Adventurous
Family
Attractions A
dventures, like families, come in all shapes, sizes and varieties.
Whether you have toddlers, tots, tikes, ’tweens or teens, there’s lots to keep everyone busy and having fun this summer. From one end of the Island to the other—and every place in between—adventure and discovery await. Whatever your family’s favourite adventure, finding fun and excitement this summer is easy. For proof—and ideas—read on…
In the coldest place on earth, two teams raced to be the first to reach the south pole. Only one came back.
ON NOW! Get your tickets at explore.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca Race to the End of the Earth is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, and the Royal British Columbia Museum, and Musée des Confluences, Lyon, France.
Visit with us—See the world’s smallest operational sawmill, view two of the world’s largest doll houses, experience one of the world’s largest model railroads, visit the wonderful world of the circus, take a spaceship to the stars, travel through the Enchanted Valley of Castles, witness the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, and further adventures. Tiny treasures and little pleasures await all who continue into Frontierland, Fantasyland, the Fields of Glory, the World of Dickens and much more. Special effects in lighting, sound and animation. Open Daily. 649 Humboldt St, Victoria 250-385-9731 www.miniatureworld.com
The Tube Shack is Lake Cowichan’s original and premier tube rental and shuttle service. We provide a no-hassle way to the island’s best kept secret—tube the Cowichan River! Simply turn up with swim suit, footwear and sunscreen applied and we THE will do the rest. Pick a tube, jump off our private dock, Lake cowichan, BC float through the most amazing scenery for 2.5 hours and we will be waiting to shuttle you right n io t Men t e back to your car. Safe for ALL ages and G o t d This A ff! the best value for money activity you will find. O % 10 www.cowichanriver.com 250-510-RIDE (7433)
Looking for something to do with the family this summer? Jumping Jiminy’s is the answer! This indoor play centre is almost 9,000 sq. ft. with a 3,000 sq. ft. play structure, ping pong and air hockey tables, party area, toddler play area, and homestyle cooking café with full espresso bar. Open seven days a week, J.J’s offers a safe, clean, stimulating, air-conditioned family friendly environment. #400–2980 Island Highway North Rock City Centre, Nanaimo 250-729-0999
TUBE SHACK
Welcome to the amazing world of insects and spiders. Discover over 60 species of giant walkingsticks, alieneyed praying mantis, huge horned beetles, hairy bird-eating tarantulas, glow-in-thedark scorpions and Canada’s largest leaf-cutter ant farm. ALL LIVE, in a safe, friendly atmosphere. While in Victoria, be sure to crawl, fly or wriggle your way to this fascinating family adventure and great gift shop. Open daily. Located in Downtown Victoria, one block north of the Empress Hotel. 631 Courtney Street 250-384-BUGS (2847) www.bugzoo.com
Camping & Adventure at Horne Lake Provincial Park! Treat your family to one of the most fascinating and educational outdoor destinations on Vancouver Island. Explore the crystal-filled caverns with tours ranging from mild to wild. There are also two more rugged caves you can explore at your own pace. Guided Family Cavern tours depart every
hour 10am–5pm. Prefer to stay above-ground? Play Spiderman on a beginner rock rappelling session then check out Canada’s only Cave Theatre and Museum with a fossil collection. Or combine all the above with “All-Inclusive” Family Adventure Camps. These weekend camps include all meals, activities and a teepee to camp in! Lakefront camping is available within walking distance. www.hornelake.com 1-888-285-PARK (7275)
Rocky Mountain Express
Kenya: Animal Kingdom
There’s no time for excuses, just primal fun and games at WildPlay Element Parks! The nature-based Parks, in Victoria and Nanaimo, offer four exciting aerial adventures that get adults, teens, kids and groups outside their comfort zone. Guests can take a playground pastime to the extreme on the super-high, super-speed Primal Swing—or make the heart race with an adrenaline-pumping Bungy Jump—from the 150' high bridge hovering over the river. Carefree flights on the DragonFLY Zip Lines soar across the canyon, and unleashing your inner-monkey is easy on the tree-top Monkido Aerial Adventure obstacle courses! Nanaimo: 35 Nanaimo River Road 1-888-716-7374 West Shore Victoria: 15-1767 Island Highway 1-888-856-7275 www.wildplay.com
In IMAX®, you don’t just see it—you experience it! The immense size of the IMAX screen and powerful, chair shaking, surround sound takes you to places you can only imagine! Climb aboard a steam locomotive and discover a BC you might never have known, fly with millions of butterflies, travel with Maasai warriors on a giant-screen African safari or join some courageous Antarctic explorers. It’s IMAX—bring your family and come along for the adventure. Shows play hourly into the evening. Hollywood feature-length films are often added to the evening schedule. Concession and National Geographic Store onsite. In the Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street 250-480-4887 www.imaxvictoria.com
Meet hawks, owls, falcons, vultures and eagles as they fly around and above you during an exciting flying demonstration! Learn all about birds of prey and their roles in our environment. Hands-on experiences available daily let you meet birds up close and personal. Kids’ summer camps run in July and August—a week of activities, crafts, bird handling and so much more—an awesome experience for kids. 1877 Herd Road, Duncan www.pnwraptors.com 250-746-0372
Everyone loves a train ride! With over a mile of rail, our train will take you on a guided tour through the fertile fields of Blenkinsop Valley. Then search the winding paths of the Corn Maze for answers to the clues to our annual Scavenger Hunt. See the many life-sized attractions, visit the Petting Farm full of fuzzy friends, clamber on the Playground by the Picnic Area and visit our Market full of fresh local produce from our own fields. Put it all together and you have a day of healthy fun for the whole family! See the amazing sphinx, giant bridge and waterfall, ghost town and so much more that brings Galey Farms to life! Be sure to bring your camera. An unforgettable venue for birthday and office parties. www.galeyfarms.net 250-477-5713 4150 Blenkinsop Rd, Victoria (1/2 km north of McKenzie)
Great Pacific Adventures whale watching and Cycletreks bike tours will get your family “out there” for exciting outdoor adventures. Ask about our family of 4 discount. Contact us at 250-386-2277 toll free at 1-877-733-6722 or visit our websites at www.greatpacificadventures.com or www.cycletreks.com
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