Updated: October 2018
Family vacations are great. You get to spend time together, make memories, and take photos you will cherish forever. Anyone who has been to Whistler knows that our little town is the ultimate family playground. We have so many amazing family friendly options it can be hard to decide what to do while you’re here. To help take the guesswork out of planning your next trip, I’ve rounded up some of my favourite activities that your little ones will love.
Make Memories
Family vacations are where some of our most cherished and lasting memories are created. Looking back on my own childhood, learning to ski with my family has given me some of fondest childhood memories. A great way to all learn together is to book a Family Private lesson. You get to be there see your kids’ skills and confidence grow as you explore the mountains together.
For a classic Canadian family experience, head down to the Callaghan Valley for an afternoon of tobogganing. Whistler Olympic Park has everything you need for a day of sliding fun. Helmets and toboggans are available for rent, so all you need to do is wear toasty warm clothes. Learn more about all the Callaghan has to offer.
A tired kid is a happy kid, and Whistler is packed with fun and exciting ways to tucker your kids out. A day out in the fresh air while snowshoeing through snow-covered forests will have your kids hungry for dinner, and sawing logs at bedtime.
If they’re still rowdy, indoor rock climbing at The Core is the perfect mix of fun and challenge in the evening. You’ll love their kids climbing programs. You can drop your kids off and fit in a workout yourself, or unwind with a cold drink nearby.
Take It Slow
Vacations can be exhausting, so it’s important to take a bit of time to slow down and recharge. Our local movie theatre is a great place to catch evening flick together. They do a great job of always having kid friendly movies available.
Another great spot to recharge is our local library. Tucked away on a side street just off the Village Stroll, this beautiful building’s programming calendar is stacked with events and activities for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for more ways to take it slow, our Cultural Connector path features a great selection of arts and culture venues where the vibe is chilled out and kids are catered for with a range of craft activities – check the individual venues for what’s on.
Master New Challenges
Nothing bonds people together like taking on a new challenge together. If your family already knows how to downhill ski, try challenging your bodies together by giving cross-country skiing a try.
For a mental workout, the escape rooms at Escape! Whistler are a great family challenge. Their riddles and puzzles draw on a wide range of skills so your kids can stay involved in the fun. And don’t worry, they can give plenty of tips if you need them.
Get Creative
With so much natural beauty surrounding us in Whistler, it’s easy to feel artistically inspired. To help support even the youngest budding artists Arts Whistler has some great programs happening year-round, and the Audain Art Museum hosts Family Studio Sundays from 12 – 4 PM, which are free with admission. Stop by and you can create something beautiful together.
Explore Together
Our mountains are full of secrets for you and your little ones to discover. Hidden just off the main runs on Whistler and Blackcomb are the Treefort and the Magic Castle (check out a kid friendly mountain map here). Venture in and you will find the ultimate clubhouses for kids, complete with slides, bridges and towers.
Uniquely Whistler
Whistler’s family fun doesn’t end when the ski lifts stop turning. Bring the whole family to Olympic Plaza for the Whistler Presents Family Après. The plaza becomes a winter wonderland complete with snow sliding, skating, hot drinks, and twinkling lights. If you’re lucky enough to be here on a Sunday night make sure to take the whole gang to Skiers Plaza to catch the weekly Fire and Ice show. Watching skiers and snowboarders jump through blazing rings of fire is something you’re not going to want to miss!
This list is just the start of all the things to do as a family in Whistler, where kids can have a blast year-round. Learn more about planning a trip here and don’t forget BC Family Day is coming up.
