Happening May 17 to 19, 2024 (Victoria Day Weekend), The Whistler Children’s Festival promises adventure around every corner this May with roving circus performers, magic shows, science workshops, interactive experiences and internationally acclaimed children’s performers.
Whistler is an incredibly kid-friendly resort and the perfect place for a children’s festival. The added advantage is that you can experience the fest and the great outdoors, first-class dining, connections to Indigenous culture, relaxing spa time (maybe not with the kids) and fun après all in the same place.
Ever since I became a mom, I’ve focused on travelling as a family because I know that in the blink of an eye my five-year-old, Adelina, will be all grown up and possibly won’t want anything to do with us parents! I also love festivals, because, in a short period, you get to experience a whole lot.
We were invited to the fest by Tourism Whistler last year (May 2023) and had a blast. In this blog, you’ll find my first-hand experience with info and tips on what you can expect for this year’s Whistler Children’s Festival.
What is the Whistler Children’s Festival?
The Whistler Children’s Festival is the longest-running festival in Whistler BC, celebrating its 41st year. From May 17 to 19, families can expect magic shows, science experiments, sing-alongs, and circus acts; in other words, it’s a lot of kid-fuelled fun.
Why Whistler you say? Whistler is an all-year-round destination that caters to those seeking mountain-based thrills. From sightseeing on Whistler Blackcomb to mountain biking, gentle strolls in the forest and fresh lake paddles, it’s a beautiful place to spend part of your summer.
I was born and raised in Vancouver and I’ve been to Whistler many times. I’ve visited as a kid with my parents, as a couple with my husband for our anniversary, with friends before the kids and now as a mom with a child entering Kindergarten. Whistler has surprised me over and over again.
Highlights of Our Whistler Trip
One of my favourite hotels is the Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites, located conveniently in the heart of Whistler Village. The hotel has spacious 2-bedroom suites and is very close to the main hub of the Children’s Festival. I find it to be one of the most kid-friendly hotels we’ve stayed in and they have a great pool with a jacuzzi.
Once we settled in at the hotel we went straight to our first workshop, just steps away at the Maury Young Arts Centre. It was with Kellie Haines, a ventriloquist who started her puppet career at just eight years old. She combined singing and storytelling with her puppet show and Adelina loved all the songs.
I didn’t know what to expect, but looking around me every kid in the audience was excited and engaged. What I loved most about her show was that she interacted with the audience and most importantly invited the kids on stage so they felt like they were a part of the show. It’s definitely fun to see your child on stage!
Another workshop we attended was at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, just a ten-minute walk from the Mary Young Arts Centre. The kids learned about the traditional history, stories and teachings of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. We had a guided tour of the centre and Adelina got to make some headbands to go home with, which she was very proud of. The facility was beautiful and we both learned so much from the tour.
If you are wondering about dining options, every single restaurant we went to including the award-winning Araxi, had a kids’ menu. We also checked out Quattro, which has amazing Italian food – what kid doesn’t like pasta? La Bocca, which has a great sense of energy set along the stroll so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Village is a great lunch spot.
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Of course, you can’t go to Whistler without getting a scoop from COW’s ice cream. There can be a lineup, but it’s worth it! If you aren’t into fine dining there are also pubs, burger bars and cute coffee shops. I highly recommend you research a little and book ahead of time if there’s somewhere specific you want to dine.
Tips on Attending the Whistler Children’s Festival
I’m not surprised this festival is in its 41st year as it is so much fun. Just waking up to the fresh alpine air and mountain scenery is worth it, But, to have your kids enjoy their time with you, well, that’s priceless.
Below are some tips on what to expect at the festival. I hope you find them helpful in creating your own mountain memories.
- Book your accommodation ahead to make things easier and think about choosing somewhere in Whistler Village to reduce walk-time on little legs. Booking earlier typically means you save money, especially on hotel packages. With Whistler.com, if you stay three nights or longer you get 30% off and a free $150 activity voucher.
- Arrive early for the festival and head to the Chalk Block Party outside the Maury Young Arts Centre on Friday 17. The street will be animated with exciting activations, plus an info tent and box office to help you plan for the perfect festival!
- Bring family and friends. As Whistler has so much to do you can bring your in-laws, parents or other friends and family so that you can sneak out for a date night! We went to the Grey Goose Vodka Room inside Barefoot Bistro and enjoyed tasting vodka in -30 degrees wearing parkas. We met new people and had some fun conversations over our shots of vodka!
- Two festival highlights for this year are Juno-nominated Ginalina and America’s Got Talent ventriloquist Michael Harrison, so snap those tickets up first!
- Be stress-free. I know that sometimes parents can be self-conscious about bringing younger kids to events due to tantrums and meltdowns, but have no fear because at the Whistler Children’s Festival, we’re all in the same boat. No one is there to judge and you might just make some new mommy/daddy friends while you’re both socializing!
- Alongside the ticketed events there are many FREE activities to enjoy each day of the Fest, including puppet shows, scavenger hunts and classical quartets. Some of these are happening along the Cultural Connector, a trail that joins six of Whistler’s cultural institutions.
- Tickets go on sale April 8 and I suggest signing up for the Arts Whistler newsletter for early bird access.
Stay 3+ Nights and Receive a Free Activity Voucher
Stay longer than a weekend and enjoy all of Whistler Children’s Festival, with up to 30% off stays of three or more nights and a free Activity Voucher (can be used towards any activities or transportation on Whistler.com).
- Stay 3 nights or more, receive $150 CAD
- Stay 5 nights or more, receive $250 CAD
Let your kiddos explore creativity in the mountains this May – come and play!
