There’s no denying the obvious, the ski season will soon be upon us. Even if you aren’t a skier or snowboarder, there is plenty of ski-free family fun to enjoy in Whistler, slopeside activities with kids. From bouncing to zip-lining, skating and snowflake-eating, here’s how to enjoy family-friendly Whistler and have fun in beautiful British Columbia, beyond the slopes.
Family Friendly Fun in Whistler Beyond the Slopes
There is no shortage of fun and active things to do for families and kids in Whistler. The village and surrounding area is packed with activities and sights to see. That includes the road up to Whistler too. The Sea to Sky Highway will surprise you with scenic views, fun attractions, and tasty pit stops.
Escape! Whistler
Escape! Whistler is a real-life gaming experience where you work as a team to escape from different scenarios by solving puzzles and riddles. Choose from one of four themed rooms. Immerse yourself in a world of fun, challenging and interactive obstacles. Excellent indoor family entertainment.
Audain Art Museum
The Audain Art Museum is Whistler’s newest cultural hot spot. Located by the Village, this iconic building houses a permanent collection of artworks from British Columbia. It also hosts exhibitions from leading museums around the world. Free for children 16 years old and younger.
Discover the ultimate insider’s guide to Whistler Creekside
Whistler Village Scavenger Hunt
Fancy a game, Watson? Visit the Whistler Visitor Centre and pick up a Whistler 2010 games Experience Brochure and Village map. Then make your way through Whistler Village, searching for clues with the interactive and fun Winter Scavenger Hunt.
Coca-Cola Tube Park
One of the most popular non-skiing activities in Whistler, the Coca-Cola Tube Park is a family favorite, and easily accessible from the Excalibur Gondola (no ticket required). There are seven lanes varying in difficulty and length. Families can join tubes together. Just ask the guide for a spinning start to the fun.
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Whistler Bounce
Whistler Bounce is an indoor trampoline park located in Function Junction with padded walls, a foam pit, and instructors ready to teach your kid how to bounce, flip and twist like a pro. Great music and lots of the local pro skier and snowboarders drop in to train.
Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza
Free ice skating at the Whistler Olympic Plaza is a really fun way to spend a couple of hours and enjoy a bit of Canadiana. Open daily from 11AM to 9 PM (with an hour closure for ice maintenance from 5-6 PM). The Plaza rink also has a skate rental shop.
Skating makes kids and families hungry! Check out our recommendations on where to eat in Whistler with kids.
Hurling axes through the air
At Forged Axe Throwing in Whistler’s Function Junction, kids ten years and older can channel their inner lumberjacks with an axe throwing lesson when accompanied by an adult. This is a really fun family or group activity to enjoy for an hour or two. Afterwards, celebrate hitting the bullseye with a stop at Whistler Brewing Company located next door, where kids are also welcome.
Fathom Stone Art Gallery
Fathom Stone offers stone carving classes for kids and adults that are educational, creative and fun! Instructors will guide you in creating your own stone art piece from British Columbia Soapstone.
Ziplining
Ziplining adventurers 6 years and older can enjoy the rush of zipping through snow-covered mountains and tall trees, high above frozen Fitzsimmons Creek. There are two companies operating zipline tours in Whistler – ZipTrek Ecotours and SuperFly Ziplines. For more about the ziplining experience, read about our adventure.
Fire and Ice Show
Who can resist fireworks and fire spinners – especially when snowflakes fill the air? Whistler’s best skiers and riders hit a big air jump through a blazing ring of fire every Sunday night. Check out what else you can do in Whistler in winter!
Meadow Park Sports Centre
Located north of the Village, Whistler’s Meadow Park Sports Centre is a hub of fun activity. The facility is home to an indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, arena, fitness studio, weight room, squash courts and ice-skating rink. On most Fridays during winter they hold a Family Swim & Skate Night – a cheap and fun family outing.
Whistler Presents: Family Après
Family Après takes place every Monday and Wednesday evening from December until end of March at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Kids can enjoy Canadian-themed activities and entertainment. This adds to the already popular outdoor skating available at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Family Après begins late December until the end of March.
Whistler Presents: Holiday Experience
This free family fun zone offers unparalleled indoor entertainment and fun. Operating daily during the Christmas holiday season at the Whistler Conference Centre, enjoy mini-golf, bouncy castles, kids’ movies, and video games for the whole family.
For more information on where to stay during your Whistler holiday, check out our review of the best Whistler hotel accommodations, from budget to luxury.
Photo Credits: Tourism Whistler
Do you have ski or slopeside winter travel plans this season? Share what you love best about winter in the comments!
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