Since my family and I are moving to Vancouver here in a couple months, it got me interested in what the city has to offer to do as a family and/or geared towards kids. I found some awesome indoor and outdoor activities that we will be doing ASAP.

1. Bridal Veil Falls

   As you will see, I have a couple different waterfalls on my list because coming from NM we don’t get to see that very often! My husband and I were able to hike to this one while we were there in November for his interview, and even in the dead of winter it was green and gorgeous. I can’t wait to see what its looks like in the spring and summer! This was super easy hike so I know even my three year old can handle it no problem.

2. Latourell Falls

This is one that my husband and I drove past and wanted to go see but it was closed. We were able to see a bit from the road, but I can’t wait to see it up close and experience it for the first time with my kids. Alltrails lists this hike as a two mile loop so it’s great for kids as well (just hope it opens up soon!).

3. Moulton Falls

I had a friend who was visiting the area send me a pic of this area and I couldn’t believe how cool it looked! Apparently there’s a swimming hole there as well, so my kids are going to go wild for that. And that bridge? So gorgeous!

4. Vancouver Library

I’ll admit it, I love libraries. In an unfamiliar city they can feel like something familiar, so on the couple of interviews I’ve gone on with my husband I usually find myself in a library for a bit while my husband is busy. This library is GORGEOUS. It’s five stories of books, with just about one story for each type of book you could want, and each floor has gorgeous views of the city and the Columbia River. They have an entire floor for kids books, and an entire section of that is a discovery and play area for younger kids (although, let’s be honest, I can see my older boys having fun in that area too). They also seem to have some really cool classes and activities there.

5. Water Resources Education Center

This one came up in one of my searches and it looks like the type of hands-on haven that my kids love. I don’t know a whole lot about this one, but their website says they aim to teach kids about water systems and nature. Educational and fun? We will definitely be there.

6. Explore the Vancouver Waterfront

This was another place my husband and I visited on our short two-day trip. The area was super pretty, and we ate the BEST food at Wild Fin. I know my kids will love walking along the path there, going on the Grant Street Pier, and watching the Burlington Railroad Bridge swing out of the way to let ships pass through.

7. Vancouver Lake Park

This looks like a gorgeous park with a lot of walking trails. I think this will be a good substitute for walking trails we’ve enjoyed exploring here in NM. Basically, I’m just excited for gorgeous greenery, ha!

8. Fort Vancouver

Our family has gotten really into visiting as many National Parks and Monuments as we can, so to have one right in town is super convenient. My husband and I stopped here very briefly, but we only had about 20 minutes to spend here so we couldn’t even watch the whole film in the Visitor’s Center. It will be fun to learn more about the history of Washington with our kids.

9. Nikkei Park

Having three very active boys makes it so we need lots of outlets to get energy out. While my oldest is starting to get too old for some parks, my youngest two will definitely be excited for a dinosaur themed park. I can’t wait to see their reactions when I take them here.

10. Lacamas Lake

Another gorgeous lake and park that I want to visit! This one is a little outside of Vancouver in Camas. Can you tell I’m excited about green and water? Ha ha. It seems like there’s a TON to do here-fishing, hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and mountain biking. My husband has wanted to try kayaking once we move, so this seems like the perfect spot to try that out.

That’s it! We are so excited to explore the Vancouver area and experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Have you ever visited Vancouver? What would you add?

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