Located next door to one and other, the Children's Farmyard and Miniature Train are two of Stanley Park's great kids' attractions and fun for the whole family.
Stanley Park Children's Farmyard
Over 200 animals, birds and reptiles--including endangered species of cows, sheep and waterfowl--live at the Children's Farmyard, a one-acre rural "farm" made up of heated barns, corals and outdoor yards. Kids can mingle with and pet the smaller farm animals, like sheep, goats and potbellied pigs.
Stanley Park Miniature Train
When 1964's Typhoon Frieda stormed through the park felling trees, the park's Deputy Supervisor Bill Livingstone found a horseshoe-shaped silver lining: the perfect space for creating a miniature railway.
Today, the Stanley Park Mini Train carries its passengers through the forest on a winding, 10-minute ride over trestles and through tunnels, and attracts 200,000 riders a year.
The train is replica of the Canadian Pacific Railway Engine #374, the engine made famous for pulling Canada's first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in the late 1880s. The real Engine #374 is on display at Yaletown's Roundhouse Community Centre.
Getting to the Stanley Park Children's Farmyard & Miniature Train
The Children's Farmyard and Miniature Train are situated in Stanley Park off Pipeline Road. You can bike or walk from downtown, heading west along W Georgia St., or you can take the #19 Bus to the Stanley Park Loop. For drivers, there are pay parking areas nearby.
Use the map to plot your route; the Children's Farmyard and Mini Train are labeled #12 and #13.
Download Map of Stanley Park (pdf)
From June 17 - September 21, there is a free Stanley Park Shuttle, which stops at 15 of the park's most popular attractions, including the Children's Farmyard and Miniature Train Station.
Open Hours
- February 7 - May 15, Saturdays & Sundays only 11am - 4pm (weather permitting)
- March 14 - 22 11am - 4pm
- April 10 - 13, Easter weekend 11am - 4pm
- May 16 - June 26 11am - 4pm
- June 27 - September 8 Train 10:30am - 5pm;
Farmyard 11:00am - 4pm
- September 12 - 13 11am - 4pm (weather permitting)
To confirm open hours in case of wind, rain or snow, call 604-257-8531.
Tickets to the Children's Farmyard or Miniature Train
- Adults: $6
- Seniors & Youth $4.25
- Kids under 12: $3
- Family: $3 per person
- Group rates available
Ghost Train & Bright Nights - Holiday Events at Stanley Park
Both the Children's Farmyard and the Miniature Train play an integral role in Stanley Park's holiday events. At Halloween, the Miniature Train is transformed into the Ghost Train, and the last stop on the spooky thrill-ride is the Children's Farmyard. For the winter holidays, the farm and train become part of a winter wonderland of sparkling lights and decorations during the festive Bright Nights.
- October 9 - November 1 Ghost Train
- November 27 - January 2 Bright Nights
Making the Most of Your Visit
It's ridiculously easy to fill a day with family fun at Stanley Park, starting with a few hours at the Children's Farmyard and a ride on the Miniature Train.
Both train and farm are close to the Vancouver Aquarium (just a five-minute walk away), close to the Burrard Inlet-side Seawall (always good for a family bike ride), and just a short drive/15-minute walk away from the beaches, pool and water park.
