Family Edition: Top 5 Spots in Vancouver to Spend a Rainy Day

Family activities on a rainy day in Vancouver

Image by Flickr / kk+
Family activities on a rainy day in Vancouver

There’s something utterly depressing about a rainy autumn.

For us, it's always been the season when we’re outside: crunching through leaves, cleaning up the garden, getting in those last warmish days in the park. Breaking up those crisp, sunny fall days, a few days of rain here and there just add to the fun—there’s nothing like testing out new rain gear on a stormy day.

But this year… Do I need to bring up what happened this year? “Soggy September falls just short of Metro Vancouver rain record...” or “Rain record in Vancouver, again.” This has been the year where every local parent has already stretched their rainy-day ideas to the max—and it’s only November.

But rather than waiting for the rainy season to end, here are five of our favourite let's-just-get-wet rainy day activities. Btw, if you're looking for great PVC- and phthalate-free rainwear, check out local BC company Puddlegear.

1 of 5 — Public Art Scavenger Hunt

Image by Flickr / Maziar Hooshmand
French artist Bernar Venet's 217.5 Arc x 13' practically begs for kids to climb all over it.

Head out in search of the public art found on the buildings, streets, beaches and parks of Vancouver. Much of it is here as part of the Vancouver Biennale.

Meeting, by Wang Shugang | Cardero Park

These bright-red crouching men were first seen during the G-8 Summit meeting in Germany in 2007.

Digital Orca, by Douglas Coupland | Vancouver Convention Centre (West)

Love it or hate it, the Lego-like sculpture is certainly unique.

A-maze-ing Laughter, by Yue Minjun | Morton Park

Kids love the bigger than life, hysterically laughing statues.

217.5 Arc x 13', by Bernar Venet | Sunset Beach

I don’t think I’ve ever been to this curved sculpture when there weren’t kids interacting with it.

People Amongst the People, by Susan Point | Brockton Point, Stanley Park

Three carved red cedar portals that represent Coast Salish History as well as the culture that still thrives.

2 of 5 — See the Salmon Return

Image by Flickr / Gregory Melle
Salmon at the Capilano River fish hatchery in North Vancouver.

There’s been lots to celebrate this year salmon-wise, but in case you missed them you can still head to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery in North Vancouver and witness the great life-cycle story of everyone’s favourite fish.

3 of 5 — Explore the North Shore

Image by ashraful kadir
Suspension bridge in Lynn's Canyon.

After communing with the salmon, stop by Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre or really embrace the mud by going and visiting a goat or two at Maplewood Farm.

4 of 5 — Hit the High Seas

Image by Flickr / Junichi Ishito
Tour False Creek by boat, in the rain.

Set sail on a tiny Aquabus or False Creek Ferry. You can head to Granville Island, Science World or just enjoy a leisurely cruise.

5 of 5 — Learn About Stanley Park

Image by Márcio Cabral de Moura
Waterfall in Stanley Park.

Discover the wilder side of Stanley Park on a Sunday afternoon guided walk with the Stanley Park Ecology Centre.

What are some of your rainy day ideas? Maybe if we combine resources March won’t seem so very far away.