Last update: September 12th, 2024 at 04:52 pm
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Table of Contents
Whistler with Kids – Introduction
Well, thank goodness. If you are planning a summer visit to Whistler with kids in 2024, things are finally back to the way things were before Covid! Please use the menu above to find everything thing you need for a fantastic summer family trip to Whistler
Not quite what you were looking for? See also:
- Whistler’s Top Activities (Tripadvisor)
- Whistler with Kids – The Winter Guide (Pint Size Pilot)
- Best Hotels in Whistler for Families (Pint Size Pilot)
Whistler with Kids Video
We are all busy. Do you just want a quick peek at some of the best family activities Whistler has to offer? Check out our 1 minute video.
15 Things to do with Kids in Whistler – Summer
1. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Do you have a toddler who loves to keep on the move, or a kid that is just dying to know what it feels like to ride on one of the world’s longest gondolas? Take a trip on the Peak to Peak Gondola (consistently rated as the #1 attraction in all of Whistler).
You also may wish to check out the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Lookout at the top of Whistler. This attraction is reached via the Peak Express chairlift ride at the top of Whistler.
To ride the Peak Express, guests must be 40” (3.3 feet or 1 M) or taller and must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Children must be taller than 40” and 12 years or older to ride alone.
Learn more at whistlerblackcomb.com or read recent reviews from Tripadvisor.
2. Whistler Zip Lining and Treetop Treks
Ziptrek Whistler
ZipTrek Whistler offers the exhilarating experience of flying through the air through the treetops and over a canyon. Several different tour options are offered for kids 6 years and up. (To ride their longest line, “The Sasquatch”, riders must be at least 10 years old.)
For parents with younger children, the all ages Tree Trek canopy walk provides and nice alternative. See also our complete post on Ziptrek here.
Learn more at whistler.ziptrek.com or read recent Tripadvisor reviews.
Superfly Ziplines
Just a 10 minute shuttle ride north of Whistler you will find Superfly Ziplines, an adventure center that offers an exciting zip lining tour (with optional tandem lines), white water rafting. ATV riding, and a treetop adventure obstacle courses for both adults and kids.
While it took my kids a little while to get the hang of clipping on and off the ropes on the kids treetop adventure course, once they got the hang of it, they absolutely loved working their way along ladder bridges, swings and mini zip lines.
Learn more at superflyziplines.com or read recent Tripadvisor reviews.
3. Enjoy a Day at a Lake
Lakeside Park – Alta Lake
A favorite for local families, Lakeside Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic, take a dip, rent a kayak, or just putter around. This popular park contains 2 swimming docks, a raft, a children’s play structure, a large grass lawn, picnic tables, and a concession stand.
Lakeside Park is located 2 km south of the village in the Alta Vista neighbourhood and is accessible by car from Hillcrest Drive or by biking or walking the Valley Trail.
Lost Lake Beach
Equally popular is Lost Lake Park which can be reached by or short walk (20 minutes) or free shuttle during the summer months. The shuttle picks guests up at the Village Gondola Transit Exchange and the Blackcomb Day Lodge Base roughly every 15 minutes starting at 11am (see schedule).
The park area features a swim area, docks, barbecue stands, accessible washrooms, a concession stand (open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July 1 to Labour Day, and weekends from June to September), picnic tables and slackline posts.
For a complete list of Whistler parks see: whistler.ca/
4. Visit Brandywine Falls
Take a 15 minutes drive south from Whistler to Brandywine Provincial Park with its awe-inducing 70m waterfall. The falls are just a short walk from the parking lot, although there are much longer hikes to take should you so choose.
If you want to bring along a picnic lunch, stop in Function Junction on your way to the falls to provision up at Olives organic market or the delicious Purebread bakery.
5. The Train Wreck Hike
This family-friendly Whistler hike takes you along the Sea to Sky Trail, crossing a suspension bridge and ending up at some colourfully-grafittied box cars. The trail is mostly flat and at only 2km roundtrip it is manageable for most kids.
Learn more at: Whistler.ca or read Tripadvisor reviews.
6. The Treehouse Playground
When visiting Whistler with kids, you definitely don’t want to miss this excellent playground near Whistler’s Olympic Plaza.
It’s a perfect place to hang out as a family – surrounded by an abundance of coffee/tea shops (Starbucks, Blenz, Purebread, David’s Tea), sweat treats (Dairy Queen, Cows Ice Cream, The Glass Elevator Candy Shop) and even a toy store (Whoola Toys).
7. The Adventure Zone
During the summer months, Blackcomb Base (Upper Village) turns into a Family Adventure Zone. Activities include mini golf, bouncy castles, bungy trampolines and more.
Learn more at: the Whistler Adventure Zone.
8. Vallea Lumina
Vallea Lumina is one of Whistler’s most popular attractions and involves a multimedia night and immersive light show set in the forested surrounds of Cougar Mountain (10 minute shuttle from Whistler).
The one thing about this attraction is that as it is dependent on it being dark out. In the summer months the time slots are very late (10pm in July, 9:30pm in August). If you are in Whistler with teens or a little night owl, however, this could be perfect. Alternatively, if you save this for a winter visit, the booking times starts as early as 6pm.
Learn more at vallealumina.com or see current Tripadvisor reviews.
9. Biking in Whistler
From May through October, Whistler Ski Mountain turns into Whistler Bike Park — the number 1 lift accessed downhill bike park in the world (over 80km of trails!).
With terrain and obstacles suitable for all abilities, this can be a great activity for the whole family. Learn more at whistlerblackcomb.com or read reviews on Tripadvisor.
New riders looking to work on their skills can visit Fitzsimmons Creek Bike Skills Park (between Whistler Village and Blackcomb Base). This free park has numerous features and obstacles suitable for all ages and abilities.
Whistler has a public BMX track located in Bayly Park (open dawn to dusk). Learn more at www.whistler.ca.
If you are more of a cruiser when it comes to bike riding (like me), Whistler offers a very extensive paved (and mostly flat) trail network, including the popular 40km Valley Trail that weaves riders by five alpine lakes. Learn more at whistler.com.
10. Whistler Skate Park
Whistler Village is home to the second largest skate park in Canada with a skateable area of over 4,600 square metres (50,000 square feet). The park contains a serpentine run into a 6.5-metre diameter Snake Bowl, as well as a variety of ¼ pipes up to 3m high, a spine, volcano and central pyramid.
The Whistler Skate Park is located beside Fitzsimmons Creek (between Whistler Village and Blackcomb Base), and is open daily from April to November (dawn to 1 a.m). Learn more at whistler.ca.
If you are interested in Whistler summer camps, Evolve offers full-day skateboard and scooter camps throughout July and August. Camp lesson plans are designed for kids aged 6-15, from beginner to intermediate skill levels. Lessons are mixed in with other awesome Whistler activities to ensure maximum summer fun. Take a peek at the full experience in the following YouTube video.
11. Whistler Concert Series (Free)
Cinema Under the Stars – Free Outdoor Movies
In prior years, Whistler has offered a free outdoor summer cinema series during July and August. This has yet to be confirmed for 2023, but please check the Whistler Film Festival website for updates.
Summer Outdoor Concert Series
From July through September Whistler hosts a series of free all-ages concerts at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Throw down a blanket and enjoy the show from the lawn, or listen from the nearby playground. The lineup is always wide-ranging – from symphonies to DJs to classic Canadian rockers.
See the Whistler Concert Series for the full summer lineup.
12. Whistler Pools and Water Parks
Just 10 minutes by car/bus north of the village you will find Meadow Park Aquatic Centre, with its 25 metre, six-lane lap pool, eight-foot slide, gradual entry kids’ pool and lazy river.
On hot days, little ones may prefer cooling off at the spray park behind the Aquatic Centre instead. This water park also has a kids playground, picnic tables, a sand pit, and washrooms
Learn more at: whistler.ca
13. The Audain Art Museum
I know art museums are not the easiest with kids, but if you want to squeeze in a quick history of British Columbia art in a beautiful setting (the building is as nice as the collection), this is the place.
Kids are free (18 and under) and you can pick up a little scavenger hunt worksheet at the front desk to help keep little ones engaged.
The permanent collection at the Audain includes some impressive First Nations masks and numerous paintings by celebrated Canadian artists Emily Carr and E.J. Hughes.
Read reviews on Tripadvisor or learn more at audainartmuseum.com.
14. Escape Whistler
Escape Whistler is one of our favourite things to do in Whistler with kids when the weather isn’t looking great.
It is a real-life gaming experience where small groups (2-6 guests) are presented with puzzles, riddles, and clues – working together to solve them within 45 minutes in order to “Escape” from the situation.
Themes include The Pirate Ship, The Pinball Machine, The Buried Cabin, Yukon Gold, Underwater Lair and The Rabbit Hole.
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. See website for more details or read reviews on Tripadvisor.
15. Core Climbing
The Core is a 5500 square-foot indoor rock climbing wall. At Whistler Core, you can book 1 hour guided sessions for families. Kids must be at least 5 years old to participate
During the summer months, this facility also offers one and two day climbing summer camps for children 9 to 14 years.
And finally, back by popular demand, is their “Climb & Dine” date night. On this fun-filled evening, kids get to enjoy climbing activities and a tasty dinner, while parents get a few hours to themselves. The program runs select evening from 6-9pm and is available to kids 7-14 years ($80pp).
Learn more at WhistlerCore.com or see Tripadvisor reviews.
Where to Stay in Whistler with Kids
1. Whistler Family Accommodation
Most Whistler hotels are very family friendly and there are huge number to choose from. The majority of the hotel properties are centered around the lively epicenter of Whistler Village.
While this location is handy, some families (including ours) prefer to stay in the quieter Upper Village, just a short 10 minute walk through the forest.
Please see also our complete post on the Best Whistler Family Accommodation options or our top 5 Whistler family hotel pick below.
- The Fairmont Chateau Whistler (Upper Village) – See Tripadvisor reviews or check rates on Booking.com.
- The Four Seasons Whistler (Upper Village) – See Tripadvisor reviews or – check rates on Booking.com.
- Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre (Main Village) – See Tripadvisor reviews or check rates on Booking.com.
- The Summit Lodge (Main Village) – See Tripadvisor reviews or check rates on Booking.com.
- First Tracks Lodge (Creekside) – See Tripadvisor reviews or check rates onBooking.com.
Top 10 TripAdvisor Recommended Hotels in Whistler
2. Whistler Hotels Deals and Other Accommodation
Whistler hotels can get very expensive in summer, but here are some tips.
- Book a hotel with a flexible cancellation policy as far out as possible and then check back later for better deals. Sites such as Booking.com usually offer this option.
- If you are within 2 weeks of your planned stay, check out the deals on Whistler Last Minute. With a little sleuthing you can usually figure out the mystery hotel. On our most recent visit, I managed to get a 1 bedroom suite at one of the hotels listed above for less than the price of a studio suite.
- Opt for a Whistler vacation rental property instead. Sites such as VRBO and Airbnb offer some great house, condo and apartments rentals in Whistler.
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