Where will you be staying in Vancouver?

This is a safe city and in most areas you will be fine walking around.

Unfortunately, most public institutions (like museums) won't be open at that time. You could stroll around the waterfront or beach in Kitsilano or the English Bay (all the joggers will be out) with a coffee (from one of the many many starbucks or local coffee places) and watch the sun come up (depending on when you are here).

A great place for breakfast with kids is the Sunshine dinner on Broadway. The Naam is open 24 hours if you are into vegetarian breakfasts. The Whitespot is another popular breakfast place and would be good with kids. They have multiple locations, but I'm not sure what their hours are.

I don't know what part of town you're staying, but I really like Zen cafe (Yew st. near Cornwall) for breakfast. They open at 7am, and you can go for a walk at nearby Kits Beach after breakfast.

If you are staying downtown, there are several public plazas with fountains. These are fascinating for young children. Also, get down by the water and watch the seagulls and other birds - the foot of Denman at Beach Ave is a nice spot.

Honestly, not a whole lot is going on in the streets of Vancouver before 9am. Coffee shops and restaurants serving breakfast will be open, but don't bother wandering the streets to look around until after 10am.

Before 9am, I'd recommend spending your time along the waterfront. Of course, it totally depends on where you're going to be staying, but going for a walk along the seawall or around Stanley Park is quite beautiful in the early morning.

My daughter and I love renting a bicycle built for 2 and going around the seawall early in the morning. However, I don't think the rental place is open at 5 am.

Thanks All - appreciate the advice. We're staying downtown near Canada Place but will have a car to try some of these restaurants. Thanks again!

In that case, head WEST (and I stress west - don't head east) along the waterfront to Stanley Park. There are a few coffee shops and restaurants, in addition to a playground and greenspace for kids. Very enjoyable, leisurely and very safe.

Since you are staying downtown, another "walking tour" with your son in his stroller could be along a few blocks surrounding Robson and Burrard in most directions. If you are so inclined, I find that window shopping (this is where many high end men's and women's clothing stores are) is much safer when the stores aren't actually open. It's the only time I can afford them.

But anywhere west of where you are, especially along the water, will be lovely if you bring rain gear just in case.