A Family Friendly Guide to Visiting Victoria, BC
Amenities & Activities for The Whole Family at The Parkside Hotel & Spa.
Planning your family trip is an exciting endeavour, especially when you’re looking to find a balance between something memorable for your kids, relaxing for you, and effortless from start to finish. In Victoria, BC, that balance is easier to find, with the kind of family-friendly travel experience that turns a simple holiday into quality time you’ll actually remember.
At The Parkside Hotel & Spa, families can enjoy a thoughtful, easy stay that makes travelling with kids simpler. If you’re looking for a family-friendly stay in Victoria, BC, this guide highlights our hotel’s amenities and nearby experiences that our trusted team recommends. Together, we can help make your getaway seamless, special, and memorable.
Family Friendly Amenities at The Parkside Hotel & Spa
If you’re planning a stay with kids, these are some of the on-site touches that can help make your time in Victoria feel a little easier and more enjoyable.
Before you arrive, add a little extra magic to your family stay with our in-suite kids tents. Available to add to your reservation and set up before check-in, they create a cozy space for bedtime stories, imaginative play, or quiet downtime.
If visiting the hotel’s pool is on your vacation itinerary, timing can make your experience even more relaxing. Early mornings, around 7 a.m., or mid-afternoon around 3 p.m. are some of the best times to enjoy the pool with the whole family.
Pro tip: To avoid disappointment, ensure you plan to arrive with plenty of time before adult swim times at 12 – 2 p.m., and 9 – 10 p.m.* with the exception of Thursday Evenings during our Drift sessions, the pool will be closed.
On a clear afternoon or around sunset, the rooftop amenities offer one of the most memorable ways to enjoy time together at the hotel. The softer evening light and open-air setting make it especially inviting for stargazing, rooftop roasting, or simply taking in the view together. If you’re searching for unique hotel experiences in Victoria, this is the kind of simple moment that can quickly become a favourite part of your family trip.
You can also reserve the rooftop BBQ by speaking to guest services at no additional cost, making it an easy option for a casual family meal with a view. It’s a great way to enjoy more time together without planning a full restaurant outing.
Pro Tip: Personal Balcony BBQs are also available for an additional fee.
For an easy rainy-day activity, the hotel’s movie theatre is a cozy option for family downtime. You can bring your own snacks and settle in for a movie night with access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, or upgrade to a Nintendo Switch game night! It’s an ideal choice if you’re travelling with kids and want a fun evening in, and it adds another layer of comfort to your family-friendly stay in Victoria.
For more information about the amenities and accommodations that make your stay more comfortable, explore the resources below:
- Visit our Amenities Page for details about borrowing bicycles and other hotel amenities.
- Read this article to learn more about The Parkside Hotel’s in-suite accommodations and the extra comfort they add to your stay.
Family-friendly things to do near The Parkside Hotel & Spa
From outdoor favourites to easy indoor activities, these nearby family adventures offer simple ways to make the most of your time in Victoria.
For an easy outing, Beacon Hill Park is a wonderful place to begin. Home to the beloved Beacon Hill Children’s Farm Petting Zoo, this classic Victoria stop gives your little ones the chance to see animals up close while you enjoy the open green space and convenient access from the hotel.
Pro Tip: It’s especially well suited if you’re arriving before check-in, offering a relaxed way to stretch, explore, and settle into vacation mode. If you’re looking for things to do in Victoria with kids, this is one of the easiest family activities to add to your itinerary.
Another nearby favourite is Ogden Point and the Breakwater in Jame Bay. It’s a scenic spot for a stroll with young children, where watching for seals can become its own mini adventure. Nearby treats, like Overboard Ice Cream, and waterfront stops make it easy for you to turn a simple walk into a memorable afternoon by the ocean.
If you’re looking for something playful and a little unexpected, the Victoria Bug Zoo is a fun option just a short walk from the hotel. Its interactive format makes it especially engaging for curious kids, and it’s the kind of outing that can quickly become one of the most talked-about moments of your trip. It’s also a great fit if you’re searching for things to do with the kids in Downtown Victoria.
If you don’t want a rainy day to stop you from exploring the city, the Board Game Cafe or a family-friendly escape room can be a great fit. Both offer an easy indoor activity in downtown Victoria, with plenty of entertainment for older kids, teens, and adults alike. It’s a fun way to slow down, stay dry, and turn a rainy afternoon into something playful and memorable.
For more activity, sightseeing, and adventurous recommendations, visit our Happy trails series – including the Family Fun Map!
After a day of exploring, The Parkside Hotel & Spa offers a comfortable place for families to relax, recharge, and enjoy more time together. Book your stay and start planning your Victoria getaway.