Little Local - Feb 19

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Going to keep this short because we have lots to cover today. We launched Little Local Crew last week and wow, I’m so grateful for how many of you signed up for our quarterly snail mail for your crew! 🦉

We’re profiling a new-ish Islander, sharing some fun local reccs, and highlighting Lunar New Year celebrations happening this weekend (which my 5-year-old insists we absolutely cannot miss).

Let’s get into it!

Join the Crew!

Four times a year, a special Little Local envelope lands in your mailbox filled with seasonal, local goodness for your kids: a letter from Alfie, a seasonal guide, activities, collectible Nature Cards, and a few surprises. It’s a simple way to help your kids notice more and feel connected to where they live.

Join as a founding family for the full year (4 editions) for $49, or grab the Spring edition for $20. This is not a subscription, just a one-time purchase. 

Spring edition ships in early March. Sign up now!🦉

Questions? Just hit reply. I’m always happy to chat about it.

Name, neighbourhood, and your family crew:
Recent Islanders, landed in Cordova Bay. Natalie & Andrew Martin with Zuzu (6) and Mabel Drew (4).

One place your family has loved lately:
Our girls just got big enough to survive a whine-free hike up PKOLS (Mt Doug), no piggybacks!

Your rainy day or indoor save:
McDonald’s PlayPlace near Uptown is the loveliest spot for littles. They have friendly staff, table service (inside the PlayPlace), and they let the kids dispense their own soft serve ice cream!

A family meal that actually works at your house:
A kids’ charcuterie board: hummus, pita, veggie sticks, crackers, cheese and chicken skewers.

A local business you love supporting:
Anything Mill Bay Marine Group — we love the marina restaurants and their boat share program #YOLO.

One thing you are looking forward to this weekend:
Getting a babysitter on Saturday night so we can catch the Bobby Dazzler Funk Band at the Coda.

🍽 1. What’s for dinner? I haven’t made these Street Corn & Sweet Potato Bowl yet, but they’re on deck for tonight. And let’s be honest, in our house, everyone’s plate looks a little different (as pictured above). Corn here. Sweet potato on one plate but not the other. Sauce firmly on the side.

📍2. Local outing: We made an unplanned stop at Malahat Skywalk (first time!) on the way home from Campbell River last weekend, and it completely exceeded my expectations. Stunning views, endless laps of the slide, hot cocoas by the fire, and tons room for the kids to run, play, and explore!

💡 3. Playground hack: Create an obstacle course at the playground. I time the kids — up the ladder, across the bridge, down the slide, around the bench, tag my hand. They LOVE it, and it’s such a great way to warm up and burn energy.

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, offering zip lines, aerial courses, and treetop adventures in the Langford area for older kids, teens, and adventurous families ready to get outside. And if you’re still sorting out Spring Break plans, they also have a camp for kids ages 10–14.

🍌 Beany Bites: Hands down one of our family’s favourite snacks, and they’re made locally! Their smoothie melts are made with simple, real ingredients and are always a hit with my kids, and their new banana grippers make eating bananas mess-free!

🛒 Urban Grocer: From fresh produce to pantry staples and ready-to-go meals, Urban Grocer (Fort and Oak Bay) makes family shopping easy! Pop in for everyday essentials or treat yourself to something new from their locally sourced selection.

This Weekend

🎨 Air Dry Clay & Swimming
Friday, Feb 20 | 6–10pm
Air dry clay, swimming, pizza, and a movie at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Create something fun, then race the staff on the Wibit obstacle course. For ages 10–17. $25. [Register]

🧧 Chinese New Year Celebration at the RBCM
Saturday, Feb 21 | 1:30pm–2:30pm
Celebrate at the Royal BC Museum with music, movement, and a festive dance led by Jessica Yue. Learn how families honour good fortune and welcome the year ahead.[Info]

👩🏽‍🦱 Hair Braids Workshop
Sunday, Feb 22 | 6:30–8pm
A hands-on workshop at Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre where kids and parents learn braiding techniques and explore the art and cultural significance of Black hairstyling with instructor Tacita Browne. [Info]

Upcoming

🎶 Dance Baby Dance
Monday, Feb 23
A cozy parent & tot (0–3) dance party at Paul Phillips Hall. Shake out the sillies with toddler-friendly tunes. [Info]

🍕 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]

📸 Wildlife Photographer of the Year
On now
Award-winning nature photography from around the world at the Royal BC Museum. A stunning exhibit for curious kids and adults alike. [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.