#GOFestWhistler with kids

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Looking forward to an action-packed May long weekend with the family? GO Fest is teeming with activities to keep the good times rolling for, well, all the team. Check out the below itinerary, or visit this schedule for the full range of activities, to make the most of every day together.

Friday, May 18

Tour Whistler’s Village Stroll and take in the outstanding array of Street Entertainment on offer throughout the weekend. You’ll find live music, art, crafts and quirky characters in costume. The Street Entertainment runs from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, as well as noon to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Saturday, May 19

Packed your runners? Start Saturday with a dose of fresh air on the five-kilometer Whistler Parkrun along Lost Lake Park’s wide gravel trails. The run is an inclusive, bring-everyone, move-at-your-own-speed activity. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Babies are welcome in their strollers, but bring your big-wheeled running stroller because the course is gravelly. Fido must be on a short leash and there is a limit of one dog per runner. The run starts at the Lost Lake Passivhaus (which—whew—serves coffee, smoothies, and food) just a short walk from Whistler Village. (Cost: free. Arrive at 8:50 a.m. for a 9 a.m. start and register online in advance.)

Next up for all nature lovers is Make Your Own Birdhouse from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Gift a backyard home to the many North American birds who select birdhouses to nest in. (Cost: $15. Sign up on site. Birdhouse builders under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.)

Have a little skateboarder? Or an aspiring skater? The Vans Mini Skate Ramp is at the Whistler Olympic Plaza Pavilion from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20 (Cost: free. Ages 10 and older. Bring your own helmet.)

A second board sport is also on offer: snowboarding for kids ages three to six. Try the Showcase Burton Riglet Snowboard Park at Whistler Olympic Plaza from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. A few years ago the littlest children typically started winter sports on skis, but these tiny snowboards are designed for the youngest participants.

Explore Whistler’s unique natural spaces at the GO Green Nature Scavenger Hunt from 1 to 4 p.m. at Florence Petersen Park (beside the Whistler Public Library). The hunt is guided by adventure leaders who teach fun information about the importance of biodiversity, forests, waterways and wildlife. (Cost: free.)

Sunday, May 20

Grow your own sunflower and learn about sustainable gardening at Dig, Sow, GROW! at the AWARE tent at Whistler Olympic Plaza from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gardening tools, organic soil, compostable cups and seeds are provided. (Cost: free.)

Do your littles keep their eyes peeled for fire engines? Police cars? Is garbage day—with the garbage truck—the highlight of their week? Up to 100 shiny vintage British cars will be in Creekside Village from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for the All British Car Show. (Cost: free.)

Bike, walk or drive (but driving means you don’t get to enjoy Whistler’s Valley Trail) to The Point Artist-Run Centre for an afternoon of activities from noon to 4 p.m. There will be bocce and brunch, live music, indoor and outdoor activities, and a Musical Instrument Swap and Jam Session.

Not been to The Point before? It’s a magical location that is now a creative hub for the community, with a series of historic buildings, a lawn down to the lake, and docks where Whistler Sailing Association launches boats. (Cost: free. Bring a musical instrument if you want to join the swap. Click here if you need directions to The Point, 5678 Alta Lake Road.)

Monday, May 21

Swing by the GO Fest Haven tent at Whistler Olympic Plaza for the Discover Nature with Whistler Museum workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Discover Nature is a public education program that includes touch tables with a range of Whistler’s nature hosted by nature interpreters. All ages are welcome. (Cost: free.)

Then afterwards head back to the Village Stroll to take in more Street Entertainment from noon until 6:30 p.m.