Little Local - Nov 13

With the wetter weather setting in, this week we’re keeping things cozy. Inside you’ll find our go-to indoor spots, details about Cineplex’s Community Day, and a peek at the Kids Winter Craft Market, where my boys will be set up as little vendors. Hope to see you there!

Where to Play Indoors

The rainy season is back, and while puddle jumping is always a good idea, sometimes you just need a warm, dry place where kids can play and burn off a little energy. Here are some of our favourite indoor options around Greater Victoria:

Community Play & Rec Centres

• Check out a local playgroup or kindergym drop-in at your neighbourhood rec or community centre. We made a guide / timetable here!

• Head to your local pool for a family swim or warm up in the kiddie pools.

Library

• Visit your local branch for storytime, curl up with a book, play with the STEM toys, or try one of the GVPL’s new Yoto to Go Kits and Cards.

Indoor Play Spaces

• Momease Meet-Up (Hillside) – a cozy spot where parents can connect while little ones play. Best for kids 4 and under.

• Dreamland at Mayfair – a vibrant play area with lots of room to run, climb, and explore. If you need to run errands at Mayfair

• Flying Squirrel – a favourite among high-energy kids who love jumping, flipping, and bouncing.

• PlayZone (Langford) – a massive multi-level climbing structure with slides, tunnels, and plenty of space to roam.

Activities & Attractions

• Langford Lanes – Bowling is always a fun indoor win.

• The Royal BC Museum  & IMAX (Downtown) – great for curious kids, with lots to see and do. We also love the IMAX!

• Maritime Museum of BC (Downtown) – hands-on exhibits and local history.

• BC Aviation Museum (North Saanich) – airplanes and interactive displays.

• Bug Zoo (Downtown) – for families who love creepy crawlies.

• Miniature World (Downtown) – intricate, detailed displays that kids (and adults) love.

• Butterfly Gardens (Brentwood Bay) – warm, tropical, and full of colour! It’s Mango’s the Flamingo’s 50th birthday on Nov 22!

• Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea (Sidney) – our local aquarium with touch pools, a resident octopus, and lots to explore.

Family Guide to Downtown

In case you missed it last week, we released a Downtown Guide to help inspire your next family outing, because downtown isn’t just for tourists. It’s full of easy, kid-friendly places to eat, play, and explore.

This past weekend, we carved out an afternoon, picked a couple of spots from the guide, and then just wandered, exploring museums and shops, and soaking up the waterfront views. We also arrived on empty stomachs because there are so many family-friendly places to eat (and plenty of hot cocoa options!) downtown.

Where to get it: Pick up a copy from City Hall or download your free copy here! 👇🏼

And coming soon: our Downtown Holiday BINGO! Once the lights, markets, and displays are up later this month, you’ll be able to grab your card and start checking off festive family adventures all over downtown.

🌱 Sprout Family Health: A simple membership, designed for families, gives you unlimited Nurse Practitioner care, same or next-day appointments, and on-demand phone or text support from a Registered Nurse. Plus proactive care like annual health assessments, DEXA scans, developmental milestone checks, parent coaching, and access to specialists for assessments, referrals, and guidance. Sign up now and get everything your family needs in one membership.

🧑🏽‍💻 KWENCH: Drowning in home distractions while you work? 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: Led by an award-winning team, 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] 

Little Local is a free, local newsletter. If Little Local has helped your family discover new places and experiences this year, consider supporting our work so we can keep growing. Thank you!
–Sarah

📅 Weekend Events

🕯 Lantern Festival with Wild Child
Friday, Nov 14 | 4:30–6pm
Join Wild Child for a magical evening of light and community. Families can make lanterns, enjoy warm drinks, and take part in a twilight walk to celebrate the season. [Info]

🎄 All Sooke Arts & Crafts Christmas Show
Nov 14–16
Browse hundreds of handcrafted treasures made by local makers, perfect for holiday gifting or treating yourself. And get a photo with Santa! [Info]

🎁 Christmas Holiday Vintage Fair
Friday, Nov 14 & Saturday, Nov 15
This festive two-day market at the DaVinci Centre is filled with curated vintage finds, handmade goods, and seasonal décor. There will be a visit from Santa & Rudolph on Saturday from 11am-1pm. [Info]

🎨 Family Sunday: Fun with Line (AGGV)
Sunday, Nov 16 | 2–4pm
Get creative with this hands-on art session exploring line, movement, and play at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. [Info]

📅 Upcoming and Ongoing

🎄 Festival of Trees
Starting Nov 14 | Bay Centre
Step into a forest of beautifully decorated trees at the Bay Centre! Each tree is uniquely designed by local businesses and organizations, with proceeds supporting BC Children’s Hospital. A magical holiday stroll for all ages. [Info]

🍬 Gingerbread House Challenge
Nov 15–Dec 31
Pick up a gingerbread kit from Panorama or Greenglade, decorate it with family or friends, and return your creation to Panorama by Dec 1 for the festive CFAX Santa’s Anonymous display and community challenge! [Info]

✨ Lights of Wonder
Nov 29 – Dec 31 | Centennial Square
Downtown Victoria’s biggest light display returns! Wander through sparkling tunnels, snap a few photos, and enjoy live entertainment and food vendors on select nights. Free and festive fun for the whole family. [Info]

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.