Little Local - Feb 13

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Sorry this email is a little later than usual. I was finishing up details on a few special LL projects and helping the kids with their Valentines yesterday. I have a feeling sugar levels will be off the charts after school today. 😬

With a Pro-D Day tomorrow and Family Day on Monday, this is a long weekend. And our What’s Happening section below is packed! It’s been a while since Victoria has looked this full of options for families.

And some Little Local news… you voted YES to the Little Local Crew, so we’re making it happen. Details below 👀

I’m so excited to introduce Little Local Crew, our seasonal snail mail for kids!

Four times a year, a special envelope will arrive at your door, filled with local, seasonal goodness for your kiddos. Each edition will be a little different, but you can expect a letter from Alfie the Owl, a seasonal mini guide with activities, collectible Nature Cards, and a ✨few surprises✨ tucked inside.

Four mail-outs. Four seasons. Special envelopes that help your kids notice more, explore more, and feel connected to where they live.

For the curious toddlers, the big kids, and everyone in between. For families who love getting real mail!

Founding families can join for the full year (4 seasonal mail-outs) for $49. Or sign up for a single season – the Spring edition is $20.

Note: This is not a subscription, just a one-time purchase for the season or the year.

We’re putting the finishing touches on our very first Spring edition now, and the first envelopes will ship early March. 🦉

P.S. At checkout, you can let us know how many kids are in your household so we can include extra activity printables. If you’d like additional sets of Nature Cards or other materials, please purchase extra packs.

Questions? Just reply to this email. I’m always happy to chat and answer anything about the LL Crew.

❤️ Free Printable: My kids have been making fortune tellers recently, so I made a Valentine’s Day version to share. Choose the coloured version or the black and white one if your kids want to colour it themselves. No printer? Just grab a square piece of paper and make your own. Grab it here.

📚 Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney: This week’s read was gifted by Grandma and is already a favourite in our house. It’s a beautiful story about adventure, kindness, and making the world a little more lovely.

Want to spread the good word about your business, or just want to say hi to thousands of local Victoria families?

🌲 WildPlay Victoria: WildPlay Victoria is officially open for the season this weekend (Feb 14), offering zip lines, aerial courses, and treetop adventures in the Langford area for older kids, teens, and adventurous families ready to get outside.

🦷 Wheely Clean: Skip the dentist office because Wheely Clean’s mobile hygiene vans come to you! They’re fantastic with kids, now offer teeth whitening, and make family dental care stress-free. Book your visit online!

Family Day Weekend

🌳 Skywalk Family Days
Friday, Feb 13 – Monday, Feb 16
Celebrate Family Day with a visit to Malahat Skywalk and 50% regular admission. Bring the whole family to enjoy forest walks, elevated views, and plenty of space for kids to explore at their own pace. [Info]

🦋 Meet the Keeper: What’s on the Menu?
Friday, Feb 13 | 11am–2pm
Head to Butterfly Gardens for a 'Meet the Keeper' talk all about carnivores, herbivores, omnivores and how animals feed. See animals up-close and learn about their diet! [Info]

⚓ Community Day: Drawn Together
Friday, Feb 13 | 9:30am–4:30pm
Enjoy free admission all day at the Maritime Museum of BC in downtown Victoria, with drop-in, hands-on art activities inspired by maritime stories. [Info]

💦 YMCA Kids Splash
Friday, Feb 13 | 10–11:30am
A fun, kid-focused swim session at the Westhills YMCA for Pro-D Day. [Info]

⛸️🏊 Pro-D Day Skate & Swim
Friday, Feb 13 | 12:20-3:45pm
Head to Panorama Recreation Centre in North Saanich for a $2 Pro-D Day public skate (12:20–1:50pm) and swim (1–3:45pm). A fun, active way to spend the day. [Info]

🧘 YMCA Family Yoga
Friday, Feb 13 | 6:30–7:20pm
Slow things down with a free family yoga session at the YMCA Westhills. Designed for all ages and experience levels, this is a calm way to wrap up the day together. [Info]

🌲 Family Fun in the Park
Saturday, Feb 14 & Sunday, Feb 15 | 10am–2pm
Celebrate Family Day weekend at Francis/King Regional Park with drop-in crafts, storytelling, and nature activities. Free, all ages, and stroller-friendly. [Info]

🏀 Love to Play Day with Panorama Rec
Saturday, Feb 14 | 10am–12pm
A free family fun morning at the Sport Box in Centennial Park with inflatable fun, glitter tattoos, drop-in sports, and heart-themed crafts. All activities take place under the new covered sports box, rain or shine, just come ready to play. [Info]

🎻 Discover Strings!
Saturday, Feb 14 | 1–2:30 pm
Kids ages 6–11 can try violin, viola, and cello in this free, hands-on drop-in session with music instructors from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. A fun, low-pressure way to explore string instruments over the Family Day weekend in Langford. [Info]

✈️ Open Cockpit Day
Sunday, Feb 15 & Monday, Feb 16
Kids can climb inside real aircraft and explore the cockpit during this popular hands-on event at the BC Aviation Museum. [Info]

🧗 Free Play Zone Access – City Centre Park
Monday, Feb 16 | 10am–6pm
Get active with free all-day access to the Play Zone at City Centre Park in Langford. It’s an indoor, gold-mine-themed play structure for kids and a relaxing parent seating area. [Info]

⛸️🏊 Family Day Fun Swim & Skate
Monday, Feb 16 | 12-4pm
Head to Panorama Recreation Centre for a $2 Family Day public swim (12 - 4pm) and skate (1:15–2:45pm). [Info]

🎉 Family Day at Esquimalt Rec Centre
Monday, Feb 16 | 10am–1pm
Celebrate Family Day at Esquimalt Recreation Centre with a morning full of free activities including a bouncy castle, kindergym, face painting, crafts, community group booths, and a Lions Club concession. [Info]

Upcoming

🍕 Dance, Games & Pizza Party
Saturday, Feb 28 | 5–8pm
An evening of music, games, and pizza at SEAPARC Rec Centre in Sooke. A fun night out for kids and a nice break for parents. [Info]

🎼 Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony
Saturday, March 7 | 3pm
Maestro Mouse leads a playful orchestral adventure inspired by the animal kingdom in this kid-friendly concert by the Victoria Symphony. A wonderful first symphony experience for young music lovers. [Info]

🐾 Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!
Saturday, March 14 | 4pm
A colourful, music-filled live show featuring Gabby, Pandy Paws, and friends on a magical adventure to save the rainbow. Perfect for preschoolers and young fans. [Info]

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]

☕ Hot Chocolate Festival
Now – Feb 28
Sip your way through February with creative, cozy hot chocolates served up by local cafés and shops. [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. And some links may be affiliate links (I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you), but every product is something I genuinely love or comes recommended by someone I trust.