Bringing kids to the World Cup is ambitious. Bringing kids to a city you have never visited for a World Cup is next level. Here is how to make it work.

Can Kids Go to BC Place?

Yes. Children of all ages can attend World Cup matches at BC Place. There is no minimum age.

What to know:

• Tickets: Children under 2 may sit on a parent's lap without a ticket. Ages 2+ need their own ticket.
• Noise: BC Place gets LOUD. 54,500 fans. Bring ear protection / noise-cancelling headphones for toddlers and young kids. This is non-negotiable.
• Clear bag policy: Kids' bags are not exempt. Everything goes in a clear bag. Diaper bags are an exception — they will be manually inspected.
• Food: No outside food allowed except for infants with documented needs. BC Place concessions are expensive ($8-12 for basic items).
• Gates: Open 90 minutes before kickoff. Enter early with kids to avoid the crush.

Best Family Viewing Spots (No Ticket Needed)

FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park

• Best for families. Massive open space. Free entry. Giant screens. Food trucks. The atmosphere is festive without being overwhelming.
• Kids activities are expected, though specific details have not been announced.
• Daytime matches are best for families here. The evening matches will have a bar/party atmosphere.
• How to get there: SkyTrain Millennium Line to Hastings Park Station.

Granville Island Viewing Zone

• Specifically designed as family-friendly. 1,000 seats, free entry, outdoor viewing between Anderson Street and Old Bridge Street.
• Children's activity zone is part of the setup.
• Showing 92 of 104 matches during the tournament.
• Food trucks and a beer garden (for parents).
• Free secure bike parking.
• How to get there: Bus #50, walk, or cycle. Aquabus from Olympic Village area.

Boston Pizza (Robson St)

• Not exciting, but reliable. Every match on screen. Family-friendly. Kids' menu. High chairs.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near BC Place

• Earls Yaletown — Big menu, high chairs, crayons. $20-35 per adult.
• Boston Pizza — Kids menu, screens, reliable. $15-25 per adult.
• Tap & Barrel (Olympic Village) — Waterfront patio. Not specifically a kids' spot but spacious enough to handle strollers.
• Paramount Fine Foods — Halal, spacious, family-friendly Middle Eastern food.

Things to Do With Kids Between Matches

• Science World (10-min walk from BC Place) — Hands-on science museum in the iconic geodesic dome. Kids love it. Admission ~$30/adult, ~$20/child.
• Stanley Park — Free. Playground at Second Beach. Miniature train ($8). Vancouver Aquarium ($42/adult, $30/child 4-12).
• Granville Island Kids Market — Two floors of toy stores, art activities, and a ball pit area. Free to enter, activities cost $5-15.
• Beaches — English Bay and Kitsilano Beach are clean, calm, and free. Lifeguards on duty in summer.
• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden — Peaceful, close to BC Place (15-min walk). Older kids might appreciate it. Entry ~$16.
• FlyOver Canada (Canada Place) — 4D flight simulation ride over Canada. $35/adult, $25/child. Kids 5+ love it.

Practical Tips for Parents

• Strollers are NOT allowed inside BC Place. Leave them at the hotel.
• Nursing rooms — BC Place has family facilities. Ask guest services when you enter.
• Change tables — Available in the family/accessible washrooms.
• Nap timing: The noon match (June 24) and 3 PM match (June 18) are best for young kids — they end before evening meltdowns.
• The 9 PM match (June 13) ends around 11 PM. Think carefully before bringing tired kids to this one.

Connected Guides

• Clear bag policy — What bags are allowed (including diaper bags)
• How to get to BC Place — Transit guide
• Free things to do in Vancouver — Free activities
• Budget guide — Saving money with kids