Summer fun is upon us, and one of the best ways to keep your kids active and entertained is with water. Pool and splash pad water, that is. Swimming is an important life skill that all kids should become adept at, but above and beyond that? It’s one of the kids’ favourite summertime activities and splashing around keeps them cool and happy for hours.
Most communities have water fun options, but I’m going to fill you in on some of the most popular pools and splash pads in Vancouver and the surrounding area. Some are even worth travelling across town for!
Check out our list of the best pools & splash pads in Vancouver:
Kits Pool
If you’ve been, you understand; if you haven’t been to Kits Pool, you need to get there this summer. As the only outdoor saltwater pool in Vancouver, this pool offers you a taste (literally) of the ocean with the casual vibe of a pool. Play, swim laps and lounge your heart out. This pool is huge, iconic and boasts gorgeous views of nearby Kits beach and the bay. Take a walk down Cornwall Ave for some good eats and cool drinks. Find location and admission prices here.
Second Beach Pool
Nestled between the trees and the ocean of English Bay, Second Beach pool is a heated favourite among the locals. You can park nearby and walk in along the seawall. Once there, you’ll have access to the pool, the beach, nearby parks and playgrounds and even a picnic area for lunch. The Second Beach Pool is an added tucked along beautiful coastal Vancouver. Visit vancouver.ca for all the details.
Hillcrest Aquatic Centre
The city’s largest aquatic facility, Hillcrest Aquatic Centre offers swimmers both an indoor and outdoor pool featuring all the must-have pool amenities summer swimmers require. Toys, play areas, bubble jets, a slide and a lazy river make this pool a favourite destination for kids and parents alike. Add to that the wonderful luxury of hanging outside for some sun or heading inside for some shade and your day is perfection. Sun and sky, tables and umbrellas, sauna and steam room are just little extras we can all appreciate. Nestled in Queen Elizabeth Park, this scenic location has a park area and trails nearby for a full day of family fun. Find more details here.
New Brighton Pool
Located in Vancouver’s Sunrise neighbourhood, New Brighton pool offers a beach-style sloped access area for the little ones who may be getting used to the water and a large, regular length swimming area for the seasoned swimmers in your family. A big, heated pool, complete with grassy areas for play, covered areas for eating and an easy-access café make this pool a great day-trip destination. Oh, and there’s a slide! Visit vancouver.ca for hours and location.
Splash Pads in Vancouver:
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Granville Island Water Park
A Vancouver classic! Arrive in the morning and stay for the day. Enjoy the sights and scenery of Vancouver’s famous Granville Island and then spend a few hours at the local spray park featuring tons of spray fountains and a few slides for extra fun. Grab some lunch, enjoy the street entertainers and views, and arrive home happy and tired! Visit granvilleisland.com for extra info.
Stanley Park Water Park
One of the most iconic splash pads in Vancouver (with a famous reputation!) is the Stanley Park Water Park. Walk the seawall, watch your kids play, and then head to any of the other dozens of attractions Stanley Park has to offer – including a miniature train. Located right off the seawall, this water park offers gorgeous ocean views a picnic area for lunch or a convenient concession close by. Visit vancouver.ca for more details.
Other splash pads in Vancouver:
- Harbour Green Park
- Pandora Park
- The Fox’s Den Spray Park
- Grandview Park
- Chaldecott Park
- Oak Park
- Hastings Community Park
- Suncrest School Park
- Queen Elizabeth Park
- John Lawson Park
Splash Pads in Tri-Cities:
Rocky Point Park
Definitely the most popular and scenic park in the area, Port Moody’s Rocky Point spray park needs to make your summer must-do list. Views of the Burrard Inlet and tons of grassy play area, this spray park is a favourite for kids. Vibrant and colourful, kids can splash their hearts out and then head to the playground for some extra fun. Take a stroll down the Shoreline Trail, grab some fish and chips and then stop for their famous ice cream. Well worth the drive, Rocky Point delivers. Visit portmoody.ca for location and amenity info.
Lions Park
Another fantastic water park offering in the Port Coquitlam area of the Tri-Cities, Lions Park is well-known for both its park features as well as its water area. With the spray park located right next to the adventure playground, kids love to run back and forth, cooling off between high-energy play sessions. Offering a shaded picnic area, tons of parking and convenient washrooms, this high-calibre fun park even has a mini zip-line. Voted one of the best playgrounds in the Lower Mainland, Lions Park is all things fun. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day. Visit portcoquitlam.ca for location and directions.
Other splash pads outside of Vancouver
- Maple Ridge Park – Maple Ridge
- Fleetwood Park – Surrey
- Town Centre Water Spray Park – Coquitlam
- Urwin Park – Surrey
- Mill Lake Park – Abbotsford
- Cameron Park – Burnaby
- Eldon Park – North Vancouver
- Annieville Lions Park – Delta
- Brookswood Park – Langley
- Douglas Park – Langley
- Harris Road Park – Pitt Meadows
- Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre – Chilliwack
Water fun is never far away if you live in or are visiting beautiful Vancouver, BC or the surrounding area. At minimal cost or free, local pools and splash pads in Vancouver are a great way to spend time with family and friends while staying cool during the warm days of summer.
Happy splashing!
Tagged under: Vancouver,Vancouver pools,outdoor play,splash pads in Vancouver,pools and splash pads Vancouver
Category: attractions,outdoor-play
