Vancouver 
Photo credit: Hyde Creek Watershed Society
Just 27 kilometers east of the city of Vancouver you find Port Coquitlam. Not to be confused with the neighbouring Coquitlam, this city is on the north bank of the meeting place of the Fraser River and the Pitt River. A nice mixture of indoor and outdoor activities reside in this area, so there is plenty to keep families busy.
COLONY FARM REGIONAL PARK
For some time out of the house and some fresh air and exercise, take your kids out to this regional park. There are plenty of trails to choose from of all different activity levels, so it is easy to find something to suit your family’s walking style. There are more than 200 species of birds here as well, so if your kids like birds, this is a great place for some viewing. DetailsHYDE CREEK HATCHERY TOUR
Kids can get up close and personal with some fish at the hatchery. This facility was created to preserve the fish environment and to promote environmental awareness. Informal tours are given to visitors by volunteers and kids can learn all about the day to day operations of the hatchery. Details
DANIEL LE CHOCOLAT BELGE
Serving high quality chocolates, pastries, and ice cream, we know that kids will love a stop here. Indulge their sweet tooth (and yours) and try out some of these delicious treats. Go for a special occasion or just a regular day, either way your family will enjoy every morsel. DetailsKIDS PLAYZONE
The play zone is designed for children 10 years of age and under and has drop in times on Tuesdays and Thursday through the summer. Kids will be able to bounce and slide and play for hours on the giant indoor playground. There is even an area dedicated to toddlers. Details
JUNGLE JAC’S PLAY CENTRE
This amazing place provides play for kids in a variety of ways. Families can check out the laser tag arena, jump in the trampoline zone, enjoy the water slides, bump each other off in the bumper cars, and basically have fun every moment they are there. Specialized toys and areas for toddlers make this destination good for all ages. Details
PORT COQUITLAM BOWLING
Fun for everyone is in store at this bowling alley. With disco nights and drop in bowling times, families can always find a lane to try out their skills on. 5-pin bowling is perfect for kids as it is easier than using the larger balls required for 9-pin. Check out the kids play free specials on the website.EUROPE BAKERY and DELICATESSEN
Located in the old post office, this bakery serves such delicious delights that your kids will be asking to return again and again. Soups, sandwiches, cakes, and so much more are waiting to be tasted on your visit. Kids will love the selection and the atmosphere. Details
HYDE CREEK RECREATION CENTER
A complete aquatics center featuring a river run and a water slide, along with a leisure pool, lap pool and whirlpool to relax in, kids will be clamouring to spend some time splashing around here. The building also hosts other sporting activities and special rooms for birthday parties and youth activities. Details
ROUTLEY PARK and WADING POOL
Parents will find this park a good destination in any season. With a playground and lots of open spaces to run and play, this park can host kids in winter or summer. Kids will have blast on hot days though, enjoying the wading pool that is located here. Details
POCO HERITAGE MUSEUM
A learning experience for the inquisitive children in your family, this little museum offers interesting artifacts, exhibits and information on the area. Exhibits change periodically, so it’s worth more than one visit a year to check out what’s new. Details
SUN VALLEY WADING POOL and SPRAY PARK
Another fabulous park in which to spend time with your kids. A new playground graces this park and is enhanced by a water spray park and wading pool suitable for smaller children. Water facilities are weather dependent and seasonal. Large open fields allow plenty of space to play sports games or simply run and play. Details
CORA’S
If your family hasn’t had an outing to Cora’s yet, then it has to be put on your “must eat” places. Cora’s offers absolutely amazing dishes for breakfast and lunch, including incredibly delicious waffles and crepes, burgers and more. With a special kids menu and teen favourites, there is no doubt that everyone in your family will be satisfied when you leave. Details
CENTENNIAL POOL
Port Coquitlam obviously has its fair share of pools, and the best thing is that they are mainly outdoors. That means that on lovely sunny days you can pack up the kids that love to swim and head over to this pool to swim some laps. With six lanes and a diving board, this is a great place to practice all the strokes. DetailsMATTEO’S GELATO
Open year round, kids will love the chance to taste this gelato on any day out. And taste they can, as employees are generous with the tasting spoons until kids can decide what flavour they want to order. With 40 flavours available during the summer season, your visit here could take awhile. Details
ROBERT HOPE POOL
This outdoor pool is more suited for younger children as it goes from 1 foot to 5 feet in depth. Nestled in the trees of the park, it is a lovely spot to spend an afternoon, and the heated water ensures that it is always at a nice temperature for your children to swim in. Details
LIONS PARK
This lovely park boasts a huge playground that is perfect for adventurous kids of all ages. Check out the spray park area to cool down or take advantage of the wide open areas to play frisbee or throw a ball. Take your kids on a walk along the river and just enjoy the outdoors. Details
BIKE SKILLS PARK
While parents may be dubious of this destination, don’t be concerned for safety, there are experienced park hosts on site during daylight hours in summer months. With a beginner’s area as well as intermediate complex with obstacles, kids who want some adventure on their bikes will be enthusiastic to spend some time here. DetailsTHE BIG FLAT PANCAKE CO.
With a name like this they can’t go wrong. A family owned and operated business, this restaurant offers much more than pancakes, and has folks coming back over and over to try different menu items. A popular place, make sure you have some patience when you visit, as sometimes it can be busy. Details
RAILSIDE OUTDOOR YOUTH PARK
Located in Lions Park, this is the largest and most innovative youth parks in the province. With over two acres available, the park offers a skatebowl unit, urban terrain area, a funtrack, and basketball and hockey courts. Lots of green spaces and a large street park give youth plenty of space to be themselves and have fun. Details
TRABOULAY POCO TRAIL
This trail is actually the foundation for the trail network in Port Coquitlam, so you can’t go wrong if you take your kids out for a stroll, longer hike or bike ride along it. You can download a trail map from the website, along with descriptions of the local flora and fauna to help educate your kids on the outdoors. Details
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