Vancouver Art Gallery
In addition to all of the elements that make the VAG a primo destination all year long (heritage building, fantastic café, Emily Carr collection), it’s upping the ante over Spring Break with daily art workshops for children ages 5-12. 750 Hornby. VanArtGallery.bc.ca
Science World
Spring Break 2014 at Science World is all about the science of travel. Explore modes of transportation and the physics of mechanical movement through make-and-take projects, hands-on exhibits and LEGO® Travel Adventure. Also: circus performances by Fizzical Fizzicks, OMNIMAX screenings, and activities in the Ken Spencer Science Park. 1455 Quebec.
Playdome
Canada’s largest indoor carnival features 45 rides and attractions, including a Ferris wheel, a zero-gravity ride, open-air spinning cars, the Zipper, and the Super Shot. March 15-23 at 777 Pacific.
Stanley Park Miniature Train
The Stanley Park Miniature Train reopens especially for Spring Break passengers. Enjoy a winding two-kilometre journey through the forest on a replica of Canadian Pacific Railway #374. March 15-30.
6Pack Indoor Beach
An unexpected stretch of sandy paradise can be found in an 18,000-square-foot facility beneath the Knight Street Bridge. Play volleyball or frolic in the sand in climate-controlled comfort. Check online schedule for drop-in “dig and play” times. 115-13180 Mitchell Road, Mitchell Island.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Peruse this sprawling oasis of trees, flowers, waterfalls, rocks, bridges, and sculptural art. Ideal for happy wanderers, picnickers, and connoisseurs of shrubbery mazes. 5251 Oak.
Bloedel Conservatory
500 varieties of exotic plants and flowers and 100 free-flying birds are visual vitamin boosts for winter-weary Vancouverites. New family program kicks off March 16 with sessions examining the plants that spend their lives perched on other plants. 4600 Cambie Street, Queen Elizabeth Park.
FlyOver Canada
Board a virtual flight for a thrilling eight-minute journey across our vast nation (as presented on a 20-metre spherical screen). Special effects like wind, mist and scents combine with the ride movement to create a breathtaking experience. (Children must be at least 102cm or 40” tall.) 999 Canada Place. Spring Break Special: Save 25% on children and youth tickets, weekdays March 17-28.
Grandview Lanes Bowling Centre
What better way to relieve the stresses of modern life — and maybe work out some sibling rivalry issues, too — than via a fast-paced family game of five- or 10-pin bowling? 2195 Commercial.
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (Planetarium Star Theatre / Martian Matinees)
This Spring Break, the super-smart folks at the Space Centre will confront a question that has consumed star-gazers for centuries: are we alone in the universe? They’ll explore the question through daily activities, science demonstrations, and documentary screenings in the Planetarium Star Theatre. 1100 Chestnut, Vanier Park.
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Peruse a treasure trove of artifacts befitting pirates of yore, and step aboard the St. Roch, a 1928 schooner that was the first vessel to circumnavigate North America. Ahoy! 1905 Ogden, Vanier Park.
Pools…
Vancouver’s outdoor pools might be dormant until the summer, but our nine indoor community pools are open for swimming, splashing, diving, wading, and floating.
…and rinks
The eight indoor ice rinks will be open for drop-in skating, too! Skate rentals and helmets are available at every location.
