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Vancouver Kids Day Camps 2027
A different outdoor adventure each day
Beach discoveries, bike rides, swimming, creative projects and new friends: our small-group day camps help kids ages 5–10 explore Vancouver together.
Choose Ocean Adventurers for shoreline habitats and water-based activities, or Where the Wild Things Go for park exploration, bike skills and nature-inspired play. Instructors adapt the pace and challenges to the group, with time for snacks, rest and the discoveries kids make along the way.
Every day begins and ends at Douglas Park. Browse the dates and sample weeks below to find the experience that fits your child.
What your child gets from the week
A city to explore: beaches, parks and neighbourhood adventures, with outdoor games and hands-on discovery.
Skills to practise: teamwork, navigation, outdoor problem-solving and growing independence.
A supportive group: instructors who adjust activities to different confidence levels and help children get to know one another.
Clear arrangements for parents: one Douglas Park meeting point, activity admissions and supplies included, plus daily photos.
Sample itineraries show the kind of week we run. Final venues, sailing and pool bookings, bike days and daily plans are confirmed before each camp.
Welcome Package
Itinerary, packing list & trip info.
2027 dates
Ocean Adventurers:
July 5–9 · July 19–23 · August 2–6
Where the Wild Things Go:
July 12–16 · July 26–30
Monday–Friday · 8:30 am–3:30 pm
Ages: 5–10, co-ed
Price: $649 + GST
Non-refundable deposit: $200 + GST
Meet at Douglas Park
Drop-off 8:30 am · Pick-up 3:30 pm
View meeting point
Includes: activity admissions, camp supplies, paddleboards, life jackets, experienced instructors and daily photos. Families provide lunch, snacks, bikes and bike safety gear when requested.
Sample itineraries:
Ocean Adventurers · Wild Things
Packing lists:
Ocean Adventurers · Wild Things
Daily plans and activity-specific gear are confirmed with families before camp.
Big Adventure? Let’s Talk
Or email: office@firesideadventures.ca
Ocean Adventurers
July 5–9 · July 19–23 · August 2–6, 2027
For kids who come home from the beach with questions about everything they saw. We explore shorelines, look closely at ocean life and combine discovery with swimming, paddling, games and creative projects.
Build temporary crab habitats, observe the creatures carefully and return them to their homes.
Learn about tides, water safety, knots and teamwork through coastal activities.
Explore maritime stories and biodiversity, using museums and waterfront spaces as starting points for questions.
Follow maps, solve clues and make art inspired by the ocean.
Previous weeks have included sailing, the Maritime Museum, UBC museums, Granville Island and beach paddleboarding. These are examples, not a fixed 2027 schedule; venues and water activities depend on bookings, conditions and the group.
See the sample Ocean Adventurers week
Where the Wild Things Go
July 12–16 · July 26–30, 2027
A week for kids who want to move, build, explore and see where their curiosity takes them. We combine bike skills, park adventures, swimming, nature discovery and creative play.
Practise bike checks, braking, navigation and riding together as a group.
Build shelters, learn simple knots and work together on outdoor challenges.
Look closely at local plants and wildlife, then turn discoveries into stories and nature art.
Cool off with a swim and make time for games, snacks and reflection.
Biking is part of Where the Wild Things Go only, and scooters are welcome too. We welcome all riding levels and use a structured, tiered bike-skills program. Instructors assess readiness and adapt activities and routes, primarily using bike-only routes. If your child uses training wheels, a balance bike or scooter, or is not yet riding a geared bike with standard brakes, please contact us beforehand to discuss accommodations. Pacific Spirit Park and Stanley Park appeared in previous plans, but neither is a guaranteed 2027 destination.
Looking for Parkour & Filmmaking?
Our separate five-day camp combines coached parkour, photography and filmmaking for ages 5–13. It runs June 28–July 2, July 26–30, August 9–13 and August 23–27, 2027.
Explore Parkour & Filmmaking dates and details
We hire urban outdoor education experts
Our staff aren’t just summer staff. They do 100–500 days of urban programming a year with kids in Vancouver and know the city like the back of their hands. They are lead staff from Vancouver Outdoor School’s Fieldschool.
Kids Day Camps: questions from families
Does my child need a bike or scooter?
Biking is part of Where the Wild Things Go only. Ocean Adventurers does not require a bike. We are scooter-friendly and welcome all riding levels. If your child uses training wheels, a balance bike or scooter, or is not yet riding a geared bike with standard brakes, contact us before camp so we can discuss accommodations for your child.
How do you support different riding abilities?
We use a structured, tiered bike-skills program. Instructors assess each child’s readiness and adapt the activities, schedule and riding locations to the group, primarily using bike-only routes. Children build skills step by step, with challenges suited to their confidence and experience.
When should we bring a bike, and can it stay overnight?
Bring your child’s bike or agreed scooter and helmet on the designated riding days. We will confirm those days with families before their week. Bikes cannot stay at camp overnight. If you need a rental, Cycle BC and JV Bike list children’s bikes. Check fit, availability and pickup times directly with the rental shop, and confirm the arrangement with us before booking.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
Please tell us your child’s swimming ability before camp so we can plan appropriate support. For aquatic activities, we provide staffing to meet the facility’s supervision requirements and adapt participation to children’s readiness.
How do children get from Douglas Park to activities?
We use self-propelled travel and public transit. Learning to travel safely is part of the adventure: children practise reading maps, recognising Vancouver landmarks and finding their way around the city with their instructors. Transit becomes a chance to build everyday skills and confidence.
How are groups organised and supervised?
We run small groups with one instructor for every six children. Children are grouped by age and readiness for the activities, so they can learn and explore alongside others at a similar stage.
What happens in rain, heat or smoke?
We dress for success. With appropriate clothing, summer rain can be part of a great outdoor day. We also adapt to heat, smoke and unexpected changes, with indoor alternatives such as community centres, libraries, museums and aquatic centres. Our instructors draw on Vancouver’s many spaces to keep the day engaging when plans need to change.
What if my child is nervous or needs additional support?
Please reach out. We are happy to arrange a parent-and-child meet-and-greet before camp, answer your child’s questions and discuss what will help them feel comfortable. Our Between the Trees mentorship program also offers support options for learners who need something more individual. We will discuss arrangements with you.
What does the fee include, and what do we bring?
The $649 + GST fee includes activity admissions, camp supplies, paddleboards and life jackets for the program’s water activities, experienced instructors and daily photos. Families provide lunch, snacks, a water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing and, for designated Wild Things riding days, a suitable bike or agreed scooter and helmet. See the packing-list links above for everyday items, and contact us about any equipment questions.
