Science World — officially TELUS World of Science — lives inside the silvery geodesic dome at the east end of False Creek. Bruno Freschi designed the dome as the Expo Centre for Expo 86, and it has been a science museum ever since. From the outside, it's one of Vancouver's most recognisable landmarks; from the inside, it's a seven-gallery, hands-on museum that genuinely works for both curious kids and the adults who came with them.
The galleries cover physics, sustainability, the human body, puzzles, the natural world, a specifically kid-focused area for under-fives, and a rotating feature exhibit. The OMNIMAX theatre underneath the dome has one of the largest domed screens in the world. Most families spend three to four hours here and still feel like they've missed things.
Admission is on the higher side — around $34 for adults in 2026, less for kids — so it's worth planning around free entry days or combining with a membership if you're local. The gift shop near the exit is also one of the better museum shops in the city for science-related kids' toys.
Science World is arguably the best single attraction in Vancouver for families with children between 4 and 12. Outside that age range, it's still good, just less essential.
How to get there
A 2-minute walk from Main Street–Science World SkyTrain station on the Expo Line. The seawall also runs right past the dome from Yaletown and Olympic Village.
Local tips
- Weekday mornings are much quieter than weekends or afternoons
- Allow 3–4 hours minimum
- Check the calendar for free-admission evenings
- Combine with a seawall walk to Olympic Village for lunch