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Use this Guide to Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids: Commercial Drive to plan your next family day at The Drive!
•Commercial Drive Parks & Playgrounds
Parks and playgrounds are obviously some of the best free things to do with kids in Vancouver, and Commercial Drive is home to several fantastic playgrounds and parks. There's Grandview Park--actually on Commercial Drive (and Charles St.)--which has an elaborate playground with climbing apparatus for older kids as well as smaller slides for wee toddlers. (It's also right across the street from Little Nest, see below.) One block east is Victoria Park at Victoria Drive and Kitchener, which has both a playground and a large sand area, plus space for the dogs, too.
If your kid is social, there will always be kids at these playgrounds to play with; parents of toddlers will find plenty of other parents to chat with, too.
•Family Restaurants on Commercial Drive
Commercial Drive is, arguably, the place to find baby- and toddler-friendly restaurants in Vancouver. Cafe Deux Soleils (one of Vancouver's Best Vegetarian Restaurants) is a hipster parent's dream, with inexpensive fare and a larger indoor play area.
For casual, inexpensive family dining with older kids, check out:
•Kids' & New Parent Shopping on Commercial Drive
Is your kid's birthday coming up? Need an aspirational toy to encourage potty training? One of the top things to do with kids in Vancouver is take them shopping on Commercial Drive (though this does depend on the age of your kids and whether or not they like shopping). The Drive has two great toys stores to explore:
- Dandelion Kids at 1206 Commercial Drive
- Dilly Dally at 1161 Commercial Drive
The Drive is also a top-spot for new parent shopping, at Room for Two, where new parents will find everything from the latest baby slings to nursing bras and accessories, baby clothes, and diaper bags.
•Family Attractions near Commercial Drive
There are so many things to do in Vancouver with kids near Commercial Drive that the Drive itself can be just one part of a great family day. After brunch at Little Nest or a shopping trip to Dilly Dally, take the kids to one of these nearby family attractions:
- Trout Lake (John Hendry Park) - by car, just a few minutes south of Commercial Drive
- Hastings Park at the PNE - by car, about 10 minutes east of Commercial Drive
- The Miniature Burnaby Central Railway (weekends only, Easter - Thanksgiving) - by car, about 15 minutes east of Commercial Drive
- Lynn Canyon Park (not stroller-friendly) - by car, about 20 minutes north of Commercial Drive
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