Fun Things to Do with Kids in Nanaimo

This family-friendly city, located on Vancouver Island is home to more than 200 parks, a variety of interesting historic sites, and many fun activities meant just for kids. Of course, since this is the place famously known for the dessert named after it, you will find some places to indulge in those sweet treats too in this list!

25 FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN NANAIMO

WILDPLAY

You are going to find Wildplay on quite a few of our lists of good things to do with kids. This company has four locations in British Columbia and one in Ontario, and each one is without a doubt a fantastic place to take your kids. Any child with an adventurous spirit will be in their element here as they take a crack at the 19 different ziplines; 67 amazing aerial games; 40ft or 150ft bungy jump; and the incredible 150ft giant swing. Details

MORRELL NATURE SANCTUARY

Grab your kids and head to the sanctuary for an incredible day out in nature. Pick up a guide from the Visitor’s Center to guide you through the park, the wildlife, the birdlife and the plant life in this area. The unique aspect of this park is that it is privately owned and run by volunteers. It is the perfect place for kids to learn about nature and the area. Details

NANAIMO BAR TRAIL

We will call this an activity rather than a destination, but we know that kids of all ages will love the goodies that can be found along this “food” trail. Stop by the Visitor Center in Nanaimo for a brochure with the route and descriptions of the 39, yes, we said 39, yummy stops. Along this route your family will be able to try out a variety of sweets, including the classic Nanaimo Bars, deep fried Nanaimo Bars, Nanaimo Bars cupcakes, and so on and so on. Your kids will enjoy every bite! Details

NEWCASTLE ISLAND PROVINCIAL MARINE PARK

While technically an island, this destination is still considered to be in Nanaimo, so we have happily included it in this list. Kids will love exploring the tidal pools, or biking along the trails. Give them a chance to try kayaking around the island or book a walking tour or Salmon bake to learn more about the native culture and history here. Details

JUMPING JIMINY’S

With more than 8000 square feet completely dedicated for the enjoyment of your children, this destination offers kids an amazingly huge play structure to burn some energy on. Along with air hockey games, foosball, a climbing wall, craft corner and even a place for toddlers to play, every child will be amused here. For parents who want to enjoy a snack and a drink, there is a great café onsite where parents can watch their kids from the comfort of a chair with a coffee in hand. Details

PIPERS LAGOON PARK

Nanaimo abounds will waterfront parks, and this is a perfect one to spend time in with your family. There are lovely trails that wind their way through the park and offer beautiful views, but not meant for very young kids or those who can’t walk well. Kids will love the opportunity to beachcomb for treasures or fly a kite in the winds here. Its not a great place for swimming, but a great place to spend some time with kids who love to adventure out and have different experiences. Details

ROMPER ROOM

With a name like Romper Room, you might expect something different for an experience, but this climbing gym will definitely hit the spot for kids who want some activity and challenge. Whether your children have experience climbing or not, there are courses and clubs available for all levels and abilities. Contact them to find out the best way to get your kids climbing! Details

NANAIMO AQUATIC CENTER

So much fun can be had at the largest wave pool in Western Canada! Little swimmers and water loving kids will have a blast at this pool, with its slides, waves, dive tank, hot tub, and lazy river. Affordable family fun that is a good destination all year long. Details

SPLITSVILLE

If your family loves bowling, then head on over to this 16-lane alley. With light balls just for kids, and glow in the dark cosmic bowling times, your kids will love every moment. Bumpers make bowling easy for the young kids and let them have fun while they are playing with the rest of the family. With a full on arcade, there is a good opportunity for kids to earn prizes as they are challenging themselves. Details

AIRHOUSE

With drop in programs for all ages, from toddles to teens, this facility offers freestyle trampoline and air training for action sports in a safe and fun environment. Whether your child is just learning the basics, or is more advanced, they will have the time of their lives here. Details

NANAIMO MUSEUM

History can be fun and museums like this are now offering hands on and interactive exhibits and activities for kids to get involved in learning while they are visiting. With everything from steam locomotives to a miner’s cottage and interesting displays on the local history, children will be fascinated by the amount of displays and information here. Details

BREAK OUT NANAIMO

A fantastic family activity that will tax your brains as you try to escape within the hour provided. Appropriate for kids of all ages, families can choose the room they want to escape from. Solve the puzzles and riddles and collect the items to be able to find your way out. Kids will love this challenging activity. Details

BRECHIN LANES

Five pin bowling is a perfect activity for kids of all ages and abilities. The small balls work well for smaller children, and bumpers allow them to bowl without worrying about gutter balls. From small to big, kids of all ages will have fun trying to bowl a strike. The Glow Bowling nights will give your family bowling nights a new dimension. Details

MORNING STAR BISON RANCH

An amazingly unique opportunity for your kids to get up close and personal with some bison. You head off for a guided tour with Buffalo Bob for some encounters with these incredible animals. Chances to touch and feed them, and plenty of photo opportunities abound. Round out your experience with a yummy bison burger or other bison products. Details

CEDAR SKATE PARK

Take your kids out to have fun on their skateboards at this local skate park. With a variety of challenges, this skate park offers different levels for different abilities. Parents can happily let their older kids play here on their own, or watch their younger children try to master the art of the board. Details

HAREWOOD WATER PARK

All kids love to play in the water on hot days, so if you can’t head down to a beach or a pool, a spray park is the next best thing. This cool water park is built on a mining theme, and kids will have plenty of fun making new friends as they traverse the sprays and have some summer fun. Details

WESTWOOD LAKE

The perfect place to spend a day, this park offers a variety of activities that will appeal to all children. Hosting the only fresh water swimming spot with lifeguards on duty during the summer, this is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. A playground is located right by the beach, along with bathrooms and change rooms for swimmers and park goers. For families who want a bit more exercise, take a hike on the 5-kilometer trail around the lake. Details

BENSON REGIONAL PARK and AMMONITE FALLS

This park and waterfall is included because they are incredibly beautiful sights to behold and for those families who love to be in nature this is a great destination. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the waterfalls, but please note that this is not for beginners or very young children. Those kids who are used to walking on rough trails will definitely enjoy this journey, and the off the beaten track nature of this site guarantees that your family will be able to enjoy it in peace. Details

PETROGLYPH PROVINCIAL PARK

This unique destination will take your kids back in time and allow them to learn a little about pre-historic life in the area. There is a short interpretive walk that leads you to view the petroglyphs that were created more than 1000 years ago. Let your kid’s imaginations run wild at this amazing site. Details

HEMER PROVINCIAL PARK

A favourite destination for locals, this park offers a variety of trails for both walking and biking. Kids will enjoy the forested area and the views of Holden Lake. You can canoe, kayak and fish in the lake, and kids can spend some time birdwatching or looking out for beavers, swans, and eagles. There are no designated picnic areas, but families can find benches to sit on along the routes that are perfect for snack breaks. Details

MAFFEO SUTTON PARK

This park overlooks the harbour and hosts many special events throughout the year. Kids will find a playground, lagoon and swimming beach here to enjoy. There is plenty of room for playing and designated picnic areas for families to spread out their goodies and relax. An excellent place to spend an afternoon or a whole day. Details

THE DINGHY DOCK PUB

Don’t let the word pub throw you off, this establishment is okay for minors as well. A completely unique dining experience that will have your whole family begging to return. This pub actually floats and is moored off of Protection Island, which means you need to take a ferry from Nanaimo just to eat! The patios and family area give fantastic views of the area, but the activity that will interest your kids the most will be the fishing hole. While you wait for your meal, your kids (and you) can try to catch the next big one! Details

BEBAN PARK

There is something for everyone at this park. Featuring tennis courts, playing fields, arenas, basketball courts, bike parks, equestrian center, a playground, BMX track and a golfing range, every child will be able to find something to occupy themselves. A community garden housed within this park is also a pleasant place to spend some time. Details

BEBAN POOL

Located right within the park of the same name, the pool is a fantastic place for your kids to spend some time. The large leisure pool offers an area with spray features and a river, and you can find a separate area for smaller children. The two diving boards give kids chances to practice their dives, and the waterslide creates even more fun. Details

SNORKEL WITH SEALS

Applicable for children aged 12 and above, this activity will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Kids will go crazy for the chance to snorkel with up to 250 harbour seals off of Snake Island. This is a year-round activity that is good for kids who have swimming abilities. Brilliant starfish can also be seen in the clear waters, along with other marine life. Wetsuits and snorkelling gear is all provided, and every snorkeler will be guided by a professional. Details

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