Rain, rain, more rain … and maybe even a bit of snow?! March on the Peninsula isn’t exactly known for its warm weather and sunshine (although we have seen some beautiful days!). With a lot of indoor days, it can sometimes be a bit trickier to find activities to keep our little ones busy. Here are some ideas if you notice the forecast this weekend calls for rain …

B.C Aviation Museum: The Aviation museum is located in North Saanich. It’s a fun place to explore with the kids. I think I missed it when we visited … but apparently it has a great kids play area as well!

Kindergym and Toys and Tumbles: Panorama Recreation offers Kindergym Monday and Thursday mornings, and Toys & Tumbles on Sunday mornings. Both are indoor play sessions held at Greenglade Community Center, complete with ride-on toys, mats, slides, a mini bouncy castle, and more. Parent participation is required and you can reserve your spot online, or show up as a drop-in (space permitting).

Butchart Gardens: I know it might not be the first place you think of for a rainy day adventure, but Butcharts can be fun in any weather! Grab an umbrella, and wander around the gardens for a rainy, puddle jumping walk. Then stop in at the carousel for a ride!

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea: The Shaw Centre is a perfect rainy day activity! Check out the beautiful sea life, or attend one of their scheduled events.

Butterfly Gardens: If you’re looking to see some amazing animals (and bonus, enjoy a warm tropical environment!) try Butterfly Gardens! As well as the beautiful butterflies, check out turtles, flamingos, frogs, and more.

Sidney/North Saanich Library: The library is a great place to visit on a rainy day! Find some new books to take home and read together, or check out one of their family friendly events.

Royal BC Museum: The Museum has always been one of my little ones’ favourite places to explore. There is so much to see! The museum also features events, and of course the IMAX theater.

4Cats Art Studio: 4Cats has two locations in Victoria: Uptown and Oak Bay, and they offer lots of art workshops – for kids, adults, and families. Make a mug, do a painting, or make an oven-bake creation! Our family has loved the workshops we’ve done here.

PlayZone: PlayZone is a bit of a longer drive for those of us on the Peninsula, but it’s definitely a favourite with kids! Drop-in play for ages 0-12.

Bowling: We recently took our kids bowling for the first time – and they loved it! Sidney has its very own five-pin bowling at Miracle Lanes. Their website says reservations or drop-ins accepted, but that they recommend calling ahead to confirm availability. If you’re looking for 10-pin bowling, Langford Lanes has 20 lanes, and reservations can be made online. Both bowling alleys offer bumpers for your younger bowlers.

The Meet Up at Momease baby boutique: The Meet Up is a custom-made play space designed for little ones up to five years old. You can reserve a spot online ahead of time, or drop-in and play (space permitting).

Skating: Skating as a family can be another fun rainy day activity! On the peninsula, we have our very own Panorama Recreation. They offer many different drop-in skating sessions each week, as well as some themed fun skates (see upcoming events).

Swimming: Swimming at Panorama Recreation is another fun rainy day outing for the family! And it’s sometimes fun to try a different pool around town too, and check out their slides, rope swings and so on!

Observation deck at the airport: I have yet to try this with the family, but other parents have mentioned that their children love spending time at the observation deck at our airport. Take a snack, and watch the planes coming and going on the tarmac!

Miniature World: For something new on a rainy day, check out Miniature World! Explore over 85 miniature displays – everything from dollhouses, to the Great Canadian Railway, the circus, space and more!

Bug Zoo: Visit the Bug Zoo and meet over 50 species of insects and arachnids: ants, walking sticks, scorpions, tarantulas, and much more!

Movie: Going to a movie at the theater is one of my personal favourite rainy day activities! Sidney has its very own Star Cinema, and of course Victoria has Cineplex Odeon or SilverCity.

Vic West Toy Lending Library: I have not visited this place myself, but have heard that it’s great! The website says it’s open every Saturday morning 9:30am-12:30pm (except long weekends) and that families can come and borrow from their large toy library!

Flying Squirrel: Flying Squirrel is a large indoor trampoline park, with trampolines/activities for all ages. Book online ahead of time to guarantee your spot.

Victoria Escape Rooms: For slightly older kids, Victoria Escape Rooms offers a fun rainy day activity for families! The challenges are not scary, are developed locally, and include a personalized guide. The upcoming challenge I looked at suggested ages 8+, but have a look!

Interactivity Board Game Café: This café is on my list of places to try! You can play games from their collection of over 800 options, and even order food! Apparently there is a family friendly side (and then a separate 19+ side that offers fun drinks and beer).

Family Sundays at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria: Check out this event on the 3rd Sunday of each month (October-June). It is described as “an afternoon of exploring hands-on art-making and ideas for all ages”.

McTavish Academy of Art: Right here on the peninsula, MAOA offers many different classes and workshops – some of which are one day events. MAOA also has take home art kits which are perfect family activities for a rainy day!

Poppet Creative: Poppet Creative offers art classes, as well as one day workshops, at a studio on Cook Street.

Do you and your family have any other favourite rainy day activities? Leave a comment or send me a message and I’ll add them to the list!