As parents we take on so much: planning, scheduling and organizing everything from work life and home life. Sometimes we feel too overwhelmed to do anything else, so we don’t bother.
However, just getting outside for one hour a day as a family is incredibly impactful for yourself and your kids. There are many amazing playgrounds across Vancouver Island for you and your family to explore!
Forget the to-do list, pick a playground to explore and head out for a free family adventure. I promise you it’s worth it.
Victoria & Area
Whitehead Park, Victoria. This park is a great spot by the lake, perfect for a picnic and day out. Kids will love the treehouse, and parents will love the accessible parking and washrooms.
Rutledge Park, Victoria. There is something for everyone: a splash pad, swings, basketball court, play structures and even a zipline.
Beckwith Park, Victoria. Explore walking trails weaving through the Garry oak forest with open play spaces and an accessible playground. Don’t miss the splash park in the summer!
Peninsula
Tulista Park, Sidney. Enjoy iconic oceanside views in Sidney-by-the-Sea at this dog-friendly park. Check out the skate park or go for a seaside stroll along the waterfront walkway.
Westshore
JDF Rotary Picnic Playground, Colwood. With a large play area and covered gazebo, this gem in Colwood is a great spot to meet up for playdates or picnics.
Goldie Park, Langford. Have fun on the play structures at this neighbourhood park or explore the nearby walking trails.
Westhills Playground, Langford. This small-but-fun park has lots of engaging features including a rock-climbing wall, slides and zipline.
Bear Mountain Playground, Langford. This cozy playground is nestled near walking paths, making it the perfect afternoon adventure.
Meadow Park Playground, Colwood. Wooden play structures are perfect for little climbers. Enjoy open grassy space, walking trails and picnic tables.
Goldstream Provincial Park Playground, Goldstream. Waterfalls, playground, bike paths, beautiful trails and more. What’s not to love? So much to explore and the perfect spot for a day trip or overnight camping experience.
Cowichan Valley
Art Mann Park, North Cowichan. A lovely lakeside park perfect for the whole family. An interactive playground, picnic tables and of course many ducks to visit with.
Bright Angel Park, Duncan. This forest escape features paths and bridges to explore and a covered gazebo to gather with groups.
Centennial Park, Duncan. This dog-friendly park has play structures, a splash park and gardens to stroll through.
Central Park, Honeymoon Bay. This is a perfect spot for a family picnic and day in the sun! From the zipline and basketball courts to walking paths, check this out for a fun weekend outing.
Coverdale Watson Community Park, Cowichan Bay. With basketball courts, open green space, picnic tables and a playground, this is a great spot to spend an afternoon with all ages.
McAdam Park, Duncan. The two playground structures are perfect for various age groups. Burn some energy with lots of space to run around, including the forest trail nearby.
Glenora Trails Head Park, Duncan. Zipline + playground + forest trail = the perfect combination for a fun family outing.
Seablush Playground, North Cowichan. An interactive climbing playground perfect for various ages and abilities. With a walking trail nearby, benches and picnic table, this is a must-visit.
Sherman Road Soccer Park, North Cowichan. Playground equipment for various ages, shade, green space and of course, many soccer fields.
Mill Bay Shopping Centre Playground, Mill Bay. This small-but-mighty playground is a great spot to burn some energy between errands.
Currie Park, Sahtlam. This hidden gem is the perfect spot for a birthday, picnic or just a day at the park.
Nanaimo & Area
Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo. A gorgeous park full of so many features for children of every age and stage of life. We can’t forget the beautiful beach access, walking paths, picnic tables, washrooms, food trucks and more.
Dunsmuir Community Park, Qualicum Beach. A lovely playground with various features for different age groups, a must-stop while visiting Qualicum Beach.
Lions Community Park Playground, Qualicum Beach. The perfect spot to spend a few hours in Qualicum Beach. There are play structures and stroller-friendly trails, making this a great spot for all ages and stages.
Transfer Beach Playground, Ladysmith. This spot is full of beautiful ocean views, a large playground and splash area, ice cream and food trucks, volleyball and basketball courts, kayak rentals and so much green space to enjoy a picnic with the family.
Parksville Community Park, Parksville. With a splash pad, beach, and playground, this is one of the best spots for summer fun on Vancouver Island.
Pacific Rim
Village Green Park, Tofino. This play area is a perfect pit stop for your next road trip to Tofino with a wooden pirate ship and skate park.
Comox Valley
Robert V. Ostler Park, Campbell River. Great spot to have a picnic and shop downtown or walk along the ocean.
Errington Community Park, Errington. Close to the Errington Farmers Market, check out this park with wooden play structures for little climbers.
Willow Point Park, Campbell River. The splash park is a favourite–this is a great spot to plan a summer day out.
