On central Vancouver Island's eastern shore, family fun is as abundant as the stunning coastal scenery. There are several fun things to do with kids in Parksville regardless of the time of the year. There's the beach, of course, but that's just the beginning!
From local parks and easy-going trails to thrilling adventures and indoor activities for the (very) occasional rainy day, there's no shortage of Parksville activities to enjoy.
1. Play at the Beach
Hands down, one of the most fun things to do with kids in Parksville is go to the beach. The beaches here are highly regarded as some of the best in Canada, specifically for families, known for their wide swaths of sand, gentle waves, and warm, shallow water. And due to Vancouver Island's mild weather, you can actually enjoy a beach day in Parksville just about any time of year (really!).
Of course, in the summer, your itinerary will largely revolve around basking in the sun and playing in the water. You may also want to brush up on your sandcastle-building skills before July. Parksville hosts Beachfest every summer, a month-long festival created around the world-famous Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition.
Outside of summer, enjoy a totally different type of beach day. Stroll the beach looking for seashells and spend time discovering the magic of tidal pools during low tide. At some area beaches, like Rathtrevor, the tide rolls out nearly half a mile! Bird-watching is also among the more popular family activities in Parksville, especially between mid-fall and mid-spring. The BC Bird Trail runs right along the beaches, and there are nearly always some bird species on the move.
If you're planning a beach getaway with little ones, you couldn't ask for a better location than The Beach Club Resort. It's just steps from Parksville Beach and its signature wooden boardwalk, and we mean that quite literally—step out of your room, and you'll be on the beach within seconds!
Our Stay® | Well Amenities provide guests with even more perks, such as beach chairs and umbrellas, bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, boogie boards, lawn and beach games, board games, and more.
2. Hike Family-Friendly Trails
For active families who like to build their days around outdoor adventures, Parksville offers a great variety of family-friendly trails. And again, thanks to the mild Vancouver Island climate, you can enjoy several of them any time of year.
Head to Englishman River Falls, where a short and scenic 1.5-kilometer hike takes you over two bridges and to two waterfalls. Little Qualicum Falls is another local gem, where the whole family can enjoy a leisurely stroll along six kilometers of trails. Also, just a short 25-minute drive from The Beach Club, Cathedral Grove (in MacMillan Provincial Park) offers the opportunity to hike among ancient, giant Douglas fir trees.
3. See the Famous Goats on the Roof
If you're looking specifically for unique and memorable fun things to do with kids in Parksville, head to Coombs Country Market in nearby Coombs. Wander through the market, where you'll find a fantastic, eclectic selection of baked-in-house treats and handmade gift items, plus a couple of onsite restaurants.
On a hot day, nothing beats a scoop or two (or three?) of the ice cream. Of course, you can't miss the stars of the show, the famous goats on the roof. Exactly what it sounds like, you'll see goats hanging out on the market's roof. It's a fun, quirky sight that both kids and adults often count as a highlight of their trip to Parksville.
The market is open most of the year, except for an annual break between roughly Christmas and mid-February.
4. Explore Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
Families can explore Vancouver Island's "inner beauty" (pun intended!) at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, a scenic 35-minute drive inland from Parksville. The caves are open year-round and offer a variety of tours for all abilities, above and below ground, and both guided and self-guided.
Visitors ages five and up can book caving adventures starting at 1.5 hours and going up to 5.5 hours. Regardless of which option you choose, you'll come up close with crystal formations, ancient fossils, and other natural wonders. The longer, more challenging tours include narrow passageways you have to get on your belly to crawl through, as well as ladder climbs and even opportunities to rappel.
Although the provincial park offers tours of the caves, they've been left in a mostly wild, undeveloped state. Unlike more commercial caves, the Horne Lake Caves don't have any lighting, handrailings, or man-made walkways. Visiting means you'll get some genuine caving experience, something truly unique among Parksville attractions!
5. Play A round (or 2) of mini golf
Have some fun in the sun and revel in the abundance of mini-golf courses available. At Paradise Fun Park, families can immerse themselves in the excitement of two 18-hole miniature golf courses, Turf & Surf and Treasure Island, alongside adult and kiddie bumper boats and an arcade. Similarly, Riptide Lagoon Adventure Park offers two thrilling 18-hole mini golf courses along with attractions like laser tag bumper cars and an arcade, making it a perfect destination for family-friendly fun in Parksville.
6. Visit Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
A trip to the local dairy farm Little Qualicum Cheeseworks (LQC) is one of the top Parksville activities for families. Aside from learning all about cheese-making and the inner workings of a farm, children will love interacting with the resident animals, including cows, goats, sheep, and bunnies.
Explore the Mooseum, pretend to drive a real tractor in the picnic area, and pop into the Farmgate Store for all sorts of fresh cheese and other dairy products. Don't leave without filling up a container at the self-serve milk dispenser, the first of its kind in all of Canada!
Want to sample LQC's goods but can't make it to the farm? Guests of The Beach Club Resort are in luck, because they're one of our valued local partners. Try out more of their products at our onsite restaurant in dishes like the poutine.
The Beach Club Resort is The Perfect Base for Family Adventures
After days of exploring or soaking up the sun on the beach, The Beach Club Resort is a welcome retreat. It's a top hotel in Parksville for families, effortlessly combining comfort, luxury, and convenience. Our guest rooms have private balconies and soaking tubs, and many include full kitchens.
The Beach Club also offers complimentary underground parking, an indoor pool and hot tub, and a fitness centre. Our Stay® | Well Amenities provide guests with even more perks, such as beach chairs and umbrellas, bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, boogie boards, lawn and beach games, board games, and more. Book your stay today to choose accommodation that's more of a family experience than a hotel.
