Fun Things to Do with Kids in Victoria

The beautiful coastal city of Victoria, on Vancouver Island, is well known for being a tourist destination no matter the season, and offers a wide variety of sites, restaurants, and incredible activities to enjoy. Your family can enjoy the area year-round, and indulge in outdoor activities or indoor fun, with the guarantee that no matter what you choose – there is something for every child to delight in.

25 FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN VICTORIA

ROYAL BC MUSEUM

Located right in the center of the city, this museum will take up a good part of your day to visit. Children will enjoy the ever-changing exhibits and activities. The museum is a place to explore and enjoy, and families can spend time with a guide, or complete a self-guided tour. There are fun activities based on the seasons and special events that kids will love. Details

IMAX THEATRE

The Royal Museum of BC is also home to the largest IMAX screen in the province. This impressive theater hosts one of only thirty-five IMAX 4K Laser Projections Systems in the world, representing the newest technology in movies. This is an amazing experience for children of all ages. Check the website for shows and times. Details

THE BUTCHART GARDENS

The most famous garden in Canada, is a must visit for all that visits Victoria. Located just outside the city, this magnificent garden is a delight to visit, no matter what the age. Delight in the  jaw-dropping, dazzling Firework show with both aerial and ground displays choreographed to music during Saturday nights during summer. Stop by the visitor centre for a free worksheet guides that will enhance the children’s experience by providing interesting historical details and points out features.  Details

BEACON HILL PARK

Easily the best park in Victoria, Beacon Hill is the perfect place to spend some quality time with the family. This park has it all, so your kids will be kept busy all-day long. 200 acres of parkland hosts two playgrounds, a water park, a putting green, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, cricket pitch, lawn bowling, gardens, footpaths, and sports fields for running and playing. Details

BEACON HILL CHILDRENS FARM

Located right in Beacon Hill Park, this is a good additional activity to complete your day in the area. This is a perfect place for kids to experience a bit of farm life without having to leave the city. Let your kids enjoy the animals and learn a little about farm animals as they explore the farm. Every child will delight in some time spent here. Details

VICTORIA BUG ZOO

Does your child love bugs? Then this is the destination for them! With an amazing 50 different species of bugs to learn about, kids will enjoy a tour by a knowledgeable guide. All the bugs here are live, and there are creatures from all around the world to learn about and see. Details

MARITIME MUSEUM OF BC

Without having to leave land, your family can learn all about the marine life and history of the area. With a variety of interactive activities like knot tying, signal flags, videos, and even an activity booklet for kids to fill out, every child is bound to have some fun. They can have a blast touching items from the Franklin Exploration or complete a scavenger hunt. Details

VICTORIA HARBOUR FERRY

Being called a ferry doesn’t stop this business from offering other services. Kids will have a lot of fun travelling the water taxis to different stops or taking the 45-minute guided tour that explains some of the famous buildings on the waterfront, and even gives children an opportunity to view sea life like otters and harbour seals. Check out the unique twelve minutes “water ballet” that is performed by the mini water taxis that runs from May to September. Details

KID SISTER

All that can be said about this shop is that it is one of the best ice cream shops in Victoria. Featuring home made, locally sourced, organic products that will make your kids tummies happy from the first mouthful to the last. Unique flavours complemented by fresh ingredients, kids can enjoy ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes and popsicles. Details

BLENKINSOP VALLEY ADVENTURE GOLF CENTER

Fun for the whole family can be found at this cute mini-golf course. 18 holes will keep your family busy as the course winds through gardens, castles and more. Open daily from March to October, kids can enjoy the course or the on-site driving range. Just 10 minutes from the city center, this is a convenient activity that every member of your family will enjoy. Details

ALL FUN RECREATION PARK

For kids who love adventure, take them to the All Fun Recreation Park for a dose of exciting activities. Start with a game of mini-golf on the 18-hole Around the World course, then head on to the batting cages to give their baseball skills a test. Children and adults can both have an exhilarating experience on the short or long Go-Kart tracks, built to give a total adrenaline rush. Details

BARBS FISH AND CHIPS

You definitely can’t spend time in Victoria without having freshly made fish and chips, and what better place to enjoy it? Barb’s Fish & Chips is a favourite place of locals and tourists alike, and your kids will have a blast as they eat their choice right out of newspapers, the way traditional fish and chips has been served for so long. This is a Victoria landmark, and families can savour the taste of their meal seated at one of the picnic tables while watching the harbour life go by. Details

COLD COMFORT

We know that kids love ice cream, and here is a shop that offers such unique flavours we also know that your kids will be asking to come back time and time again. Along with the fresh ingredient, fun ice cream flavours, this shop brings kids the best ice cream sandwiches possible. Children and parents will surely find new favourites while munching on one of these homemade delights. Details

FISGARD LIGHTHOUSE AND FORD RODD HILL

Take your kids on a historic discovery day as you visit the Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. Let them learn a little about the oldest lighthouse on the west coast and wander their way through historic fort buildings like secret bunkers and command posts. Kids can listen to a story about a spy on the audio tour or try some target practice on a replica machine gun. Details

WILDPLAY

A rush, a thrill, a challenge to be completed, these all describe the activities available at Wildplay Element Park. Kids will come alive as they traverse the high obstacle course, take a ride on the ziplines, and for those who really want a thrill, they can jump off a small platform, on a line of course! A day here will have your kids exhausted and exhilarated. Details

 

DOG GONE IT

Conveniently located right by the inner harbour, this quirky restaurant offers a unique variety of hot dogs named after actual dog breeds. Kids will have fun choosing one off the menu or building one specifically to their tastes. In any case, children and adults of all ages will love this beloved food with a twist. You can get veggie dogs here as well, so a good stop for all tastes. The milkshakes are pretty darn good too! Details

THE SODA SHOPPE

Right next door to Dog Gone It your family will find a great little place to get something sweet. For some old-fashioned ice cream treats this is a perfect dessert spot after lunch, or a nice break on a hot day. Try out the ice cream floats, the malted milkshakes, or the variety of flavours of ice cream. The prime location means that the family can spend time watching all the activity around the harbour and the people passing by. Details

MINIATURE WORLD

An absolutely cool place to visit on a rainy day or when it’s too hot to spend time outside. Located right in the center of the city, this unique museum is easy to get to and fun to spend time in. Kids will have a blast checking out the tiny versions of all sorts of items, from fantasy and fiction to real world models. Dollhouses, railways, circuses, castles and so much more will captivate the imagination of all children. Details

JACKSONS ICE CREAM FLOAT

With both a floating location and a travelling truck, your family can enjoy delicious cold treats in various locations. Kids will have fun visiting the floating shop which offers fantastic shakes, ice cream floats and sundaes. Soft serve ice cream completes the menu and this business gives kids the option of having small sized scoops just right for them. Details

FISHERMANS WHARF

Since you are heading to try out the ice cream at Jackson’s anyways, you may as well spend some time with the kids exploring Fisherman’s Wharf. This unique destination is just around the corner from the inner harbour and hosts a variety of cool looking houseboats, pleasure vehicles, shops, restaurants, tour companies and places to buy fresh fish. An interesting place to spend a couple of hours, kids can also keep their eyes peeled to see eagles, seals and otters hanging about. Details

GHOST WALKS

This company has been around for more than 50 years and has a fantastic reputation for having the best storytellers on their staff. If your kids are into spooky stories and ghosts, this is the perfect evening adventure for the family. Tales of haunted buildings and streets will have the blood tingling as you stroll the area with your tour guide. With a variety of routes and stories, families can choose what appeals to them the most. If ghost tours aren’t your thing, check out the history tours that are also available. Details

WHALE WATCHING TOURS

This is a must do for any family while in the Victoria area, and almost certainly a once in a lifetime experience for your kids. It is possible to view Orcas, Humpback Whales and Grey Whales, along with other marine wildlife on these tours.  Safe and comfortable, you can choose to sit indoors or outdoors, and this particular company offers boats with bathrooms, and a crew consisting of marine biologists and naturalists. An activity that is sure to please any child. Details

PARACHUTE ICE CREAM

Families definitely need to head to this cute little ice cream shop for their cold treats. With sweet creams made from water buffalo milk, this is artisan ice cream like you have not seen before.  Try the coconut milk vegan ice cream as well. Kids may prefer just the regular ice cream, also available, and you can rest easy knowing that all ingredients are fresh and local. Details

CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE

At the top of a hill in Victoria you will find an interesting castle that gives visitors a glimpse into life in the 1890’s. Kids will enjoy seeing what life was like in times gone by, as well as the amazing views of the city and harbour from the top. There are 39 rooms to explore, so you want to plan your time accordingly. Details

CRUMSBY’S CUPCAKE CAFÉ

A family business that creates the most delightful desserts, the name alone will make your kids want to go. The kitchen is kept nut free so all patrons can enjoy the delights found here. Gluten free options are also available. Children can have some play time in the kid’s areas, so this doesn’t have to be a hurried stop. Take your time, savour every sweet bite, or indulge in some light fare along with your dessert. Details

CITY CENTER PARK

This park is much more than just a park. With a bowling alley, mini golf, dry floor arena, outdoor ice pond for winter fun, a water spray park for hot days, playzone and playground, and a community center, every child who visits will be kept busy and be delighted every moment. Details

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