lunch in the car and went back in for second half! Love the re-entry privilege! Sea lion show is an absolute must! And watched the 4D theatre twice! Stay till 2pm the jellyfish “petting lab” opens up! It’s worth the wait! Lots of washroom and wheelchair accessible areas. Very well built for kids and families!
When is the best time to visit Vancouver Aquarium (Vancouver, Canada)?
Summer weekends can be busy. Go on weekday mornings or during light rain for shorter lines. Check holiday schedules for special exhibits.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult general admission | CAD 100 |
| 2 Child general admission | CAD 60 |
| Undersea Explorer VR add-on (4) | CAD 40 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 200 |
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 Vancouver Aquarium
Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
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About Vancouver Aquarium
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
+1 778-655-9554Explore Popular Things to Do
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