Guide To Pint Sized Activities For Young Children In Whistler
Being able to introduce your little ones to your favourite place is truly something special. As any parent can attest, travelling with young kids comes with its challenges, so choosing the right getaway is a huge factor in setting yourself up for success.
Whistler is the ideal place for young families because it is filled with family-friendly adventures that are fun for kids and stress-free parents. Sounds pretty good right? To help you plan a kid-friendly getaway, we’ve put together plenty of ideas for mountainous adventures with your little ones in Whistler.
PARK LIFE
Everything is more magical in Whistler, and our parks are no exception. All throughout Whistler, you will find whimsical and adventurous locales specially made for our smallest visitors. Here are some of our favourites.
Tangle Tree
Your kids will go wild for the playground in Olympic Plaza. The Tangle Tree playground in Olympic Plaza is made out of a giant old tree and has lots of nooks and crannies to explore. Grab a coffee from Portobello to savour parkside, or from one of the many convenient coffee shops right next to the park.
Fitzsimmons Creek Bike Skills Park
Whistler is bike crazy. From cruising the valley trail to charging down the Bike Park there is something for everyone on two wheels here.
A favourite hangout for local parents is the Fitzsimmons Creek Bike Skills Park. It’s filled with tiny berms, and bridges that are perfect for strider bikes and tiny peddlers. It’s conveniently located just a short stroll (or roll) from Fairmont Chateau Whistler between day lot 3 and Fitzsimmons Creek.
ROCK & ROLL
Get ready to take your stroller game to another level. All throughout the valley, you can explore the village stroll trail network and lakeside vistas with little ones in tow in the stroller.
Village Stroll
It’s all in the name. Designed for casual wandering, taking in the sights and taking it slow. The pedestrian-only Village Stroll is the perfect place to bring little ones to run freely and explore.
FEEL SPOILED FOR CHOICE
You don’t need to go far to feel immersed in nature. The Fitzsimmons Creek loop is the perfect length to enjoy a cup of coffee while getting energy out of little legs. The trail circles the creek between Lorimer road and Rebagliati Park. You can join on either end and make the full loop or just down one side.
FEEL (EXTRA) SMALL IN THE MOUNTAINS
Travelling with little ones doesn’t mean missing out on adventure in Whistler. A day of sightseeing on Whistler Blackcomb is the perfect mix of jaw-dropping views and effortless travel.
Just steps out of our door, you will find the Blackcomb Gondola. It is stroller friendly, so simply load up the stroller and glide on board. It will transport you from the valley base directly to the top of Blackcomb and the Rendezvous Lodge. From there a trip across the World Record breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola to soar across to Whistler Mountain and the Roundhouse Lodge.
To get home, you can retrace your steps back down the Blackcomb Gondola or complete the full circle by downloading via the Whistler Village Gondola. Once you’ve reached the base at Skiers Plaza it’s an easy 10-minute stroll home, or you can catch one of our convenient shuttles back home.
LAKE TIME
There’s no better place to be in summer than at the lake. While in Whistler you will be spoiled for choice for kid-friendly lakefront beaches. When you’re ready for a break from our slope-side pools pack the sand toys and head to the lake.
Lost Lake
A local favourite with young children, Lost Lake has a huge grass area and beach with a gradual walk-in entry. The lake itself is also one of the first to warm and stays comfortable all summer long.
The best way to get there is to take the free BC Transit Lost Lake shuttle. We have a stop right at the end of our driveway, and it’s a short 5-minute ride to the lake. It’s so close you also have the option of biking or walking to the lake.
LOCAL TIP
While Lost Lake has a gradual sandy entry into the water, it can still be dangerous for little ones. We recommend bringing life jackets and keeping a close eye on little dippers.
Rainbow Park On Alta Lake
Featuring panoramic mountains views and Whistler’s largest park and beach space, Rainbow Park is a favourite with local families. The Resort Municipality of Whistler offers a complimentary lake shuttle in the summer so getting there is easy. It’s also worth noting that distance-wise it’s actually much shorter to bike there than drive. So, if you have your bikes you can enjoy a beautiful pedal over.
TAKE A HIKE THEY’LL LIKE
When introducing kids to hiking it’s best to start small and fun. Whistler has plenty of spectacular hikes that are also short and easy on little legs. We recommend these mellow trails for the perfect mix of beauty with minimal effort.
Train Wreck
What little explorer wouldn’t be intrigued by the idea of finding colourful train cars in the woods? Join one of Whistler Experience Guides tours to this spot and you will get a ride there and a guide to show you the way.
Harmony Lake
If your adventures have taken you to the top of Whistler Mountain, Harmony Lake hike is a perfect introduction to alpine hiking. From the Roundhouse Lodge follow the well-marked trails past the reservoir and down to the lake. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a mountain-top picnic, so be sure to stop by Portobello to get a packed lunch to enjoy trailside.
LOCAL TIP
A child carrier backpack is handy for when they need a break or are too small to wander far.
PACKING CHECKLIST
- A stroller
- A hiking backpack
- Sunscreen
- Closed toed shoes – running shoes or hiking boots
- Beach toys
- Layers of clothes
- Extra water
- Plenty of snacks
Start planning your next unforgettable visit to Whistler. Explore our Best Summer Offers to save on your next getaway.