Little Local - Jan 15

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Oh hello blue sky! We’re going to soak up this stretch of sun and are looking forward to taking the bikes out this weekend. ☀️

This week’s newsletter highlights a handful of outings that may have been flying under the radar, a snail-mail idea, and one of our favourite read-aloud series.

One more thing! You have until tomorrow (Friday) night at midnight to submit your completed BINGO card. You only need to complete 4 of the downtown activities to enter our draw!

Enjoy!

Here are 3 January picks to inspire a few outings this month.

🎨 Monkey C Interactive’s Artcade
The perfect downtown spot when you want something creative, different, and indoors. This interactive artcade is full of buttons, sounds, lights, and quirky exhibits. Not a “run wild” space, but perfect for curious kids who like to explore and tinker.

✈️ BC Aviation Museum
This one flies a bit under the radar, but it’s a great winter outing. Fully indoors, calm, and engaging for kids who love vehicles and how things work. With real planes to walk right up to and hands-on exhibits, it’s especially great for preschool and early elementary ages.

🍽️ Dine Around & Stay in Town Victoria
Victoria’s winter food festival kicks off next Friday, Jan 24. I usually write this one off with kids, but several restaurants offer kids menus alongside their prix-fixe options. Ferris’ Grill, for example, has a $35 menu for adults, while kids can order fish & chips, chicken strips, or penne.

I loved getting mail as a kid, didn’t you? These days, our mailboxes are mostly bills and flyers, but I’d love for our kids to feel that same joy of opening something special, just for them.

But even bigger than the snail mail…I’m wondering if your family would want to be part of the Little Local Crew.

Here’s a rough idea of what I’m thinking:

📬 Quarterly Snail Mail: Adventure cards, printable activities, nature guides, stickers, and other fun surprises.

🎉 Crew Perks: Tickets and early access to Little Local events, monthly meetups, Crew-only giveaways, kid-approved recipes, and discounts at local shops and organizations.

Before I explore this any further, I’d love to know your thoughts.

Here are a few upcoming IMAX movies that are great picks for kids.

🌊 Wild Rescue (G)
Follow real-life wildlife heroes on daring missions to save endangered animals across the globe!

🐅 Tiger Tiger (G)
Venture into the mangrove forests of India and Bangladesh to meet one of the planet’s most powerful big cats. 

🦈 Shark Kingdom (G)
Swim alongside some of the ocean’s most misunderstood predators and discover the vital role sharks play in keeping marine ecosystems healthy.

🧙 Wicked: For Good (PG)
Return to the Land of Oz for the epic, emotional finale of the blockbuster musical adventure, where Elphaba and Glinda must face their past and come together in a spectacular story of friendship and courage.

🦋 Butterfly Journey (PG)
Follow the breathtaking migrations of butterflies across continents, seeing their tiny world in stunning detail as they overcome incredible challenges on their epic voyage.

What to Read: This is one of our favourite series right now. I love reading Dory Fantasmagory books to my boys (ages 3–7) because it’s silly, imaginative, and always gets laughs. It’s also great for elementary-age kids who are starting to read chapter books on their own. Watch out for Mrs. Gobble Gracker!

What to Cook: Lately, I’ve been cooking orzo instead of rice as a side dish. I cook it like regular pasta in salted water, then add a teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon for extra flavour, and finish it with a sprinkle of parmesan. There aren’t many things my kids ask for thirds of, but this is one of them!

🌱 Sprout Family Health: A great option for families who want simple, reliable care. One membership gives you same or next-day appointments, unlimited visits, and on-demand nurse practitioner support, plus proactive check-ins and parent support. Sign up now and get everything your family needs in one membership.

🧑🏽‍💻 KWENCH: Need to get out the house to get your work done? Escape to KWENCH, a downtown coworking space filled with light, energy, and community that makes it easy to actually get things done. Get a hotdesk membership or book a day pass!

🌱 Park Lane Preschool: Park Lane blends nature school, early literacy, and social-emotional learning to nurture curious, confident little learners. Each day brings outdoor discovery, early reading, and friendship, all in a calm, caring environment near Royal Jubilee. Half + full day programs available. Email Kristin to book a tour: [email protected] 

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

This Weekend

🪵 Woodworking Workshop
Saturday, Jan 17 | 9am–6pm
Spend the day learning essential woodworking skills while building your own wooden box in this hands-on workshop. Available for kids 12+ and adults, with all materials included. Registration required. [Info]

🌊 Mini Mariner Mornings: Secrets of the Deep Sea
Sunday, Jan 18 | 10-11am
Little explorers are invited to dive into ocean mysteries with stories, crafts, and activities at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia. [Info]

🤖 Victoria Challenge Qualifier & Explore Festival
Sunday, Jan 18 | 1:30–4:45pm
Cheer on local teams and explore hands-on STEM activities at this exciting robotics and innovation festival. [Info]

Upcoming

🎤 Taylor Swift Concert Party!
Friday, Jan 23 | 6–9:30pm
Sing, dance, and shake it off at this high-energy Taylor Swift–themed party for kids/teens 10-15 at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Expect music, movement, and plenty of Swiftie fun. [Info]

🍽️ Dine Around Victoria
Jan 23 – Feb 8
Victoria’s favourite foodie festival returns with special prix-fixe menus and tasting experiences at restaurants across the region, including many family-friendly spots that make dining out suitable (and enjoyable!) for the whole family. [Info]

☕ Hot Chocolate Festival
Feb 1–28
Sip your way through February with creative, cozy hot chocolates served up by local cafés and shops. [Info]

🦋 Discover the Rainforest: Butterfly Gardens Mobile Workshop
Saturday, Feb 7 | 1:00–2:00 pm
Get up close with nature as the Victoria Butterfly Gardens brings insects, a tortoise, butterfly wing microscopes, feathers, and more to Crystal Pool. Hands-on learning for all ages (kids under 10 must be with an adult). [Register]

✨ Victoria at Dusk
Feb 13–15 | 5–9pm
Explore downtown Victoria after dark with illuminated art, live performances, interactive installations, and pop-up experiences during this free, family-friendly nighttime festival. Wander at your own pace and discover the city in a whole new light. [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]

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.