20 Best Things to do in Victoria with Kids (2026)
Affiliate Disclosure: This guide on things to do with kids in Victoria contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
HI, I’M TARA!
As a devoted family traveler, I share tips for incredible adventures with kids. My goal is to help your family create unforgettable memories around the world.
INTRODUCTION
Planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Victoria, BC with kids? Although I live in Vancouver with my husband and children, I was born in Victoria and have returned countless times over the years. Some of my favorite memories are from exploring its gardens, parks, waterfront and museums as a family.
From simple, budget-friendly outings like visiting the Children’s Farm at Beacon Hill Park to more memorable experiences like afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, this guide shares my top 20 favorite things to do in Victoria, BC with kids.
Note: If you are also looking for a place to stay, I also have a separate guide to the best family hotels in Victoria, B.C., or jump ahead to my quick list at the end of this post.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA (TOP 5)
If you’re short on time, these are my absolute top picks for activities in Victoria for kids. You could comfortably cover this list over a two-day visit and come away with a really memorable family holiday. (I go into more detail on each activity later on in this guide.)
FISHERMAN’S WHARF – A colorful floating village with food kiosks, floating homes, and a good chance of spotting seals, reached via a picturesque stroll from Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
BUTCHART GARDENS – An extraordinary themed garden that’s surprisingly fun to explore with kids, complete with a carousel and tea house.
ROYAL BC MUSEUM – One of the best museums in Canada, with immersive exhibits that are especially engaging for kids.
WHALE WATCHING – A once-in-a-lifetime experience for kids in Victoria that often includes sightings of both orcas and humpback whales. (See the top 1/2 day whale watching tour from Victoria harbour.)
BEACON HILL PARK – A large, family-friendly park with playgrounds, walking paths, and a popular children’s farm.
20 THINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA WITH KIDS
Now that you have a quick overview of the top highlights, here are my favorite Victoria activities for kids, in detail, along with a few helpful tips to make your visit as smooth (and fun) as possible.
1. THE BUTCHART GARDENS
Recently designated a National Historic Site of Canada, The Butchart Gardens is an incredible, 4th-generation, family-owned property, world-renowned for its beauty. (Would you believe the Sunken Garden shown below was once a limestone quarry?)
Kids will love wandering the endless paths and riding the charming carousel. During the summer months, there is nightly entertainment, along with fireworks on Saturday nights throughout July and August (you’ll want to arrive early, as these are especially popular).
If you’re visiting with younger children, be sure to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at the information desk on your way in. And don’t worry if the weather isn’t perfect — there are bins of clear umbrellas placed throughout the gardens for guests to use.
For a special treat, consider booking a table in the Dining Room for afternoon tea. They offer a dedicated children’s tea menu, complete with kid-friendly sandwiches, sweet treats, and drinks.
TIP: Not all tables in the dining room are equal. Request one by a window with garden views.
Learn more on the official Butchart Gardens website. If you do not have your own transportation, there are express bus options that can be booked from downtown Victoria with Viator.
2. THE ROYAL BC MUSEUM
The Royal BC Museum has long been one of the best things to do in Victoria, BC with kids, and it remains a great option, especially on a rainy day. In fact, some of my own favourite childhood memories are from visiting this museum with my parents and grandparents so many years ago!
While the museum is in the process of updating and reworking some of its exhibits, most of its popular galleries are still open and continue to be a big hit with families.
In particular, Old Town and the Natural History Gallery are always crowd-pleasers. Old Town is incredibly immersive, allowing you to walk through a recreated early 20th-century streetscape, while the Natural History Gallery takes you through the forests, coastline, and wildlife of British Columbia. From towering trees to coastal ecosystems and ocean life, there’s plenty here to capture kids’ attention.
A newer addition is Critical Distance, an immersive augmented reality experience that brings you face-to-face with a holographic orca pod — a pretty memorable experience for kids.
If you’re looking for indoor activities in Victoria with kids, this is one of the easiest and most engaging options. It’s worth booking tickets online in advance, especially during peak travel periods. For more information, visit the official Royal BC Museum website.
3. VICTORIA WHALE WATCHING
Whale watching is one of the top family activities in Victoria. On a typical outing, you may spot seals, porpoises, sea lions, orcas, and increasingly, humpback whales in the waters of the Salish Sea.
NOTE: In recent years, additional protections have been put in place for southern resident killer whales (orcas). Boats are now required to stay at least 400 metres away in Canadian waters. For humpback whales, the minimum viewing distance is 100 metres. These guidelines are widely followed by local operators and have strong support within the whale watching community.
Tours typically run for about half a day, with both morning and afternoon departures available. You’ll find a range of operators and boat types to suit your comfort level, from open-air Zodiacs to larger, covered cruisers. Conveniently, most tours depart right from the Inner Harbour, just steps from many of Victoria’s hotels.
Browse all Victoria whale watching tours on Viator, or take a look at a few of the top-rated options below:
4. VISIT FISHERMAN’S WHARF
This colourful little community of floating homes, food kiosks, and eco-tour companies makes for a fun stop during a day of family activities in Victoria. It’s an easy and pleasant walk from the Inner Harbour, or you can hop on one of the cute Victoria Harbour ferries, which kids will love.
One of the highlights for kids is spotting the resident seals that often hang out around the docks — they’re usually just as curious about you as you are about them.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the food options, you really can’t go wrong with The Fish Store for fresh seafood or Jackson’s Ice Cream Float for something sweet.
NOTE: On a recent visit, I couldn’t help but notice the fact that near the seating area there were a selection of life jackets available for children. I found this to be a very considerate touch as I recall many occasions where I have had to hold my kids by their collars near water hazards.
Learn more on the official Fisherman’s Wharf website.
5. THE BEACON HILL CHILDREN’S FARM
A short walk from the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park is home to the much-loved Children’s Farm. This is a perfect stop if you’re looking for toddler activities in Victoria. The farm is home to a variety of animals that kids will love, including pigs, donkeys, alpacas, and dozens of peacocks.
Try to visit at opening so you don’t miss the running of the goats at 10:10 am (it also happens again at 4:10 pm). Everyone lines the pathways and cheers as the goats run, kick, and jump their way from the barn to the petting zoo area — it’s so much fun. Alternatively, you can time your visit for the mid-day feeding between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.
The farm is open from 10 am to 4 pm, from early mid-March to mid-October.
For more information and farm guidelines, see the official Beacon Hill Children’s Farm website.
NOTE: Beacon Hill Park also has two playgrounds and two seasonal spray parks, making it easy to spend a few hours here with kids.
6. AFTERNOON TEA FOR KIDS
Afternoon tea at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel has been a tradition in Victoria since the early 1900s and remains one of the more memorable experiences for both kids and parents. (My grandmother took me when I was about six, and I remember it like it was yesterday.)
Served in their elegant Lobby Lounge, they offer a special Royal Tea designed just for children ages 5–12. The menu includes a mini tea service (or juice), along with a selection of kid-friendly sandwiches and delicious desserts.
As this is a very popular experience, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Learn more on the official Fairmont Empress website.
Also offering a children’s afternoon tea in Victoria is the Pendray Tea House. While not quite as formal as the Empress, it’s much easier on the budget (the Pendray children’s tea is $25 compared to $70 for the Royal Tea at the Fairmont Empress).
If you’re planning to visit Butchart Gardens, they offer a children’s afternoon tea in The Dining Room. Reservations are recommended, especially during the busy summer months.
NOTE: For an extra budget-friendly option, skip full afternoon tea and visit family-owned Murchie’s Tea & Coffee on Government Street instead—one of Canada’s oldest tea companies and a true Victoria institution. It’s relaxed and family-friendly, with proper tea, scones, and little treats at a much lower price.
7. THE VICTORIA HARBOUR FERRIES
If you asked my kids, they would tell you that one of their favourite things to do in Victoria is ride the Victoria Harbour Ferries. These cute, pint-sized ferries connect over a dozen stops around the harbour and are as much about the experience as they are about getting from A to B.
You can also opt for a longer harbour tour, which includes a 45-minute guided ride past historic landmarks like the Parliament Buildings, First Nations territories, floating home communities, and even seaplanes taking off and landing.
If time allows, consider hopping off at Fisherman’s Wharf for fish and chips, or simply enjoy the ride and return to the Empress Dock with your captain.
Also worth noting is the Harbour Ferry Ballet, where these highly manoeuvrable ferries perform a choreographed routine set to music — a fun and slightly quirky event. Check the schedule in advance, as it typically runs from May to September.
Learn more and view the schedule on the official Victoria Harbour Ferry website.
8. CAPTURE THOSE MEMORIES
One of the best things we have ever done on one of our trips, is to take an hour out of a day for a family photo shoot with a professional photographer. (We’ve done it twice, actually). As chief family photographer, it finally allowed me to be our trip photos!
We use the company Flytographer because we find their booking process so easy. You simply select your location, choose one of their curated photographers, pick a package, and set up a time. (Packages run $325 to $715 USD for a 30 to 120 minute shoot.)
HOT SAVINGS! Click HERE to receive $25 off your first Flytographer booking or gift card purchase.
9. FAN TAN ALLEY
Visit Canada’s oldest Chinatown and stroll down its narrowest street (It’s only 1.2m wide at one point). While once full of gambling and opium dens, Fan Tan Alley is now home to some cute little shops and restaurants.
10. THE VICTORIA BUG ZOO
One of the top rated attractions in Victoria for kids is the Bug Zoo. This unique place gives children the opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe and fun environment.
Get up close and personal with live giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantis, hairy tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions.
Knowledgeable bug guides share the secrets of this mysterious world and provide a safe bug handling experience for the more adventurous (clearly not for those suffering from entomophobia).
Learn more on the Victoria Bug Zoo website.
11. DINO LAB
Dino Lab is a private fossil gallery where visitors have the opportunity to see dinosaur bones, stunning mineral specimens, meteorites, fluorescent minerals, an ice age area and many other one of a kind pieces from our prehistoric history. You and your family will be given the opportunity to learn about and even touch actual dinosaur bones!
After visiting the fossil gallery, the tour continues behind the scenes in the facility’s world renowned fossil prep lab, where staff prepare specimens that now sit in museums and galleries all over the world. The experience wraps up with the opportunity to do some hands on fossil restoration using the same pneumatic tools and equipment that the experts use.
Dino Lab welcomes guests 4 years and up. Tours are 90 minutes long and must be booked in advance.
To book or learn more, visit DinoLabInc.ca.
12. MINIATURE WORLD
While I personally find this place a little tired and maybe even a little eerie, kids seem to absolutely love it. Even the less enthusiastic among us can appreciate the incredible amount of detail and work that has gone into the many historical scenes on display.
From tiny castles and circus scenes to wartime dioramas and working model railways, there’s a surprising amount to take in. Even better, there are plenty of buttons for busy toddlers to push. It’s also conveniently located just one street over from the Bug Zoo, making it easy to combine the two if you’re visiting Victoria with a toddler or young child.
Learn more on the official Miniature World website.
13. VICTORIA HORSE CARRIAGE RIDES
On a nice day, a Victoria carriage ride is a great way to enjoy a little guided tour of the city. There are several companies working the routes with tours starting at only 30 minutes. Horse carriages can generally be found at the corner of Mackenzie St. & Belville St., on the west side of the BC Parliament Buildings.
See also: Victoria carriage ride options on Viator.com.
14. VISIT MUNRO’S BOOK STORE
Munro’s Books occupies a landmark location in the heart of Victoria’s Old Town. Opened in 1963 by Jim Munro and his first wife, famed Canadian author Alice, the store has a nice children’s book section in the back. In a day an age when a locally-run book store is a rarity, this place is a real treat.
Learn more on the official Munro’s Books website.
15. VICTORIA BOARD GAME CAFE
Interactivity Board Game Cafe is a great place to spend a few hours re-connecting with family. It is also ideal if you are looking for activities in Victoria for kids that are suitable for a wide age range. They have hundreds of traditional and strategy-based board games to choose from, with visitors paying a per-person rate ($7.5 per person).
The cafe serves sandwiches, beverages and party snacks during the day as well as pizza in the evenings. There is a licensed side for those 19 years and older and a non-licensed family side.
Learn more on the Interactivity Board Game Cafe website.
16. VICTORIA OLD FASHIONED CANDY SHOP
I completely understand if you want to skip this one (and the sugar-shock that goes along with it), but the Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe in the main shopping area of Government Street is pretty fun. Who knew, for example, that you could buy carrot cake flavoured Oreos?
17. VICTORIA ESCAPE ROOMS
Perfect for a rainy day, Victoria has several escape room options. Not all of them, however, are suitable for kids (too scary). I would recommend taking a look at Quest Reality Games as their rooms are describes as at most “spooky”, but designed to be enjoyed by all ages.Learn more on the Quest Reality Games website.
18. CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE
Once home to one of the richest entrepreneurs in Western Canada, this restored mansion on a hill is the perfect way to get a feel for the full “Victorian” experience.
Tours are self-guided and tickets can be purchased on site. The castle is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
Note: The mansion is especially nice to visit when lavishly decorated for the December holiday season.
Learn more on thei Craigdarroch Castle website.
19. VICTORIA BUTTERFLY GARDENS
Not only is the Victoria Butterfly Gardens a delight for children, but it’s also conveniently located just down the road from the famed Butchart Gardens and close to the ferry terminal.
This 12,000 sq ft haven features over 3,000 butterflies, along with tropical ducks, flamingos, other rare birds, and Koi. My kids especially enjoyed examining various specimens under the microscopes.
Learn more on the official Butterfly Gardens website.
20. CENTRE FOR THE SALISH SEA
The Centre for the Salish Sea is a lovely aquarium and educational facility is about 30 minutes outside of Victoria in Sidney (near the Swartz Bay ferry terminal).
It is really well done with its only shortcoming being its small size. From the mouthes of babes I quote “Where’s the rest of it mom?”. Still, it has some really nice exhibits and a fantastic touch pool with very helpful volunteers.
Learn more on the Center for the Salish Sea website.
VICTORIA KIDS ACTIVITIES – SAVE MONEY
While Victoria doesn’t have a city-wide attraction pass like some destinations, there are still a few easy ways to stretch your budget a little further.
To start, some of the most enjoyable Victoria kids activities are completely free — wandering Fisherman’s Wharf, strolling the picturesque Inner Harbour (ideally with an ice cream cone in hand), and spending time at Beacon Hill Park are all highlights.
I’d also recommend checking the events calendar on the official Tourism Victoria official website so you don’t miss any local festivals or free family-friendly events.
For an inexpensive city tour option, there is a company called Toonie Tours that offers a gratuity-based walking tour of Victoria.
While AAA/CAA is generally more useful for hotel discounts, they do offer a small discount at Butterfly Gardens near the Swartz Bay Victoria ferry terminal.
Finally, it’s worth taking a look at sites like Viator, as they sometimes offer bundled experiences or discounted tickets. You may be able to save a bit by booking a package that combines a few of Victoria’s top family attractions.
The most popular Victoria tours include:
See a full list of Victoria day tours with Viator here.
FAMILY HOTELS VICTORIA, BC
For those planning family holidays in Victoria, finding the right hotel is key! Please see our 5 favourite hotels in Victoria for kids. Please also see our complete post on the best family hotels in Victoria, BC.
1. THE VICTORIA REGENT BOUTIQUE HOTEL (4★)
The Victoria Regent is a great option for families who want a little extra space right in the heart of downtown. Its spacious suites—many with harbour views and full kitchens—make it feel more like an apartment than a hotel, which can be a real bonus when traveling with kids.
👉 Check current rates at The Regent on Booking.com or Expedia.
2. THE FAIRMONT HOTEL EMPRESS (5★)
The Fairmont Empress is one of Victoria’s most iconic hotels, overlooking the Inner Harbour and known for its classic elegance and historic charm. It’s especially fun for families thanks to its famous afternoon tea, indoor pool, and walkable location near many of the city’s top attractions.
👉 Check current rates at The Empress on Booking.com or Expedia.
If you are looking to experience a truly special family getaway in Victoria, take a peek at the Kids Rule the Castle family package at the Fairmont Empress.
3. THE OSWEGO BOUTIQUE HOTEL VICTORIA (4★)
The Oswego Hotel is a great choice for families who prefer a quieter stay just steps from the Inner Harbour, tucked into the residential James Bay neighbourhood. Its spacious suites—with full kitchens, separate living areas, and plenty of room to spread out—make it feel more like a comfortable apartment than a typical hotel, especially for longer stays.
👉Check current rates at The Oswego Hotel on Booking.com or Expedia.
4. MARRIOTT OCEAN POINTE RESORT & SPA (4★)
The Marriott Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa (4★) is a great pick for families, with spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and plenty of on-site activities to keep kids happy. Located just across the harbour from downtown, it offers beautiful waterfront views and an easy walk (or quick water taxi ride) to Victoria’s main attractions.
👉Check current rates at Ocean Pointe on Booking.com or Expedia.
5. HOTEL ZED (3★)
The Hotel Zed Victoria is a fun, retro-inspired hotel that kids absolutely love, with playful touches like a waterslide, arcade, and colourful themed rooms. It’s a bit outside the downtown core, but the free bike rentals and quirky vibe make it a memorable and affordable choice for families.
👉Check current rates at the Hotel Zed on Booking.com or Expedia.
VICTORIA FAMILY HOTELS MAP
You can use the map below to search for hotels in Victoria based on your dates and budget. I’ve also added all of my favourite things to do with kids—denoted by light green stars—so you can easily see how everything lines up when choosing where to stay.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I really hope that I’ve convinced you that Victoria is a fantastic destination for families. It’s one of those places that is easy, beautiful, and full of little experiences kids genuinely love.
Should you have further questions, please feel free to reach out to me via direct message on Instagram, Facebook or by email. You can also save this post by tapping on the little heart in the right hand bottom corner of your screen.
Want to see more unique adventures? I would love for you to follow along with The Better Beyond on Instagram!
MORE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES
- Austin with Kids
- Tofino with Kids
- Paris with Kids
- Whistler with Kids – Winter
- Whistler with Kids – Summer
ThNk’s for great ideas for kids in BC! From Sweden but have lived in bc 2003-2004, and now looking to return with grandkids next summer.. Wineries with kids and Victoria with kids, will help convince the family to come along to a place I love!!?
Thank you for your kind comments Maria. I hope you do have the opportunity to return with the family. Please feel free to ask me anything if you have any specific questions about a trip. I am always happy to help.
WHAt great summary! I’m going to try and hit at least 10 of these!!!? they are fabulous!
Can’t wait!
Hi Rebecca,
I hope you have a great time in Victoria. We actually just returned yesterday from our annual Christmas visit. The city looks do pretty ! When are you going?
Great descriptions, thank you! Just a note from a long-time Victoria resident that, under item #10, the street names should be Menzies and Belleville – in case anyone is looking for them on GPS or a map. Enjoy!
Thank you so much for catching that Beth! Corrected. Hoping to visiting your fine city again soon. 🙂
Both the BC museum and Fisherman’s Wharf are wonderful places in downtown Victoria to visit. If you want a great view of the city I’d recommend climbing Christmas Hill. If you park at Swan Lake you can find a trail that goes to the right of Saint Andrew’s school and climb up Christmas hill to get the best view of the city, an even better view than Mount Douglas!