Looking for things to do with kids on Vancouver Island? Try these 7 local, family-approved adventures near Victoria — beaches, tubing & more.
The ultimate local guide for family fun from the Traveling Islanders
Planning a family trip and wondering about things to do with kids on Vancouver Island? We’ve lived here for years, and whenever friends come visit, we get asked the same question: “What should we do with the kids?”
Just recently, a friend reached out while planning their own family vacation. As we rattled off our favourite spots, we realized it was the perfect list to share with other families visiting Vancouver Island, too.
So whether you’re staying near Victoria or exploring more of southern Vancouver Island, here’s a ready-to-go lineup of 7 unforgettable, Island family-approved adventures — all tested by our own active Traveling Islander crew.
1. Ride a Water Taxi to Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch (Victoria)
Start downtown Victoria and hop aboard one of the yellow Victoria Harbour Ferries. The ride is fun for kids and scenic for adults — and it drops you off at Fisherman’s Wharf, a floating neighbourhood with food stands, seating areas on the dock, and the occasional seal sighting.
Grab fish and chips and eat dockside, Island-style.
2. Explore the West Coast Beaches of Sooke
A short drive from Victoria, Sooke is full of rugged, kid-friendly beaches where driftwood forts, tide pools, and long shoreline walks await. Try French Beach or Mystic Beach for easier access, or hike down to Sandcut Beach for a waterfall that spills onto the sand. Pack snacks, beach toys, and layers. These beaches aren’t your typical sandy beaches – most have smooth rock, but you can find some sand too.
3. Zipline Through the Trees at AdrenaLINE (Sooke)
This one’s for the thrill-seekers. AdrenaLINE Zipline Adventure Tours in Sooke just outside Victoria offers a forest canopy experience with sweeping ocean views. If your kids are 5+, it’s a safe, exciting, and memorable way to take in the Island’s natural beauty from above. Younger children will have a staff member assigned to them and zipline with them.
4. Visit Beacon Hill Park & the Petting Zoo (Victoria)
This is our go-to downtown Victoria outing with younger kids. If you are lucky you may spot the resident peacocks! But don’t try and pet them… trust us! Beacon Hill Park is beautiful and spacious, with ponds, peacocks, playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic spots. Don’t miss the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm — home to goats, pigs, bunnies, and the famous daily “goat stampede.” On hot summer days – bring your bathing suit and have a splash under this Enormous Victoria Sprinkler!
5. Tube the Cowichan River (Cowichan Valley)
In the summer months, the Cowichan River is a natural lazy river perfect for a half-day float. Families with older and younger kids love this one. And really old kids like grandma and grandpa will love it too. It starts off very wide and slow but narrows and speeds up a little bit, but it is definitely a lazy river. Bring tubes, water shoes, and leave a second vehicle at the end point for pickup.
Or here is how we do it – buy a cheap inflatable at Walmart (literally anything, even pool toys), and everyone walks back if you have kids with lots of energy to burn.
Totally doable and it saves lots of vacation money to do other things. If you go with the rental company be prepared to spend lots of unnecessary monty.
6. Take in the Views at Malahat Skywalk (Just outside Victoria heading North)
Just north of Victoria, the Malahat Skywalk is an easy, stroller-friendly spiral walkway with stunning views at the top. There’s even a giant slide on the way down — a huge hit with the kids and parents. Great photo ops, an engaging nature walk, and your expectations will be met or beat. See how much this parent loved the slide!
7. Spend a Day in Parksville & Rathtrevor Beach (Worth the trip but the farthest away)
This beach is one of the best in Canada for kids — and we’re not just saying that. The sand stretches out forever at low tide, the water is warm and shallow, and can’t be any safer. If you’re visiting in summer, time it with the Parksville Sand Sculpting Competition close by for extra fun. This is the same park just up the road where you will find an Enormous Kids Playground too.
Oh one more! There is a fabulous Miniature Golf Course in town. There are two – but we prefer Riptide Lagoon. Parksville is a classic beach town during the Summer months.
Looking for a great family camping spot – look no further than Rathtrevor Campground in Parksville, but it’s tough to find a spot unless you plan well in advance. Don’t like camping – try a Parksville cabin right on the beach!
We’re often asked about the best things to do with kids on Vancouver Island, and this list covers just a few of our top choices.
But of course with Vancouver Island there are always more family friendly activities without having to drive too far! Like Parksville Family Go-Karting followed up by an unforgettable family Whale Watching Experience with Orca Spirit or Prince Of Whales.
7 Of Our Top Things to Do with Kids on Vancouver Island: Some Of Our Favourite Picks:
These 7 Vancouver Island active family adventures are all within driving distance of Victoria and make for a memorable, kid-friendly Vancouver Island vacation. Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens, grandparents and everyone in-between there’s something here for everyone. Looking for more Vancouver Island actives?
Check out our interactive map and let us plan your Vancouver Island vacation with all our free tips!
If you’re searching for things to do with kids on Vancouver Island, we hope this helps you plan an unforgettable family trip.
Got questions or a favourite family spot we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments — we’re always updating and exploring.
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