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Photo credit: Taves family Farms
The city of Abbotsford is nestled just beside Mount Baker and is the largest city in terms of area in the province of British Columbia. From hatcheries, to fun family farms to delightful hikes and nature spaces, Abbotsford is chock full of family fun activities and enjoyable places to take your kids.
25 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Abbotsford
1. MILL LAKE PARK
Kids will love this park, which is full of fun things to keep them occupied all day long. Along with a floating boardwalk and easy walking trail around the lake, families can find picnic areas, playgrounds, volleyball courts, baseball fields, an outdoor pool, and a spray park. You can even bring your own canoe to take a spin around the lake!
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2. MCDONALD PARK
This park is unique as it is a dark sky reserve and used on occasions by the Fraser Valley Astronomers Society. Kids will love the opportunity to see the Milky Way, the planets and stars up close and so clear that you feel as if you can touch them. Just make sure you go while the FVAS is having an event, otherwise you take the chance of being locked in!
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3. VRKADE
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4. ALBERT DYCK LAKE
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Also known as Molson Lake, this is a man-made lake specifically designed for swimming, wakeboarding and water skiing. Once an industrial cement works pit, this is now a great destination on a hot summer day. There is a lovely walking trail around the lake, or simply sunbathe, swim or take a shot at fishing for trout. If your kids like planes, this is a fantastic place to watch them taking off and landing at the nearby Abbotsford Airport.
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5. TRETHEWEY HOUSE
This heritage site offers visits to the Trethewey House, which has been restored to its 1925 glamour, along with other buildings and areas, like the Carriage House, Joey’s Playhouse, the Upper Sumas Train Station and the Sylvia Pincott Heritage Gardens. For a family of four or less, drop in for a tour on any weekday afternoon from one to four pm, or for a family of five or more, make your reservation at least two weeks in advance.
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6. MANN FARMS
No matter what the ages, Mann Farms has something to offer every family member, even the adults. Kids can spend their time petting the goats and other farm animals or using some of their energy jumping on the huge Jumping Pillow, pedalling the go kart track, and slipping down the two giant slides. If that is not enough, for those adventurous kids there is a zip line! Children will enjoy playing in the Fortress, with its multiple levels, swings and lookouts. Seasonal activities include Easter egg hunts and corn mazes, and there is a pumpkin patch for lots of photo ops.
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7. STORYTIME in the PARK
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Perfect for kids ages 1 to 6, Storytime in the Park is a drop-in program held in Mill Park during the summer months and hosted by Abbotsford Early Years. This is a free activity and held on Wednesdays at the Bevan Playground. For more information contact them directly through the link below.
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8. TAVES FAMILY FARMS & APPLE BARN
This is definitely the area for farm visits, and Taves Farms is high on the list of “must do’s” for the fall season. Open from mid-August to the end of October, there is plenty to do and see on this magical farm. Daily activities include pedal karts, a corn maze, hay rides, a zip line, playgrounds and slides, a petting barn, a bee hive viewing window, and, of course, a U-Pick apple orchard. On the weekends kids can also enjoy pony rides, a corn gun and a pumpkin cannon! So much fun to be had on this family farm.
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9. WILLOW VIEW FARMS
Another fall activity to put on your calendar for a family outing, Willow View Farms is open in September and October and can be accessed for free. You can take the kids out to pick some of the 22 varieties of apples, or head out to the pumpkin patch to choose one from the more than 50 varieties available, including giant ones! There is a picnic area for families to enjoy, a petting zoo, a playground, and hay rides.
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10. ECODAIRY
A wonderful opportunity to get your kids out to see a different side of farm life. In partnership with Science World, this dairy offers up close and personal dairy experiences. It is a one-of-a-kind demonstration farm where visitors can get to know everything about where their food comes from. A guided tour through the dairy barn and robot room gets you going, and you can round that out with time in the Discovery Center. Of course, that is not all, and children can enjoy getting to know other farm animals in the Animal Exhibit outside.
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11. BIRCHWOOD DAIRY
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This dairy farm provides a chance to get behind the scenes, and every family member will enjoy the guided tour through the property. A 45-minute guided tour takes you through the cow barn, the milking area and the calf barn. The kids will love the fact that this tour includes homemade ice cream made right on the property. There is a petting area with farm animals, picnic tables, a country store, and swings for children to enjoy.
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12. CAMPBELL’S GOLD HONEY FARM and MEADERY
The best time to visit this farm is between May and August when you are able to see the live hives. Kids will be astounded to see bees at work! Let your family learn all about bees, their lives, the beehives, and all the different products that bees produce. The tour is suggested for kids 3 years of age and older, and you need to make a reservation in advance.
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13. FRASER VALLEY TROUT HATCHERY
Visit the hatchery to give your kids an opportunity to learn about fish and their habitats. You have the choice of a self-guided tour, or, if you are visiting during the summer, your family can join a guided tour of the facilities as well. If just looking at fish is not enough for your kids, choose the option of enrolling them in the half day Learn to Fish program, available for kids from age 5 to age 15.
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14. ANN MARIE’s CAFÉ
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A step back in time, this old-fashioned diner takes you back to the 50’s and we guarantee your kids will love it. Enjoy the memorabilia and old photos while you are munching down your meal. Open Mondays through Saturdays from early morning until 3 PM, this blast from the past serves up a variety of yummy food, thick milkshakes, and even ice cream floats. Just right for a fun breakfast or lunch out with the kids.
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15. SILVERBROOK U CATCH RAINBOW TROUT FARM
For kids who already love to fish, or for those who want to try out their hands at catching something, this is the perfect location. There are several ponds to choose from and there are so many Rainbow Trout stocked that you are almost guaranteed to catch something. You are supplied with everything you need- bait, bucket and a pole – and you only pay for what you catch. You don’t even need a fishing licence! Please note that catch and release is not allowed.
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16. ABBOTSFORD CIRCLE FARM TOUR
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17. CLAYBURN VILLAGE
This is a fun filled day out for the family. The kids can learn about the history of this little village as you take a self-guided walking tour through the remains of this once thriving town. Houses and other buildings have been lovingly renovated, and children will enjoy a visit to the Village Store, which operates as a confectionary and tea house. Visit on a Saturday afternoon during the summer to be able to enter the interesting museum located in the basement of the schoolhouse.
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18. TRACYCAKE’s BAKERY CAFÉ
Take your child for something special at this unique bakery. Make this a family activity and treat your kids to High Tea. The Children’s High Tea consists of 3 pieces of assorted High Tea sandwiches, a scone, a dainty, a babycake, fresh fruit slices, and a cup of tea at a very reasonable price. Otherwise, indulge in a freshly made cupcake from one of the 60 available varieties, including gluten free. If cupcakes aren’t your style you can always choose from homemade soups, quiche and other sweet goodies.
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19. PLAY ABBY
One of the best indoor activities in the Fraser Valley, this indoor playground has all day playground admission, so your kids can spend hours making new friends and being active. There are two play areas available, one specially designed for toddlers up to age 4, and the other for children aged 5 to 12. Adults are encouraged to play as well! For an additional price, children aged 5 and older can take a turn at the indoor, 2 level laser tag!
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20. CASTLE FUN PARK
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Children can spend all day burning up energy at this amazingly diverse entertainment center. Admission is free but games, activities and attractions are on a pay per use basis. Kids will enjoy the go-karts, bowling, pitching mound, outdoor golf, laser maze, shooting gallery, arcade games, remote control boats, skill games, batting cages, kiddie courtyard, bumper cars, driving range, soccer kick, and many more. Players will be rewarded for their gaming skills with e-tickets that can be redeemed for a variety of prizes.
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21. GEOCACHING
22. GALAXY BOWL
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For those kids who love bowling, this 5-pin, 20 lane bowling alley is the perfect hang out spot for the family. With a per game rate, or a very reasonable all you can bowl price, this is a fun destination for all ages. If regular bowling is not enough, check out the weekly glow bowl hours for a bit of glow in the dark fun!
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23. PROJECT CLIMBING CENTER
Start with bouldering and work your way up to full climbing. Kids will love the challenge of climbing at different levels, and this is an activity that the entire family can enjoy. Purchase day passes, a 10-day pass or a month pass, and all equipment is available for rent. Courses are available for both kids and adults. For a booking, we suggest calling two days in advance.
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24. CHADSEY LAKE
Chadsey Lake is located on Sumas Mountain and is a destination for those families who are a bit more adventurous. A slightly more difficult hike than other listed activities, this is a moderate to hard walk that takes about an hour each way from the parking lot to the lake and back. However, this stunning location is well worth the walk, and kids will enjoy the chance to fish or swim in this beautiful lake, or simply relax with a picnic on the shores. There are opportunities to continue on hiking to Sumas Peak, but keep in mind the round trip takes about 7 hours in total.
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25. DISCOVERY TRAIL
Rather than a destination, Discovery Trail is an experience that every outdoor loving child will enjoy. Connecting the east and west sides of Abbotsford, this trail leads you through forests, ponds, creeks, lush meadows, and is perfect for hiking, biking, or rollerblading. There is plenty of interpretive signage to make sure you know where you are and what you are looking at, as well as public bathrooms and picnic sites.
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26. WILLBAND CREEK PARK
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Head on out to Willband Creek Park for some time on the trails in true nature. This urban wetland has excellent walking, biking, rollerblading and birdwatching opportunities, not to mention that it is a fabulous place to have a picnic. The parkland is made up of two retention ponds and there are several trails for your family’s enjoyment. A wonderful way to spend some time outdoors.
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27. BROTHERS BOWLING
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Bowling is such a great family activity and great for any day of the week. Take an afternoon or an evening to throw some balls with your kids and have some fun. With 18 lanes, this 10-pin bowling alley also offers a full arcade, pool hall and snacks. A good rainy-day activity or just fun time with the family, this is an enjoyable activity for all ages.
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28. 4 CATS
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With the mission statement of “art for everybody”, this is a great BC company which offers short art courses for kids. Sign up your kids for a day course, or for one of their unique longer classes. Drawing, multi-media, sketch deck, cookies and cupcakes, field trips, clay and sculpture classes, and much more is available for all ages. Tons of fun along with learning means that your kids will be thanking you for every enjoyable moment spent here.
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29. THE CLAY COTTAGE
Bring out the artistic side of your child when visiting this awesome do-it-yourself ceramic studio. Kids can choose from more than 100 different pieces of ceramics, which they can paint and decorate as they want. They supply all the paints and brushes so the only thing you need to bring is your kids and their imaginations. Prices start at $10.00 per piece, so this can be a very affordable outing.
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30. STICKY’s CANDY
If your kids like sugar then this is the place to go. Sticky’s Candy is a 100% Canadian company and has locations all over Western Canada. With more than 200 bulk items to choose from, kids of all ages will go crazy for the sweets available here. Offering candies from the US and UK as well as old favourites, children will have a hard time choosing between candy, delicious handmade fudge and old fashioned ice cream!
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