Little Local - Feb 27

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It’s starting to smell and feel like spring (even if Mt. Washington is back to winter mode, lucky skiers)!

We’ll be staying close to home this weekend, soaking up cherry blossoms and squeezing in a few more practice rounds for the Victoria Chess Challenge because my 7 year old has decided he’s ready to compete this weekend.

Here’s what’s inside this week:

🌲 WildPlay is officially open for the season!
📬 Final call for our Little Local Crew spring snail mail. Once we close sign-ups, that’s it until summer.
🎈 A roundup of birthday party venues around Victoria, because sometimes it’s just easier to let someone else host.

Let’s dive in.

Last Chance for Spring Mail

If you’ve been meaning to sign up, this is your final chance to receive the Spring Edition and become one of our founding Little Local Crew families.

The Spring envelope is filled with local, seasonal goodness for your kids: original Nature Cards, a mini seasonal guide, hands-on activities, and a little magic from Alfie the Owl.

We’re heading to print soon. Once we close it, that’s it until summer!

Let’s Party!

Backyard or park birthdays are lovely… in theory. But in Victoria, weather is unpredictable for a good chunk of the year, and hosting gaggles of kids in your living room isn’t for everyone.

If you’d rather skip the setup, cleanup, and entertainment, there are some great venues across Greater Victoria that will handle most of it for you. Here’s a curated list, organized by vibe.

Low-Key & Little Kid Friendly

Soft play and rec centre parties are ideal for early birthdays. They’re structured, contained, and usually include access to equipment plus a party room.

Local Rec Centres
Momease Meet-Up

Creative & Hands-On

For kids 4+ who love to make things, art-based parties double as the activity and the takeaway. Most include guided instruction and all materials!

Fired Up!
Birdhouse Creative Studio

High-Energy Adventures

If you have kiddos who want run, bounce, and burn it all off before cake, these two are fun, reliable, indoor spots:

PiSE (Nerf Battles / Inflatable Playground)
Flying Squirrel (Trampoline Park)

Unique & Memorable

If you’re looking for a party that offers a unique experience, there are some interesting places for science kids and curious explorers.

Dino Lab
The Gardens at HCP

A Few Booking Tips

• Book 6–8 weeks ahead.

• Ask what’s included (staff, decorations, food rules, cleanup).

• Keep the guest list manageable. Some families like the “age + 1” invite rule.

Check out our comprehensive article on birthday party venues in Victoria here 👇🏼.

👩🏻‍🍳 Make these: Energy bites are the perfect little snack and these taste a bit like cookie dough. To make, soak 1 cup pitted dates for 10 minutes, drain, then pulse in food processor until sticky. Add 1/3 cup ground flax, 1/3 cup ground chia, 3/4 cup oats, 5 tsp nut butter, 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1/4 tsp salt. Blend, roll into balls, and refrigerate. Optional: roll in blitzed roasted almonds for a little crunch.

🪁 Fly a kite: We had an after-school playground hang the other day when a friend pulled out a new kite. Within minutes, a group of little kids were running, giggling, and practicing taking turns. It eventually broke, but their mom laughed and said it was absolutely worth the few dollars from the dollar store. A lovely reminder that the simplest toys bring the biggest joy. And maybe we need to keep tape in our bag 😉 

This Weekend

🩵 Victoria Autism Family Bingo
Thursday, Feb 26 | 6pm–8pm
A welcoming evening of bingo for autistic children and their families, hosted by the Victoria Society for Children with Autism. Relaxed, inclusive, and full of fun. [Info]

📚 Storytime at Swan Lake with GVPL
Friday, Feb 27 | 12–1pm
Join GVPL at Swan Lake for stories, songs, rhymes, and puppets for young children and their families, followed by 30 minutes of social time and free play. [Info]

🚂 Victoria Model Railway Display
Thursday, Feb 26 & Friday, Feb 27 | 4pm–7:30pm
Stop by Tillicum Centre to see detailed model train displays in action. A hit for train lovers of all ages. [Info]

🌱 Sooke Seedy Saturday
Saturday, Feb 28 | 10am–3pm
Head to Sooke for this annual seed celebration featuring vendors, workshops, and plenty of inspiration for your spring garden. [Info]

🥟 Chinese Dumpling Making Workshop (Ages 10–17)
Saturday, Feb 28 | 2–5pm
A hands-on culinary workshop at Gordon Head Rec Centre where youth can learn the art of dumpling making. [Info]

🚶‍♀️ Coldest Night of the Year Walk
Saturday, Feb 28 | 4pm–7pm
Bundle up at Starlight Stadium for a family-friendly walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. [Info]

🌊 Eelgrass World Seagrass Day
Sunday, March 1 | 10am–4pm
Celebrate World Seagrass Day at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea with interactive exhibits and learning about the vital role eelgrass plays in coastal ecosystems. [Info]

♟️ Victoria Chess Challenge and Victoria City Championship
Sunday, March 1 | 3:30pm–8pm
A competitive and community-focused chess event in Victoria for youth and adults ready to test their skills. [Info]

Upcoming

🌼 Tot Tuesday Plants and Pollinators
Tuesday, March 3 | 10:30am–11:15am
A hands-on program for little ones at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea exploring plants, pollinators, and the magic of nature. [Info]

⚓ Sensory-Friendly Hours at the Maritime Museum
Tuesday, March 3 | 9:30am–12pm
Enjoy a quieter museum experience at the Maritime Museum of BC with adjusted lighting and reduced noise for sensory-sensitive visitors. [Info]

🛍️ Victoria Kids Consignment Spring Sale
Friday, March 6 – Sunday, March 8
Shop gently used kids clothing, toys, and gear at the Eagle Ridge Centre during this popular seasonal consignment sale. [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.