VanDusen Botanical Garden (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is VanDusen Botanical Garden?
What makes it 90% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 race the hedge maze, chase birds, and join science camps; lawns are spacious and safe, yet there is no playground or large covered area for wet weather.
Positives:
- Free Entry for Young Child: Kids under 4 enter free with an adult supervision ratio of 1 adult to 5 children.
- Stroller-Friendly Paths: Paved and gravel trails are smooth enough for strollers and wagons.
Challenges:
- Limited Seating: Benches can fill up during busy times; pack a small foldable stool.
- Weather-Dependent Trails: Gravel paths may get muddy after rain; bring rain boots or change of shoes.
What is VanDusen Botanical Garden?
- A 55-acre botanical garden in Vancouver dedicated to conserving and showcasing plant diversity from temperate to tropical climates
- A living collection arranged into themed landscapes such as the Asian Garden, Elizabethan Hedge Maze and Pacific Northwest native plant area
- A cultivated environment that integrates water features, architectural pavilions and winding pathways to illustrate horticultural artistry
What is so special about VanDusen Botanical Garden for with kids?
- Race through the Elizabethan Hedge Maze for playful fun.
- Turn bird-watching into a family game with the Junior Birder Challenge.
- Enjoy flat lawns and pond edges for picnics and wildlife spotting.
- Benefit from stroller-accessible trails and free entry for preschoolers.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Time to explore themed gardens, race through the hedge maze, and relax on the Great Lawn.
Kids-Friendly Activities in VanDusen Botanical Garden
Elizabethan Hedge Maze:
Kids race through twisting hedges while adults cheer from corners.
Tip: Go early to avoid queues and bring a small prize for maze champions.
Junior Birder Challenge:
Follow a free bird-spotting checklist to find hummingbirds and woodpeckers.
Tip: Pick up the checklist at the Visitor Centre and bring binoculars for better views.
Great Lawn Picnic:
Spread a blanket on the lawn under cherry trees for a family snack.
Tip: Pre-order a picnic basket from the Garden Café or bring your own treats.
Native Plant Trail:
Stroll through native plants and search for frogs and butterflies by the pond.
Tip: Wear waterproof shoes if paths are wet and bring a camera for wildlife shots.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to VanDusen Botanical Garden
- Visit Early: Arrive at opening to spot wildlife and beat the crowds in the maze.
- Download Map: Get the garden map on your phone to plan a child-friendly route.
Reviews of VanDusen Botanical Garden
Rienzi Gabriel
VanDusen Botanical Garden is absolutely stunning! The gardens are beautifully maintained with an incredible variety of plants, flowers, and themed sections that change with the seasons. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for a relaxing stroll or photography. The walking paths are easy to navigate, making it great for all ages. If you’re in Vancouver, this is a must-visit oasis that feels like...
Dave Kieda
Beautiful flower and very casual walk around. Great variety of trees and plants. With the shaugnessy restarant next door, it makes for a nice place to spend several hours and wander. Parking is free and it fees uncrowded even during busy times. Plenty of benches everywhere. Be advised during summer camp weeks the maze may be filled with lots of small kids who tear though it with high spirits a...
Mikael Besse
What a great place ! I didn't know what to expect after I've done several gardens in different cities but this was definitely an amazing one. It's bid enough for you to wander for a couple of hours, it has a restaurant, a café and you can even bring your own picnic basket or buy one there so you can enjoy a sunny afternoon with family or friends. The garden is very well maintained with different z...
Sally K
The garden was beautiful and definitely worth the $15 per adult. We had so much fun and spent a good amount of time exploring. I just wish they highlighted some of the must-see spots better on the map, like the waterfall, pond, maze, and rose garden. Overall, a lovely place to visit!
Liia
At VanDusen Botanical Garden, you can explore a stunning variety of plants, trees, and flowers. It’s a wonderful place to feel like a small part of nature and marvel at its breathtaking beauty. Kids will love following the map you can pick up at the entrance from the ticket desk, checking off everything they’ve seen from the list, it’s so much fun for them! The maze feels like something straight o...
When is the best time to visit VanDusen Botanical Garden (Vancouver, Canada)?
Spring brings cherry blossoms; summer features day camps for kids; winter hosts a lights festival—book tickets early.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission (2 adults + 1 child) | CAD 27 |
| Garden Café lunch for 4 | CAD 35 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 62 |
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 VanDusen Botanical Garden
Address: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1, Canada
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About VanDusen Botanical Garden
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
+1 604-257-846310 BEST nearby Activities
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