Lots of Kids Activities in Vernon
In many ways, Vernon is a kid activity paradise! With access to year-round fun in the great outdoors, and plenty of other interesting and educational activities to enjoy indoors, there are options for every family to enjoy. Of course, day camps are a big area of focus in recreational programming for kids, as they provide critical childcare to working families and also plenty of opportunities for learning and fun. Check out our guide to day camps in Vernon here. Other than day camps, what are some fun activities or things to do in Vernon with kids? Here we will highlight a few fun, local activities that will keep your family entertained!
Outdoor Fun with Kids in Vernon
Hit a Fun Playground or Park
The city of Vernon has many inspiring options for parks with family and kid-friendly amenities. Top of the list, of course, is Polson Park in downtown Vernon! There you will find not only the Okanagan Science Centre, but also the Vernon Community Arts Centre, a Japanese garden, sheltered picnic area, skate park, walking trails, and more. Another park to check out with kids is Civic Memorial Park. It has a delightful and modern hot air balloon-themed playground that young ones are bound to enjoy. Lakeview Park is also a favourite with local families, with a ‘Peanut Pool’ that operates in the summer and baseball fields, and lots of open space for running around.
Get Out on the Water
The community of Vernon is nestled around Kalamalka Lake, which provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing or paddle sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are a number of different boat launch and beach access areas where you can get out on the water, including Paddlewheel Park, Lakeshore Park, Hurlburt Park and Kal Beach. Planning a day of water sports does involve important safety considerations, so plan ahead to make sure you have adequate floatation devices for everyone involved.
A Nature Scavenger Hunt
Vernon is for trail lovers! The area is known for being the trails capital of B.C. and has over 300 km of beautiful, scenic trails that snake around Greater Vernon. Why not take your kids for a fun day of scavenger hunting along the trails? You can easily find some scavenger hunt templates online or make up one of your own. Consider the time of year and what your kids are interested in and cater the day’s experience to them. From spotting colorful wildflowers and towering Ponderosa pines to listening for chirping birds and searching for animal tracks, this adventure encourages curiosity and outdoor play. Popular spots like Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and BX Creek Trail offer the perfect setting for young explorers to connect with nature while completing their scavenger list.
Indoor fun
Take in a Planetarium Show
Consider this your warm welcome to bring your family and come see us at Okanagan Science Centre! We’re open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 - 5:00. While you’re enjoying our interactive and educational exhibits, why not take in a planetarium show? We are proud to share that we have the Okanagan’s only fixed roof planetarium and have regular planetarium shows so visitors can learn more about the galaxies, planets, and more! Plan your visit here.
Family-Friendly Arts Programming
The Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) has a variety of family and kid-friendly programming to help make arts education and recreation accessible for all. The last Saturday of every month is Family Saturdays at VPAG, where adults and kids can work together on a project that both generations will enjoy. All materials are provided. In addition to Family Saturdays, VPAG also offers Mini Artists, which is an art workshop for those under the age of 5. Bring the kids for some colourful, artistic fun!
Take in a Family Film
Visit Vernon’s historic Towne theatre with your kids to enjoy a fun and cozy movie experience! Operating as a nonprofit, the Towne is run by volunteers and is dedicated to providing affordable entertainment for residents and visitors alike. The Towne offers a variety of fun and age appropriate movie experiences for family and kids, so plan ahead to take advantage.
Fun Times For All
Thanks for reading our ideas for fun things to do in Vernon with kids outside of the wide variety of excellent day camp programming that’s available in the community. Speaking of day camp, feel free to read our overview of local day camp options in Vernon here. In the meantime, take a moment to plan some fun activities to do with your kids! Indoors, outdoors, nature lovers, science lovers–everyone can have fun in Vernon!