Greater Victoria

1) Beacon Hill Park The park offers walking trails, a wading pool, water fountains, picnic areas, monuments, sports fields and playgrounds, a band pavilion, and what was once the world's tallest totem pole. Top of the list for kids and adults alike is the Beacon Hill Children's Farm; lots of baby animals, pot belly pigs, zebu, miniature horses to meet and pet - and don't miss the highlight: the goat stampede at closing time! 2) Victoria Bug Zoo Discover the amazing world of insects at this special and fascinating zoo - there's even an ant farm! While the Maritime Museum of British Columbia will have the pirates in search of treasure, a visit to Cosmic Reality Laser Tag will get the kid's hearts pumping.

South Vancouver Island

3) The British Columbia Forest Museum located in Duncan portrays the history of BC's forestry industry through indoor and outdoor exhibits. Board the steam locomotive that travels through a turn-of-the-century farmyard and a logging camp. 4) Explore the sculpted sandstone tide pools at the world-famous Botanical Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, a wonderful place for appreciating marine biology and viewing intertidal life - it's a thrill to experience.

Central Vancouver Island

5) Between Parksville and Qualicum Beach is Morning Star Farm, home to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and MooBerry Winery. There are many things to do: see how they make that yummy cheese, become friends with the farm animals, and just enjoy a day on the 68-acre farm. Parents can shop in the little farm shop or sip some berry wine. For exploration of the heritage farm, self-guided tour maps are available, and guided tours and hayrides are offered. 6) Strathcona Park Lodge and Outdoor Education Centre is committed to helping children of all ages appreciate the wilderness. Within a supportive environment, climb a rock bluff, rappel on a rope, swing on a zip-line and co-operatively solve problems on a ropes course. Learn survival techniques, canoeing, kayaking, orienteering and wilderness etiquette; then participate in a canoe journey for an optional overnight camp-out. Natural history discussions are stimulated while exploring a sphagnum bog, home of insectivorous sundew. 7) Monkido Kids at Wildplay Nanaimo This unique experience offered to children from the age of 7 to 13 makes kids' dreams come true. Guests move at their own pace through a series of surprising and challenging games - between six and 60 feet (2-18m) above ground! Conquer obstacles such as tightropes, missing plank bridges, swinging logs; soar on zip lines; climb on cargo nets, ascend tree ladders, and much more! 8) Jumping Jiminy's / Ciber City Nanaimo Experiencing one of Nanaimo's famous rainy days? Take your kids to on of the indoor fun-parks in Nanaimo! Both of them are perfect for kids to the age of 12 but offer different kinds of excitement. Jumping Jiminy's basically consists of a parkour with different kinds of obstacles. Cyber City on the other hand offers more for the adrenaline seekers: you can play Lazer Tag, Arcade and ride go-karts. No matter which one you will choose your kids will have the time of their life!

Pacific Rim / West Coast of Vancouver Island

9) Along the island's West Coast, the Wickaninnish Centre is a definite highlight for all ages. The aim of the centre is to provide an understanding of the North Pacific Ocean and its influence on nature and man. The history of the North Pacific coast is illustrated by a collection of artefacts used by Nuu-chah-nulth Indians, and interpretive displays. 10) Teen Surf Camp: Experience Teen Day Surf Camps at Long Beach, Canada's number one surfing destination, located in the Pacific Rim National Park, a 10-minute drive from Tofino. Teens will have the time of their lives while learning this incredible sport. All teenagers, big or small, athletic or non-athletic will be initiated into the exclusive Surf Sister's circle. This is a girls only surf camp for ages 12 and up.