Top 20 Things To Do In Vancouver, WA

1. Play with your dog at Ike Memorial Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Known as DOGPAW’s flagship dog park, Ike Memorial Park is a 10-acre (4-hectare) park composed of open fields and hills. Your dogs are in for a treat as this park features amenities that are sure to be a lot of fun for your pets.

There is a 0.71-mile (1.1-kilometer) walking trail you can enjoy with your dog. There is a small dog area where they can play. There is even a dog drinking fountain in case they get thirsty. No matter what, this dog park makes sure that your pets aren’t left behind on the fun.

Ike Memorial Park

Address: 5167 NE 15th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98663, United States

Website: Ike Memorial Park

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

2. Jump around Sky Zone Trampoline Park's various attractions

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Sky Zone Trampoline Park offers a wide variety of trampoline-based activities that are fun for the whole family. The Vancouver branch of the park offers several attractions that create a set of activities that change up the pace like a Ninja Warrior Course where you challenge an obstacle course with your companions and compete for the fastest time.

There is also a warped wall where you are challenged to climb a curved incline and a battle beam that tests your balance and strength against an opponent.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Address: 5000 E 4th Plain Blvd Suite C100, Vancouver, WA 98661, United States

Website: Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 10pm

3. Watch a good movie at Kiggins Theatre

Built in 1936, Kiggins Theatre is a single-screen movie theater that has been showcasing various movies for decades. Enjoy the classic movie theater aesthetic with modern furnishings as you watch your favorite movies or the old films that the theater occasionally showcases including black and white silent films and classics like Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice.

There is even a comedy show called Comedy On Tap that the theater hosts where hilarious comedians make you laugh throughout. Customers have praised the theater’s aesthetic as well as the excellent services and comfortable seating it provides.

Kiggins Theatre

Address: 1011 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660, United States

Website: Kiggins Theatre

Price: 10 - 12 USD

4. Get fresh produce at Vancouver Farmers Market

One of the best ways to indulge in local fare in Vancouver, or any place for that matter, is by going to the market and seeing the latest local favorites. Come down to Vancouver Farmers Market on Esther Street and check out the fresh products, creations, and of course, food! If you’re a fan of sustainable, artisan products, this is where you want to get your goodies. Not only will you be supporting local business owners, but you will also get to meet some of them as well. Hear stories of your favorite item and the careful process that took place in their making.

Vancouver Farmers Market

Address: 605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660, United States

Website: Vancouver Farmers Market

5. Walk along the banks of Vancouver Lake Park

A nice, scenic place to take your family out in this Washington city is Vancouver Lake Park. This vast park and its natural gardens offer enticing outdoor activities like windsurfing, sand volleyball, kayaking, and canoeing. Of course, if you’re simply looking to enjoy the scenery, you’re most welcome to spend an afternoon picnic with your loved ones at the tables. Some of the other facilities you’ll find on the premises are barbecue grills, a playground, and drinking fountains. You don’t have to spend a lot just to enjoy what Vancouver has to offer. Simply pay a visit to this regional park and its moderate hiking trails, and you’re set for the day!

Vancouver Lake Park

Address: 6801 NW Lower River Rd, Vancouver, WA 98660, United States

Website: Vancouver Lake Park

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

6. Discover the beauty of Vancouver Land Bridge

One of the most unique attractions you’ll find in the city is Vancouver Land Bridge. This park is actually a pedestrian bridge that is covered with plants and other lush greens. Some of the features at the bridge are indigenous plants and Native basket weavings. The place is one of the coolest experiences you’ll have, with two overlooks standing above the highway and the neighboring fields. Vancouver sure has its fair share of parks, but if you’re looking for a similar attraction that offers something new, come down to this picture-perfect bridge!

Vancouver Land Bridge

Address: WA-14, Vancouver, WA 98661, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

7. Frolic at the grounds of Salmon Creek Park

If you’re in town with your children, one of the most enjoyable places to take them to is Salmon Creek Park, which is also known as Klineline Pond. At the park, there’s a splash pad where they can frolic, get wet, and have an absolute best time. There’s also a bathhouse, a roped swimming area, and an observation deck that overlooks the surroundings. Do note that admission to the waterfront park is free, but there is a minimal fee for parking. Picnic shelters are available at this Vancouver attraction, too. If you love hiking, be sure to check out Salmon Creek Trail while you’re here.

Salmon Creek Park

Address: 1112 NE 117th St, Vancouver, WA 98685, United States

Website: Salmon Creek Park

Opening hours: 7am - 9:45pm (daily)

8. Explore the grasslands of Burnt Bridge Creek Trail

For those who prefer long walks amongst various landscapes, such as grasslands and heavily wooded trails, Burnt Bridge Creek Trail will be a nice refuge in Vancouver. This outdoor attraction goes as far as 8 miles (12.87 km) and is mostly flat, so a light to moderate trek should be expected. Some of the spots you’ll come across are Vancouver Lake, the creek from Stewart Glen, Arnold Park, and Leverich Park. The trail takes a few hours by foot, so if you like to keep fit in the morning, skip the gym and traverse the lands of Burnt Bridge Creek Trail.

Burnt Bridge Creek Trail

Address: 1617 N Devine Rd, Vancouver, WA 98661, United States

Website: Burnt Bridge Creek Trail

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

9. Be left in awe at Vancouver Barracks

One of the most significant historical landmarks for the United States Army is Vancouver Barracks, which is the first base that was established in the Pacific Northwest. Built in 1849, the barracks’ role was to combat the Cayuse War and the Whitman Massacre. The base forms a line close to the Columbia River. If you are a history buff, especially when it comes to the Armed Forces of the US, this is an attraction in Vancouver that you do not want to miss out on.

Vancouver Barracks

Address: 612 E Reserve St, Vancouver, WA 98661-3811

10. Take your family to Water Resources Education Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Looking for a great way to keep your inquisitive little ones entertained during your stay in Vancouver? Take your entire family out for an enlightening trip at Water Resources Education Center. The museum aims to educate the public on how to become more responsible with water, its resources, and its consumption. We often neglect this significant source of life, and sometimes, it would be helpful to take a step back and gain awareness on how we can wisely utilize this natural resource.

Water Resources Education Center

Address: 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661, United States

Website: Water Resources Education Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri : 9am - 5pm; Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)

11. Take a brisk walk in Esther Short Park

Established in 1853, Esther Short Park is one of the oldest public parks in Washington. Located in the downtown area, this is one of the best places to be if you are looking for some relaxation and a fun time. Take a short break from your monotonous life and stroll around the Esther Short Park and relax your mind and enhance your creativity.

Esther Short Park

Address: 610 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA

Website: Esther Short Park

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

12. Discover Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

In the Fort Vancouver lays the National Historic Site that will give you an insight into the history. Located on the Columbia River, the park presents excellent views of the city and mountains and it has so many historic intrigues to boast. You can see the representations as to how it was created. At Fort Vancouver, an exceptional costumed living history performance is done and there is a unique educational activity for kids to enjoy your while here.

Discover Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Address: McLoughlin Park, between 7th and 8th Sts., Oregon

Website: Discover Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun and Mon)

13. Visit the Clark County Historical Museum

Learn the area’s history at the Clark County Historical Museum where you will view many artifacts that are dedicated to the culture and history of Clark Country. It was started in 1917 and it hosts many exhibits of which the Native American Craft exhibition is quite famous.

Revamp your history buff at the Clark County Historical Museum

Address: 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, Washington

Website: Clark County Historical Museum

Opening hours: Tues - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed on Sun and Mon)

Price: 2 USD

14. Stroll along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail

The waterfront Renaissance Trail is just 5 miles away from the riverfront and has the perfect ambiance for a long stroll or bike ride. The Esther Short Park and the Winter Park are connected to it, and there are so many fun things to do here, eat, shop, or love the atmosphere of the place.

Waterfront Renaissance Trail

Address: 115 Columba Way, Vancouver, Washington

Website: Waterfront Renaissance Trail

Opening hours: 24hrs

15. Explore Pearson Field and Pearson Air Museum

If you are aviation enthusiasts, then Pearson Field and Pearson Air Museum is the haven for you. When World War I started, it was used as the Spruce Production Division’s Spruce Cut-Up Mill and the lumber that was produced helped in the creation of aircrafts to be used for pilot training and overseas combat. But post completion of the war, the mill was demolished, and an airfield was constructed.

Pearson Field and Pearson Air Museum

Address: 115E5th street, Vancouver, WA- 98661

Website: Pearson Field and Pearson Air Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun and Mon)

16. Go kayaking or paddle-boarding on Lacamas Lake

If you are the adventure seeker, then you need to be here. Lacamas Lake Kayaks in Camas Washington offers unguided kayak and paddle boards rentals on site at Round Lake and Lacamas Lake. Well, it does not stop here, you can try your hands at fishing, single or tandem kayaks, white water rafting and much more. Right quality equipment like wet suits, wet booties, paddles, helmets, life jackets, rafts can be rented. Overall, it is an excellent place for a family picnic.

Kayaking or paddle-boarding in the Lacamas Lake

Address: NE 35th Ave, Round Lake, Camas, WA- 98607

Website: Kayaking or paddle-boarding in the Lacamas Lake

Price: 30 USD

17. Explore the Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center

It is a vast historic park that offers a unique setting for an educational experience. It tries to teach greater awareness about the natural world and inspire people to connect with it. Spread over a very vast space, this is a public park with two miles (3.2 km) of trails that are maintained by volunteers and members of the community. This park will help you to connect and bond with nature in a whole new way.

Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center

Address: 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA 98683, USA

Website: Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

18. Hike down Moulton Falls and then enjoy a picnic at the base of the bridge

At the Moulton Falls Regional Park, you will get to see and experience 387 acres (157 hectares) of natural history. Here, two waterfalls flow, and you can see it from a three-story arch bridge. It has a heavily forested area that has volcanic formations, Indian meeting grounds, and a swinging bridge. Hike here or swim for an off-beat experience.

Moulton Falls

Address: Moulton Falls, Washington 98675, USA

Website: Moulton Falls Regional Park

Opening hours: 5am - 6pm (daily)

Price: free

19. Marvel at the Recreation Trails along the Columbia River

Commonly known as Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the place is bound to give you a dose of adrenaline rush. There are watersports to be enjoyed. In other words, no outdoor recreation activity is not covered here.

Recreation Trails along the Columbia River

Address: 902 Wasco Avenue, Suite 200, Hood River

Website: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat and Sun)

Price: 5 USD

20. Satisfy your bookworm soul at the Vancouver Community Library

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The second-largest library in the Portland metropolitan area is right here in this city. This Vancouver public library is a part of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. It has a fantastic collection of books and is a great community center. Importantly, it is a LEED Gold certified building.

Vancouver Community Library

Address: 901 C Street, Vancouver WA-98660

Website: Vancouver Community Library

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm; Sat & Sun: 10am - 6pm

Lots to do in Vancouver, USA

The city is quaint but has it all, from the goodness of nature that has been well preserved in its green spaces to the modern architectural marvels. New York Post has described this city as the ‘hippest’ city in the nation, and this alone makes this city a must visit. A perfect thing about this city is that it has hints of country life and suburbia in it. Check out these amazing activities on your trip to Vancouver.