Little Local - March 26

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Was a bit cold this morning considering it’s spring, but I’ll take it. The cherry blossoms and daffodils are keeping up with the season, and the sunshine today is very welcome.

March wraps up next week, so I’m sharing a few easy garden prep ideas you can do with your kiddos. And… I’m almost afraid to say it, but it’s time to start thinking about summer camps, if that’s relevant for you. The good news: Little Local’s Camp Planner is just days away from launch, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

A few fun events to check out this weekend, plus a few Easter activities to keep on your radar for next weekend.

Enjoy the sunshine, my friends ☀️

Gardening With Kids

My kids reminded me last Friday that it was the first day of spring. Which means they’re more aware of the calendar than I am… and that it’s time to start thinking about the garden.

We have a few raised beds for growing food, but over the years I’ve learned that gardening with kids isn’t really about perfect vegetables (we have great farmers markets for that). It’s about creating a space for snacking and exploring.

With kids, it’s not just about what you grow, it’s about what happens along the way. Planting seeds, watching them sprout, discovering worms, figuring out why there are aphids on the kale… the learning just happens.

That said, what you plant does matter. Letting kids pick a few things they’re excited about is half the fun.

Kids are far more likely to try something they’ve grown themselves. There’s no universe where my three-year-old would eat a radish from the grocery store. But after planting his own last spring? He ate every single one that made it to an edible size.

Make It Their Garden Too

Give kids ownership. Let them choose what to grow, decorate pots, or make simple plant markers (popsicle sticks = great handwriting practice).

Some plants will fail. Some will thrive for no clear reason. Some will be dug up five minutes after planting. That’s all part of it.

Gardening together is really about spending time outside and paying attention to what’s happening, whether you have a backyard, a few containers, or a tiny balcony.

Next in this series: What to plant first in Victoria gardens.

Camp Planner

I’m just days away from launching Little Local’s Camp Planner. It’s not quite ready to share today, but I also don’t think I can wait until next Thursday’s newsletter to share it. So I’ll be breaking regular programming with a quick note the moment it goes live!

Saanich Recreation released 190 summer camps yesterday, and registration dates are coming up across Greater Victoria! Trying to track what’s open for registration, what’s a good fit for your kid(s), and how it all works with your summer plans can quickly become… a lot.

This tool is designed to make finding programs and actually planning your summer much, much easier. More details (very soon!).

📖 Awesome LEGO Creations with Bricks You Already Have by Sarah Dees. When it feels like your kids officially have enough LEGO, it’s time for a book like this. It’s been a hit in our house this spring break and nudges them into a bit of creative problem-solving when they don’t have the exact “right” piece. It’s been fun to see what they can build!

👩🏻‍🍳 Turkey Bolognese: This is one of those meals I make when I need a weeknight winner. It’s cozy, noodly, full of vegetables the kids somehow don’t notice, and makes enough for leftovers (a rare occurrence). Most importantly, no one asks for “plain noodles” when this is on the table.

🛍️ Thistle & Wren Boutique: A beautifully curated local clothing shop in Fernwood filled with thoughtfully selected pieces for your family. Don’t miss their preloved section, where you’ll find high-quality favourites at great prices!

🥕 Victoria Edible Nursery: When you don’t want to grow everything from seed, Victoria Edible Nursery at Mason Street Farm is the place to find organic veggie starts, herbs, and edible flowers. Keep your eye out for their twoonie table!

🎈 Inside Out Play Club: This bright new play space in Oak Bay is packed with fun features like a ball pit, water station, and even a human-size hamster wheel. A great drop-in spot for kids to play, explore, and burn some energy.

This Weekend

🌸 Spring Fling Drop-In
Wednesday, March 26 | 11am–2pm
Check out Hamsterly Beach (Elk Lake) for spring-themed activities, crafts, and playtime. [Info]

⚓ Community Day: Seas the Break at Maritime Museum
Wednesday–Friday, March 26–28
Celebrate spring break with hands-on maritime activities, crafts, and family-friendly fun exploring BC’s nautical history. [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]

🧚‍♀️ Faerie & Fantasy Faire
March 28–29 | 10am–4pm
Step into a whimsical world of costumes, crafts, and magical entertainment at the Mary Winspear Centre. [Info]

🔬 Science Sunday at RBCM
Sunday, March 29 | 11am–1pm
Join this special Science Sunday in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Royal BC Museum, with sketching activities and close-looking games inspired by nature’s details. [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 Events

🐰 Easter Bunny at Westshore Town Centre
March 27–April 4 | Select times
Hop by Westshore Town Centre to visit the Easter Bunny at his Cozy Carrot Cottage for a free photo op. Book ahead or drop in, and an attendant will snap a photo on your phone. [Info]

🐰 Children’s Easter Bunny Hunt
Friday April 3– Sunday April 6
Search for 10 hidden bunnies while wandering the spring gardens at The Butchart Gardens. Admission required. [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]

🥚 Lion’s Easter Eggstravaganza
Saturday, April 4 | 11am–2pm
Join Esquimalt Recreation & the Lions Club for the Eggstravaganza of the year! Enjoy egg hunts, games, and cheerful community fun at Bullen Park. [Info]

🐣 Neal Estate Group Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4 | 10am–12:30pm
A long-running local favourite at Elk/Beaver Lake with face painting, cupcake decorating, and more. The egg hunt starts right at 11am (and goes fast), with 20,000+ chocolates and prizes. By donation in support of BC Children’s Hospital. [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.