Victoria's Best Museums for Kids on Vancouver Island

A Family Guide to Victoria's Kid-Friendly Museums

Victoria, nestled on Vancouver Island, offers an enriching blend of history, art, and natural wonders. Families visiting with kids will find the city's museums both educational and entertaining. From interactive exhibits that spark curiosity to fascinating collections that bring history alive, these museums cater to young minds in unique ways. Whether you have toddlers, preteens, or teenagers in tow, Victoria's museums provide an exciting gateway to learning and discovery. Let’s explore the best kid-friendly museums in this charming island city and what makes each one a must-visit destination for families.

1. Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum is a cornerstone of Victoria’s cultural landscape, offering an immersive journey through British Columbia's natural and human history. With its engaging exhibits and life-like displays, the museum brings history to life for visitors of all ages. Families can explore the breathtaking diversity of the province’s ecosystems, walk through a replica 19th-century street, and discover the traditions and stories of Indigenous communities. For young adventurers, the IMAX theatre provides a larger-than-life educational experience with films about wildlife and history. It’s an inspiring space that sparks curiosity and makes learning an unforgettable experience for kids aged 5 and up.

History of the Museum: The Royal BC Museum was established in 1886 to preserve and celebrate British Columbia's natural and human history. Over the decades, it has grown into one of Canada’s premier cultural institutions, offering world-class exhibits that explore Indigenous cultures, historical events, and the region’s rich biodiversity.

Unique Highlights: Kids will love the museum's immersive exhibits, like the Life in the Ice Age display and the walk-through Old Town, where they can explore a recreated 19th-century street. The IMAX theatre on-site often screens nature documentaries, adding to the educational experience.

Location & Directions: The museum is conveniently located in downtown Victoria at 675 Belleville Street, within walking distance of the Inner Harbour. Public transit routes and ample parking make it easy to access.

Admission Fees: General admission is $21.95 for adults, $16.95 for youth (ages 6-18), and free for kids under 6. Family packages are available.

Operating Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Best Ages: Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Insider Tip: Plan your visit on a weekday morning to enjoy quieter exhibits, and don’t miss the First Peoples Gallery for an insightful look at Indigenous history and culture.

2. Miniature World

Miniature World invites visitors to step into a world of intricate, hand-crafted dioramas that recreate moments in history, fantasy, and everyday life—on a small scale. Nestled in downtown Victoria, this charming attraction captivates both young and old with its mesmerizing attention to detail and creativity. From tiny versions of grand castles to elaborate scenes from childhood stories, every display is a visual treat. The museum's collection of over 85 exhibits includes a working model railway, a miniature circus, and historical battles brought to life in miniature form. Miniature World provides a delightful experience where imagination and history come together in fascinating ways, ensuring endless amazement for the whole family.

‍History of the Museum: Miniature World opened its doors in 1971, captivating visitors with intricate, hand-crafted dioramas and tiny recreations of historical scenes. Over the years, it has become a beloved attraction in Victoria, especially for families.

Unique Highlights: This museum features over 85 miniature displays, including fairy tale scenes, historical battles, and a model railroad that will mesmerize kids. The World’s Smallest Circus is always a favorite!

Location & Directions: Found at 649 Humboldt Street, Miniature World is a short stroll from the Royal BC Museum and easily reachable by public transportation.

Admission Fees: Tickets are $19 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-18), and free for children under 5. Family passes are available.

Operating Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Best Ages: Perfect for kids aged 3 and up.

Insider Tip: Encourage kids to look for hidden details in the dioramas; it’s like a treasure hunt that adds a fun twist to the visit.

3. Victoria Bug Zoo

The Victoria Bug Zoo is an enchanting destination for children and families eager to uncover the fascinating world of insects. Located in downtown Victoria, this living museum offers a chance to meet over 50 species of live bugs, from towering stick insects to gentle tarantulas. Friendly and knowledgeable staff provide guided tours, offering fun facts about the bugs’ behaviors, habitats, and importance to the environment. Brave kids can even hold some of the critters! This interactive experience is both thrilling and educational, fostering a deeper appreciation for the often-overlooked world of insects.The Bug Zoo is a unique destination that leaves visitors with awe and newfound bug knowledge.

History of the Museum: The Victoria Bug Zoo has been delighting insect enthusiasts since 1997. Its mission is to educate visitors about the fascinating world of bugs and their critical role in ecosystems.

Unique Highlights: Kids can get up close with over 50 species of live insects, including tarantulas, stick bugs, and giant cockroaches. Friendly staff members provide interactive tours and even let brave visitors hold some of the critters!

Location & Directions: Located at 631 Courtney Street, the Bug Zoo is centrally situated in downtown Victoria and accessible by foot, car, or public transport.

Admission Fees: Adults pay $15, while kids (ages 3-12) are $10. Children under 3 get in free.

Operating Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Best Ages: Ideal for kids aged 3 to 12.

Insider Tip: Ask the guides lots of questions—they love sharing fun facts about their six-legged friends and might even let you meet a praying mantis.

4. Maritime Museum of British Columbia

Dive into the captivating maritime history of Canada’s western coast at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia. Situated in the heart of Victoria, this museum showcases a treasure trove of nautical artifacts, from ship models and navigational tools to tales of daring seafarers. Interactive exhibits like knot-tying workshops and treasure hunts make maritime exploration exciting for young visitors. The Pirate Cove display adds a playful touch, transporting kids into a world of swashbuckling adventures. This museum invites families to discover the stories of the ocean and its role in shaping British Columbia’s history. It’s a voyage into the past that will inspire and entertain budding sailors and history buffs alike.

History of the Museum: Founded in 1955, this museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating British Columbia’s maritime heritage. It houses fascinating artifacts, including ship models, navigational tools, and tales of daring seafarers.

Unique Highlights: Interactive exhibits like knot-tying stations and treasure hunts make maritime history fun for kids. The Pirate Cove exhibit is a highlight, especially for young adventurers.

Location & Directions: Situated at 744 Douglas Street, the museum is close to downtown’s main attractions and easily reachable by public transit.

Admission Fees: Entry costs $12 for adults and $6 for children (ages 6-12). Family passes are available.

Operating Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Best Ages: Best suited for kids aged 6 and older.

Insider Tip: Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at the entrance for a fun way to explore the exhibits as a family.

5. Beacon Hill Children's Farm

Nestled in the serene Beacon Hill Park, the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is a hands-on learning haven for animal lovers of all ages. While not a traditional museum, this beloved family attraction offers an interactive experience where kids can meet, feed, and pet a variety of friendly farm animals, including goats, pigs, and alpacas. The highlight of every visit is the daily goat stampede, a lively spectacle that leaves kids and parents smiling. A visit here provides a unique opportunity for children to learn about animals and nature in a fun, engaging environment. Suitable for children of all ages, this farm is an idyllic spot to introduce little ones to the joys of animal care and the beauty of outdoor exploration.

History of the Museum: Operating since the early 1980s, Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is not a traditional museum but a hands-on learning space where kids can engage with animals and nature.

Unique Highlights: From pygmy goats and alpacas to chickens and peacocks, children can meet and pet a variety of farm animals. The goat stampede, which happens daily, is a crowd favorite!

Location & Directions: Found within Beacon Hill Park, the farm is located at 603 Beacon Hill Drive and is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transit.

Admission Fees: Entry is by donation, with a suggested amount of $5 per person.

Operating Hours: Open seasonally from March to October, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Best Ages: Ideal for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens.

Insider Tip: Arrive early to enjoy a quieter experience with the animals before the crowds pick up.

6. Dino Lab

Dino Lab is a thrilling destination in Victoria that brings prehistoric creatures to life! This one-of-a-kind facility blends science, education, and adventure, giving families the rare opportunity to see real dinosaur fossils being prepared for museums and private collections. Kids can marvel at life-sized skeletons of dinosaurs like T. rex and Triceratops, and even touch authentic fossilized bones. Guided tours provide an up-close look at the intricate process of fossil restoration, while interactive exhibits encourage young paleontologists to uncover the mysteries of Earth's ancient past. Dino Lab is perfect for children aged 5 and up, offering an exciting blend of discovery and hands-on learning that sparks a lifelong fascination with dinosaurs and natural history.

History of the Museum: Dino Lab was founded to bridge the gap between professional paleontology and the general public. It serves as both a working laboratory and an educational space, showcasing fossils sourced from excavation sites around the world.

Unique Highlights: Visitors can watch paleontologists at work, learn about excavation techniques, and touch genuine dinosaur bones. For an added thrill, families can participate in fossil cleaning workshops.

Location & Directions: Dino Lab is located at 4918 West Saanich Road, just a short drive from downtown Victoria. Free parking is available on-site.

Admission Fees: Adults: $20, Kids (ages 5-12): $12, Family passes available. Children under 5 enter for free.

Operating Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Best Ages: Recommended for children aged 5 and older.

Insider Tip: Book your tickets in advance to secure a spot in the fossil cleaning workshops—they fill up quickly! Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for dino-themed souvenirs.

Victoria’s museums offer incredible opportunities for kids to learn, explore, and spark their curiosity. Whether your family is fascinated by history, enchanted by miniatures, or intrigued by insects, there’s something here for everyone.