Resources for parents to get through the challenges.

  1. Home
  2. Parenting

15 Fun Indoor and Outdoor Activities for Kids in Vancouver Washington

Vancouver is a city in the state of Washington, which is the largest suburb of Portland, Oregon. The wonderful city of Vancouver is home to majestic waterfalls, delicious breweries, acres upon acres of greenery, and a beautiful waterfront. The city also features plenty of fun-filled activities your children can equally enjoy. Below, the following list is made up of 15 fun indoor and outdoor activities for kids in Vancouver.

Indoor Activities for Kids in Vancouver

1. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

If you’re looking for a fun place to take the kids, look no further. Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a one of kind amusement park perfect for children between the ages of 4 to 16 years old. The park is filled with plenty of fun indoor activities. The Foam Zone allows your children to fly without the fear of falling or worry about hurting themselves. Or if they’re looking to let go of gravity and grab some air, then I suggest trying the “Freestyle Jump “which features wall-to-wall trampoline courts.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park Vancouver

2. Dizzy Castle

If you’re searching for fun indoor activities that your kids will enjoy, then you definitely should consider visiting Dizzy Castle, which features over 13,000 feet of play space and one of the largest indoor playgrounds in the world. For a child, Dizzy Castle is a dream come true, which allows children to explore their imagination as they set sail on a 70-foot pirate ship. Dizzy Castle is open 7-days a week, which opens at 9 AM and closes at 8 PM. General admission pricing for children ages 3 to 12 is $12.95, $6.95 for toddlers, and infants are free.

Dizzy Castle Vancouver

3. Playdate PDX

As far as fun outdoor activities go, Playdate PDX is diffidently worth visiting, which even provides free admission on Mondays after 5 PM. The indoor playground features 3 levels of fun for kids and provides a welcoming environment for parents, which provides coffee and wine. Playdate PDX features a 3-level jungle gym, two interactive dance floors, and a ball cannon room. General admission prices are $8.00 for children ages 4 and up and $4.00 for children under the age of 3. Playdate PDX is open from 9 Am to 9 PM Monday through Sunday.

Playdate PDX

4. Kiggins Theatre

Kiggins Theatre is an art-deco theater, which was established in 1936 and was considered to be one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. The single-screen movie theater provides a feeling of nostalgia, which automatically makes you feel as if you are watching a movie in the 1950s. Kiggins Theatre provides a one of a kind movie-watching experience that you and your family can enjoy together.

Kiggins Theater Vancouver Washington

5. Chelatchie Prairie Railroad

The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad is a heritage railroad located just outside of Vancouver, in the town of Yacolt, Washington. The 33-mile short line stretches across the county, which is connected to the BNSF Railway. The Railway was built in 1887, which provides a scenic tour of Vancouver. Times and ticket prices may vary, which operates from May through December.

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Station Vancouver

Free Activities for Kids in Vancouver

6. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site features Fort Vancouver and the John McLoughlin House. Fort Vancouver was established in 1824 as a fur trading post and was later used as barracks for the United States Army. The McLoughlin House unit consists of two separate houses, which include the homes of John Mcloughlin and Dr. Forbes Barclay. Both homes feature original furnishings and a gift shop, which is located in the Barclay House. The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is open Monday thru Friday, which opens at 9 AM and closes at 4 PM.

Fort Vancouver Historic Site

7. The Belmont Goats

The Belmont Goats is an oasis designed for goats, which is located just outside of Vancouver in the city of Portland, Oregon. This is an ideal destination for animal lovers or people who enjoy bonding with goats. The Belmont Goats features 14 goats, which is one of the most fun weekend activities in Portland. The goat oasis is open year-round, Saturday through Sunday, from 11 AM to 2 PM, which is completely free.

The Belmont Goats Portland Oregon

8. Water Resources Education Center

The Water Resources Education Centre is located off of the Waterfront Renaissance Trail and is completely free of charge, which is one of the many free activities located in Vancouver. The family-friendly educational center features a variety of exhibits, events, and fun activities, which is open Monday thru Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Vancouver Water Resources Education Center

9. Clark County Historical Museum

Clark County Historical Museum provides children a fun, yet educational experience, which is operated by the Clark County Historical Society. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 AM to 4 PM. The museum features rotating exhibits to educate children and adults, while also preserving the local and cultural history of Vancouver. The museum is free of charge and hosts annual pumpkin painting, pie-eating, and scarecrow making contests, along with many other unique and fun children-themed activities.

Clark County Historical Museum Vancouver Washington

10. Pearson Field and Air Museum

If you and your kids are looking for fun and informative weekend activities, you should visit the Pearson Field and Air Museum, which is one of the oldest working airports in the nation. The museum features historic aircraft, which include a full-scale replica of a WW1 bomber and several other historic airplanes. The museum also features flight simulators and a vertical wind tunnel. Tuesday thru Saturday admission to the museum is completely free, which is open from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Pearson Field and Air Museum Vancouver

11. Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center

The Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center provides children a unique educational experience to bring awareness to the natural world, which is ideal for children of all ages. The trout hatchery is the main feature. Columbia Springs hosts events and festivals all year round, which include, The Kids Fishing Festival and Family Nature Days. Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center is open Monday thru Friday, from 9 AM to 10 PM. It’s super fun to look at the fish at different stages of growth and there is a short hike around their lake which is also very fun.

columbia springs education center trout hatchery vancouver
Source: Visit Vancouver USA

 

Outdoor Activities for Kids in Vancouver

12. Waterfront Renaissance Trail

The Columbia River Renaissance Trail is a 5-mile long riverfront trail that provides picturesque views of the riverfront, which is perfect for walking, biking, or jogging. Stops along the trail include the Kaiser shipyards, The Ilchee Statue, and the Wendy Rose Sculpture, along with various restraints and shops.

Waterfront Renaissance Trail Vancouver Washington
Source: Visit Vancouver USA

13. Beaver Marsh

Beaver Marsh is a natural site, which sits on 32-acres of undeveloped forest. The marsh is located on the East Side of Royal Oaks Country club, which is a great spot for bird watching or viewing wildlife. The park is free, which is open from 5 Am to 10 PM. The heavily forested trail is home to elk, coyotes, muskrats, and beavers.

Beaver Marsh Vancouver
Source: Ed Balaun Flickr

14. Bi-Zi Farms

A farmers market is something you and children can enjoy together. Bi-Zi Farms was established in 1985, but the farm itself was built in the 1930s, which still features many of the original buildings. Bi-Zi Farms hosts an annual farmers market and pumpkin patch, which is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch Vancouver
Source: Pinterest

15. Gifford Pinchot National Forest

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is located in Vancouver, Washington, which features acres of forests, mountains, and waterfalls. The forest preserve covers more than 1-million acres and is home to hundreds of different woodland creatures. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is also located within the national forest, which features campsites, water activities, and is considered a prime fishing destination.

Lower Lewis River Falls Gifford Pinchot National Forest Vancouver

Conclusion

To make a long story short, the city of Vancouver provides plenty of activities that you and your children can enjoy together. Your kids can enjoy a day bird-watching at Beaver Marsh, hanging with goats at “The Belmont Goats,” or play a game of Trampoline Dodge ball at Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Vancouver is a city filled with an endless amount of possibilities and plenty of fun activities for kids.