10 Awesome Kid-Approved Spots in Victoria

As you may know, on vacation, keeping the kids happy is paramount. Our family-friendly region of Greater Victoria packs fun for all age groups!

Sometimes, it’s the simplest of activities that thrill children. Greater Victoria is chockful of budget-friendly family activities, epic nature adventures, and interactive learning experiences that will thrill every member of the crew. Without further ado, let’s dive into the best kid-approved getaway you could ask for.

Note: A few of these suggestions are located outside of the city. For the most streamlined way to get around, we’d recommend booking a rental car at Budget Car Rental. They have three locations in Greater Victoria, including one at the YYJ Airport, and one downtown behind the Fairmont Empress.

1.    The Galloping Goose Trail

Show off your family’s cycling skills in one of Canada’s most bikeable cities! The picturesque 55-km Galloping Goose Trail can be used for cycling, strolling, running, or even horseback riding in some areas of the trail. Sprawling over urban, rural, and wild landscapes, watch as the scenery changes from quirky neighbourhoods and covered forest scenes to sweeping ocean views.

You can rent a fleet of bikes for the whole family from The Pedaler, or an electric bike from Pedego. If you’re an avid biking family, a great day trip would be to follow the Goose from Victoria over to Six Mile Road, to Thetis Lake Regional Park. This is an 11km-trip one way.

2.    Malahat SkyWalk

Adventure nets and spiral slides and nature walks, galore! Fun for the whole family, the Malahat SkyWalk offers rare, sweeping views of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the sparkling waters of the Saanich Inlet, and islands in two countries. Whether your family has a craving for adventure, or prefers to enjoy sights at a more calm, leisurely pace – this towering experience can cater to both.

3.    Cadboro-Gyro Park

Cadboro-Gyro Park is one of the most iconic children’s parks in Victoria. Situated along a sandy, log-strewn beach, the playground features an iconic giant octopus and a “Cadborosaurus” sculpture, a zip-line, and plenty of picnic areas.

Why a Cadborosaurus? The mystery was sparked in the 1930’s, when several residents reported a sea-monster sighting in Cadboro Bay. In each of their reports, residents described seeing a 30 foot-long serpent with the head of a horse. The legend of “Caddy” took off, and even inspired an episode of popular television show Mystery Hunters!

4.    Adrena LINE Zipline Adventure Tours

See Vancouver Island from the perspective of giants. Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar tree giants, that is! Re-opening mid-March is Adrena Line Zipline Adventure Tours based in Sooke – and with suspension bridges, off-road adventures, and eight zipline courses, it is an adventure lover’s paradise.

New to Adrena LINE this year is the Big Zip – a MASSIVE mountainside zipline that can feature dual riders. Race to the base of the mountain while gliding over forest canopies and taking in sweeping ocean views. Talk about a thrill!

A fun group and a guide gets ready to zipline over treetops at Adrena LINE.

5.    The BC Aviation Museum

The BC Aviation Museum is where history takes flight. Personal guided tours are available and highly recommended for the full experience – the passion and knowledge of the volunteer tour guides know no bounds!

Their Kid Zone has a carrier landing simulator, mini plane models that kids can sit in and “fly”, plane propellors you can spin, a real warplane’s cockpit you can sit in, and more interactive goodies. Time will fly by!

6.    Goldstream Provincial Park

Just a quick drive from downtown Victoria brings you to the immersive, trail-filled Goldstream Provincial Park. Pack a picnic full of your favourite snacks, and cool off under the shady tree canopy beside the Goldstream River, or head on a scenic stroll on any of Goldstream’s 16 km of hiking trails.

Goldstream is also a great spot for family camping! Reservations are recommended and available for dates in May to September (group sites from March to October) via BC Parks’ Discover Camping website.

Goldstream Provincial Park’s 16km-network of hiking trails take you through mountainous terrain, underneath forested canopies and even to a towering waterfall scene.

7.    Victoria Harbour Ferry

Catch a unique tour of Victoria on the happiest little boats around! Victoria Harbour Ferry’s fleet of pickleboats are those adorable, yellow or green-checkered water taxis you see prancing around Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

You and your kids will love the unique viewpoints of Victoria’s iconics, looking out for marine life, waving to people on-shore, and picking the captain’s brain on fun Victoria facts. Tours are available through the Gorge Waterway, as well as the Inner Harbour.

All aboard the pickleboat! | Photography: Derek Ford

8.    Beacon Hill Children’s Farm

Get a fun farm-animal experience without leaving the city! Re-opening in mid-March, go visit ducks, pigs, miniature donkeys, alpacas, chickens of all shapes and sizes, and even budgies at the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm. Keep an eye out for the green and chatty Mango the budgie!

If you want to catch their famous goat run (below), the farm will usually hold it at 10:10 am and 4:10pm. Your kids will also enjoy mingling with the goats in the goat petting area. They’re a riot!

9.    Board with Friends

Challenge your kids to a friendly competition. Board with Friends on Johnson Street carries one of the largest selections of games on Vancouver Island – with delicious milkshakes to pair (which can be made dairy-free or vegan!).

What makes Board with Friends different from other board game cafés is how friendly and inviting the owners Alyssa and Nick are. They’re always checking in with their guests, giving them their recommendations, and offering help explaining new games (because let’s be honest – sifting through pages of game instructions is not ideal!). One visit here, and you’ll be part of the family.

10.    Quazar’s Arcade

Calling all gamers. Quazar’s Arcade is an all-ages pinball and video game arcade with all the retro classics – and a few modern additions to boot! Open daily with a rotating selection of over 50 token-operated machines, such as Asteroids, Frogger, and even Fix it Felix Jr (hello, Wreck it Ralph!), kids will have a blast here trying to make it to the leaderboards.

They are also available for private room rentals in the Gamma Room for parties of up to 15!

Retro games and pinball machines at Quazar’s Arcade