Are you looking for a list of things to do in Victoria with kids? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
This picturesque island city is a treasure trove of activities perfect for young families and visitors from the Lower Mainland.
From outdoor adventures to cultural explorations, our guide to visiting Victoria with kids will help you make the most of your family time in this enchanting city.
The Best Things to Do in Victoria with Kids
Visit Beacon Hill Park
Victoria’s famous Beacon Hill Park is a fantastic place for families to have fun and make memories together. There’s so much to do and see; you won’t know where to start!
The park is home to a beautiful petting zoo where your little ones can get up close and personal with cute and cuddly animals like goats, bunnies, and even peacocks!
If you’re looking for something more active, the park has many playgrounds and wide-open spaces perfect for a game of Frisbee or soccer. You can even take part in a Victoria bike tour or take a family stroll along the scenic paths and gardens.
Go on a Whale Watching Tour
Another excellent option for families with older children is to embark on a Victoria whale-watching tour.
You and your little ones can enjoy a unique and exciting experience by heading out into the open sea to catch a glimpse of whales, sea lions, and other marine life.
There are several tour operators in the Inner Harbour and at Fisherman’s Wharf, so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
You can opt for a spine-tingling zodiac tour, take the more laid-back approach with a catamaran, or check out a sunset tour during the golden hour. The choice is entirely up to you and your family.
Check out Wildplay Elements Park
Looking for a unique and exciting way to bond with your family and friends while visiting Victoria with kids? Look no further than WildPlay Element Park! This West Shore adventure course offers the ultimate nature-immersed aerial adventures that’ll have you zipping through the trees like a pro.
Imagine balancing on wobbly bridges, soaring through the air on rope swings, and feeling the wind rush past you as you go on a zipline tour through Victoria’s beautiful treetops.
It’s the perfect way for adults, teens, and kids to have fun together and make unforgettable memories.
Smell the Roses at Butchart Gardens
If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination in Victoria, you can’t miss Butchart Gardens. For starters, the gardens themselves are breathtaking.
You and your family can wander through a dazzling array of flowers and plants, including roses, daffodils, and tulips. The colours and scents will leave you feeling like you’re in a fairy tale!
But that’s not all – Butchart Gardens also has a ton of family-friendly activities to keep your little ones entertained. You can take a spin on the rose carousel, grab some gelato, or even enjoy a live performance or concert.
And during the holidays, the explosion of lights and colour at their Magic of Christmas event will dazzle the senses. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Victoria with kids, Butchart Gardens needs to be at the top of your list.
Related: How to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria
Climb the Malahat Skywalk
Looking for another exciting outdoor adventure with the fam? Then, head 40 minutes north of Victoria to the Malahat SkyWalk. This unique outdoor experience is unlike anything else you’ll find on Vancouver Island. I promise it’ll blow your mind!
First, you have to check out the 10-story spiral tower. It takes you up 250m above sea level, and let me tell you, the views are something else! You’ll be able to see for miles around; it’s simply breathtaking.
And the favourite part for children? It’s undoubtedly the 20-metre super-speed spiral slide! Trust me; they’ll want to go more than once.
Related: How to Get to the Malahat Skywalk from Victoria
Related: The Best Day Trips from Victoria
Visit the Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is a must-visit for families who want to learn about the history and culture of British Columbia. The museum has several exhibits that showcase the province’s natural history, Indigenous cultures, and pioneer era.
But that’s not all – they’ve also got some seriously cool interactive exhibits.
Your kids can experience what it was like to be miners during the gold rush or even take a virtual tour of the local ecosystems. Of course, everyone wants a picture with the wooly mammoth.
Related: Victoria’s Best Museums & Galleries
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
Explore the city’s rich history by taking a Victoria horse-drawn carriage tour. The tour takes you through the historic downtown area, where you can see beautiful architecture and learn about the city’s past. You’ll pass in front of the Parliament Buildings and throughout James Bay and the Inner Harbour.
First, it’s a different way to see the city. You can relax while the horses take you through the streets.
It’s like taking a step back in time! Plus, the carriage drivers are super friendly and knowledgeable about the city. And if you’ve got little ones in tow, they’ll love riding in a horse-drawn carriage.
Set Sail for Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf
Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf is truly unique and offers so much to visitors of all ages. For starters, there are tons of food kiosks and cool shops to check out.
You can grab some lunch and then wander to the docks to watch the boats and ships enter. If you love seafood, you can even buy some fresh off the boat – yum! I go for some of Victoria’s best fish and chips from Barb’s.
To score some extra points, visit via the iconic ‘pickle boat’, the Victoria Harbour Ferry. After all, what child doesn’t like a good boat ride?
Visit the Craigdarroch Castle
The Craigdarroch Castle is a beautiful Victorian-era mansion that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy in the 19th century.
Families can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its history and architecture.
As you wander through the different rooms and staircases, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. But that’s not all – the attraction also offers plenty of activities for families.
They’ve got an awesome scavenger hunt that’s perfect for kids. They’ll explore the castle while looking for clues and solving puzzles.
Take a Trip to the Tropics at Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Visiting Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers kids a unique opportunity to experience tropical ecosystems without leaving Victoria. It’s undisputedly one of the top things to do in Victoria with kids.
This lush, indoor tropical haven is home to thousands of vibrant butterflies, fluttering freely among an array of exotic plants and cascading waterfalls.
Beyond butterflies, the gardens also host a variety of other tropical wildlife, including flamingos, tortoises, and tropical birds, adding to the excitement.
Bounce Around the Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park
Are you ready for some high-flying fun? Then you have to check out Flying Squirrel Victoria, the city’s premiere indoor Trampoline Adventure Park. No matter how old or young you are, there’s something for everyone at this spring-loaded urban playground.
Obviously, the facility has a ton of trampolines to jump on. But you’ll also have a chance to participate in other aerial activities like basketball and dodgeball.
They also have a café where you can grab a snack or a drink for parents who don’t feel like jumping!
Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo
The Victoria Bug Zoo is a unique and fascinating attraction that will thrill kids and adults alike.
The zoo features a collection of live insects and arachnids from around the world, and visitors can learn about their behaviour and habitats.
They’ve got live tropical bugs that’ll blow your mind, like giant walking sticks that are as big as your arm, scorpions that glow in the dark (yes, you read that right!), tarantulas that are fuzzy and fierce, and even Canada’s largest ant colony. And all right in the heart of the Inner Harbour!
Visit Miniature World
Miniature World is a fun and unique attraction that showcases intricate miniature displays of historical events and famous landmarks. Families can spend hours exploring the various exhibits and marvelling at the attention to detail.
With over 85 miniature dioramas and displays, you’ll feel that strong but satisfying pang of nostalgia as you browse through each theme.
From moments in history to great landmarks, storybooks of fiction and fantasy, and so much more, Miniature World is a must for anyone visiting Victoria with kids.
Polish up your game at Interactivity
Hey, are you ready to bring out your strategic side? Then you’ve got to check out the Interactivity Board Game Café with your family! It’s a total blast, trust me.
For only seven bucks, you get access to over 1500 different games for as long as you want—how cool is that?
And the best part? You can pair all that fun with some seriously delicious panini, famous house-made milkshakes, and even a beer or cocktail for the parents!
Plus, they’ve got bowls of candy, chips, and popcorn to snack on while you play.
Enjoy Local Family Cuisine
No trip to Victoria, BC, is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, something on the go or dine-in, Victoria’s best restaurants have you covered.
Are your kids true foodies? Then, check out our article on the best Victoria food tours. Here are some of my favourite Victoria family-friendly restaurants for those visiting Victoria with kids:
- Red Fish Blue Fish: A popular fish and chip stand in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Families can enjoy delicious fish and chips, seafood tacos, and other seafood dishes while taking in the beautiful harbour views.
- John’s Place: The name of the game here is breakfast or brunch. You can choose from an endless variety of pancakes, waffles, and egg bennies that are sure to make your kids happy.
- Beacon Drive-In: Serves mouth-watering burgers and hotdogs right across from Beacon Hill Park. It’s a hoot ordering from that outdoor window, just like you’re at a classic drive-in! Voted the top soft-serve ice cream in Victoria for 29 years running!
- Beaver Tails Victoria: Come here for a BeaverTail, a donut-like Canadian pastry that is stretched to resemble a beaver’s tail and then topped with various sweet flavors, ice cream, etc. This dessert is a Canadian icon.
Things to Do in Victoria with Kids FAQs
What is the best time to visit Victoria, BC, for families?
Victoria, BC, is a year-round destination owing to its relatively mild climate. Nevertheless, the best time to visit with the family is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities available.
What are some of the top things to do in Victoria with kids?
If you’re looking for some of the top things to do in Victoria with kids, you’ll love exploring places like the Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park, Victoria Bug Zoo, and the Miniature World. Don’t forget the Petting Zoo in Beacon Hill Park!
Are there any free activities for families in Victoria, BC?
Yes, there are several free activities for families in Victoria, BC, including visiting Beacon Hill Park, exploring the Inner Harbour, walking around Fisherman’s Wharf and hiking in Goldstream Provincial Park.
You can also check out Willows or Gonzales Bay Beach or visit the Victoria Public Market for some of the best things to do in Victoria with kids on a budget.
What is the best way to get to Victoria for families?
Being an island destination, the most popular way to get to Victoria is easily by ferry. From Vancouver, this involves taking the BC Ferry from Tsawwassen Terminal to Swartz Bay. Or, if you’re coming from Seattle, the Victoria Clipper passenger ferry offers seamless connectivity between the two cities.
How can we get around Victoria with kids?
Victoria is super walkable! But if you don’t have a vehicle, there are public buses, taxis, commuter ferries and bike rentals available. And thankfully, as of 2023, Victoria finally opened its arms to popular ride-share companies such as Uber and Lyft. So, getting around Victoria with kids just got a little easier!
Is Victoria, BC, safe for families?
Yes, Victoria, BC, is a safe destination for families. The city has a low crime rate and is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. While some of the northern areas of downtown and into Burnside may be on the grittier side, by and large, the city is safer than most American cities of a similar size.
Figured out your favourite things to do in Victoria with kids?
As we conclude our guide on the best things to do in Victoria with kids, it’s clear that Victoria offers many activities that are perfect for families.
Whether you’re enjoying the great outdoors or immersing in the city’s rich culture, Victoria provides a backdrop for family fun that is both diverse and enriching.
So, why wait? Get ready to embark on your family adventure in Victoria and experience the joy and wonder this city has to offer visitors of all ages.
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