Since you are already at the airport watching airplanes, go to the "Flying Beaver" on the river at the south airport area. It has good fish and chips and great beer. You can watch the float planes (Beavers!!) while on the deck of the pub.

I just realized that children might be a problem, so then head to Steveston and the fish docks there. There are a couple of good family restaraunts there.

You can also watch airplanes fly right over top of your car in YVR on 26R. There is an access road on the right as you are approaching the airport, just before the Air Canada hangar. The airplanes are so close that you will get oil drops on your car.