Why You Should Read This Guide
As a local Vernon-based nonprofit organization focused on creating science fun for everyone, we really know kids. And we definitely know Vernon! We also know that families living in Vernon or visiting Vernon need fun, engaging, and affordable activities to do no matter the season and weather. We are pleased to present this comprehensive guide of things to do in Vernon with kids. We will touch on ideas of what to do when the weather is nice, when the weather isn’t so nice, and highlight some annual cultural experiences you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re just visiting Vernon or are a local resident, we hope you find this guide helpful, inspiring, and enjoyable to read.
Outdoor Fun with Kids in Vernon
Enjoying outdoor activities with kids is a very important aspect of family life. Spending time outdoors helps kids burn off energy, supports their motor development, and improves both their mental and physical health. Luckily, Vernon is a fantastic place to prioritize spending time outdoors as a family. A true gem of a community in the North Okanagan region of B.C., Vernon provides countless opportunities for family fun in the great outdoors.
Trails, Trails and More Trails
Vernon has been crowned the Trails Capital of B.C. because of the more than 300 km of trails that crisscross around the Greater Vernon area. With such an abundance of trail options, there is truly an outdoor walk or hike available for every family. Whether you have younger children or teenagers, exploring the many trails in the Vernon area can be a great way to connect as a family and appreciate the beauty of nature. Consider some of these local favourites for your next family outing:
Polson Park Trail: Right in the centre of the city (and conveniently where the Okanagan Science Centre is located), check out the flat, family-friendly trails that guide you all around the park.
Grey Canal Trail: Turtle Mountain: This trail offers gorgeous views and is rated moderately challenging, with a nearly 7 km out-and-back distance. Consider it a great way to get exercise and build endurance as a family! Be sure to bring enough water and dress appropriately for the weather.
Rattlesnake Point Loop, Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park: This loop hike typically takes under 90 minutes to complete, with the second half of the trail being more physically challenging than the start. It can get busy in the summer, so we recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds!
Vernon’s Local Year-Round Mountain Resort
Visit Vernon either in the winter or summer months and take advantage of the world-class mountain resort located just 30 minutes from downtown. Silver Star Mountain Resort offers alpine skiing, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking (that’s biking on the snow), downhill biking, XC biking, hiking, and trail running options for visitors and families of all ages. The village is quaint and charming, with friendly staff available to make suggestions or guide you at every turn. Silver Star is known to be a great mountain for families with kids because of its accessibility and reasonable size. Winter or summer, there’s something to do at Silver Star for everyone, and just a short distance from the centre of Vernon’s town.
Experience Kalamalka Lake
Kalamalka Lake is widely known as the crown jewel of the Vernon area, with its iconic turquoise green glacier-fed waters and 10 charming and family-friendly public beaches. Visitors to the Vernon area definitely need to plan time for exploring Kal Lake (as it’s known to the locals). Top beach destinations include Cosens Bay Beach and Kal Beach. Kal Beach in particular offers family-friendly features such as accessible parking, public restrooms, picnic tables, and concessions that offer treats for the kids. (Always essential!) If you’re planning a visit to Kal Beach, consider renting a paddle board at Kalavida Surf Shop beside the general store. Paddle boarding offers an economical and fun way to experience Kal Lake as a family. Additionally, Kal Beach is the easiest place to launch a paddle board, so it’s definitely worth a try if you’re there! If you’re spending a few days in Vernon during the stunning summer season, take time to explore Kal Lake and its many sandy beaches as a family.
Local Parks and Playgrounds
Most parents would agree that, sometimes, kids just need to burn off energy outside to keep everyone happy and sane. Luckily, Vernon has an excellent selection of local parks that offer modern and accessible play structures for every family to enjoy. Top of the list is Civic Memorial Park, which boasts Vernon’s newest and arguably coolest playground (hot air balloon-themed!) and a picnic area. Let’s not forget Lakeview Park, which is a must-visit summer destination. With an outdoor wading pool called the “Peanut Pool” and three baseball fields, families with kids of all ages can have a great time outdoors. Polson Park is particularly close to our hearts because of the wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities offered. (It’s rated as Vernon’s most popular park.) Enjoy a walk around the trails, hit the skatepark and playground, and then stop in to see us at the Okanagan Science Centre! Friday nights in the summer offer the Polson Artisan Night Market from 4-8pm. Also worth highlighting is the very modern, inclusive and accessible playground at Marshall Field Park, which opened in 2022. All in all, Vernon’s parks and playgrounds have a lot to offer local or visiting families!
Bringing the Fun Indoors
The Okanagan region boasts four seasons that can bring extreme heat, rain, or cold in addition to the many beautiful, “picture perfect postcard” days. Here we will dive into some family-friendly indoor activities in the Vernon area that can help you keep everyone happy and entertained. These indoor activity suggestions also offer opportunities for learning and fun, which is an added bonus for any family. Read on to learn of a few ideas of things to do with kids in Vernon when the great outdoors isn’t looking so great!
Okanagan Science Centre in Polson Park
Okay, this is our opportunity for a little self-promotion. Conveniently located in a historic building in Vernon’s most popular park, the Okanagan Science Centre offers family-friendly exhibits and programming for science lovers of all ages. As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to make science education fun and accessible to everyone. Our facility offers special programming and exhibits in addition to science-themed day camps for when school isn’t in session. Also, lovers of the stars and sky can enjoy the Okanagan region’s only fixed roof planetarium. Learn more about admission and memberships here. Come and see us for some science education fun!
The Canadian Wildlife Museum
See an incredible collection of Canadian animal species up close in memorable life-like dioramas at this wonderful family-friendly local museum. Just a few minutes north of town on Highway 97, the Canadian Wildlife Museum is a great way to spend some time as a family indoors. Ken Schultz, wildlife enthusiast and master taxidermist, has been practicing his craft for over 50 years. Ken started building the wildlife museum in 1993 and completed it in 2021. A true passion project, visiting the museum is an engaging way to see many Canadian animal species up close. (Polar bear! Mountain lion! Bull moose - and more!) With interactive exhibits the kids will enjoy touching and feeling, this museum is a great way to spend time indoors as a family. Learn more and plan your visit here.
The Museum and Archives of Vernon
Step back in time with your kids to learn about and celebrate Vernon’s history! This engaging local museum offers admission by donation, with a suggested and accessible rate of $20 per family. Its exhibits include permanent favourites in addition to travelling and pop-up ones. Your kids will enjoy seeing a Secwépemc dug-out canoe and taking a moment to pause in the Indigenous circle, which acknowledges the Unceded and Ancestral syilx Territory upon which the museum was built. Visit the Museum of Vernon with your family to gain an appreciation for the land and the people who have built their lives on it. Plan your visit here.
Vernon Public Art Gallery
VPAG is an important aspect of cultural tourism to the city and is the largest public art gallery in the North Okanagan. Vernon Public Art Gallery (or VPAG as it’s known locally) offers programs and events to appeal to families and kids, such as their Family Saturdays program. They also have a wide variety of exhibitions, artist talks, film screenings, and workshops scheduled on an ongoing basis. Sharing the enjoyment of art with your children is a great way to spark their inner creativity. It’s worth checking out what’s going on at VPAG and planning a trip with your family. Find out more here. Note: VPAG closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Seasonal and Cultural Experiences in Vernon
Regardless of the weather and the time of year, there is usually something fun to look forward to as a family in Vernon. The Vernon community offers unique and engaging opportunities to experience fun as a family in a number of different ways. Here are a few highlights of annual events you can experience in the Vernon and surrounding areas.
Vernon Winter Carnival - Annually in February
An annual family-friendly series of events happening in Vernon every February, this is a major local winter highlight! An annual tradition since 1961, the carnival aims to be an inclusive and family-friendly community experience that also promotes Vernon as a winter destination for tourists. With pre-carnival events in addition to activities and programming going on every day, there are boundless opportunities for family winter fun! This event is top of our list of things to do in Vernon with kids in the winter. Check out what’s going on this year here.
North Okanagan Children’s Festival - Annually in May
A children’s festival taking place in Vernon every year when the weather is warm and the sun is shining? Sounds like a perfect opportunity for family fun! The North Okanagan Children’s Festival offers a variety of kid-friendly programming with an accessible ‘pay what you can’ approach to ticketing. Families with children of all ages can register for performances and workshops that are bound to delight. Events typically take place in and around the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, with both indoor and outdoor programming. Check out this annual festival for the best in family fun!
Sundog Festival - Annually in late September
The Sundog Festival focuses on local arts and culture activities and programming for everyone in the community. It typically starts off with a family-friendly weekend of music and entertainment suitable for all ages. And the best part? It’s free! It’s worth noting the dates in your calendar and finding the right opportunities to participate and engage as a family. Sundog Fest aligns with the province’s annual Culture Days and offers exhibits and activities spanning a 3-week period every year. With a variety of programming, musical talent and cultural experiences from year to year, Sundog Fest aims to keep things fresh. Learn more and note the dates for this year’s event here.
Now Get Out There and Have Some Fun!
Winter or summer, indoors or outdoors, the city of Vernon and surrounding area offer many different things to do with kids. From skiing and boarding during the winter months to exploring Kal Beach on a paddle board, the options are truly endless. With a wide selection of educational and engaging things to do all year-round, Vernon offers so many accessible options for families with kids of all ages! Next time you’re looking for a fun and educational indoor activity, consider stopping by to visit us at the Okanagan Science Centre. We would be happy to see you and share some of our most interesting and inspiring exhibits. Not to mention the planetarium shows we offer at the Okanagan’s only fixed-roof planetarium. Hope you can stop by soon!