Little Local – June 12

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The countdown to summer is on, and the BC Summer Reading Club is kicking off soon at your local library! If you’re looking for more fun ways to enjoy stories, we’ve rounded up a few great podcasts for kids, too.

A big thanks to everyone who voted on the Summer Adventure Passport—it was a unanimous YES! We’re getting it ready and can’t wait to share it with you soon.

And don’t forget, Father’s Day is this Sunday! A few great ways to celebrate: head to FernFest for live music and street fun, take a steam train ride at the Heritage Acres Summer Fair, or go gnome hunting at Butchart Gardens. There’s no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy the weekend together.

Your Guide to the BC Summer Reading Club

The Summer Reading Club is coming back to your local library, and it’s such a fun way to keep kids engaged with books over the summer. It’s free and geared to kids ages 5–14, but yes, even little ones who aren’t reading yet can join! (Being read to counts.)

Starting Monday, June 16, you can pick up a reading package at any branch. The challenge runs from July 2 to August 20, and kids are encouraged to log at least 15 minutes of reading (or being read to) each day. Along the way, they’ll collect stickers and prizes!

Podcasts: Screen-Free Fun

Whether you're in the car, making dinner, or winding down after a busy day, podcasts can be a fun and easy screen-free option for kids.

Since there are no visuals, kids use their imagination to picture what’s happening, which builds focus and creativity. And if your child is old enough, asking simple questions like “What did you think of that part?” or “What would you have done?” helps build their comprehension and confidence.

Here are few podcasts to check out, including a fun, local one:

1. The Penny and Joe Podcast  Age: 2-5
   A charming local podcast, created right here in Victoria by Aunty Asta and her super sound-maker sidekick, Sayla. It follows two mischievous raccoons, Penny and Joe, as they explore familiar spots like Beacon Hill Park, the Empress Hotel, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Each five-minute episode is full of giggles, sound effects, and sweet lessons about kindness, curiosity, and community.
   🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or their website.

2. Wow in the World Age: 5–12
   A wildly popular science and curiosity podcast from NPR, filled with silly humor, cool facts, and mind-blowing discoveries.
   🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

3. Brains On! Age: 6–12
   An award-winning science podcast where kid co-hosts join grown-ups to explore fascinating questions like “How do sharks float?” or “What’s in the center of the Earth?”
   🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

4. Circle Round Age: 4–10
   Short folktales from around the world, adapted for young listeners and beautifully narrated with sound design and music.
   🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

🛒 Urban Grocer is a locally owned market on Fort Street offering fresh and thoughtfully sourced groceries, with a strong focus on supporting Canadian producers. Stop in for everyday essentials, local products, and a pleasant shopping experience.

👶🏻 Earlybird helps you support your child’s development through fun, low-prep play. We share simple activity ideas that build big skills, without the pressure. Think of us as your go-to guide for raising kind, curious, creative kids (and enjoying the ride). Download the app or explore our printables to get started!

📅 More Events

🎨 Mabuhay! Filipino Cultural Celebration: Saturday & Sunday, June 14–15 | 10 am–5 pm
Celebrate Filipino Heritage Month in Centennial Square with vibrant music and dance performances, hands‑on crafts, and delicious food stalls. All‑ages welcome! [Info]

🎶 Esquimalt Neighbourhood Party: Saturday, June 14 | 11am–2 pm
Head to Bullen Park for an afternoon of family‑friendly live music, local vendors, food trucks, and interactive games. Bring a blanket and enjoy a sunny get‑together. [Info]

🌈 Sidney Pride Festival: Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 11 am–3 pm
Join the celebration at Beacon Park in Sidney for a vibrant festival filled with live performances, drag story time, Bubble Guy fun, a kid zone (first 150 kids get rainbow ribbon wands!), food trucks, queer and ally vendors, and photo ops for furry friends. [Info]

🌈 Family Pride Day at AGGV: Sunday, June 15 | 2–4 pm
Drop by the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria for a relaxed afternoon of gallery scavenger hunts and hands‑on art projects—free for kids, inspiring for the whole family. [Info]

🦆 Dads & Ducks Duck Race: Sunday, June 16, 2025 | 1pm–4pm
Celebrate Father’s Day at Victoria Butterfly Gardens with a playful rubber duck race through the tropical gardens. Free admission for dads and fun prizes for the winning ducks! [Info]

🚂 Heritage Acres Summer Fair: Saturday & Sunday, June 14–15 | 9 am–4 pm
Spend Father’s Day weekend at Heritage Acres in Saanichton with steam‑train rides (10–3:30pm), live music, sawmill and blacksmith demos, heavy‑horse meetups, flax‑to‑linen demos, kids crafts, interactive games, water‑pump fun, and more. [Info]

🔍 Gnome Hunt at Butchart Gardens: Friday June 13 – Sunday, June 15
Embark on a charming outdoor scavenger hunt to find 10 hidden gnomes throughout the gardens. Kids under 17 pick up a map, follow the clues, and receive a special prize upon completion. [Info]

🌲Malahat Skywalk Dad’s Visit Free: Saturday, June 14 & Sunday, June 15
This Father’s Day weekend, dads get free admission to the Malahat SkyWalk with the purchase of a regular child or adult ticket. It’s the perfect chance to soak in stunning views, enjoy the treetop walk, and make a memorable family outing of it. [Info]

🌼 Solstice & Song Fundraiser & AGM: Friday, June 20, 2025 | 5pm-7pm
Celebrate the summer solstice at Craigflower-Kosapsom Park with live music, snacks, and a raffle supporting Wild Child's low-cost nature programming. [Info]

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