9 of the best playgrounds for kids in Vancouver
Kids get to have all the fun.
Within the Vancouver Park Board’s system, there are around 160 playgrounds, and many of them have undergone work, and are now seemingly new and improved.
From pirate ships, zip lines and cool slides — the decision-making in where to go can be a little overwhelming.
With so many playgrounds to choose from to take your little ones, we’ve done the research and narrowed down nine of the best jungle gyms for you and your kids to check out.
Charleson Park
Charleson Park playground. (Vancouver Park Board)
Where: 999 Charleson Street
What: The Charleson Park playground has a pirate ship — what more needs to be said? The playground recently saw its renovations completed. Some new features include accessible rubber play surfacing, trampolines, swing sets (classic), and an embankment slide. Plus, parents can enjoy the beautiful view looking over the water and city.
Layout of the new playground at Charleson Park. (Vancouver Park Board)
Creekside Park
Creekside Park playground/Vancouver.ca
Where: 1455 Quebec Street (beside Science World)
What: Two words: Zip. Line. This playground has swings, a climbing tower, a rubber surface, play hut and slide — but heads up — the slide is under repair at the moment. Parents you’re in luck too, while the kids play, there are plenty of trees for shade and picnic areas close to you. Plus you’re right beside the bike lane, so you could always ride there!
Slidey Slides
Slidey Slides Park was a name chosen by the kids at Hastings Park Childcare Centre (Vancouver Park Board/ Twitter)
Where: 3311 E Hastings Street (beside PNE)
What: The name alone is fun! Slidey Slides — a park within a park. Obviously, you can expect some great slides, there’s cushy grounding and it’s conveniently located near some fields if you want to kick the ball around or head to the PNE. Plus, you’ll see some beautiful North Shore mountains in the background.
China Creek North
China Creek North playground/ Vancouver.ca/Google
Where: 1001 E 7th Avenue
What: China Creek North has a climbing wall, exercise equipment and a hidden track loop for your kids! There are also seating areas for parents to sit back and relax. Great for kids of all ages.
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Stanley Park Playgrounds
Vancouver Park Board fire engine/ Facebook
Where: Stanley Park
What: Stanley Park, Vancouver’s sweetheart. Aside from the GORGeous beaches, green space and mountain views, there are two awesome playgrounds near Second Beach — including the fire engine we’ve all admired at some point! Not to mention, it’s a great spot for a picnic and to see some ducks at the nearby pond.
Trout Lake Playground
Trout Lake Park/ Habitat Systems Incorporated
Where: Beside the Trout Lake Community Centre (3360 Victoria Drive)
What: The sign on top of the treehouse says it all “kids only.” This cool playground, located next to the community centre, is surrounded by a lot of green space and has all the essentials: slide, monkey bars, and plenty of things to climb! Bonus: Explore all the trails and the green space — and beach — that Trout Lake has to offer.
Douglas Park
Vancouver Park Board’s Douglas Park/ Facebook
Where: 801 W 22nd Avenue (at Heather Street)
What: The Douglas Park’s playground has all of the traditional equipment — and more. Swing sets, slides, sand play area — with a treehouse that kids can get to via rope, climbing wall, or ladder. Oh. Did we mention the zip line? The picnic tables are great for relaxing too!
Ray-Cam Co-operative Centre
Ray-Cam Co-operative Centre playground. (Vancouver Park Board)
Where: 920 E Hastings
What: The playground at the Ray-Cam Co-operative Centre on East Hastings is one of the newer facilities opening up at the beginning of 2021. This playground has a treehouse around a sequoia tree, slide, ladders, and a netted tunnel!
Ray-Cam Co-operative Centre playground. (Vancouver Park Board)
Kaslo
Kaslo Park playground. (Vancouver Park Board)
Where: 2851 E 7th Avenue (at Kaslo Street)
What: This bright and colourful playground is also another new facility for kids (opened in winter 2020). It has an embankment slide, swings, climbing features, and a soft ground for their feet!
Rainbow park
“Rainbow Park” at the intersection of Smithe and Richards streets in downtown Vancouver, as of April 30, 2022. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
Where: 872 Richards Street, Vancouver
What: This innovative park in downtown Vancouver is not your standard offering. It’s located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Smithe Street and Richards Street, on an 0.8-acre lot previously used as a surface parking lot. It’s got a bit of everything for all ages, and is also very close to coffee shops for a post-play pick-me-up for the parents.
The park first opened to the public on April 29, 2022, and was briefly known as Smithe and Richards Park, before it was renamed by the local First Nations at an official ceremony.
Have fun!
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