The focus of your vacation in the Canadian Rockies should be the outdoors, even with children. Mix up the places you think the children should see with places you know they will enjoy. If you’re traveling to the Canadian Rockies as a family, renting a vehicle will make your holiday more enjoyable — upgrade to a minivan for everyone’s sanity.

With those tips in mind, here are some favorite family-friendly places and activities:

Louise Lakeshore Trail (Banff National Park): A walking path for all ages along one of the world’s most beautiful lakes.

Banff Park Museum (Banff National Park): Learn about local wildlife at this downtown museum.

Lake Agnes Teahouse (Banff National Park): Families with older children that reach this historic teahouse can reward themselves with sweet treats.

Oh Canada Eh! (Canmore): All ages will enjoy a rollicking good time at this nationalistic dinner theater.

Mount Lorette Ponds (Kananaskis Country): Try fishing at these small lakes, which are stocked with rainbow trout.

Radium Hot Springs (Kootenay National Park): Take a soak in these outdoor mineral pools.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (Golden): Ride this gondola for sweeping views only mountaineers usually enjoy.

Columbia Icefield (Jasper National Park): Just riding in an oversized Ice Explorer will excite most children, but the real fun is bumping along over a glacier.

Maligne Lake (Jasper National Park): A safe, enjoyable way to enjoy this beautiful lake is to jump aboard a tour boat.