The Goats at Maplewood Farm | Photo: Bianca Bujan
Vancouver is a unique city when it comes to outdoor activities for kids. Families can frolic along sandy beaches, dine in bustling downtown cafes, and ski down powdered mountain slopes – all in the same day!
Equally as diverse is the city’s balance between boisterous urban destinations and quiet rural dwellings, situated only minutes apart.
For a taste of the country, local families love to play amongst the swoon-worthy park-like surroundings of Maplewood Farm, but it’s not just about the picturesque scenery. Here are some of the many must-do activities for kids to enjoy at North Vancouver’s only remaining farm.
The Goats At Maplewood Farm | Photo: Bianca Bujan
Get Giddy With The Goats
Kids love getting up-close-and-personal with the over 200 friendly farm animals at Maplewood Farm, but the goats definitely steal the show. As soon as you walk through the gates of the petting area, you are welcomed enthusiastically by a bouncing tribe of goats, all eager for playful pets. Beware, as they may nibble at your shoelaces, or even hop into your lap!
The Pond At Maplewood Farm | Photo: Bianca Bujan
Feed The Birds
The farm features a duck-filled pond, surrounded by a well-groomed walking trail and wooden viewing platforms and crossing bridge – perfect for a peaceful stroll. No need to bring your own breadcrumbs as the farm sells small packages of birdseed to sprinkle for your fowl friends.
Cow Milking Demo At Maplewood Farm | Photo: Bianca Bujan
Watch The Cows-A-Milking
Visitors can attend a daily milking demonstration, where a friendly farmhand explains and demonstrates the milking of a jersey cow. For a more complete behind-the-scenes experience, guests can ‘be a farmer for a day’ through an exclusive, all-access tour of the unseen areas of the farm.
The Horses Of Maplewood Farm | Photo: Bianca Bujan
Picnic With The Ponies
The farm offers several picnic table areas (some undercover for wetter days) – perfect for picnicking with family while gazing at grazing farm friends. Nestle in for a little snack and watch as chickens and peacocks pass you by.
The Red Tractor At Maplewood Farm | Photo: Bianca Bujan
Ride The Tractor
A day at Maplewood Farm isn’t complete without snapping an obligatory photo of your little one driving the rustic farm tractor, located near the entrance. Just be prepared to pry them away as kids can’t get enough of the rusty truck!
Playground At Maplewood Farm | Photo: Bianca Bujan
Slide And Swing At The Playground
Be sure to save time for a play on the newly-rennovated playground, located just outside of the farm entrance. With three platforms featuring a range of swings, slides, and climbing walls for all ages, this is the perfect last stop to wrap up a day of family fun outdoors.
Maplewood Farm is open year-round from 10am to 4pm Tuesday through Sunday, and 7 days per week from April until October.
