Vancouver 
Photo credit: Burnaby Village Museum
Just to the east of Vancouver you will find the city of Burnaby. The city boasts numerous parks and outdoor activities, with views along the Fraser River and Burrard Inlet. Historic and cultural activities will provide activities for kids of all ages, and families will easily find something to occupy their time here. Here are 25 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Burnaby.
1. BURNABY VILLAGE MUSEUM
This outdoor museum is a delightful way to spend a day with children of any age. This heritage village brings the past to life with costumed staff and lots of activities. Kids can watch a blacksmith working at the Forge, chat with a teacher in the Schoolhouse, and enjoy a ride on the antique carousel. The available Adventure Guide will help kids find all the activities and demonstrations as your family takes a self-guided tour of the property.
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2. GLENBURN SODA FOUNTAIN and CONFECTIONARY
All that can be said about this destination is – yummy! For a delicious treat, why not take your kids to the famous Glenburn Soda Fountain, where every family member can indulge in some sugary goodness. From classic ice cream to malts, egg creams to floats, this place takes you back in time and kids will love every delectable bite.
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3. BURNABY MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION AREA
Burnaby Mountain is a destination for all outdoor loving families. This area hosts some unusual sculptures and totems and has some incredible views. Kids will be in awe of the Kamui Mintara sculptures, named “the Playground of the Gods”. For those children who love flowers, head on over to the Centennial Rose Garden which features over 900 rose bushes. Enjoy a meal at Horizons Restaurant or spend some time hiking on one of the many trails available. The new Velodrome Trail will be an excellent workout for kids with lots of energy to burn. Website
4. ROBERT BURNABY PARK
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5. BURNABY CENTRAIL RAILWAY
An absolutely unique destination that will enchant your child. Visitors can enjoy rides on miniature trains that travel on more than two miles of tracks, through tunnels and over bridges. The trains are all replicas of actual trains from all over the world, and the most popular, of course, are the steam engines. You pay per ride and each ride lasts 10 to 15 minutes. There is a small museum also available, a snack area, and a large picnic area which is perfect for birthday parties.
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6. BURNABY LAKE
Located conveniently right in the center of Burnaby, this is an incredible wildlife sanctuary that will have your kids enraptured from the first moment you arrive. An excellent opportunity for kids to view a variety of birds that are frequently found in the area, such as eagles, osprey and great blue herons. Wildlife also abounds and there is a canoe launch, where, if you bring your own canoe, families can float leisurely around the lake to view the beavers, ducks and turtles. There is also a 10 km walking trail that can be completed in short sections, a nature house, and a viewing tower.
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7. CENTRAL PARK
A park that has been around since 1891, this centrally located park is just minutes from Metrotown shopping mall and can be easily accessed by the Skytrain. Let your kids experience the incredible temperate rainforest here along one of the hiking trails, or spend some time in the pool, playing tennis or baseball. There is also horseshoe pitches and bowling greens along with an excellent playground.
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8. CENTRAL PARK PITCH & PUTT
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9. DEER LAKE PARK
As you can see, Burnaby is full of a variety of outdoor areas and parks, and this one is a great destination for those families who want some easy activity. Deer Lake Park is one of the most popular parks in the area, and offers opportunities to walk, canoe, boogie board, kayak and peddle boat. Of course, a playground is also on site for the kid’s enjoyment. Deer Lake is considered to be in the cultural center of the city, and has easy access to the Art Gallery, the Village Museum and Century Gardens.
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10. DEER LAKE BOAT RENTALS
Since you are heading to Deer Lake Park anyway, your kids will definitely love the opportunity to get out on the lake! This company supplies everything you need to get on the water – lifejackets, paddles, and boats. One-person kayaks, two-person kayaks, two-person rowboats, two to three person peddle boats, two to three person canoes, four person canoes, and four person peddle boats are all available to rent on an hourly basis.
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11. BARNET MARINE PARK
The Barnet Marine Park is an interesting historic area that every child will love. Along with a large sandy beach that is popular for swimming during summer months, families can enjoy an easy shoreline walk or BBQ in one of the many available picnic areas. Take advantage of the breezes to fly a kite or take some fishing gear and let your kids have the chance to catch some fish. This is an easy place to canoe, kayak and sail.
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12. FRASER FORESHORE PARK
One of the quietest parks in the area, there is a large open space that is perfect for kids to play soccer, throw a frisbee or play catch. Fly a kite or have a picnic. Take your kids on a gentle walk along the boardwalks that cross tidal marshes and travel through stands of trees. Sit with a snack and watch boats go by on the river. The children’s play area here is specially designed to accommodate kids with disabilities.
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13. NIKKEI NATIONAL MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTRE
Open your children to other cultures with a visit to the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. This museum is focused on Japanese-Canadian history and culture. Kids will definitely enjoy the Japanese Garden on site, along with the changing museum exhibits. There are always special events happening here, and you can learn fun things like how to wear a kimono, how to cook Japanese food, and kids can be involved in weekly art classes.
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14. BURNABY ARTISAN FARMERS MARKET
On Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm, from May through October, you can find this market located right by Deer Lake Park. Kids will have fun exploring the booths with you or tasting a variety of yummy foods from the fantastic food trucks on location. Fresh veggies, fruits, local products, and artisan goods can all be found here, and children will enjoy checking out all the different things available. A kid’s tent can also keep them busy, with a games table, a play area, and a used book exchange.
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15. REVS BOWLING and ENTERTAINMENT
Conveniently located right next to a Skytrain station, this family friendly destination will guarantee your kids loads of fun. The largest bowling and entertainment center in western Canada, REVS has 48 lanes for 10-pin bowling. Video cosmic bowling is available on Friday and Saturday evenings.
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16. CHARLIE’S CHOCOLATE FACTORY
What child would not love a visit to a place called a Chocolate Factory? Much more than just a chocolate shop, this store is designed in a way that kids can watch chocolates being made through every step of production. Along with a delicious looking chocolate river, there are hundreds of types of chocolates to delight in. Take a couple of minutes to watch a movie about how chocolates are coated using machines. This is a family owned and operated business that only uses high quality chocolate imported from Belgium, and kids will revel in the sweet treats available.
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17. POSH PANTRY
Do your little ones love to eat? How about some kids cooking classes to keep them busy! An opportunity to learn some basic cooking techniques while making fun dishes that kids are bound to love, the classes available at this little demo kitchen are available on Saturdays and Sundays and on a variety of days during school breaks. From cookie baking to breakfast dishes, kids will enjoy every moment. Book ahead though, because classes sell out very quickly.
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18. CHQ ENTERTAINMENT / ARCADE
If you happen to be in Metrotown, your kids will have fun with a stop in this arcade. Featuring a lot of games like Streetfighter, and some good classic games, kids of all ages will easily be able to spend an hour or two here. Some games dispense tickets to be redeemed for prizes.
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19. NUVOLA GELATO & DOLCI
A traditional gelato shop that will delight family members of all ages. If you are looking for a great treat for your kids, why not try out this Italian gelato, made fresh every day with local and organic ingredients. Of course, there are other sweets to be tried as well, including fabulous tiramisu and other pastries. Kids will have a hard time deciding which one to try!
20. EDMONDS COMMUNITY CENTER
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21. HARRY JEROME SPORTS CENTER
The Harry Jerome Sports Center provides opportunities for youth from ages 12 to 15 to learn volleyball. Clinics and camps are available, along with chance for youth to join clubs and house leagues. There are girls only groups as well as mixed teams. There are weekly drop-in volleyball sessions are open to all skill levels, so this is a great activity for families to participate in together.
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22. OLD ORCHARD LANES
An old fashioned 5-pin bowling center that will be fun for the whole family. Completely renovated in 2013, this center is fast becoming the number one bowling center in Burnaby.With 16 lanes available, there is plenty of room and no reservations required.
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23. BURNABY BIG BEND TOUR
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24. METROPOLIS AT METROTOWN
The largest mall in British Columbia, there will definitely be something to amuse kids here! Along with 400 stores, there are movie theaters and a variety of restaurants, along with a large food court. If you are from out of town, take advantage of the discounts that are available at participating retailers, just head to customer service with your identification with an address from out of the area and you will receive a discount card to use!
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25. BURNABY TOURS and CHARTERS
This tour company offers a 6-hour tour of Burnaby and New Westminster, including all the natural, historical, and cultural attractions in and around these two cities. This is not just a bus tour, they include walking in the parks, along with other activities throughout the diverse tour. If you are in the area, have only one day and want an easy way to take your kids to all the fun sites in the area, this is the perfect tour for your family.
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This is good place for kids in Burnaby
Great post! Love these fun ideas of the kids. Thanks for posting it!