Little Local - July 17

One of my favourite summer events is happening this weekend, and I couldn’t resist leaning into the theme! This week’s spotlight Passport activity is Do Art Outside, and it’s the perfect answer to those “I’m bored” moments. Hand your kids some paint or chalk and send them into the backyard, the park, or even the sidewalk. And if they need a little inspiration, we’ve got plenty of fun ideas below to get them started!

There are also tons of great recurring events happening all summer long, so don’t miss the list we've included in this email.

Stay cool and have fun out there!

📚 Doing Art Outside

Doing art outside is an easy, creative, and fun activity for all ages. And you can really do it anywhere! I love taking a bag of paper, paints, or chalk to the backyard or the park. Nature gives kids so much to work with: they can paint what they see, do leaf or bark rubbings, or add flowers and sticks to their masterpieces. The best part? The mess is outside!

Here are some of our favourite ways to make art outdoors:

Ice Cube Painting
This is a refreshing activity for the little ones and perfect for these hot days! Fill an ice cube tray with a bit of food colouring and water, cover with tinfoil, and pop in some popsicle sticks. When they’re frozen solid, take them outside and let your kids paint up a storm!

Painting with Cars
Grab some toy cars, paper, and paint, and head outside! Have your child roll the cars through the paint and onto the paper or cardboard. It’s so fun to see how the different wheels make unique patterns.

Chalk Mosaic
This can be a fun collaborative art project. Use painter’s tape to make a design on the concrete, then let the kids colour in the sections with chalk. When you peel off the tape, you’ll have an awesome mural! Watch the How-To.

Painting in Nature
Bring your paint set and enjoy some quiet time in the garden. Sketch or paint the flowers in bloom. Or just paint whatever they feel like. (That’s usually how our painting sessions go!)

Painting Rocks
This one works for kids of all ages. We were recently inspired by the painted rocks at Cookie House in Metchosin, so now we’re making our own little painted rock garden. Use acrylic paints (or watercolours for little ones) to make abstract art, animals, or dino eggs!

Sun Prints
I have fond memories of using sun art paper as a kid, so I tried it recently with my kids and it was a hit! You’ll need the special paper from a Sun Art kit (you can find it on Amazon), but it’s super easy to use. Just grab some leafy greens or flowers from the yard, arrange them on the paper, and let the sunshine do its thing. So fun and magical to watch the prints appear!

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 1,500 local families?

🧀 Urban Grocer is your go-to local grocery store on Fort for fresh eats and strong opinions, like saying “no thanks” to American produce this summer. Show your Summer Passport for 20% your grocery bill (excluding eggs, milk + sale items)!

🍔 Big Wheel Burger should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking for a delicious, casual dinner out with the fam. They’ve got classic burgers, shakes, and now chicken tenders! Show your Passport to get free fries + a soda with the purchase of a regular burger. Multiple locations around town!

📅 Upcoming Events

📘 Stories in the Park: Thursdays from 10am-11am
Head down to Saxe Point Park every Thursday in July & August for stories by Canadian authors, followed by a fun activity. Great for kiddos 2-5, but everyone’s welcome. [Info]

🖼️ Summer Indigenous Market: Friday July 18 & Saturday July 19 | 10am-4pm
Visit the Royal BC Museum and shop beautiful handmade goods that support local talented Indigenous artists and makers. [Info]

🌾 Farmhouse in the Fields Vintage Market: July 19 & 20 | 10am–4pm
Hunt for treasures at this charming vintage market just outside the city. Find antiques, handmade goods, and local eats in a picturesque field setting. [Info]

🍏 Local Folk Summer Fair: Sunday, July 20 | 11am–4pm
Relax at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse with live folk music, local eats, and family fun at this charming countryside fair. [Info]

🥕 Woodside Farm Fresh Food Experience: Sunday, July 20 | 10am–3pm
Bring your family for some fun in the sun, eat some fresh garden food, pet the friendly animals, take a hay ride, and run the Apple Maze! A fun (and delicious!) way to connect with where food comes from. [Info]

🌳 Free Play in the Park: July / August 5:30–8pm
Panorama staff are hosting FREE summer fun for the whole family, with interactive play, group games, and inflatable fun on a giant 50' obstacle course! [Info]
Tuesdays: at KELSET Elementary
Wednesdays: at Tulista Park
Thursdays: at Centennial Park

🏞️ Neighbourhood Nights: Tuesdays in July | 6pm–8pm
Bring a picnic and meet your neighbours at Royal Bay Meadow Park. Enjoy games, activities, and good company in a beautiful community green space. [Info]

🎶 Music in the Park: Tuesday, July 22 | 6:30pm–8pm
Pack a blanket for a summer evening of live music at Beckwith Park. This week’s band is Shaky Ground — expect classic hits and a fun, family-friendly vibe. [Info]

🍿 Free Family Movie Night: Thursday, July 24 | 7pm
Catch a free screening of IF at Panorama Recreation (Arena B). Wear your jammies, bring a lawn chair, and settle in for a cozy family movie night starting at 7pm! [Info]

🚲 Free Wheelin’ Youth Bike Lending: Monday – Friday July 2 to August 29
Head down to the Topaz Park all-wheels skate and bike park, where kids and youth can borrow bikes, scooters, skateboards, helmets, and pads for free! [Info]

💜 Summer Lavender Festival: every weekend in July | 1pm–6pm
Head over to Bilston Creek Farm for a peaceful afternoon in the sun and lavender fields. Wander the blooming fields, listen to live music, and enjoy local treats. [Info]

Note: I do my best to keep everything accurate, but I am only human so the odd mistake might sneak in! If you catch one, feel free to let me know.