Travelling with Children
On and -off the mountain, Whistler is the ultimate family friendly destination. The mountain offers dedicated family zones, an enchanted Tree Fort and Magic Castle and an excellent Whistler Kids Snow School program. The Village is packed with family-friendly activities from the playground and skating rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza to the soapstone carving classes at Fathom Stone Gallery and cultural experiences at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Read on to discover more family fun activities available during your stay in Whistler.
Winter Activities
Looking for some more adventureous activities to do as a family? Check out our winter activities page and choose from zip lining, dog sledding, tubing, and snowmobiling to name but a few.
Family Après
Family après is all about experiencing winter outdoor fun with the kids, the Canadian way. Activities range from snowman competitions, tobogganing, storytelling, music, hockey, snacks, hot beverages and more.
Kids Ski School
Whether your child is a beginner, intermediate or advanced skier/rider, Whistler Blackcomb has the perfect lesson to match your child’s needs. Whistler Ski School is home to some of the best instructors in the world!
Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza
Whistler Olympic Plaza, the site of the 2010 Winter Games’ Victory Ceremonies, offers free skating starting mid-December. $8 skate rentals and free helmets are available.
Vallea Lumina
An otherworldly adventure, perfect for the whole family, with an immersive light show set in an enchanted forest.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre celebrates the joint history of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. The art & exhibits on display showcase their histories.
Fire & Ice Show
Whistler’s best skiers and riders hit a big air jump through a blazing ring of fire every Sunday night during the winter months! Spend your evening with family and friends, and enjoy the free live entertainment and fireworks!
The Core
Kids climbing the walls? Bring them to The Core’s rock climbing gym. Choose a program, or just drop in. Guided programs, day camps, summer camps, climbing lessons, climb & dine & more are available!
Whistler Olympic Plaza Playground
The interactive playground features a large treehouse with a slide, a toddler treehouse with a slide, a rocking boat, swings and a padded play surface. Conveniently located in the Village, this area is close to a variety of coffee shops.
Whistler Museum
Located in the heart of the resort, the Whistler Museum is the place to discover Whistler’s history and unique mountain culture. The Museum offers a variety of exhibits and interactive activities suitable to all ages.
Meadow Park
This multipurpose facility provides a wide selection of services and amenities including a six-lane pool, kids’ pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. The complex also houses an arena, squash courts, weight room and a fitness studio.
Babysitting & Nanny Services
Let us help arrange babysitting, childcare or a nanny during your holiday. Nannies and babysitters come to your home to provide safe, fun and active care of your children.
Soapstone Carving
This is a great off mountain activity for all ages 3+. Classes include the 1 hour pendant, 1-2 & 3 hour inukshuk, 3 hour 2-D wildlife, 4 to 6 hour 3-D bear, or 6+ hour freestyle classes. You get to take home your completed soapstone carving.
Summer Activities
With so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors on and off the mountain in Whistler, the biggest problem our guests often face is choosing which activity to try first. Listed below are, in our opinion, some of the best activities currently on offer.
10 commonly asked questions about travelling with kids to Whistler
Summer (June to August) or Winter (December to March) are the best times to visit Whistler with children with seasonal programs running just for kids.
Whistler offers activities for children such as snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, ziplining, mini golf, hiking and more.
Yes, there are several kid-friendly restaurants in Whistler such as Crepe Montagne and Creekbread, Pasta Lupino, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Gone Eatery, and Purebread.
The best way to get to Whistler with kids is by car or bus. Expect approximately 90 minutes in drive time from Vancouver.
Yes, Whistler offers ski and snowboard lessons and camps for kids of all ages.
Yes, there are many kid-friendly accommodations in Whistler such as vacation rentals, holiday homes, and condos.
Yes, Whistler offers beginner lessons for kids who have never skied or snowboarded before.
Yes, there are several indoor activities for kids in Whistler such as Escape Rooms, Meadow Park Sports Centre, Whistler Public Library, the Whistler Core Climbing and Fitness Gym, and more.
Yes, Whistler Blackcomb offers a ski school for kids.
Yes, baby equipment can be rented from various shops in Whistler such as Babies on the Go.