On rainy days, weekends, or during school vacations, keeping your children occupied and entertained can be a tough task. Don’t worry, we have your back! If you want your kids to stay active and off screens, try one of these 5 places near Mosquito Creek & Norgate that allow for maximum fun while also giving you the opportunity to take a bit of a break. You can also check out our recommendations for local classes such as dance, karate, and music.
Are your kids climbing the walls at home? Instead, let them literally climb some walls at Climb Base 5. Offering beginner and advanced options, this climbing gym is a great way to keep your kids active and help them build a new skill. Climb Base 5 has been in business for almost two decades, and the staff are incredibly friendly, professional, and extremely experienced. Climb Base 5 even offers kids programs, including a date night option where parents can drop off children for 3 hours with dinner included. Located on Welch Street, this gym is right in the heart of Norgate making it an easy option for any occasion.
Pricing:
$15 day pass for 13 and younger (+ $5 accompanying only adult day pass, its + $22 if you’d like to climb too).
$17 day pass for 14 and older (unaccompanied)
There are also family daypasses and membership options for regular visitors, summer camps, birthday party bookings.
$55 per child “date night” rate (include 3 hours of climbing, equipment, and dinner)
Located in Capilano Mall, Go Bananas North Vancouver is one location of the popular indoor playground franchise. This tropically themed playground has different jungle gyms for your children to choose from, and even has a toddler area for your little ones. Wristbands are provided upon purchase so you and your children can go in and out of the playground with ease. The best part of Go Bananas is that it offers a “drop and shop” option. For children aged 5 years and older, parents can drop them off and continue shopping in Capilano Mall. This way, your children can enjoy themselves and play while you get some time to shop at your favourite stores. It’s the best of both worlds! If you subscribe to an Entertainment®️ Membership, check the annual coupon book for Go Bananas discounts.
Pricing:
$16.99/child + $3.00/adult
$23.99 – 2 hr shop & drop
Local Playgrounds
Welch Strip, Barbour Park, Heywood Park
Sometimes, the best options are the simplest. Local parks are a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, but the best parks are the ones with awesome playgrounds for your children to enjoy. Welch Strip is a great place to walk and also features outdoor tennis courts, a playground, and plenty of grass and benches to play games. Barbour Park is close by in Pemberton Heights and features the expansive Bowser trail and a local playground with swings and a jungle gym located at the MacGowan Avenue entrance. It’s also a great place for an afternoon picnic adventure! In Mosquito Creek, Heywood Park is right in your backyard and features extensive trails in nature and a playground at the south end of the park.
Pricing: Free!
North Vancouver Tennis Centre (NVTC)
The North Vancouver Tennis Centre is a recreational facility maintained by the North Vancouver Recreation & Culture Commission, a joint partnership between the City and District of North Vancouver. NVTC has 9 indoor tennis courts, an observation lounge, a changeroom, and showers. It’s also a designated Tennis Canada Development Centre, meaning that it often has access to high quality coaching and training. Courts at NVTC can be booked on an hourly basis. There are also programs offered through the centre designed for children of all ages and all skill levels. You can learn more and book courts/programs at the NVTC website.
Pricing:
Summer rate for 1 hour of play: $20.00/court
A booking card may be required for booking courts, although this rule has been changed for Summer 2020.
Located in Park Royal in West Vancouver, this indoor playground is just a 5 minute drive from Norgate & Mosquito Creek. Modelled after a medieval castle, Castle Royale features a large jungle gym that kids can climb, run around, and slide down. There are also toddler areas and smaller slides for younger children. For the best value, we recommend getting there in the morning since rates are per child and cover the entire day of play. Like Go Bananas, Castle Royale also offers a “drop & shop” option where parents of children who are five and above can drop off their children at the play area while they shop at the mall. This comes in one hour and two hour options depending on how long you need.
Pricing:
$17.99/child + $3.00/adult
$22.99 – 1 hr shop & drop
$26.99 – 2 hr shop & drop
