H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is tucked inside the same distinctive building as the Museum of Vancouver in Vanier Park, with views across English Bay to the North Shore mountains. For space-loving kids, it's one of the most exciting places in the city.

The planetarium is the centerpiece. The 20-meter dome screen creates a completely immersive experience — the lights go down, the stars come out, and suddenly you're traveling through the solar system. Different shows target different ages: simpler constellation tours for younger kids, and more complex astrophysics journeys for tweens and teens.

The shows run about 30-45 minutes and are comfortable enough that even antsy five-year-olds stay engaged.

The exhibit halls are where the hands-on learning happens. The Cosmic Courtyard has interactive stations where kids can design and launch virtual rockets, learn about Canada's role in space exploration, and operate simulated mission control consoles. The GroundStation Canada exhibit uses real telemetry data and lets kids track the International Space Station in real-time.

For the space-obsessed kid, the gift shop is dangerous — rockets, astronaut ice cream, glow-in-the-dark star maps, and model spacecraft that will definitely end up on a bedroom ceiling.

The Space Centre shares its building with the Museum of Vancouver, so you can combine visits easily. The surrounding Vanier Park is beautiful — open green space with views of the water, a playground, and easy walking distance to Kitsilano Beach.

Practically speaking: the Space Centre is best for ages 5 and up. Kids under 5 are free but may not engage with the exhibits as much. There's no food service inside, so eat before you come or pack snacks. Strollers can navigate the main areas but some exhibit sections are tight. Parking is available at Vanier Park but fills up on sunny weekends.

The centre is a perfect rainy-day activity and pairs naturally with the Museum of Vancouver for a half-day of indoor exploration.