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11 Mar 2025
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Explore Some of the Family-Friendly Things to Do around Whistler

Whistler is world-renowned for spectacular mountain scenery and outdoor adventure in the heart of British Columbia. While it may be famous for ski slopes and adrenaline-filled experiences, it’s also an incredible place for families looking for fun. Here are the top family-friendly activities that will make your Whistler family vacation unforgettable!

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort, with a variety of runs to accommodate all skill levels. The resort offers ski and snowboarding lessons for ages 3 and up, with a focus on building fundamentals and a love for the sport. Whatever your family’s skill level, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy yourselves on the slopes! 

2. Bubly Tube Park Whistler Bubly Tube Park

For some winter fun for all ages, head to the Bubly Tube Park on Blackcomb Mountain. Slide down groomed lanes on inflatable tubes and enjoy the thrill of winter slopes without the learning curve. Tickets for this popular family activity can only be purchased in person, so consider arriving early or in off-peak times to maximize your fun. 

3. Whistler Family Adventure Zone

Located at the base of Blackcomb mountain, the Family Adventure Zone is a must-visit in the summer months. Kids can enjoy mini golf, a mountain bike pump track, bungee trampolines, a ropes course and an inflatable bouncy castle. This area is perfect for active kids to burn off some energy with exciting activities

4. Whistler Olympic Plaza

Originally built for the 2010 Winter Olympics, this expansive plaza has been transformed into a fantastic family-friendly park. In the winter, kids can enjoy an outdoor skating rink and Snow Zone, and the large grassy area hosts live performances in the summer. The plaza also features a playground with climbing structures, making it a favorite stop for families visiting Whistler.

Whistler Peak to Peak gondola in the spring 5. Peak 2 Peak Gondola 

The world-famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola is an engineering marvel that connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, offering an incredible ride through high alpine scenery. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world as you enjoy panoramic views from an enclosed gondola. Once you reach the summit, there are viewing platforms and family-friendly trails to explore.

6. Whistler Bike Park

While the Whistler Bike Park is known for thrilling downhill mountain biking, there are also plenty of beginner-friendly trails perfect for families with kids. The Fitzsimmons Zone at Whistler Bike Park is a great place to start, with gentle slopes and terrain for younger riders. If you’re new to mountain biking, there are lessons and camps available for all ages to feel confident riding the dirt.

7. Whistler Sliding Centre

Families with older kids can embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure at the Whistler Sliding Centre, where you can experience the thrill of riding a bobsled down the world-class track used in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Throughout the winter, they offer public bobsleigh and skeleton experiences, and summer brings the chance for a wheeled bobsleigh ride. Adrenaline seekers will love this unique experience!

8. Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

This museum showcases the heritage of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations through interactive exhibits, guided tours, storytelling and hands-on workshops. With a variety of cultural experiences to choose from, this is a great way for families to learn about local Indigenous cultures in an engaging way.

9. Meadow Park Sports Centre

The indoor Meadow Park sports complex is a great way to spend a rainy day or take a break from outdoor activities. It features a swimming pool with a lazy river and kiddie pool, as well as an ice rink, gym and sports courts. Passes can be purchased daily or as a bundle, so you can come back multiple times during your stay.

10. Visit Whistler’s Lakes Whistler Lost Lake in the Summer

The Whistler area boasts several parks that are perfect spots for family fun. Lost Lake Park is a laid-back area that offers summer biking, paddle boards and kayaks, as well as a sandy beach. In winter, the park features groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that are great for all levels. South of Whistler, Alta Lakeside Park is a scenic spot with swimming, kayaking and fishing piers, making it a perfect place for a relaxing family day by the lake.

11. Vallea Lumina

For a magical evening adventure, check out Vallea Lumina, an immersive multimedia night walk through Whistler’s enchanted forest. This experience features glowing lights, storytelling and interactive displays in a fairytale setting that kids will love. There is a winter and a summer Vallea Lumina, and the experience starts at nightfall, so it changes as the days get longer. The summer experience takes about 50-80 minutes to complete, while the winter course takes 30-45 minutes. It’s a unique way to experience the mesmerizing nature of Whistler, no matter the season. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended! (Children 2 and under are free)

12. Whistler Train Wreck Hike

This short, easy hike leads to an old train wreck site where brightly colored graffiti-covered boxcars have become a popular outdoor art display. Along the way, you'll walk along well-maintained paths through lush forest and cross a scenic suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River. This unique experience is a fun outdoor adventure for the whole family. 

13. The Core Indoor Climbing Gym

If your little adventurers love to climb, the indoor climbing gym at the Core is a great place to challenge them. The gym offers kid-friendly climbing walls with a range of difficulty levels, as well as lessons and camps for new climbers. Bring your family to new heights with a guided session or enjoy a night out while the kids have fun at a climbing camp!

Plan Your Whistler Family Vacation

With so many activities to choose from, your family will have an amazing time exploring everything Whistler has to offer! Booking a vacation rental in Whistler allows your family to enjoy the comforts of home while being close to all the action. Start planning your family holiday in Whistler with the perfect vacation rental and enjoy your home away from home in the mountains.