I'm looking to take my daughter out somewhere fun this weekend. She is a preteen, and appreciates something a little more grown up, but obviously a place that allows minors is a must. We don't need it to be super kid friendly, or a kids menu.
I was hoping to find some place entertaining with some sort of unique gimmik.
I was thinking something like Afghan Horseman because of the pillow thing, but you have to book that pretty far in advance.
Food just has to be decent, looking more for a unique experience.
Any suggestions?

I took my niece, age 11, to Lombardo's on Commercial Drive. No gimmick, just wonderful service and she was treated like a knowledgeable diner. We started with the Caesar salad, went for a walk to the park, and returned for the hand-crafted pasta and the most wonderful frozen ball-shaped dessert. Very adult restaurant, and my delightful niece was so impressed.

I favour good food and respectful staff over novelty now. And for the son of my friend to celebrate his 19th, we were just at Hawksworth. A memorable meal with stupendous food.

Kids were impressed and so was I.

How about La Petite Cuillère for afternoon tea?  lapetitecuillere.ca

How about East is East on Broadway? They have a liveband that plays on weekends I believe? Rustic decor and unique dining experience. Or Dark Table - eating in the dark?  A novelty. Thinking they're both kid friendly but I don't know for sure.

Neverland Tea Salon or The Secret Garden would be good options for afternoon tea as well.

Afghan horsemen and la petite cuillère are both rad. Red wagon? Beta 5? VAG?

The VAG is an excellent idea Jamie.

There's an easy to love exhibit of French Impressionism right now. Perfect for a teenage girl. Not too Avant garde or esoteric but not too childish either.

Followed by brunch and dessert at the cafe could be a fun way to spend the day. I'd should take my niece there.

Hi Lisa!

I would suggest Kirin!  There are many types of dishes you can get at Kirin that you can't experience in California, even though they have some of the best restaurants in the world.  When coworkers or venture capitalists are visiting in from out of town, if asked to bring them to something unique they don't often get in either NorCal or SoCal, I will bring them to Kirin.  They have unique dishes such as geoduck, sharkfin, snake, King Crab, or crab done in a variety of ways one being salt and pepper.  Also, the environment is quite relaxed.    

If you are not interested in Seafood, I agree with Amelia's suggestion of East Is East!  That would be an interesting place to go to.  Though I did not think their food was top-notch, the atmosphere was interesting.  Plus sometimes there is entertainment on level 2.  If they had more comfortable seating and if it felt less cramped, I would bring more guests there.  But it should be fun for 2 people!

shot!

You can try high tea at Patisserie Fur Elise.  Its downtown Vancouver in this little house.  Kinda like a doll house and the staff are dressed up.       patisseriefurelise.com

If she's preteen I second the suggestions of a tea salon like the Secret Garden for high tea. She may like to feel all grown up!  Get all dressed up and have a ball.

No matter the age, getting dressed up and having afternoon tea is always fun!

Venture capitalist, Bay Area, trifecta, Bay Area, NorCal, venture capitalist.

C++?

NO, A++!!!

Kenny your boy Caspian is catching on. Can I be in HR too? How does California operate when you're not there?

It's like watching to see how many times Guy Fieri will mention his Camaro. Which would be another great drinking game if caspian didn't want to stab pencils in his eyes after watching GF for more than 12 seconds.

I'm drunk now.

You forgot OCaml work Double C.  ;)

Oh damn Herman, kinda early for a shot but....

SHOT!

YES afternoon tea would be fun!

My cousin bought some tea from NEverland Tea Salon, called ... summer in provence? Spring in provence? something like that.  But the tea was just amazing! Its one of my cousins go-to places, but yes, that'd be fun!

I love love love Secret Garden Tea in Kerrisdale.

But if you're looking for something less delicate, I'd recommend Osaka Teppanyaki on Broadway (at Burrard). Or any Teppanyaki restaurant I suppose. The chef cooks right in front of you and puts on a bit of a show, tossing the food, flaming onion towers, etc. I've been 2 other places in the city and neither had as good a 'show' as Osaka.

The Mongolian Grill on Broadway at Cambie also does the live cooking, and you get to guess the weight of your meal. If you get it right, it's free.