Snow that is piled up higher than your child is always a bit daunting when trying to find something to entertain your toddler. At least this is what I thought before we arrived in Whistler at the end of January. I knew we could go sledding, but other than that, I figured we would just enjoy a few walks in the snow. He wasn’t ready to strap a snowboard on quite yet. I was terrified to take him on a ski-lift to check out the view. What were we to do to entertain our energetic 2 year old? Surprisingly more than we though we could.
Whistler Village. When your toddler has finished exploring his new digs, head on down to Whistler Village to check out all of the kid-friendly (and free!) activities. The Inclusive Playground is enjoyable in the snow, rain or shine. There is free ice-skating available as well. If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent a pair for about $5.
Bask in Olympic Glory. Check out some of the spots where the 2010 Olympics happened. Hang out in Whistler Olympic Plaza, get your picture taken with the Olympic rings and go on the hunt for Olympic event sights.
Eating. What better activity is there than eating with your kids? There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in the Village to choose from. If you are looking to do a little family cooking in your condo or grab a quick ready-made meal on the go head on over to the Marketplace IGA.
Go for a Walk. There are several paths that lead from the Upper Village into the Whistler Village. Stroll along the path, make a few snow angels and introduce your little one to the fine art of the snowball fight. Just be sure to bring a sled with you to haul them back up the mountain to your hotel. Little legs don’t last so long in the snow. If you legs give out as well, just hop on one of the free shuttles that run past the hotels and into the villages.
Sledding. Bring your sled, or pick one up once you arrive and hit the slopes. Well, not those slopes, but any mini-ones you may find outside of your hotel, in Whistler Village and the public parks. If you see skiers and snowboards whipping down the hill, stay clear. Your little munchkin may get run over and there are usually no-sledding signs posted. Once you have mastered sledding, head over to the Whistler Blackcomb Tube Park to have a go.
Swimming. Taking a dip might not be the first thing you think of when headed out for a little winter fun. The outdoor pool and hot tubs are a fantastic place to let the kids dive in, make a few friends and see just how fast a cup of snow can melt when heated by hot tub steam.
Catch a Show that will Captivate the Kids. Every Sunday night at 6:30pm the ski school instructors participate in the Fire and Ice show. Snowboarder fly through the air doing 360s. Skiers do back flips off a jump. Toddlers yell with joy as a boarder goes down. It doesn’t stop there though. Oh no. Then fire dancers light hula-hoops and other instruments on fire and twirl them around making light patterns in the darkened sky. Think that’s impressive? Just wait until they light a large hoop on fire for the snowboarders to leap through. That’s a crowd pleaser every time.
Need a few more kid-friendly suggestions? We weren’t able to hit everything Whistler has to offer, but these are on our list for a return visit.
- Peak to Peak Gondola Ride
- Sleigh Ride
- Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
For more information on all there is to see and do in Whistler, check out our Whistler, BC (Winter) page.
Whistler Planning Guide
Hotels in Whistler
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Whistler’s famed ski-in, ski-out hotel with complimentary internet and and iconic Whistler fixture.
- Sundial Boutique Hotel: One of the highest rated hotels in Whistler with free Wi-Fi and steps from Whistler and Blackcomb lifts.
- Aava Whistler Hotel: A chic, pet-friendly hotel just a snowball’s throw away from from the bustling village center.
Looking for more? Search for a great deal on Booking.com!
Airbnbs in Whistler
- Mountain Star 16: Sleeps 9 in 3 bedroom + 2 bath
- Goldenwood 8361: Sleeps 8 in 4 bedroom + 4 bath
- Pinnacle Ridge 37: Sleeps 8 in 3 bedroom + 5 bath
Has anyone used the Daycare facilities at Whistler? A friend from work wants to have a few hours to snowboard.
Great ideas! Now that Baby B is a little older, I think he will love the skating and sleading.
Dek was 2.5 when we went last year and LOVED it. Could not get enough! We should try to meet you guys up there and have a baby/toddler palooza of fun.