Little Local - May 7

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Happy Thursday! This week’s issue has a little bit of everything: one of my favourite local kids’ events happening at UVic this Saturday, a roundup of pump tracks around Greater Victoria, and a little reminder that Mother’s Day is this Sunday. I shared a few local ideas on Instagram if you’re still looking for inspiration. To all the moms, grandmas, and mother figures out there: may your coffee be hot, your breakfast be made by someone else, and the kids be happily tired after a few laps around a pump track.

Pump Tracks

Pump tracks are a fun way for kids to build confidence on their bikes. They can practice balance, speed, turns, and little bumps, all in a contained space. Many of you enjoyed the easy bike rides roundup from the other week, so we’re back with a list of local pump tracks and bike parks that are great for kids.

A quick note before you go: pump tracks can get busy, so quieter times are best for little riders. Helmets are a must, and a quick walk-through of the course can help kids know where to start.

Best for younger or beginner riders

• Cecelia Ravine Bike Park: A great little spot for kids to build confidence, with small pump tracks, rollers, gentle berms, and beginner-friendly features. From here, it’s a short ride down to the Selkirk Trestle.

• View Royal Bike Park: A compact bike park with pump track sections and skills features. It’s small enough to keep an eye on kids, but still has plenty to keep them busy.

• McMinn Park Bike Skills Area: A neighbourhood bike skills area in Saanich with a twisty pump track and beginner-friendly features. There’s also a playground and easy walking trails at this one!

Best for a mix of ages and abilities

• Jordie Lunn Bike Park: One of the best bike parks around, with something for all levels. Younger riders can stick to the beginner areas and pump tracks, while older or more confident kids can explore the bigger features.

• Tripp Station Bike Park: A fun Saanich spot with a paved pump track, dirt jumps, and small skills features. Great for a quick visit or paired with a park hang nearby.

For more confident riders

• Topaz Bike Park: A central option with a paved pump track and some more advanced areas. It’s a great spot for confident kids, but can be busy, so younger riders may do best at quieter times.

🌈 Try This: Our kiddos love rainbows, and one of our favourite simple outdoor activities is taking an egg carton outside and filling each section with little nature treasures in every colour of the rainbow: petals, leaves, rocks, sticks, and whatever else they can find.

🍗 Make This: Spring activities have felt full-on this year, and for easy dinners, I’ve been very grateful for the humble rotisserie chicken. A few easy ways to turn one into a family-friendly meal: chicken pesto quesadillas, white chicken chili, chicken caesar wraps, chicken tacos, or a mild chicken curry.

☀️ Camp Planner: Map out your summer with Little Local’s Camp Planner. It’s perfect for discovering camps and filling in those still-empty summer weeks. Filter camps by week, provider, or interest, and save the camps you’ve registered for all in one place.

🛒 Urban Grocer: A locally owned grocery store with a little bit of everything, from everyday basics and fresh produce to prepared foods, quality meats, and lots of local goodies. At the Junction of Fort Street and Oak Bay Avenue.

💦 Summer Swim ‘n’ Skate Pass: For $35 + GST, children and youth ages 5–18 can enjoy unlimited swims and skates at Saanich recreation centres from June 1 to August 31, 2026. Skate rentals included.

This Weekend

🛍️ Mother’s Day Weekend Craft Market at Bilston Creek Farm
May 8–10 | 10am–4pm
A lovely mix of local makers, flowers, and treats in a beautiful farm setting. [Info]

🎉 Quadra Village Day
Saturday, May 9 | 10am–2pm
A free neighbourhood celebration on Kings Road between Dowler and Quadra, with a pancake breakfast and family-friendly activities (inflatables, face-painting, games). [Info]

🥁 Victoria Tartan Parade
Saturday, May 9 | 11am
The Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival kicks off with the annual Tartan Parade starting at Centennial Square. [Info]

🌸 Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour
Saturday & Sunday, May 9–10 | 10am–4pm
Wander beautiful local gardens with live music performances along the way. [Info]

Upcoming

🎡 Luxton Spring Fair
May 14–17
A classic May long weekend outing with midway rides, games, sweet treats, vendors, antique farm equipment, heritage displays, and free grounds admission. The midway runs Thursday and Friday afternoons/evenings, with longer hours on Saturday and Sunday. [Info]

🏴 Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival
May 16–17
Pipe bands, Highland dancing, heavy events, Scottish/Celtic food and vendors, music, clan booths, and plenty for kids to watch and wander through. The full Games weekend runs Saturday and Sunday at Topaz Park. [Info]

🐰 Ballet Victoria’s Alice in Wonderland
May 15–16
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole in Ballet Victoria’s playful, family-friendly production at the Royal Theatre. There’s an evening show on Friday and a 2pm matinee on Saturday. [Info]

🧙 Metchosin Spring Witches Market
May 16–17 | 10am–4pm
A free market with witchy makers, mystics, potion-making vibes, and a little bit of magic for families who like a quirky outing. [Info]

🎉 Victoria Day Parade
Monday, May 18
A big Victoria classic. The CHEK-presented parade starts at Mayfair Mall and ends downtown at Douglas and Humboldt. Good for kids who love marching bands, floats, and a crowd. [Info]

🎉 Family Fun Day with Braefoot
Saturday, May 23 | 11am–2pm
A community celebration at Braefoot Elementary School with games, activities, and fun for all ages. [Info]

⛵ Swiftsure International Yacht Race
May 23–24
One for the boat-loving kids. Swiftsure is a long-running sailing race that starts off Clover Point, with boats racing out into the Juan de Fuca Strait and finishing back near Victoria Harbour. [Info]

🏃 Oak Bay Half Marathon + Kids 1K
Sunday, May 24
The race lineup includes a half marathon, 10K, relay, and a 1K kids run, making it a nice community morning even if you’re just cheering from the sidelines. [Info]

Ongoing Programming

📚 Storytime at the Library
Multiple dates and times
An easy outing with stories, songs, and rhymes for little ones. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Check out our storytime timetable.

👶🏼 Kindergym + Play Groups
Multiple dates and times
Open play with toys, climbing, and space to run around! Great for toddlers and preschoolers (and a nice way to meet other parents). Check out our Kindergym & Play Groups timetable to find one near you.

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.