The New Years ball has dropped, and 2023 is here! 2022 has wrapped up, and with it, all of the Christmas events and festivals. Kids have headed back to school, and you as parents and caregivers may be looking for new fun events to explore as a family on the weekends. I’ve searched and searched, and come up with a list of events and activities around town for January/February. Know of something I’ve missed? Please let me know! I will continually update this list as I learn about new events.

Lego Exhibition at the Sidney Museum
When: December 1st, 2022 – March 31st 2023
Where: Sidney Museum
What: This is the 17th year of this popular event, which features hundreds of Lego kits, as well as family-friendly activities. Admission is by donation, and no pre-booking is required.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year
When: December 16th 2022 – April 16th 2023
Where: Royal BC Museum
What: Visit the museum and explore this amazing photography exhibit!

Good Morning Storytime
When: Thursdays, January 12th – March 2nd 2023, 10:30-11:15am
Where: Sidney North Saanich Library
What: Stories, songs, rhymes and movement for little ones ages 0-5 years.

Skate with the Peninsula Panthers
When: Saturday January 14th 2023, 12:00-1:20pm
Where: Panorama Recreation
What: Enjoy a special skate at Panorama Recreation, where you have the chance to share the ice with players from the Peninsula Panthers Junior B hockey team!

Museum Tots
When: Saturdays January 14th, 21st & 28th 2023, 10:30-11:15am
Where: Maritime Museum, Victoria
What: Explore the museum through play, crafts, dance, and games. Aimed at 3-5 year olds, but open to the whole family, this event has a different theme each week. Drop-ins are welcome, and the event is included with admission.

The Great Estimation Challenge
When: Sunday January 22nd – Sunday January 29th 2023
Where: Various Sidney businesses
What: Visit the 14 different businesses participating in the Great Estimation Challenge. Enter your estimate for the number of objects in the jar displayed and you could win a book, and the jar of items!

Family FUNdays
When: Sunday January 22nd and February 19th 2023, 9am-12pm
Where: Kaleidoscope Theater
What: A morning full of story telling, crafts, and dress up. Fun for the whole family! Register online for this free event.

Tot Tuesdays
When: January 24th – April 25 2023, 10:30-11:30am (no session during Spring Break)
Where: Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
What: A weekly event for parents and preschoolers (recommended ages 3-5) that includes stories, crafts, and activities. There is a new ocean theme each week – check out the linked site above for more details.

Songs & Stories with Nancy Dobbs
When: Saturday January 28th 2023, 10am-12pm
Where: Sidney North Saanich Library
What: Songs, stories and snacks – and even coffee for the adults! This is a free event, no registration required. Nancy Dobbs will be entertaining with her guitar from 10:30-11:15am.

Going Squirrelly CRD Guided Walk
When: Saturday January 28th 2023, 10:00-11:30am
Where: Elk/Beaver Lake
What: Learn about the life of a squirrel in this walk led by a CRD Regional Parks naturalist. This is a free event for all ages.

Chinese New Years Celebrations
When: Sunday January 29th 2023, 12:00-3:30pm
Where: Gates of Harmonious interest, Fisgard Street
What: Join in the celebration and enjoy the lion dance parade, and Kung Fu demonstrations!

Crazy Helmet Skate
When: Sunday January 29th 2023, 12:45-1:45pm
Where: Panorama Recreation
What: Show off your new or decorated helmet at this drop-in Everyone Welcome Skate. Regular drop-in rates apply.

Weekend Fire Pits in the Orchard
When: January & February 2023
Where: Bilston Orchard, Victoria
What: Enjoy time at your own campfire, complete with the provided roasting sticks and s’mores kit! Hot dogs can be purchased at the store on site. 1 hour rental for $60.

Winter Birds of Island View Beach – Guided Walk – 8 years+
When: Saturday February 4th 2023, 9-11am
Where: Island View Beach Regional Park
What: Learn about the various birds of the beach, from a birding expert and CRD Regional Parks naturalist.

Crazy about Colour Kindergym Session
When: Thursday February 16th 2023, 9:30-11:00am
Where: Panorama Recreation
What: Bring your little ones (ages 1-5) to this special session of Kindergym. Dress in your favourite colour if you like, and enjoy a few special activities in addition to the usual Kindergym toys.

Exploring Indigenous Perspectives through Storytelling – Guided Storytime – 5 years and under
When: Thursday February 16th 2023, 10-11am or 11:30am-12:30pm
Where: Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
What: “Bring your little ones on this guided walk exploring the cultural significance of birds and animals through a First Peoples lens”. This is a free event, but you must pre-register by February 12th.

Family Fun Walk – Guided Walk – All Ages
When: Saturday February 18th 2023, 11am-12:30pm
Where: Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
What: Enjoy a fun walk with kid-friendly activities!

Family Day at Esquimalt Recreation
When: Monday February 20th 2023, 9am-1pm
Where: Esquimalt Recreation
What: Participate in one of many events including Kindergym, skating, swimming, pancake breakfast, and other free activities.

Pajama-Rama Family Day Skate
When: Monday February 20th 2023, 12:00-1:20pm
Where: Panorama Recreation
What: Come to this Everyone Welcome Skate dressed in cozy PJs, and enjoy a skate and game at center ice. Regular drop-in rates apply.

James Bay Window Wanderland
When: February 24th-26th 2023, 6-9pm
Where: James Bay
What: Follow the map as you wander around James Bay exploring the beautifully decorated windows! Stop in at one of the ‘Warming Stations’ for treats along the way!