Little Local - April 9

The Camp Planner is live + what to do with the kids this week

Little Local
April 09, 2026

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Hope you all had a great Easter weekend and have been soaking up this gorgeous stretch of weather ☀️

I’ve been teasing this for a few weeks now… and it’s finally ready.

Little Local’s Camp Planner is officially live!

We just wrapped another round of registrations this morning, and I have to say, it was so much easier keeping track of what I needed to register for and for which dates with the Camp Planner. Read on to check it out!

Camp Planning Season

If you’ve ever tried to plan summer camps, you know the drill: multiple tabs open, spreadsheets, and trying to keep track of registration dates… until now.

Little Local’s Camp Planner is your spot to discover camps and map out your summer in one place.

Plan for multiple kids, keep track of registration dates, and add notes for things like vacations or coordinating with friends.

Take a look, it’s free! I hope you find this helpful.

Finding the Right Camps

I’ve added over 1,500 local camps to the Camp Planner (more coming!), and you can filter by activity, age, and week to narrow things down.

A couple of camp providers to note if your kids are into…

⚽ Sports: Vikes Recreation camps are always a hit with my kids, especially Sports Quest and Track & Field. Great energy, great leaders, and lots of fun!

🎨 Art: McTavish Academy of Art offers a couple of great art and nature camps with small, thoughtful classes.

🧪 Science: Science Venture camps at the University of Victoria are hands-on and engaging, perfect for curious kids who love to build, experiment, and explore.

💡 Camp Tips:

• Talk to friends and try to sign up for camps together—my kids always enjoy it more when they know someone.

• Instead of bouncing around every week, try a couple of weeks with the same provider. It really helps kids who like routine feel more comfortable.

• Get on the waitlist! There’s often movement as families double-book and plans change.

• Little one under 5? I also made a filter for Early Years camps!

💛 If you get a chance to try the Camp Planner, let me know what you think!

Victoria Edible Nursery

Dirty Hands

With all of this beautiful weather, we’re excited to get back in the garden! If you haven’t already, start by asking the kids what they want to grow this year. Turn it into an easy activity: ask them to draw the plants they want in the garden (or in pots!).

Snap peas, spinach/lettuce, and radishes are great to plant from seed this month.

Victoria Edible Nursery (North Park): A local favourite for organic seedlings, fruit trees, and edible plants. The nursery, at Mason Street Farm, is a fun place to wander with kids and get inspired. Don’t forget to check out the toonie table!

Patio Garden Centre (Saanichton): Stock up on seeds, veggie starts, herbs, and everything you need to get growing. Super helpful staff if you’re not quite sure where to start.

Farmers’ Markets: Many local markets have seeds, flowers, and starts, and most are back in full swing starting in May.

Quick Favour

Thank you to those of you who filled out the survey last week!

Still looking for more feedback so please take the short survey and tell me what you want more of! More hidden gems? Better weekend ideas? Family events? I want to make Little Local as useful as possible for you.

Little Local is 100% free and independently owned and operated (it’s just me!). Your contributions go toward keeping Little Local going. I appreciate any and all support! –Sarah

Kidovate

🗓️ Saturday, April 11 | 10am to 4pm
📍 The Bay Centre

Kidovate is back this weekend! It’s a youth entrepreneurship market where kids run their own businesses and get a taste of what it’s like to build something of their own. It’s such a fun one to wander through, chat with the kids about their ideas, and maybe even support a few budding entrepreneurs along the way!

Fantastic inspiration for the whole family. Bring cash if you can!

🫏 Farm Friends
Thursdays | 10:30am
A fun weekly drop-in at Beacon Hill Children’s Farm designed for little ones. “Farm Friends” is a relaxed circle time with stories, simple activities, and a chance to connect with the animals up close, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. No registration needed. This week’s theme is Donkeys!

📚 Storytime at the Library
Multiple dates and times
An easy outing with stories, songs, and rhymes for little ones. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Check out our storytime timetable.

👶🏼 Kindergym + Play Groups
Multiple dates and times
Open play with toys, climbing, and space to run around! Great for toddlers and preschoolers (and a nice way to meet other parents). Check out our Kindergym & Play Groups timetable to find one near you.

Ongoing

🧱 20th Annual LEGO® Brick Exhibit at the Sidney Museum
Now – April 6
Marvel at incredible LEGO creations built by local and regional builders, with detailed displays that will impress kids and adults alike. A classic family favourite that’s easy to pair with a day in Sidney. [Info]

📸 Wildlife Photographer of the Year
On now
Award-winning nature photography from around the world at the Royal BC Museum. A stunning exhibit for all ages. [Info]

Hope you enjoyed this issue of Little Local! Please reply with any feedback and suggestions :)

P.S. Would you like to get your business in front of thousands of local Victoria families? Email us at [email protected].

Final Note: I do my best to keep everything accurate, but I am only human so the odd mistake might sneak in! If you catch one, feel free to let me know.