Family Adventures and Outdoor Activities in White Rock Parks
White Rock’s shoreline and inland green spaces offer a compact collection of outdoor activities that suit every age group, turning ordinary days out into genuine family adventures. Start with the 2.19-kilometre seaside promenade and 470-metre pier for easy pram-friendly walks and tide-pool exploration, then head inland to Redwood Park, where five kilometres of trails weave beneath 30-metre coast redwoods and circle a multi-level timber treehouse. Round things off at Centennial Park, home to Generations Playground—an inclusive, all-abilities facility that anchors sports fields, tennis courts and summer pool sessions. Taken together, these highlights position White Rock parks among Metro Vancouver’s most convenient spots for relaxed, nature-rich days out.
White Rock Beach: Coastal Paradise for Family Fun
We highlight White Rock Beach as the simplest starting point for family adventures. The paved promenade measures about 2.19 km and links East Beach to West Beach, offering step-free access for prams and wheelchairs. Its centrepiece, the wooden pier, extends roughly 470 m into Semiahmoo Bay and remains one of Canada’s longest. Current bylaws allow leashed dogs on the promenade from 05:30–09:00 between 1 April and 30 September, and at any time from 1 October to 31 March. Accessible washrooms beside Memorial Park were upgraded in late 2024, according to council minutes, improving comfort for all visitors. Metered bays line Marine Drive, so an early arrival helps secure parking during warm-weather weekends.
Redwood Park: Towering Trees and Treehouse Adventures
Redwood Park enriches the inventory of White Rock parks through its grove of exotic coast redwoods planted in the 1890s. Many specimens now reach nearly 30 m. Over 5 km of compacted trails form easy circuits; a 0.8-mile loop published on AllTrails takes about 16 minutes for those seeking a concise walk. A multi-level timber treehouse stands near rustic picnic shelters and a wheelchair-accessible playground, giving families a central meeting point during outdoor activities. Storm damage in early 2024 removed many miniature “fairy houses,” so expectations for that feature should be set accordingly.
Semiahmoo Park: Sandy Shores and Scenic Trails
Semiahmoo Trail Park offers a forested interlude along the 12 km heritage route that once linked New Westminster to Semiahmoo. The park itself supports circuits of 3–5 km beside Anderson Creek, where Pacific wrens, herons and seasonal harbour seals appear near the Nicomekl floodplain. Paths average two metres wide, so prams and balance-bikes pass comfortably, reinforcing its value for low-impact outdoor activities. Free curbside parking on 20 Avenue and regular bus services from White Rock Centre keep access straightforward.
Centennial Park: Active Play and Outdoor Recreation
Centennial spans about 18.6 ha (46 acres) and merges athletics with woodland. Facilities include tennis courts, an athletics track, multi-use sports fields and Generations Playground—an inclusive area designed for all abilities. Construction of a splash pad beside the playground began in April 2025 and is scheduled for completion this summer, adding seasonal water play. A heated outdoor pool operates July–August, after which visitors can join the shaded ravine trail descending into Ruth Johnson Park and exiting near Marine Drive. This combined green corridor positions the two parks as a central hub for structured and unstructured family adventures.
Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Plaza (Totem Park)
Located on East Beach, this plaza houses two Coast Salish house poles by master carver Les Sam, honouring Semiahmoo First Nation stories. Interpretive panels explain the symbolism, encouraging thoughtful pauses during seaside walks. A low stone wall provides informal seating, and the gentle grade supports wheelchair access. With its cultural focus, the plaza broadens the definition of outdoor activities beyond recreation to education.
Goggs Park: Playground Excitement for Young Explorers
Goggs Park delivers genuine excitement for your littlest adventurers – those toddlers and preschoolers who treat every slide like a mountain conquest and every sandbox like a treasure hunt. This playground offers exactly what young children need: age-appropriate equipment in a safe space that won’t overwhelm them. We’ve seen families claim their spots at the picnic tables whilst little ones work off their energy on the play structures. Nestled amongst White Rock’s family attractions, Goggs Park brings parents together during outdoor play sessions, where your children naturally form new friendships. The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for families to spend quality time whilst children develop through active play.
Family Adventures Flow: Key Outdoor Activities Across White Rock Parks
We created this streamlined arrow to guide you through the main stops that turn a day in White Rock into a seamless series of outdoor activities. Each icon marks a headline feature—from splash-friendly beach zones and the landmark pier to towering redwoods, heritage trails and tranquil picnic areas—so you can scan the graphic, pick your priorities and build easy family adventures without back-tracking across town.
Questions Often Asked
What to Do With Kids in White Rock, BC?
White Rock offers plenty for your family to enjoy together. We’ve found amazing spots here that keep our kids entertained for hours. They spend ages building sandcastles on White Rock Beach, love climbing through Redwood Park’s treehouse, and get excited watching seals from the pier. The local museum grabs their attention with hands-on displays that teach them about our area’s history in a fun way.
Is White Rock, BC Worth Visiting?
White Rock, BC is absolutely worth visiting. We love this coastal town for good reasons. The pier offers stunning sunsets over the water, and Redwood Park’s treehouses create special moments you won’t find elsewhere. The waterfront setting gives you that perfect escape feeling. Once you visit, you’ll see why locals feel so attached to this place. It’s one of those spots that stays with you long after you leave.
Is It Expensive to Live in White Rock?
Living in White Rock is expensive, yes. We pay premium prices for our waterfront lifestyle, but most of us believe it’s worth every penny for the close community we’ve created here.
Why Is White Rock Famous?
White Rock stands out for our spectacular 1,500-foot pier extending into Semiahmoo Bay, beautiful sandy beaches, and the enormous granite boulder that gives us our name. You’ll find our waterfront promenade buzzing with locals, making it the perfect spot for creating lasting memories.
