Spring Break Activities around Vancouver Island

Spring Break is just around the corner, and it seems to be a common question (and concern) on every parent’s mind how they’re going to keep their children occupied during that time.

We’ve dredged through our archives, and did some further research on what’s happening in communities across Vancouver Island, to bring you this extensive list of ideas.

From little ones to teens, we’ve come up with some great activities to keep everyone (including parents) entertained. And the best part is, many of the locations mentioned can be enjoyed at any time of year! (So yes, that means you can reuse these ideas for that long summer break too).

South Island Spring Break Activities

Victoria

Beacon Hill Park

• The Beacon Hill Children’s Farm has baby goats to gush over. They open for the season on March 6. Visit the petting area to say hello to these new furry kids. While you are there don’t forget to view the alpacas, pigs, and bunnies too.
• Then take a walk to the nearby pond in Beach Hill Park for a large selection of waterfowl, ducks, and peacocks.

Royal BC Museum

• Have a budding photographer on your hands? From now until March 29 experience the wonders of nature through the lenses of award-winning photographers from around the world at the Royal BC Museum.
• Then from May until the end of December, you can dive deep into the stories and science that surround the magnificent Orca.
• IMAX (at the Royal BC Museum)
  • Back From the Brink – Saved from Extinction opens Feb 28
  • Sea Lions – Life by a Whisker opens Feb 28
  • Dinosaurs of Antarctica opens April 3
• There are quite a few “special screenings” of various films throughout Spring Break. Check their website for up-to-date information

Bug Museum

Victoria Bug Museum – 631 Courtney Street

• A visit to this must-see mini zoo offers an excellent opportunity to view and experience live tropical bugs from around the world. All the animals are alive and in tanks. (And you choose how up close and personal you’d like to be!).
• During Spring Break, the Victoria Bug Museum opens its doors for an extra 2 hours per day! Enjoy non-stop bug fun from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Comic Com

Captial City Comic Com – held at the Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden (720 Douglas Street)

• Is your teen into comics? From March 20-22 head to the Capital City Comic Com – a multigenre entertainment and comic convention. This year’s convention is bigger and better than ever and packed with unique demo’s, attractions, and features.
• It’s your opportunity to meet famous stars, artists and cosplayers, and partake in special events.

Lego Exhibition

Lego Exhibition at the Sidney Museum – 2423 Beacon Avenue, Sidney

• The Sidney Museum presents to you the ever-popular Lego Exhibition celebrating over 60 years of Lego imagination. This year featuring a wider range of themes including Star Wars, Minecraft, Friends, Harry Potter, Batman and vintage sets. Learn about the history of the many Lego models on display, guess how many bricks were used to build the giant Lego Tower or challenge yourself with a scavenger hunt with three levels of difficulty for all ages.  On now until March 31, 2020.

Butterfly Garden

Location: 1461 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay

Victoria’s Butterfly Garden (located in Brentwood Bay) offers an opportunity for people of all ages to experience the beauty and curiosity of a tropical jungle up close.  You’ll also encounter dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free-flying tropical birds and more.

For other great indoor activities in the Victoria area, read this article:

Indoor Attractions in Victoria

Cowichan Valley

Raptor Centre

The Raptors Centre – 1877 Herd Road, Duncan

• The Raptors offers a compelling interactive experience with birds of prey. Get closer than you ever imagined to these exciting, intelligent birds and learn about their world and how we all benefit when they survive and thrive. 
  • Open Daily starting on March 10 from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm until May 17th (it’s their shoulder season)
  • Flying demonstrations are at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm (these are an absolute MUST SEE!)

Visit the Kinsol Trestle

Location: Glen Eagles Rd, Shawnigan Lake

The Kinsol Trestle is one of the tallest free-standing and most spectacular timber rail trestle structures in the world. At 187 metres in length and standing 44 metres above the Koksilah River, it’s an incredible sight.

For even more adventure, The Kinsol Trestle is one of eight trestles found along the Cowichan Valley Trail. Can you find them all?

CVRD

Spring Break Camps in the Cowichan Valley 

• The Island Savings Centre is pleased to offer a variety of exciting camps this spring break, including laser tag, mountain biking, dance, bowling and more! Check out their Rec Guide for more details.

Spring Break Activities – Mid-Island

Nanaimo

Free Skating!

• Lions Free Skate! Head to Frank Crane Arena (2300 Bowen Road) on Sunday, March 15 AND March 22 from 12:00 – 1:30 for a free Skate. Courtesy of a variety of program sponsors.
• Free Skate at the NIC – 750 Third Street – Friday, March 20 from 3:45 – 5:15. Courtesy of Coast Capital Savings.

Swimming Fun

Pool Party at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre – 741 Third Street

• Join the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre for “Spring-a-Ding” swims. March 15-28 from 1-3 pm. There will be games, contests and much more!

Free Swim at Beban Pool 

• Head to the Beban Pool on Friday, March 27 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm for a free swim. Courtesy of Coast Capital Savings.

Festival Nanaimo

• Festival Nanaimo is a multi-dimensional community festival that takes place in Nanaimo throughout the month of March each year.  2020 marks the 6th Annual Festival Nanaimo – a festival about exploring Nanaimo, through a variety of activities and signature events.
• There will be great music, performance art, visual art, culinary events, lectures, recreation and many other special events. 
• Check out all the details on their website.

Nanaimo Museum

Spring Break at Nanaimo Museum – 100 Museum Way

• Explore the murky, misty world of the Strait of Georgia. In Kids’ Case Files: Searching for Caddy, children and youth aged 5-15 can don goloshes and binoculars in search of the local sea serpent. The
• The exhibit is available Monday – Saturday, March 16-March 28, 10-5 pm

WildPlay

WildPlay Nanaimo – 35 Nanaimo River Road

• Adventure activities of every intensity, including 19 zip lines, 67 aerial games, 40ft jump, 150ft bungee jump, and a 150ft giant swing.
• Open during Spring Break: March 13 – 29 – Thursday – Monday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Parks and Rec

Nanaimo Parks and Rec offer plenty of fun Spring Break camps for your young ones to enjoy. You can check out the Spring/Summer rec guide here: (note, Spring Break camps are on pages 28 & 29)

Spring/Summer Activity Guide

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For more indoor activities in Nanaimo, check out:

Nanaimo’s Best Indoor Activities

Spring Break Activities in Oceanside

Brant Wildlife Festival

• The festival celebrates nature, particularly Brant geese, but also the arrival of thousands of migratory birds, fish and marine animals to the shores of Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
• There are 25 events planned during the Festival (March and April).
• Check out their website for more details

Tiger Lily Farm

Tiger Lily Farm – 1692 Errington Road

Opening back up again starting Mid-March. Enjoy pony rides and plenty of baby animals. Goat Milking, Bottle Feeding, Egg Collecting and Chick Counting are just a few of the activities you can expect to participate in at Tiger Lily Farm.

Scavenger Hunt

Parksville Library – 100 Jensen Avenue E

• Parksville Library is hosting a spring break scavenger hunt for families. Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet in the children’s area and look for the images. Enter your finished sheet in the ballot box.

RDN Spring Break Camps and More!

• The RDN has plenty to offer during Spring Break, including many camps, Everyone Welcome Swim and Skate (some free), drop-in programs, and much more.
• Check out their online guide for all the details.

Mini-Golfing

Just in time for Spring Break, both mini-golf adventure parks in Parksville will re-open for the season.

• Riptide – 1000 Resort Drive re-opens on March 15. Hours of operation are 9:30 am – 7:00 pm
• Paradise Fun Park – 375 W. Island Hwy reopens mid-March. Hours of operation are 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (weather dependent).

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Comox Valley Spring Break Activities

Courtenay Recreation offers many fun Spring Break activities. You can check out their rec guide here:

Courtenay Recreation Guide

Go-Kart and Monster Truck Rides

Head to Saratoga Speedway for some great family fun. The Go-Karts are open for Spring Break, Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 22 from noon to 4:00 pm weather permitting.

Go-Kart rentals are for all ages. Children 7 years and older ride on their own. Under 7 ride for FREE, when accompanied by an adult. All equipment is supplied (goggles and helmet).

article credit:  www.vancouverislandview.com