With sunnier and warmer days bound to increase, plus longer daylight hours, the little ones want to get outside almost as much as the parents do.
We’ve rounded up 5 playgrounds in and around Vancouver that are worth venturing out a little farther than our own neighbourhood for. So pack the snacks and hit the road to one of these great spots in the Lower Mainland.
1. Trimble Park, West Point Grey
This one’s an easy few minutes drive from Kitsilano, and many of you may be able to bike to it too. Officially called the West Point Grey Park, this park along 8th Avenue West has something for all ages. Babies can play in the sand or swing in the safety seats, toddlers can climb on one of 3 separate play structures that include lots of ladders and slides, and bigger kids can attempt to rock climb the big rock, play a game of tennis, or practice their gymnastics skills on the bars and rings. Parents can relax on benches or picnic tables, plus there are public washrooms and acres of grassy fields for friendly dogs to roam around on. In the summer the wading pool is a huge hit as is the shade from the large maple trees.
2. Nobel Park, Wesbrook Village, UBC
Newly built, Nobel Park features safe, high quality play equipment from Danish company Kompan. There’s a large climbing pyramid, a play structure with slides, and various vehicles for fun imaginary play. Surrounding this playground is a sparkling pond fed by a zen-like creek, lush community gardens, and a perfect-looking softball diamond. No washrooms as of yet though. In the summer months the nearby UBC farm is worth a visit too.
3. Second Beach, Stanley Park, Downtown Vancouver
Located along the beach in Stanley Park, the Second Beach playground has it all: two large playgrounds filled with swings, slides, bridges, an antique fire truck, lots of sand, grassy areas, picnic tables, and of course, the beach! There’s also a concession stand, washrooms, and an outdoor pool for summer fun, and plenty of wildlife including the infamous raccoons. Nearby is a pitch & putt too.
4. Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment, Richmond
Terra Nova made the news last September when it opened, as it was billed as a “$1-million playground”. This “rural” playground certainly has some amazing structures, much of it built out of BC yellow cedar. Kids can fly through the air on the 35-metre tandem zipline, they can climb the rope web or attempt the log jam structure. Smaller ones can enjoy the swings, a cool slide, a sandpit, and in the summer, a meadow maze. It’s all set along the Fraser River and the ocean, along the West Dyke Trail. Washrooms and picnic tables on site.
5. Centennial Beach, Tsawwassen
For serious beach-combing, vast Centennial Beach in the Boundary Bay Regional Park is just superb. And the playground there is really great. There are various large climbing structures including a rope pyramid, there’s also a zip line, a seesaw, swings, and slides of all shapes and sizes. There are washrooms as well and then there’s the Centennial Beach Cafe – not your average concession stand with menu items such as pulled pork sandwiches, prawn pad thai, breakfast buns and more.
Last modified: July 5, 2019
