Little Local – May 25

This week, we’re sharing your top picks for kid-friendly restaurants (cafés and sweet spots coming soon!). Thanks to everyone who chimed in

The Oak Bay Half is this weekend! We’ll be cheering on family and friends in the half, 10K, and kids’ 1K. Good luck if you're racing!

Don’t miss other fun events including the Selkirk Waterfront Festival and an exciting rooftop car show your kids will love. More weekend events and details below.

Dining out with kids in Victoria

Maybe you don’t feel like cooking, or perhaps someone in the family has a birthday to celebrate. Whatever the occasion, sometimes you just need a meal out with the kids, and ideally, one that doesn’t end in chaos.

I asked where you go out to eat with kids. Here are your favourites and why they’re worth a visit:

Swans
📍Downtown
Believe it or not, Swans Pub is super family-friendly, but that’s no surprise, since the owners have two young kids themselves. There’s a kids’ menu with all the classics, making it a solid choice for brunch, lunch, or dinner. [Website]

Pagliacci’s
📍Downtown
A cozy, bustling Italian spot known for big portions, homemade pasta, and an extensive kids’ menu. The “white wash” (think pasta with butter, parm, or tomato sauce) is a top pick, and the first bowl is on the house! [Website]

Pizzeria Prima Strada
📍Cook Street Village or Fort/Foul Bay
Wood-fired pizza that’s fast, fresh, and family-approved. Kids can order Bambino pizzas, and if you ask nicely, the kitchen will give your little ones a ball of dough to play with while they wait. [Website]

My Chosen Café
📍Metchosin
A beloved spot in Metchosin with hearty comfort food and a kids’ menu that includes ice cream for dessert. Afterwards, visit the goats and mini donkeys at the Critter Corner, behind the Café. [Website]

Bin 4 Burger Lounge
📍Westshore, Maple St. and Downtown
Gourmet burgers for the grown-ups and sliders or grilled cheese for the kids. The colouring pages and fries on the side make it an easy, tasty family outing. [Website]

Sen Zushi
📍Downtown
A local favourite for fresh sushi with a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Kids can enjoy cucumber rolls, teriyaki dishes, or the “kid special”. Plus, watching the sushi being made is part of the fun. [Website]

Big Wheel Burger
📍Langford, Cook Street, Vernon Ave, and Westside Village
Local fast food that’s quick, tasty, and feels good. Their kid combos (burger or hot dog with fries) are a popular choice for casual family nights or takeout meals. [Website]

5th Street Bar & Grill
📍Hillside-Quadra
A longtime neighbourhood fave with cozy booths and a kids’ menu full of comforting staples like pizza, chicken fingers, and rotisserie chicken. Easy, no-fuss dining for all ages. [Website]

Flying Otter
📍Inner Harbour
Perched right on the harbour next to the floatplanes, Flying Otter offers great views and a solid kids’ menu with classics like chicken strips, fish and chips, grilled cheese, and burgers. They’ve also got plenty of weekly specials worth checking out. [Website]

Pinhalla Pinball Pizzeria
📍Downtown (Chinatown)
A unique fusion of food and fun, Pinhalla offers a family-friendly atmosphere until 9pm daily. Kids can enjoy pizzas by the slice or whole, alongside appetizers and house-made desserts like Twinkies and butter cookies. With over 30 pinball and arcade machines, it's a hit for both kids and adults looking for a playful dining experience. [Website]

Name, Neighbourhood, & Family Crew:
Aileen Fearman
Mt Tolmie
Jeff (husband), Kai (7) and Navy (3)

What do you do (for work, passion, or both)?
I was a registered nurse for 14 years, and I’m now pursuing a master’s in Clinical Counselling with a focus on infertility and supporting healthcare workers. My family also runs Fossil Beach Farm on Hornby Island, where I grew up. We started it eight years ago when I was pregnant with Kai, and it’s been a wild ride ever since!

I am a little short on time for hobbies these days, but reformer pilates keeps me going! I try to see as many sunsets as possible and spend time near the ocean.

What’s a typical day like in your household?
Jeff and I both work from home, so we walk or drive kids to their school/preschool and then tackle work. Our kids are very social and love going to activities, so we are busy during the week getting them where they need to go after school. On weekends, we tend to have a home day that is less structured and then an out-and-about day at the beach or on the boat.

Any recent parenting wins (or fails) you’d be willing to share?
Being able to be part of a co-op preschool feels like a win. The hours are limited so it’s been a juggle, but our daughter is making wonderful connections, and it’s been a great way for us to meet other families too.

Your favourite coffee shop:
Ruth & Dean. I go there to work sometimes, meet friends for coffee, or go with the kids on the weekends after an activity.

Kids’ favourite meal (made at home):
Everyone seems to have their own favourite these days!! Navy: Spaghetti, Kai: Steak

Kids' book on repeat:
Mermaid School for Navy!

Favourite purchase under $100 with kids in mind:
A short shovel.

Not much tidal drama today, but we’re getting close to a spring tide (coming Tuesday/Wednesday), which brings the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. Despite the name, spring tides have nothing to do with the season. They happen when the sun, moon, and Earth align during a full or new moon.

That alignment means extra-low tides this weekend, making it a perfect time for tidepooling, beachcombing, and spotting sea creatures you don’t usually see.

Up for an adventure? Pack up the crew and head to Botanical Beach for a day of exploring the shoreline. And don’t miss Shirley Delicious, a cozy café in the woods known for great coffee, fresh baked goods, and lunch that’s worth the stop.

Season Opener Car Show

📍 Mayfair Shopping Centre (Rooftop)
📅 Sunday, May 25 at 11am - 5pm

If your kids are into cars, this is the event to rev their engines for! The Season Opener Car Show, hosted by Light 'EmUp.TV, is rolling onto the rooftop of Mayfair Shopping Centre this Sunday, and it’s packed with fun for the whole family.

This free, family-friendly event will showcase 650+ show cars, from classic cruisers to modern marvels. There’s a Power Wheels contest, Hot Wheels races, kids’ activities, live music, and plenty of prizes up to be won.

It’s all in support of Help Fill A Dream.

📅 More Events

🎉 Selkirk Waterfront Festival: Saturday, May 24 | 11am-5pm
Enjoy live music, food trucks, local artisans, and kids activities (including bouncy castles and crafts) along the beautiful Gorge Waterway at this free community celebration. [Info]

⚓ Museum Tots – Go For Gold! (Rushes): Saturday, May 24 | 10:30 am - 11:15 am
This drop-in weekly program introduces children ages 3–5 to the exciting world of museum learning! Each session features a new theme, engaging your kids through crafts, play, songs, and movement. Free with adult admission. [Info]

🏃‍♀️ Oak Bay Half Marathon: Sunday, May 25 | 8am start
Cheer on runners at this scenic community event through Oak Bay, featuring a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids’ run. [Info]

⛵ Swiftsure International Yacht Race: May 24–25
This iconic Pacific Northwest sailing race kicks off in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, with dozens of yachts sailing along challenging coastal courses. Catch the action from the breakwater or Ogden Point as crews depart Saturday morning. [Info]

🧸 Ultimate Toy Fair: May 24–25
Held at Pearkes Arena, this huge toy show features new and vintage toys, games, and collectibles for kids and collectors alike [Info]

🍓 Ichigo Strawberry Moon Market: Saturday, May 31 | 11am-4pm
A whimsical night market at Fernwood Community Center with Japanese treats, handmade goods, and lanterns to welcome strawberry season. [Info]

🎶 Songs for the Gorge: Saturday, May 31 | 10am–2pm
A free, family-friendly celebration of nature and music at Bamfield Park along the Gorge Waterway with live performances and eco-activities. [Info]

🫖 Oak Bay Tea Party: Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8
An annual summer fundraiser at Willows Beach featuring carnival rides and midway, an air show, festive parade, bathtub races, pancake breakfasts, live music, raffles, and family-friendly entertainment [Info]

The Root Cellar is a local fave for fresh produce, and guess what just rolled in? Sweet, juicy BC strawberries! Perfect for your berry monsters at home who can inhale a pint in minutes. Swing by their Cook Street or McKenzie locations to stock up.

Parachute Ice Cream has opened a new location on Windsor Street in Oak Bay. If you haven’t tried them yet, they’re known for rich, creamy ice cream and some of the best flavours around. They use fresh, local ingredients, and even make their own waffle cones. Check them out.