Map of The Best Child-Friendly Beaches, Parks and Splash Pads in Metro Vancouver

 

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If we’re planning a full beach day, Centennial Beach is usually at the top of our list.

The shallow water stretches out for what feels like forever at low tide, giving little ones plenty of space to splash, hunt for shells and play safely near the shore. When everyone needs a break from the sand, there’s a large playground, picnic tables and a concession just steps away.

It’s one of those places where you can easily spend the entire day without running out of things to do.

Address: 570 Boundary Bay Road, Delta
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: Washrooms, playground, picnic area and concession

 

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Some beaches are all about the water, but Ambleside has a little bit of everything.

After building sandcastles or skipping rocks along the shoreline, it’s easy to wander the waterfront path, stop at the playground or grab a coffee or ice cream nearby. The mountain views don’t hurt either.

Address: Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver
Parking: Free and paid parking nearby
Amenities: Washrooms, playground, picnic area and waterfront walkway

 

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When Kits Beach feels a little too busy, Locarno Beach is a great alternative. It’s quieter, there’s plenty of room to spread out and the picnic area has lots of shade, making it a comfortable place to spend a slower afternoon by the water.

Address: 4445 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver
Parking: Street and pay parking nearby
Amenities: Washrooms and picnic area

 

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Barnet Marine Park feels like one of Burnaby’s best-kept secrets. Families come here to skip rocks, explore the shoreline and watch trains roll past while enjoying views across Burrard Inlet. Since parts of the beach are rocky, water shoes are worth packing.

Address: 8181 Barnet Road, Burnaby
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: Washrooms and picnic area

 

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Whenever we’re looking for a slower-paced afternoon, Crescent Beach is an easy choice.

Low tide opens up a huge stretch of shoreline that’s fun to explore, and once everyone’s ready for a snack, cafés and ice cream shops are only a short walk away.

Address: 12160 Beecher Street, Surrey
Parking: Street and public parking available
Amenities: Washrooms, waterfront path and nearby cafés

 

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Need a break from busy playgrounds? Deer Lake Park is a nice change of pace. Wander along the lakeside trails, watch the ducks from the boardwalk or spread out a picnic on the grass while the little ones explore the open space. They also have a free to use wading pool and spray park, allowing your kids a variety of ways to cool down.

Address: 5435 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: Washrooms, picnic area and walking trails

 

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This is a great park when you have children with lots of energy. Between the playground, seasonal water play and wide-open green space, it’s the kind of place where they can run, climb and play while you relax under the trees with a picnic.

Address: 975 King Albert Avenue, Coquitlam
Parking: Street parking available
Amenities: Washrooms, playground and picnic area

 

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If your family likes to do a little bit of everything, Mundy Park is hard to beat. The giant tree house-inspired playground is always a hit, and there’s so much more to explore once the kids are done climbing. You’ll find wide open fields for kicking a soccer ball around, a skate park, peaceful forest trails, and one of the largest off-leash dog parks in Coquitlam. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend half the day without running out of things to do.

On hot summer days, the outdoor pool is worth checking out, and the concession makes it easy to grab a snack without leaving the park.

Address: 641 Hillcrest Street, Coquitlam
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: Washrooms, playground, walking trails, outdoor pool (seasonal), skate park, sports fields and picnic area

 

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It’s easy to see why this park is a favourite with local families.

The playground has something for a wide range of ages, and during the summer the seasonal water play area is perfect for cooling off. Afterwards, Steveston Village is only a short walk away for fish and chips, donuts or ice cream.

Address: 4011 Moncton Street, Richmond
Parking: Free parking nearby
Amenities: Washrooms, playground and seasonal water play

 

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Confederation Park is one of those places we keep coming back to every summer. The splash pad and playground are right beside each other, so it’s easy for the kids to go back and forth while everyone else relaxes in the shade. If you’re visiting on a weekend, don’t miss the Burnaby Central Railway nearby-it adds a little extra excitement and makes the day feel even more special.

Address: 250 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: Washrooms, playground, picnic area, and splash pad

 

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Looking for somewhere a little quieter? Wesburn Spray Park is a neighbourhood favourite with a spray park, playground and plenty of open space to run around.

Address: 4781 Parkwood Avenue, Burnaby
Parking: Street parking available
Amenities: Washrooms, playground and spray park

 

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If your little ones love going back and forth between the playground and the splash pad, Hume Park is a great pick. Everything is close together, so it’s easy to keep an eye on them while they play, and there are plenty of shady spots if you want to sit down for a snack or picnic.

Address: 660 East Columbia Street, New Westminster
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: Washrooms, spray park (Upper Hume Park entrance), playground, off-leash dog park and picnic area

 

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If your little ones love climbing, sliding and running from one thing to the next, Rainbow Playland is worth the drive. The playground sits right beside the seasonal spray park, and there’s plenty of green space around Queen’s Park if you want to pack a picnic or go for a walk before heading home.

Address: 3rd Avenue & First Street (Queen’s Park), New Westminster
Parking: Free parking available
Amenities: Washrooms, playground and seasonal spray park

 

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John Lawson Park is one of those places we always end up spending longer than we planned. The pirate ship playground, beach and seasonal splash pad are all just steps from each other, so it’s easy for the kids to go from one adventure to the next. One of the things we love most is that you’re also within walking distance of cafés restaurants and ice cream shops, making it easy to turn a quick outing into a full afternoon by the water.

Address: 17th Street and Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver
Parking: Street parking nearby
Amenities: Washrooms, pirate playground, beach and seasonal splash pad