With about four weeks of summer break still ahead, most parents have plenty of family time to fill before school starts again. How can you make sure all that extra time doesn't go to waste? Planning a day trip or two is a great place to start.

Many of our real estate agents carve out a weekend or two each summer to explore Greater Victoria with their families. They've made some of their most treasured memories this way, and they want to share that joyful experience with others. Treat your family to a day out at one of these Southern Vancouver Island attractions and get ready to make some memories of your own.  

6 Spots for Family-Friendly Day Trips on Southern Vancouver Island This Summer 

Victoria Butterfly Gardens - Brentwood Bay, BC 

Address: 1461 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J5

Curious kids will love getting a close-up look at all the plants, animals, and insects that call the Victoria Butterfly Gardens home. Some of the wonders you'll see here include: 

• More than 70 species of butterflies, including rare local species like Monarchs and imported international species like the Green Moss Peacock and Blue Morpho 
• Several lizards and colourful poison dart frogs  
• Tropical creatures like Caribbean flamingos, blue and gold macaws, and red-footed tortoises  

The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday during the summer months. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $16 for seniors and students aged 13 to 17, and $9.50 for kids aged 5 to 12. Tickets for kids under 5 are free but must still be "bought" online or at the gate.

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea - Sidney, BC 

Address: 9811 Seaport Place, Sidney, BC V8L 4X3

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is an award-winning aquarium facility that gives guests the chance to get better acquainted with Vancouver Island's unique coastal and ocean biomes. Visit this beloved local attraction near our Sidney homes for sale to:  

• Watch more than 160 species of fish and sea creatures in simulated versions of their natural habitat 
• Examine marine mammal artifacts, including a full preserved orca skeleton 
• Admire dozens of pieces of Coast Salish art, some of which are available for purchase 

They're open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day during the summer, including BC Day and Labour Day. Most people stay for around an hour, but your admission fee gets you entry for the entire day. You can spend as long as you like on the premises and even come and go as you please. 

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites - Colwood, BC 

Address: 603 Fort Rodd Hill Road, Victoria, BC V9C 2W8

Coincidentally built close to each other back in the 19th century, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites now operate as a two-in-one historic landmark near our Colwood homes for sale. Stop by this spot just outside of city limits to: 

• Tour Fort Rodd Hill, an old military facility once used to defend the Esquimalt Naval Base 
• Explore the keeper's quarters and walk the spiral staircase inside the Fisgard Lighthouse  
• Wander through the rare garry oak ecosystem at the Garry Oak Learning Meadow  

Both locations are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until mid-October. Admission is free until September 7 thanks to the Canada Strong Pass. 

Malahat SkyWalk - Malahat, BC 

Address: 901 Trans-Canada Highway, Malahat, BC V0R 2L0

Whether you live on the island or are just passing through, you need to try the Malahat SkyWalk at least once. It's a multi-part attraction with more than enough fun activities to fill a few hours, including: 

• The Spiral Tower, a winding, 10-storey path leading to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, forest, and coastline
• The Overhang, a glass cube suspended on the side of the Spiral Tower that will make you feel like you're floating above the mountains and coastline 
• Live events, such as musical performances, cultural celebrations, and other seasonal activities

It's open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Tickets cost $49.95 for adults, $45.95 for seniors, and $35.95 for youth (kids aged 6 to 17). Tickets for kids aged 5 and under are free.  

BC Forest Discovery Centre - Duncan, BC 

Address: 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan, BC V9L 6C2

The BC Forest Discovery Centre is a massive outdoor museum dedicated to our province's unique coastal forest biome and the industry it supports. Step into this 100-acre space to: 

• Enjoy a guided tour of individual exhibit areas (must be booked in advance) 
• Look through more than 5,000 artifacts from the early days of BC's forestry initiatives 
• Learn how BC's forest industry puts sustainability first at the Forests Forever exhibit 
• Visit a handful of preserved logging camp structures from the 1930s 

You can visit between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday all summer long. Admission during the summer season is $20 for adults, $18 for teens and seniors, and $14 for kids aged 3 to 12. They switch to an events-only schedule on September 21, so make sure you visit over the next few weeks to get the full experience this year. 

Beacon Hill Children's Farm - Victoria, BC 

Address: Circle Drive, Victoria, BC V8V 2P8

Spending an afternoon at the Beacon Hill Children's Farm will put a smile on any animal lover's face. This small urban farm near our Victoria homes for sale is teeming with friendly critters, including: 

• Three miniature pigs 
• Two aviaries full of colourful budgies, finches, and conures, and a flock of nesting doves 
• A half-dozen guinea pigs 
• A large herd of dwarf and pygmy goats  

You can stop by this spot between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day during the summertime. Admission is donation-based with no set entry fee. They recommend donations of $6 per child and $7 per adult for visitors with the means to give.

Plan Your Southern Vancouver Island Family Day Trip

Which Southern Vancouver Island attractions are best for younger children?

Victoria Butterfly Gardens and Beacon Hill Children's Farm are especially well suited to younger children who enjoy animals and hands-on experiences. Families should check each attraction's current programs, accessibility information, and admission policies before visiting.

Are there educational family attractions near Victoria?

Yes. The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea introduces visitors to the region's marine ecosystem, while Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse explore local military and maritime history. The BC Forest Discovery Centre also offers exhibits on British Columbia's forestry history and natural environment.

Should families purchase tickets before visiting these attractions?

Advance tickets may make arrival easier at attractions such as Victoria Butterfly Gardens and Malahat SkyWalk, particularly on busy summer weekends. Admission procedures vary, so check the attraction's official website for current prices, hours, and reservation requirements before leaving home. 

Fun Is Never Far on Southern Vancouver Island 

This list should give you plenty of options for day-trip adventures around Southern Vancouver Island. Think you might need more than one summer to do it all? Contact us today to start looking for a local property where you can take your time enjoying everything this gorgeous region has to offer.