FamilyFun, Anchorage

Hop on a boat for a classic Alaska whale watching adventure. At the right time of year, you’re bound to see humpbacks and orcas congregate in the calm waters and put on a show. See them flip their tails above water or breach (when they leap all the way out of the water and then splash back down). With luck, you’ll get the breathtaking sight of bubble net feeding—a unique technique used by humpback whales circling and blowing bubbles to bring fish to the surface of the water when they spontaneously swim upward together. The best time to whale watch is from April to November, when approximately 600 humpbacks inhabit the waters of the northern Inside Passage. Whale watching tours are offered in Juneau and near Glacier Bay. The orca, or killer whale, is also common to Juneau. But our Shamu doesn't jump through hoops like he does at Sea World. These whales, though much smaller than humpbacks, have been known to pursue seals, moose, and even other whales. https://www.traveljuneau.com/things-to-do/whale-watching-wildlife-viewing/

Welcome to Stanley Park, Vancouver's first, largest, and most beloved urban park! Designated a national historic site of Canada, Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the heavily built urban landscape of Vancouver. Explore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall. Discover kilometres of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures. The park offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all ages and interests, including Canada’s largest aquarium. http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx

Carnarvon Park offers many recreation opportunities, from a multitude of sports fields to a fitness circuit and a children’s playground. The dappled shade of the tree-lined walks makes for a very enjoyable stroll, with a diversity of trees that include ash, plum, crabapple, and hornbeam. This park was first assembled by the Point Grey Municipality prior to the City of Vancouver amalgamation in 1929. It was secured by tax sales from the B.C. Government. The Park is named for one of its bounding streets which in turn is named for the Earl of Carnarvon who was Britain’s Secretary of State and introduced the British North America Act thereby bringing into confederation the Canadian provinces. https://covapp.vancouver.ca/ParkFinder/parkdetail.aspx?inparkid=2

Quilchena’s wide green fields are welcoming to sports enthusiasts and those looking for a pleasant stroll alike. Majestic poplars tower over the rolling lawns and shelter the seating areas below. Originally owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), the CPR leased this land (40 acres in total) to the Quilchena Golf Club. The word “Quilchena” means “flat place near the water” in the local First Nations language. On February 11, 1956, following the expiration of the CPR’s lease with the golf course, the Park Board purchased the eastern area of the course for park purposes and this site was designated Quilchena Park. The western portion of the golf course became Prince of Wales Secondary School. Park development began on January 22, 1962. https://covapp.vancouver.ca/ParkFinder/parkdetail.aspx?inparkid=6

Hastings Park now has more unique features than ever! There's lots to enjoy and discover: recreational activities, park spaces, gardens, playground, and sport fields, mixed with an amusement park, horse race trace, and large sport and entertainment venues. Explore the ecologically rich green space at Hastings Park, featuring spectacular gardens and the Miracle Mile statue. This Italian-styled garden features fountains surrounded by whimsical sculptures inspired by famous Italian operas. Pear trees and plantings of lavender and Italian cypress add to the Mediterranean feel. A large children's play area is adjacent to the garden. http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/hastings-park.aspx

Come enjoy our breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year around. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. In Winter, Colourful lights, carollers, ice skating and festive fayre — Christmas is a cheerful time of year at The Gardens. Bundle up and stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas display, sing along to the sounds of the season with Traditional Carollers or listen to the Festive Brass, then stop in at the Coffee Shop to warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/attractions/butchart-gardens

Just around the corner from Victoria's Inner Harbour, Fisherman's Wharf is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. With a brand new park offering an area for kids to play or for adults to read a book, this unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures in a working harbour setting. Wander down to the docks with your lunch, buy seafood fresh off the boat, check out the unique array of commercial, pleasure vessel and float home moorage and watch the commercial fishing vessels unload their wares. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/garden-parks/fishermans-wharf

Beacon Hill Park is in downtown Victoria and within easy walking distance from most downtown hotels, motels and the inner harbour. Just walk up Belleville Street past the Museum of Natural History and the Imax Theatre to Douglas Street. Take a right on Douglas Street. You'll climb a short hill and at the top of that hill is the beginning of Beacon Hill Park. Keep in mind the park is huge (200 acres), and there's much to see and do there, so allow plenty of time to view the entire park. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/garden-parks/beacon-hill-park

Arion is a peaceful farm sanctuary for people and animals situated on 12 acres in a beautiful valley in South-East Kelowna. The farm is a serene, volunteer-driven social enterprise that offers an escape from city life just 10 minutes out of town. Open daily for interactive tours, various programs surrounding organic farming and animal care, as well as therapeutic farm and horse experiences. http://www.ariontherapeutic.farm/

Canada's largest totally ski-in/ski-out resort village, located one hour from the Kelowna International Airport, has everything you would expect from a world-class resort. Spectacular scenery of the Monashee Mountains, groomed & powder runs and a state-of-the-art lift system, the resort is blessed with ideal ski and snowboard conditions, receiving over 750 cm of dry powder snow annually. https://www.tourismkelowna.com/listing/big-white-ski-resort/3314/

There’s always something new to learn at the Pacific Science Center, which features a tropical butterfly house, two IMAX theaters, a planetarium, and hands-on science experiments on topics ranging from reaction time and gyroscopes to pollinator plants. https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/

Appropriately located on the waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium offers plenty of underwater exploration. In the Window on Washington Waters exhibit, spot native Puget Sound marine life such as salmon and sea anemones. Divers put on three shows daily to talk to aquarium visitors from underwater. Elsewhere, admire jellies, try to find the giant Pacific octopus, and feel a bumpy sea star. https://www.seattleaquarium.org/

Take a ride on the iconic Seattle Great Wheel on Pier 57 and see the city of Seattle like never before. Each gondola can fit 8 people and provide an amazing ride that lights up the sky at night. https://seattlegreatwheel.com/

You might feel like a kid at heart when you spot the dozens of pinball machines inside the Seattle Pinball Museum, which includes old classics and brand-new prototypes. Best of all, no quarters are necessary—just pay a flat admission fee and pinball your heart out. Bonus: Seattle Pinball Museum sells soda for the kiddos and beer for adults. http://www.seattlepinballmuseum.com/

Enjoy the wonder of flight in one of Seattle's most spectacular settings. This 15-acre campus includes over 160 air and spacecraft, the original Boeing Aircraft factory, flight simulators, and dozens of fun, interactive exhibits and family activities. From the world's oldest fighter plane to the supersonic Concorde, the only full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer and the beautiful Boeing 787 Dreamliner, you'll see the machines and experience the stories of those who flew them. The unique, 3-acre Aviation Pavillion offers the dramatic development of large aircraft in an open-air gallery with a cafe and children's playground. Relax on the cafe patio -- spectacular views of Mt. Rainer no extra charge! http://www.museumofflight.org/

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium isn't just a fun place to spend time with friends and family. It's also the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest, nestled inside the 700-acre Point Defiance Park with views of Mount Rainier and Puget Sound. And with over 520 different animal species, a vintage carousel and Zoolights, there's plenty to explore. Glide with a shark. Wiggle with a walrus. Chirp with budgies. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is full of animals that will capture your heart and imagination, in habitats from tropical waters to lush bamboo forest. Explore them all here. https://www.pdza.org/visit/

When Devonian Gardens opened in 1977, it attracted international attention. Today it remains Calgary's only indoor park, full of tropical plants, natural light and balmy temperatures all year long. Meandering walkways lead guests past water fountains, over tree-decked plazas, to ponds teaming with fish. Enjoy the park during hours the CORE Shopping Centre is open, especially before or after the lunch hour on weekdays when it bustles with downtown office workers. https://www.visitcalgary.com/places/devonian-garden

Operated by Alberta’s oldest charity, Calgary Zoological Society, Calgary Zoo is the second largest zoo in Canada. The zoo which had its origins in early 1900s, suffered extensive flooding during June 2013 Calgary floods. The zoo was closed during this period and reopened in November 2013. Calgary Zoo is also a leading Canadian Centre for conservation and is home to Centre for Conservation Research with many endangered animals in its care. https://www.todocanada.ca/city/calgary/listing/calgary-zoo/

Escape Today at Heritage Park Historical Village. See and feel the past as it comes to life in front of your eyes. This unique Park’s attractions and exhibits span Western Canadian history from the 1860s to 1950s. You will see the vital story of the settlement of the west not only preserved, but presented alive and in great working condition! Ride the authentic steam train, make old-fashioned ice cream with the prairie townsfolk, explore our First Nations encampment, enjoy the antique midway, savour fresh baked treats from the Alberta Bakery, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, and set sail on Calgary’s only paddlewheeler. With over 180 exhibits on 127 acres of land, Canada’s largest living history museum offers an authentic experience from four key periods: the 1860s fur trading era and First Nations encampment, 1880s rustic pre-railway settlement, a bustling 1910 prairie railroad town and the 1930s -50s in Gasoline Alley Museum and Heritage Town Square. As an accredited museum, Heritage Park is proud to preserve and share history in a way that lets visitors experience it with all five senses. Costumed interpreters add another dimension to the immersive historical experience and bring the attractions and exhibits to life. https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/attractions/heritage-park-historical-village

Standing beneath a towering hoodoo with a cactus at your feet, it’s easy to imagine a time when dinosaurs roamed the area. At Dinosaur Provincial Park, history is rediscovered every day and you’re invited to join in. Located about half an from Brooks, this place is a must visit if you are visiting Alberta. Camp, tour, and explore all that Dinosaur Provincial Park has to offer. There is so much to see and do at Dinosaur Provincial Park that in order to truly enjoy the entire extent of the park you should be prepared to stay a day or two. https://www.todocanada.ca/dinosaur-provincial-park/

Kayben Farms’ Sunshine Adventure Park is a refreshing place to take the whole family for a delightful day of farm fun, about 10 minutes south of the city of Calgary. http://kayben.com/sunshine-adventure-park-home/

All aboard! Ride the visitor shuttle and discover a NEW side of Batoche. Hop on and off or Journey Through Time on an interactive and fun tour. Re-live the last battle of the Métis resistance in 1885, led by Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont against the government troops of General Middleton’s men at Batoche. The bullet holes in the rectory wall and gravestones in the cemetery tell an eloquent tale. Join staff in authentic costume sharing further stories of Métis life beside the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. Ready, set, fun with family and friends! Choose from competitive, recreational or kids adventure relay, which includes canoeing, horseback riding, pack running, biking and running. Costumes welcome! Don’t miss the popular Saskatoon berry pie eating contest, line up for archery practice and try canoeing. Kids activities, pavilions, live music, bannock tasting and food vendors round out the festivities. Register your team early for the Louis Riel Relay. New unique twists on a classic Saskatoon event that you won't want to miss! Louis Riel Relay and Kidfest is brought to you in collaboration with the Friends of Batoche. Canoeing and Kayaking : Hear the gentle slosh of the water as you dip your paddle into the cool South Saskatchewan River. Your canoe or kayak glides along as you look up at the lush, green river valley walls stretching towards the sky. With an area so full of history and beauty how can you not be intrigued? Do not have a canoe or kayak? No problem! We have eight canoes and two kayaks available to rent on a first come first serve basis. Want to book ahead to be sure you will have one for your visit? You can reserve a canoe or kayak with a credit card. Contact us for details, reservations are recommended. http://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/listings/Batoche-National-Historic-Site/8/?fromMenu=628

Wanuskewin Heritage Park sits above Opimihaw Creek and the South Saskatchewan River near Saskatoon – a window into a part of Canada’s history that remains largely undiscovered, and a link to our past unlike any other National Historic Site in Canada. Wanuskewin’s uniqueness is not just the fact that there exists evidence of ancient peoples, but rather the composition of many different aspects of habitation, hunting and gathering, and spirituality – all in one place. The Wanuskewin area contains some of the most exciting archaeological finds in North America, many of which predate the pyramids of Egypt. To date, 19 Pre-Contact archaeological dig sites have been identified on the terraces and point bars in the Opimihaw Creek valley bottom or coulee depressions along the valley wall of the South Saskatchewan River. As soon as the Opimihaw Creek valley became available for human occupation 6,000 years ago, virtually every Pre-Contact cultural group recognized across the Great Plains visited this location. https://wanuskewin.com/

Transport yourself back to early 20th century Boomtown - from the general store overflowing with everything from nails to gingham, to be blacksmith shop ringing with the sound of the hammer striking the anvil. Explore the world of alternative fuel vehicles with the Fuelled by Innovation exhibit and Saskatoon's only vintage car collection. Don't miss Winning the Prairie Gamble - the story of Saskatchewan farm family as they grow and change over 100 years. Take your breath away - step into the WDM Saskatoon. A visit to Boomtown lets you walk through time. Saskatchewan inspired stories unfold everywhere as you journey from 1910 to the present. https://www.wdm.ca/stoon.html

It all began with a tree nursery. Millions of saplings and a hundred years later, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo remains a cornerstone of ecology, inspired learning and lasting memories in the Prairies. Today, this National Historic Site boasts carefully crafted gardens, restored heritage buildings, a great new naturally-themed playground and Saskatchewan’s only CAZA-AZAC accredited zoo. Whether your visit is lively and exciting or quietly reflective, this distinctly-Saskatchewan experience is sure to be a memorable one! There are over 300 animals at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo! Take a look at the animals you may see on your next visit to the Zoo! Challenge your friends to a cricket match, cast a line or find your Zen in the gardens. The expansive grounds of the Forestry Farm Park have a proud tradition of fostering old-fashioned values like connecting with loved ones and appreciating the nature around us. Take sanctuary from the pressures of everyday life in the Robin Smith Meditation Garden, and the Heritage Rose Garden. The hard work and creativity of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society was poured into each of these gardens and the results are spectacular! https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/events-attractions/saskatoon-forestry-farm-park-zoo

Brighten your day with a visit to the Berry Barn, one of Saskatoon’s premier attractions! The panoramic view of the South Saskatchewan River is breathtaking with the splendid array of gardens in a relaxed country setting. Visit the country style indoor eatery and enjoy some home cooked meals and scrumptious Saskatoon Berry pie. Complete with a gift shop filled with Saskatoon Berry preserves and a variety of giftware. https://www.berrybarn.ca/

The Saskatchewan Science centre strives to ignite scientific curiosity and innovation in Saskatchewan communities through interactive, dynamic, and engaging learning opportunities. The Centre’s exhibit floor features over 150 hands-on science exhibits and live stage shows and demonstrations. The exhibits showcase all scientific disciplines with everything from space, to energy, to the wildlife of Saskatchewan being open to exploration. Visiting exhibits mean that there is always something new to learn about and play with at the Science Centre. In the past, the science centre have we’ve featured such exciting exhibitions as Dinosaurs Unearthed, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, and for the summer of 2015 we are thrilled to host Arctic Voices! Watch live demonstrations at the Space Stadium Stage to learn about everything from cryogenics, to air pressure to the sweet science of sugar. Not a kid anymore? That doesn’t mean the Science Centre isn’t for you! Enjoy advanced programming and a licenced bar at one of our Adult Science Nights! https://www.todocanada.ca/city/regina/listing/saskatchewan-science-centre/

At the western tip of San Francisco, jutting out into ocean, is Lands End: a nature park of steep cliffs with beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. It has a small, rocky beach, called Mile Rock Beach, accessible from the Coastal Trail. Wonderful beach to walk to. https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/lands-end-beach/

Baker Beach is a large popular beach not far from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. On sunny weekends both parking lots could be full and all the spaces along the entrance roads too. This popular spot is one of the many beaches in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Just north of the main parking lot is the Battery Chamberlin, a large historic military gun installation that was built in 1904. It is worth checking out especially if you have kids. Be aware as you explore the north end of Baker Beach because North Baker Beach is a clothing-optional area. All of Baker Beach is an unsafe swimming area because of cold water and frequent rip currents in the surf. https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/baker-beach-san-francisco/

Just inside the Golden Gate, Crissy Field has a wide, sandy beach with a pretty view of the bridge and Alcatraz. It's a short, 10 minute walk from Fisherman's Wharf. Of the San Francisco beaches, this one's the most popular with windsurfers. https://www.presidio.gov/places/east-beach

Aquatic Park Cove has a narrow sandy beach and a grass park at the end of the Hyde Street Cable Car line on the San Francisco Waterfront. The cove is located at the north end of Hyde Street and Van Ness Avenue near Fisherman’s Wharf. Boats are allowed to anchor in the protected harbor in the cove. It is protected by a long curved municipal pier that should not be missed if you have time to walk out on it. The view from the pier includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco skyline. Nearby Hyde Street Pier has historic ships to see as well. The Marine Museum sits at the center of Aquatic Park Cove near the beach. Behind that is Ghirardelli Square. Aquatic Park Cove is part of San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, a district within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The large park at Fort Mason is a short walk away up the trail to the west. https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/aquatic-park-cove/

Pier 39 is located on the San Francisco waterfront near the Fisherman’s Wharf area of the city and is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to California. The pier is home to many great restaurants offering local seafood as well as other cuisines. If shopping is your thing you will find 90+ stores offering everything from souvenirs to sports memorabilia. Pier 39 is also where you can find fun and exciting attractions such as the Aquarium of the Bay and the 7D experience. If you walk to the end of Pier 39 and visit K-Dock you will find the world famous sea lions who have made the pontoons their home. The sealions first appeared after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and began taking over the piers on the Pier 39 marina, much to the annoyance of the marina tenants. After numerous attempts to shoo them away they eventually had to give up and the numbers grew and grew reaching a peak of over 1500 in 2009. Today they have become one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco and have their own area of Pier 39. While there why not pay a visit to the Marine Mammal Center just upstairs from the viewing area where you can learn more about the sea lions and pick up some sea lion related souvenirs. https://www.city-sightseeing.us/en/pier-39

Ocean Beach is the grand-daddy of San Francisco beaches, stretching out for three miles along the entire western edge of San Francisco. This wide, flat expanse of sand is the best beach for long walks or a run. It's also the most popular, which means lots of people on our warm, sunny days. This is a great surfing beach, and dogs can be off-leash in certain parts. https://www.inside-guide-to-san-francisco-tourism.com/ocean-beach-san-francisco.html