Little Local - March 12

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Little Local turns one this week!

When I hit send on that very first issue, I truly didn’t know what I was doing or what this would become. I just had a feeling that families across Greater Victoria needed an easier way to discover local experiences and feel more connected to what was happening around them. One year later, a few thousand families are reading Little Local each week. That’s amazing.

Over the past year we’ve created local guides, launched the Summer Adventure Passport, and even started a snail-mail club for kids. Little Local has become everything I love right now: family, creativity, and community.

Before we jump into this week’s Spring Break guide, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for reading and for sharing this newsletter with friends, colleagues, and grandparents.

Alright, let’s get into it!

Spring Break in Town

Spring Break doesn’t have to mean flights and packed itineraries. Some of the best days are spent close to home with slower mornings and simple adventures.

If you’re sticking around this break, here are a few easy ways to make the most out of it.

🌸 Get Outside

Cherry blossoms are putting on a show across the city, and longer days mean more time to explore. Visit a new playground, head to the beach at low tide, or take the bikes out!

Editor’s Picks:
• Beacon Hill Park playground + goat visit (Children’s Farm opens today for the season!)
• Francis/King Regional Park for a beautiful stroller/kid-friendly walk.
• Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary trails (and Invertebrate Week at the Nature House)
• UVic campus bike ride + snack stop (Cove is great for snack, lunch, and even dinner if you don’t feel like cooking)

🎨 Rainy Day Plans

When the weather is a bit meh, it’s a great time for indoor adventures. Museums, libraries, and art studios can easily fill a morning or afternoon.

Editor’s Picks:
• Royal BC Museum (check out the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit or watch an IMAX film).
• Butterfly Gardens will make you feel you’re somewhere tropical.
• Local libraries are hosting free drop-in programs for kids of all ages during Spring Break (March 17–28), from Lego building and STEM play to storytimes and creative workshops.
• Get creative at Westshore Town Centre for their Creative Workshop Series – they have an incredible lineup of workshops every day during Spring Break!

🍦 Treat Stops

Spring Break is the perfect excuse for mid-week treats. Try a new bakery or grab ice cream after camp. The smallest rituals are the biggest highlights for our kids!

Editor’s Picks:
• Little June Cafe – yummiest kids hot coco and they have bins of hot wheels
• 49 Below – ice cream shop in Oak Bay and coming soon to Vic West
• Board Game Cafe – learn a new game and enjoy a milkshake
• Smør Scandinavian Bakery – family-friendly bakery cafe in Sidney

Highlighting local parents doing interesting, inspiring, and creative things.

This week I’m excited to introduce Rebecca, who lives in Vic West with her husband Mark and their little one, William. Rebecca is a singer with a deep love for community music and currently sings with the Victoria Scottish Gaelic Choir.

She’s also the creator of the Vancouver Island Change Table Finder, a thoughtful, community-driven resource that maps change tables and nursing rooms across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Her goal is simple but powerful: to make getting out with a baby feel easier and more stress-free for families.

When she’s not singing or working on the Finder, you’ll likely find Rebecca enjoying some fresh air along the Songhees Walkway or heading out for a coastal wander at Whiffin Spit.

This Weekend

🌸 Hanami Blossom Market
Saturday, March 14 | 11am–4pm
Celebrate cherry blossom season with local makers, artisan goods, and spring-inspired treats at this festive market at Fernwood Community Centre. Kids under 12 are free. [Info]

⛸️ kidsFUNd Skate
Saturday, March 14 | 12:15–1:30pm
Enjoy a fun afternoon skate at G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre while supporting kidsFUNd programs that help local children access recreation opportunities. [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]

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Skate
Sunday, March 15 | 12:15–1:30pm
Glide into the holiday spirit at Panorama Recreation Centre with a festive public skate celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. [Info]

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Sunday, March 15 | 10am–3pm
Downtown Victoria comes alive along Government & Langley Streets (Yates to Fort) and in Bastion Square with live music, performances, family activities, and festive fun celebrating Irish culture. [Info]

Upcoming

🌈 Leprechaun Fun at Kindergym
Tuesday, March 17 | 9:30–11am
Little ones can enjoy festive St. Patrick’s-themed play at Panorama Recreation Centre’s Kindergym, with open gym time and seasonal activities designed for toddlers and preschoolers. [Info]

🛍️ Local Folk & Found Early Spring Fair
Sunday, March 22 | 11am–4pm
Browse handmade goods, vintage finds, and local makers at this cozy early-spring market celebrating creativity and community. [Info]

💃 Mama’s Dance
Saturday, March 28 | 6–8:30pm
A joyful evening gathering for moms to move, connect, and recharge through dance in a welcoming, supportive space. Hosted by Fairfield Gonzales Community Association. [Info]

🏊 kidsFUNd Swim
Sunday, March 29 | 1–4pm
Make a splash at Saanich Commonwealth Place while supporting kidsFUNd programs that help remove financial barriers to recreation. [Info]

🎬 Inside Out 2 Fundraiser Screening
Sunday, March 29 | 12:30pm
Catch a community screening of Inside Out 2 at UVic’s Cinecenta while supporting the Y Young Moms Program. [Info]

🐣 Easter Festival at Willows Beach
Saturday, April 4 | 10am–2pm
Celebrate spring by the ocean at Willows Beach Park with Easter-themed fun, family activities, and festive outdoor entertainment. [Info]

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 5 | 1–2pm
Hop over to Dominion Brook Park in North Saanich for a festive family egg hunt. Kids can search for hidden eggs, meet the Easter Bunny, and enjoy games and activities. Hunt starts at 1pm sharp. [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 all ages. [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.