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We’ve reached that point in summer when the days are long, you’re handing out multiple freezies a day, and someone is always asking, “What can we do?”. So this week, I’m sharing a few ✨creative✨ ways to get out of the house, or keep everyone happily occupied at home.

And yes, it’s still summer, but registration for fall swimming, skating, sports, art classes and other recreation programs is just around the corner. I’ve summarized those registration dates in this issue, so perhaps set an alarm, because nothing says summer quite like waking up at 5:55am to register for October swimming lessons ;)

Have a great long weekend!

A Creative Summer

Whether your kids love painting, pottery or turning a cardboard box into a painted masterpiece, there are plenty of ways to get creative around Greater Victoria. Here are a few local places and simple projects to try this summer.

Paint among flowers

Pack watercolours, brushes and paper, then find a shady spot somewhere beautiful. The Gardens at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, Finnerty Gardens and Government House gardens are perfect for exploring and painting.

Kids can paint what they see, mix colours or create something abstract. Paint alongside them and focus on experimenting rather than the finished piece.

Get messy at Birdhouse Creative Studio

Birdhouse Creative Studio in Langford offers process-based art experiences where kids can paint, draw, make collages and get super messy.

Along with classes and camps, they offer Open Studio for kids ages 3–12 on Saturdays from 11am–1pm. This Saturday they’ll have a Glo in the dark theme! Register online.

Try a ceramics camp

Saanich Recreation offers summer ceramics camps at the Arts Centre at Cedar Hill, where kids can spend a half day creating with clay.

My 6 year old just finished a week here, and it has been the highlight of his summer so far! There are still a few spots available in upcoming camps.

Hunt for secondhand art supplies

SUPPLY Victoria downtown is part thrift store and part art-supply treasure hunt, offering donated creative materials at very affordable prices.

Its ever-changing selection makes choosing the supplies part of the adventure: let your child pick a few interesting materials, bring them home and see what they invent.

Make art with clay

Pick up some air-dry clay and use a beach visit as inspiration. Kids can make a coaster, small dish, ornament or decorative tile, then press tiny rocks, shells or sea glass into the surface. Let it dry, then leave it as is or add paint.

Go art-spotting

Head downtown and look for murals, sculptures, mosaics, painted utility boxes and colourful architectural details. Let kids photograph or sketch a favourite discovery, then use it as inspiration for a project at home. Check out Little Local’s Downtown Guide.

Use your Passport Perks + Win!

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through summer! I hope the Summer Adventure Passport has inspired your family to get out, explore, and play around Greater Victoria.

Remember to use your Passport Perks, too. Our local business partners have generously created exclusive offers for Passport holders, so be sure to take advantage of them before summer ends.

Enter to Win!

Once you’ve completed your Passport, take a photo and send it in for a chance to win one of three amazing prize packages (primarily for the grownups)! There’s still another full month to keep exploring, checking off activities and making summer memories!

Save the Dates: Fall Recreation Registration

Fall recreation registration begins soon, and popular swimming lessons, skating programs and after-school classes will fill quickly. Here are the program guide and registration dates:

Saanich Recreation

Programs viewable: Now
General program registration: Wednesday, August 12 at 6am
Swim and ice registration: Wednesday, August 19 at 6am

Oak Bay Recreation

Programs viewable: Wednesday, August 5
Registration: Wednesday, August 12 at 6:30am

Esquimalt Recreation

General programs viewable: Now
Registration: Wednesday, August 5 at 11pm
Fall swimming viewable: Wednesday, August 5
Swim registration: Wednesday, September 2 at 11pm

Panorama Recreation

General programs viewable: Now
Registration: Thursday, August 6 at 6:30am
Set 1 swim and skate viewable: Thursday, August 20
Set 1 swim and skate registration: Thursday, August 27 at 6:30am

City of Victoria

Programs viewable: Monday, August 10
Registration: Monday, August 17 at 7am

West Shore Parks & Recreation

Programs viewable: Friday, July 31
Registration: Thursday, August 6 at 6am

SEAPARC

Programs viewable: “mid next week” (around August 5?)
General registration: Wednesday, August 12 at 9am
Swim registration: Wednesday, August 19 at 9am

Beach Advisories

It’s worth checking the beach advisories below before packing the swimsuits. A beach advisory means swimming isn’t recommended right now because of elevated bacteria, blue-green algae or another possible health concern.

🔧 Thunderbird Plumbing: From water heaters and sewer repairs to renovations and emergency service, Thunderbird Plumbing provides fast, reliable help backed by more than 20 years of licensed experience. Homeowners can expect clear upfront pricing, quality workmanship and no surprises. Call 250-514-4044.

🦷 Wheely Clean: Dental hygiene that comes to you, with friendly, convenient care that’s especially great for kids. Book online today! Summer Adventure Passport holders get $50 off teeth whitening.

Today

🛍️ Bastion Square Market
Thursday, July 30 | 11am–6pm
Browse locally made art, clothing, treats and other finds in the heart of downtown Victoria. [Info]

🎨 Free Gallery Evening
Thursday, July 30 | 5–9pm
Visit the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria for free, then stop by the Make Art Table to create something inspired by the exhibitions. [Info]

🌙 Sidney Street Market
Thursday, July 30 | 5:30–8:30pm
Stroll along Beacon Avenue while browsing local vendors, grabbing a treat and enjoying live entertainment at this popular summer market. [Info]

🌽 Esquimalt Farmers Market
Thursday, July 30 | 4:30–7:30pm
Pick up local produce and dinner from the food trucks while enjoying a relaxed evening at Memorial Park. [Info]

This Weekend

🛍️ Ship Point Market
Saturday, August 1 + Sunday, August 2 | 10am–4pm
Stroll along the Inner Harbour while browsing locally made art, crafts and gifts at this free waterfront market. [Info]

🎨 Free Gallery Day
Saturday, August 1 | 10am–5pm
Explore the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria for free, with plenty of colourful and interesting artwork. [Info]

🎻 Mozart, Dvořák & More
Saturday, August 1 | 7:30pm
Introduce older kids to live orchestral music as the Victoria Symphony performs Mozart’s first violin concerto and Dvořák’s lively Czech Suite inside Christ Church Cathedral. [Info]

🎶 Mostly Motown + Fireworks at Butchart Gardens
Saturday, August 1 | Concert at 6:45pm; fireworks at 9:45pm
Enjoy an outdoor Motown-inspired concert followed by The Butchart Gardens’ spectacular fireworks display choreographed to music. Garden admission required. [Info]

🎶 Colwood Music in the Park
Saturday, August 1 | 5:30–7:30pm
Pack a picnic and bring a blanket to Herm Williams Park for a free outdoor performance by BackBeat. [Info]

✈️ BC Aviation Museum Open House
Sunday, August 2 + Monday, August 3 | 10am–4pm
Explore historic aircraft, aviation displays and family-friendly activities during the museum’s annual open house, featuring special guests the Canadian Snowbirds. Admission by donation. [Info]

🐘 Symphony Story Time: Effie the Singing Elephant
Sunday, August 2 | 9:30am
Music, puppets, movement and storytelling come together as Effie Elephant follows her dream of joining the circus. Recommended for ages 3–8. Free, but registration is currently full. [Info]

Upcoming

⚛️ Particles That Cure
Saturday, August 8 | 9:30am & 1pm
Kids ages 8–15 can discover how radiation and physics are used to treat cancer through 2 hours of fun, hands-on activities led by UVic physics students and BC Cancer’s medical physics team. Held at BC Cancer Clinic (2410 Lee Ave). Free but registration required. [Info]

🎤 David Foster & Friends Concert
Saturday, August 8 | 7:30pm
Make a summer night of it with a free outdoor concert in Victoria’s Inner Harbour featuring David Foster, Josh Groban, Katharine McPhee, CeeLo Green, The Tenors and more, accompanied by the Victoria Symphony. Bring layers, arrive early to find a good viewing spot and enjoy a memorable evening of live music with older kids. [Info]

🫧 Community Foam Party
Saturday, August 8 | 1–3pm
Prepare to get sudsy during a free community foam party at the KELSET Elementary School field. Bring clothes that can get wet and a towel for afterward. [Info]

🎨 Art & Music in the Gardens
Saturday, August 8 + Sunday, August 9 | 9am–4pm
Wander through the Gardens at HCP while discovering more than 50 local artists, live music, food vendors and community displays. 16 and under are free. [Info]

🌊 Cadboro Bay Festival
Sunday, August 9 | 11am–3pm
Celebrate the ocean at Cadboro-Gyro Park with live music, face painting, crafts, food trucks and activities focused on marine life, conservation and recreation. Free. [Info]

🌱 VegFest Victoria
Friday, August 14 | 4–8pm & Saturday, August 15 | 11am–8pm
Head to Centennial Square for plant-based food, live entertainment, local vendors and activities for kids and families. Admission by donation. [Info]

🥒 Picklefest Victoria
Saturday, August 15 | 11am–7pm
Phillips Backyard transforms into a celebration of all things pickled and fermented, with more than 35 vendors, live music and plenty of unusual snacks to try. There will be a kids fun zone, and kids 12 and under are free with a ticket-holding adult. [Info]

Library Summer Drop-Ins

The library has a great lineup of free summer drop-in programs for kids and families, from storytimes and crafts to comics, artifacts, Lego, buttons, and book-themed fun.

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.