Museums and galleries provide an amazing opportunity for kids and adults to explore art, culture, and history that helps us understand our current world better. Whether you’re looking to explore your own backyard more or you’re visiting from out-of-town, these museums and galleries offer kid and family-friendly exhibitions and hands-on activities to make learning fun and engaging.
Science World
From birthday parties to seasonal camps and special events year-round, Science World is the place to be for kids and adults alike in Vancouver! This iconic Vancouver attraction takes top spot on our list because of its enduring popularity with families and visitors. Popular, hands-on interactive displays, inspirational feature exhibitions, jaw-dropping science demonstrations on Centre Stage, immersive films in the domed OMNIMAXŽ Theatre, and awesome shows in the Science Theatre are hallmarks of the visitor experience. Plus, with ever-changing exhibits, each visit to Science World unlocks new information and exploration.
Date: Open daily
Time: 10:00 AM â 5:00 PM
Science World: Wonder Lab 2024
Museum of Surrey
Completely renovated in 2018, the Museum of Surrey is a vibrant, interactive, and ever-changing, free local venue for wonder, dialogue, and fun for the whole family. The exhibitions at the Museum of Surrey are always changing. You can check out the current exhibits here. The kids will absolutely love the TD Explore Zone with a slide, the scarf cannon, and the super-sized tree house.
đ Admission!
Dates: Tuesdays – Sundays
Time: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Tues – Sat); 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Sun)
Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery hosts cutting-edge exhibitions featuring contemporary art and internationally renowned artists, and houses the work of historical artists, including a very extensive collection of Emily Carr’s works. An impressive permanent holding of over 10,000 artworks makes the Vancouver Art Gallery a major player in the Canadian art world. The Gallery provides family programming and tours on Sundays and free admission from 4pm-8pm on the first Friday of every month.
đ first Friday of every month from 4pm-8pm.
Dates: Sunday-Monday, Wednesday-Saturday (Closed Tuesdays)
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Wednesday/Thursday, Saturday/Sunday); 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Friday)
Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
Situated atop wooden pilings over the mighty Fraser River, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is one of the few remaining 19th-century salmon canneries in BC. In its heyday, the Cannery was the largest building of its kind and the leading producer of canned salmon in BC. Now a dynamic fishing museum, step inside and become immersed in the sights, sounds, and stories of the West Coast fishing industry.
đ for Youth 17 & under. Part of the Canada Strong Pass.
Date: Open daily
Time: 10:00 AM â 5:00 PM
H.R MacMillan Space Centre
The HR MacMillan Space Centre features a 360-degree planetarium, the GroundStation Canada, the Cosmic Courtyard, and more! The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre also does birthday parties, educational workshops, and venue rentals.
Discounts available on Sundays and for groups with museum membership cards. Click link above to learn more.
Date: Open daily
Time: 9:30 AM â 4:30 PM (daytime hours); 6:30 PM â 11:30 PM (evening hours)
BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum
Athletes and non-athletes alike will be dazzled by the exhibits and rich history at the BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum! At the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, your experience begins with an inspiring showcase of BCâs Olympians, Paralympians, world-class athletes, teams, and pioneers; the stories of our athletes and teams who have accomplished greatness and brought pride to British Columbia and Canada. Visitors will be entertained and educated through interactive exhibits, videos, and displays. Have your photo taken alongside a real Olympic torch from the Calgary â88 or Montreal â76 Olympic Games!
Dates:Â Wednesday â Sunday
Time:Â 10:00 AM â 5:00 PM
Bill Reid Gallery
The Bill Reid Gallery is a unique and celebrated gallery that features contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art and artists. Named after legendary Haida master artist Bill Reid, the gallery is a great place to learn about Indigenous culture, stories, and art. If you’re in the market for authentic Indigenous art, the shop attached to the gallery is a great place to pick up a piece to take home.
đ Children 12 and under are free. Free admission is available on the first Friday of every month from 2pm-5pm
Dates: October – May (Winter Hours); Tuesday-Saturday
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Britannia Mine Museum
While not *technically* in Metro Vancouver, this is one spot that is certainly worth the drive! Located along the Sea to Sky highway, Britannia Mine Museum is a fantastic family-fun attraction. Don your hardhat for a journey into the side of a mountain. Wander through the exhibits dedicated to enlightening visitors about what life was like living and working at Britannia Mine. Don’t miss the award-winning BOOM! interactive show, and be sure to take a trip on the underground train into the side of the mountain. Before you leave, try your luck finding gold at the Gold Panning Pavilion!
Dates: daily
Times: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Winter hours); check back for seasonal changes.
Britannia Mine Museum
Canadian Museum of Flight
The Canadian Museum of Flight is a very âhands-onâ facility. A large selection of aircraft can be touched, and the children can feel that aircraft are made not only from aluminum, but also from wood and fabric. The Canadian Museum of Flight is constantly undergoing display changes to allow visitors to see something new each time they stop by. Visitors can take a chronological walk around the Museum, from WWI to the present day, and see how large a part Canada has played in aviation history.
Date: Wednesdays – Sundays
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Wednesday – Saturday); 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Sunday)
Chinese Canadian Museum
Vancouverâs Chinese Canadian Museum celebrates and shares the rich history, contributions, and lived experiences of Chinese Canadians through exhibitions, community storytelling, and education. Located in the historic Wing Sang building in Chinatown, the museum connects past and present while honouring the resilience and impact of Chinese Canadian communities in B.C. and beyond
Date: Wednesday – Sunday
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada is the exact location where, a century and a half ago, a huge fur trade organization called the Hudsonâs Bay Company established a small post to trade with the First Nations of the West Coast. The enterprise grew, evolved, and influenced history, leading to the creation of the colony of British Columbia.
âď¸ Part of the Canada Strong Pass.
Date: Open daily
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fort Langley National Historic Site: Cranberry Festival 2023
Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology houses one of the world’s finest displays of First Nations art in a spectacular building overlooking mountains & sea. They also host major temporary exhibits and display over 10,000 objects from around the world in their new Multiversity Galleries. Enjoy gallery tours (free with admission), exciting public programs, an elegant Shop, Cafe MOA, and a beautiful outdoor reflecting pool.
Dates: Open Tuesday-Sunday
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |Thursday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Museum of Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) creates Vancouver-focused exhibitions and programs that encourage dynamic conversations about what was, is, and can be Vancouver. Permanent exhibits tell the city’s stories from the early 1900s to the late ’70s, and are complemented by contemporary feature exhibits. Located in scenic Vanier Park, set against a spectacular vista of ocean, city skyline, and mountains.
Date: Open daily
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sunday-Wednesday); 10:00 AM-8:00 PM (Thursday-Saturday)
Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre
The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is a nationally recognized museum and community gathering place in Burnaby that preserves and shares Japanese Canadian history, arts, and culture. Through exhibitions, archives, and public programming set within a welcoming, multi-use space and garden, the NNMCC fosters understanding, remembrance, and pride while connecting diverse communities across Canada.
Dates: Tuesday â Saturday
Times: 10:00 AM â 5:00 PM
Polygon Gallery
Iconic art institution The Polygon Gallery is excited to introduce âKids Firstâ located at the Polygon Gallery, where children and families are invited to create their own artwork. The projects are geared toward children 5-12 and are based on current gallery installations.
Date: Wednesday – Sunday
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Discover the history & maritime traditions of the Pacific Coast. Step back in time to 1944 on board St Roch, Canadaâs celebrated RCMP Arctic schooner. Explore many exhibits such as shipwrecks, early fur trade, deep ocean exploration & more.
đ Plus, donât miss Pay What You Can on the first Sunday of every month!
Dates:Â Tuesday â Sunday
Time:Â 10:00 AM â 5:00 PM
Hastings Mill Store MuseumÂ
Step into Vancouverâs oldest building to explore the history of our beloved city! A museum since 1931, the Hastings Mill Museum features images and stories of the many lives the building has held, along with artefacts and photographs of Vancouver over the years.
Dates: Open Saturday & Sunday only from mid-September to mid-June. Tuesday-Saturday June/July/August.
Times: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Burnaby Heritage Museum
Stroll down the streets of a 1920s community where a village has been created with both heritage & replica buildings. Period costumed townsfolk give demonstrations in the homes, businesses & shops: watch the blacksmith at the forge, listen to the rhythm of the platen press, mind the teacher in the schoolhouse, help churn butter & catch an old movie in the theatre. Don’t miss the vintage carousel for a ride or two!
đ Admission!
Dates: Open seasonally
Times: Varies by season.
Burnaby Village Museum
If you don’t mind a little drive out of Metro Vancouver, these spots are amazing, kid-friendly locations that you can easily spend a whole day exploring!
Britannia Mine Museum
The Britannia Mine Museum is a fantastic family-fun attraction. Don your hardhat for a journey into the side of a mountain. Wander through the exhibits dedicated to enlightening visitors about what life was like living and working at Britannia Mine. Don’t miss the award-winning BOOM! interactive show, and be sure to take a trip on the underground train into the side of the mountain. Before you leave, try your luck finding gold at the Gold Panning Pavilion!
Dates: Open daily
Times: Varies by season.
Railway Museum of BC
The Railway Museum of BC portrays a typical railway facility of the mid-20th century. There are trains galore for the kids to explore: ride-on, miniature, and full-sized.  Climb aboard a retired engine and ring the bell across the rail yard. Plus, they have incredible, family-friendly events throughout the year, including the popular North Pole Express (Winter) and Buddy & Friends event (Spring).
Dates: Open seasonally.
Times: Varies by season.
Railway Museum of BC
Did we miss your favourite spot? Send us an email vancouver@familyfuncanada.com, and we’ll add it to the list!
