The Hairloft Granville Island

I don't know about your kids, but ours have slow hair growth. When the younger one finally asked for a haircut we booked an appointment at one of the neighborhood salons. The day of the haircut, they "changed their mind" and just wanted a trim haha...

Just a little off was fine with us and it helped get him used to getting a haircut. 

The salon had little cars for seats which the toddler loved.

The Hairloft Hairstyling Studio 

Recently, we tried The Hairloft in Kids Market on Granville Island. They also have little cars kids can sit in and TV screens showing cartoons.

They can get busy so we called ahead to book an appointment. We decided to include a shampoo to make it a more enjoyable first salon experience. 

They checked with us on how much to trim off and if we were liked it before they continued. We were really pleased with the patience and good service at this kids haircut place. 

While waiting, the other kid could go climb around in the Adventure Zone which has drop-off options!

Before the Haircut:

* Tell them about the haircut way in advance. 

* Eat snacks before so they aren't complaining they are hungry.

Kid's first (and even second and third) haircut can be so special! Remember to mark it in your Calendar :) 

Don't forget your snacks!

The Hairloft 

The Granville island kids market, 1496 Cartwright St 2nd floor of, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5

Check out their website to book an appointment.

Clip n Climb Vancouver

Kids always seem to have a lot of energy and Clip n' Climb indoor climbing is a great activity for them!

Located in Richmond, you can book your 1 hour climbing session online or call in. Don't forget to sign the waiver for kids. 

Whether asking beginner or have climbed before, there are different areas for all levels. 

Clip n' Climb staff will help with the harness and do a short tutorial with the group before the session gets started.

There are different climbing walls and some unique climbs like the Climb on the Mario "pipes" and one climb in the dark.

We enjoyed trying the different wall climbs! There are a few different staff members on the floor, always on the lookout checking if you need any help. 

For snacks, there were a few snacks for sale but bringing your own is easiest.

Kid-approved and recommended for those energetic kiddos interested in rock climbing. 

Don't forget your snacks!

Clip 'n Climb Vancouver

1751 Savage Rd Suite 120

Richmond, BC V6V 3A9

Check out their website for more info

A Visit to the Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium's Holiday Splash is a great Family activity especially on a rainy day. 

A favorite for the kids was the 4D film that is included with your ticket. They loved seeing the penguins and experiencing the special effects - like the bubbles and "snow"!

Sea lion feeding and session is also always a favorite too.

There are different places with a winter backdrop to take photos, a place to write to Scuba Santa and also several times in the day where Scuba Santa will dive down and appear in the fish tank!

The cafe and restaurant were also offering some holiday themed snacks like cute animal cookies and an All-you-can drink hot cocoa! 

*Bailey's add-on was available for the grown-ups drink order. 

It's a lovely afternoon activity but can get crowded in the indoor area. It's nice to check out the outdoor areas during your visit too. There's something for everyone to enjoy. Holiday Splash goes until Jan 4th.

Don't forget your snacks!

Vancouver Aquarium 

845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2

Check out the website for opening hours

All Aboard Pop-up Skatepark

All Aboard Pop-up Skatepark is a covered skateboard spot for all ages and is now open on Granville Island.

The mini-ramp is covered and will be available for daily drop in skateboarding until Febuary 2026.

Check out their website for more info and times.

Don't forget your snacks!

Location: Granville Island near the Public Market.

Kids Market Granville Island Vancouver

Kids Market on Granville Island in Vancouver, Canada is a Market for kids! There are several different shops selling everything from toys, souvenirs and clothing and of course there's even an "Adventure Zone" for kids!

There are little rides (need to insert coins to use) for younger kids and a few tables and seats for grandparents to sit, and restrooms if needed.

It's conveniently located by the entrance of Granville island so you can stop here first or on your way off the island at the end of the day. It's also on the way to the playground and water park area.

If you're looking for a kid's birthday, Christmas or a friend's baby shower gift, Kids Market is a great option! It's great to be able to browse several stores under one roof, before deciding which gift is best.

If you're visiting Granville Island with kids, it can be a nice place to stop for them! However, like any kids stores, it can get crowded, so stay close to your kids. 

Don't forget your snacks! 

Kids Market

1496 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5, Canada

Check out their website for more info

Lily and Roo Vegan Nail Salon

Located in the neighborhood of Kitsilano, this Vegan nail salon was recommended to us and we had a really nice experience.

Despite how busy they were (Sunday afternoon), they checked on us while we waited for our booking, brought us water/tea and even offered us snacks! 😀

Once we sat down, they made sure we were happy at each step of our mani pedi. One person helped with the pedicure the other did the manicure. It was such a relaxing experience!

Lily and Roo is a great place for some "Mommy and Me" time. Kids are welcome and the salon offers special prices for kids under 11. It was the first mani pedi for my little one and they were very patient and careful. There is kid-friendly nail polish, Ella+Mila, available too.

Make sure to book a reservation because it's a popular salon and after our lovely afternoon, we can see why!

Don't forget your snacks! 

Lily & Roo

2575 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9

Check out their website for more info.

The Rec Room Granville

 

Vancouver's newest location, The Rec Room Granville, consists of 3 floors of action and offers everything from air hockey and various arcade machines to Axe throwing and mini golf!

There may be a lineup prior to entry as visitors to Rec Room need to show valid ID as they enter. Free coat check for jackets or bags (and umbrellas!) is available.

Kids under 18 are allowed in Rec Room with an adult. It's a fun family activity for those who enjoy games.

Buy a reloadable bracelet so you can start to enjoy some games. There is a place to redeem any earned tickets but prizes weren't that cheap!

During our visit a few of the games were undergoing maintenance. There are staff walking around so if you need help you can signal them.

The restaurant unfortunately doesn't open for lunch on weekdays but the snacks section is available offering things like poutine, hot dogs and chicken sliders.

Use your Scene points card when purchasing food.

Alcoholic Drinks are available at the snacks bars as well. However, there is limited seating as opposed to the restaurant.

Rec room is a great place to visit on a rainy day with or without kids. Try a racing game like Mario Kart, shoot some hoops, or compete in air hockey. There is a lot of indoor space and definitely a great selection of games to enjoy!

Don't forget your snacks! 

The Rec Room Granville

855 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K7

Robson Square Ice Rink

Conveniently located right in city centre, the Robson Square ice skating rink is a great weekend activity with or without kids!

Bring your own skates ⛸️ or rent for $5 (helmets available). Service was friendly and quick. 

Note: The zamboni cleans the ice a few times a day. When we arrived the zamboni was just finishing up, so when we went on the ice, it was smooth!

The Robson Square Ice Rink is open from 9am-9pm everyday. There is a small cafe for coffee and snacks. 

There are holders for people to push on the ice. These are great for kids and those still learning. Everyone was pretty good about only going in one direction and being careful not to crash into people.

If you're in the city, looking for a festive and fun activity, try ice skating at Robson Square! It's a nice covered area, so even on a rainy day you can enjoy some ice skating ⛸️ 

Don't forget your snacks!

Robson Square Ice Rink

800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3B7

Check out their website for more info 

Open November 29, 2024 – February 28, 2025

Rain or Shine Ice Cream

In a city where people check the forecast to see when there's a break from the rain... Rain or Shine ice cream picked the perfect name for Vancouver.

On their menu you can find their classic regular flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter and it's always exciting to see what they will offer as seasonal flavors! 

"Rain or Shine Ice Cream exists to make our neighbourhoods happy! This is our ultimate goal and what we strive to do through all actions of our company." - Rain or Shine

Their seasonal flavors are around for the month - if they're popular there is a chance they will return. Pick up an ice cream pint to have later or get a scoop in a waffle or sugar cone or  cup.

Unfortunately, they don't serve coffee at Rain or Shine but this month they do have a delicious Espresso ice cream that's a must-try for coffee lovers.

There are kids size scoops as well. Kids have enjoyed the Vegan vanilla and berry flavors. They usually have a couple of Vegan options available which is great 👍 

Rain or Shine has a few locations around the city and usually have indoor and outdoor seating.

Swedish kids eat ice cream year-round, so this is a perfect spot for anyone who enjoys eating ice cream all year!

Craving some dessert after dinner or anytime during the day, check out a Rain or Shine Ice Cream location. They are open late for your Ice Cream cravings! We really appreciated them giving us an extra kid's scoop of ice cream to replace the one that fell right off the cone on the ground. 

Don't forget your snacks!

Rain or Shine Ice Cream

1926 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M6

Check out their website for more info.

The World of Kidtropolis Richmond

Located in Richmond, The World of Kidtropolis is the perfect rainy day, indoor activity for kids and parents! 

With a little city comprised of different shops, kids can pretend play to their hearts desire! They can work at the pet shop, bakery, police station, even become reporters on the evening news. 

There is also a climbing area and slide for the bigger kids (those who are ok to climb higher by themselves).

Birthday Party!!

At Kidtropolis you can book a party room for 2h. They include cutlery, cups and plates. The food you pre-order (from the cafe) for the party is brought to the room when it's ready. Kids loved the mini donuts, fries, fruit platter and popcorn!

The Kidtropolis Host assigned to help you is available for anything needed, blowing up balloons, bringing the food and they even do the clean-up for you.

Kids 2 and under are free for the birthday party and outside cake or cupcakes are allowed. Other outside food is not allowed but there is a nice cafe onsite and you can order other food items including coffee here!

On the weekend, all the other businesses are closed so you can park anywhere in the parking lot. On the weekdays, it might be more of a challenge to find a spot.

We had a really great experience at Kidtropolis and definitely recommend it as a party venue or just a place to visit for a few hours to let the kids run around. 

Don't forget your snacks!

The World of Kidtropolis 

110-5940 No 2 Rd, Richmond, BC V7C 4R9

Check out their website for more info.

A&W Restaurants Offer Free Kids Meals on Halloween!

To celebrate Halloween, A&W restaurants in Canada are giving out free Kids meals to kids (12 and under!)

All kids meals come with a drink, a side like fries or apple slices, a burger or chicken nuggets and a granola bar! 

What a great treat, especially for the parents! No need to worry about a dinner plan between trick-or-treating and handing out candy!

The offer is valid only on Halloween day and is limited to one Kids’ Pack per child.

Families are encouraged to visit their local A&W restaurant on October 31 to take advantage of this special offer

Check out the link for more info.

Don't forget your snacks!

Denny's restaurant Vancouver

We have so many childhood memories stopping at Dennys for a dinner break during road trips. When we saw that Kids eat free on Tuesdays, we had to try it!

Denny's offers North American dishes, sandwiches, burgers, salad and all-day breakfast.

The mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce were just as good as we remembered.

Kids enjoyed the Kids meal options like the chicken tenders and fries.

You can even choose All-day Breakfast and customize your own "Grand Slam" meal!

Grandparents can choose from a Senior menu with cheaper prices too. On Thursdays, seniors get 15% off. 

We have had friendly customer service on our Denny's visits. It helps make for a great dining experience with the family.

If you're in the mood for some all-day breakfast, want to take a night off from cooking at a place the whole family will enjoy, or celebrating your birthday (free birthday meal 🥳), visit a Denny's location near you!

Don't forget your snacks!

Denny's Restaurant 

1759 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y2

Check out their website for more info

49th Parallel Cafe and Luckys Doughnuts Vancouver

Want a change from pairing your usual pastries with your morning coffee? Check out a 49th Parallel Cafe location offering delicious Lucky's doughnuts!

These donuts are jumbo size, so they are great for sharing! Definitely kid-approved as well.

There are also several Vegan friendly options! All ingredients are listed or ask the knowledgeable staff about a specific donut.

Of course, there are seasonal coffees available, so you can get try some Autumn flavors. 🍂 

49th Parallel Cafe is open early and it's pretty quiet in the mornings so you can sit before continuing your day. 

We've had good customer service during our visits and no one is rushing you out if you decide to sit for awhile longer.

There is plenty of indoor space and seating at most locations. Even ramps in some cafes, so it's fine for strollers. Outdoor seating is also available at some cafe locations.

If you're looking for a bright, cozy cafe in Vancouver with a nice selection and are meeting with friends or even a coffee break on your own, check out a 49th Parallel Cafe location. 

49th Parallel Cafe & Lucky's Doughnuts 

2902 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G3

Check out their website for more info and locations. 

Arhondiko Taverna Crete

A beautiful, family-run Cretan restaurant, at Arhondiko Taverna, the tables are nestled under Olive trees. 

Located in Chania on the island of Crete, we visited at dinner time and the tables filled up quickly. The servers were attentive even if they were busy.

Arhondiko is a family friendly restaurant. There's a nice kids play area so they can run around while they wait for food. They also have a children's menu with items like spaghetti and pizza for the less adventurous.

Cute kittens were very entertaining as well!

The restaurant offers generous portion sizes so we left full and satisfied.

Dessert was on the house and we were served homemade candied cherries and ouzo.

The card machine was not working on our visit so it's helpful to bring cash just in case.

If you're looking for a delicious dinner with options for the whole family, great service and a beautiful location, check out Arhondiko Taverna. 

Don't forget your snacks!

Arhondiko Taverna

Agia Marina 731 00, Greece