Get Ready for Family Fun in Kelowna
Kelowna is the crown jewel of the Okanagan region of British Columbia, offering stunning scenery, beautiful parks, easy access to the expanse of Okanagan Lake, lively restaurants and bars, and some of Canada’s most notable wineries. The city and surrounding area offer a wide variety of family-friendly activities to be enjoyed no matter the weather or time of year. If you’re looking for family activities in Kelowna, look no further! Here we will share the ultimate guide for Kelowna family activities so you can come away with inspiring ideas for you and your crew. Read on, make some family-friendly plans, and enjoy!
Indoor Activities
The four seasons in the Okanagan region of B.C. can bring extreme heat, rain, or cold in addition to the many beautiful, “picture perfect postcard” days. Here we will dive into family-friendly indoor activities in Kelowna that can help you keep everyone entertained and happy. These activity suggestions also offer opportunities for group bonding and excitement, which of course is a bonus for any family. Read on for some inspiring suggestions of family activities in Kelowna!
Energyplex Indoor Entertainment Centre
Energyplex is a well-established multi-level indoor family entertainment centre offering a variety of activities for all ages. This impressive facility features a massive four-story play structure, trampolines, a rock-climbing wall, laser tag, and an arcade, making it an ideal destination for kids to burn off energy while also having fun. Parents can relax with a book in the café (imagine that!) while their children explore, which takes a couple of hours on average. Energyplex’s birthday party packages make it a popular spot for celebrating with a group. Known locally for its friendly staff and variety of play options, Energyplex is a top choice for indoor fun in Kelowna, no matter the weather outside.
H20 Adventure and Fitness Centre
Did you know that Kelowna is home to Canada’s largest municipal water park? Talk about affordable and accessible family fun! Owned by the city of Kelowna and operated by YMCA of Southern Interior B.C., H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre is a premier indoor water park and fitness facility, perfect for family-friendly aquatic activities and fun. Come to H20 and you’ll have the chance to enjoy a wave pool, multiple waterslides, a lazy river, and the only FlowRider® surf simulator in Canada, providing excitement for all ages. If you’re more into the fitness side of things, the centre offers a full gym, an indoor track, and a selection of fitness classes available most days. Whether you’re hoping to splash around with your kids, swim laps, or enjoy a workout, H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre is a top choice for family-friendly recreation in Kelowna all year-round.
Scandia Golf and Games
Scandia Golf & Games in Kelowna is a popular family entertainment centre boasting a mix of both indoor and outdoor attractions. The facility offers an exciting indoor mini-golf course (great for those rainy days), complete with elaborate themes and glowing neon lights. You will definitely enjoy it if your family’s into a challenge! It also features a massive arcade filled with both classic and modern games, bumper cars, and batting cages. If you want to be outdoors, Scandia offers visitors a beautifully landscaped 18-hole mini-golf course and a bonus go-kart track. If you're looking for a little friendly competition or just a fun day out with the kids, Scandia Golf & Games provides plenty of excitement for both families and groups.
Planet Lazer
Plant Lazer offers yet another family-friendly option for fun indoor activities! Check out this action-packed laser tag arena offering an immersive, multi-level laser battleground for players of all ages. Offering high-tech laser tag gear and strategically designed play zones, it provides an exciting and fast-paced experience for individuals, families, and groups. Planet Lazer can accommodate casual players as well as more competitive teams, making it a popular destination for birthday parties, corporate events, and matches between friends. Come to Planet Lazer to enjoy dodging lasers, quality family fun time, and getting your adrenaline flowing in a safe and super fun environment.
Outdoor Activities
The Kelowna area is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of inspiring activities and fun things to do for families with kids of all ages. With Lake Okanagan front and centre and many options for trails, there’s no shortage of fun things to do with your family in the Kelowna outdoors. Read on to learn more!
Explore Myra Canyon Trestles
The Myra Canyon Trestles refers to an iconic stretch of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR), located 24 km outside of downtown Kelowna. It’s worth the drive out of town to take in the stunning scenery along the 12 km of tunnels, trestles and trails. Volunteers have worked since 1993 to make the Myra Canyon trails friendly to visitors by adding boardwalks, side rails, benches, and visitor information resources. The most common and family-friendly hike is an 8km round trip. Although that may seem like a long way for a hike (especially with kids), the flat ground and well maintained trail make for easy, low intensity walking. This round-trip route will bring you past 12 of the 18 bridges and 2 huge tunnels, which are fun for kids to explore. Always dress appropriately for the weather and bring enough water for everyone! Learn more.
Kangaroo Creek Farm
Take the time for the quick drive to Lake Country to enjoy some quality time with some family-friendly animals from across the world! Just a short drive from downtown Kelowna, Kangaroo Creek Farm allows families to interact with kangaroos, wallabies, capybaras, and other animals that are considered quite exotic to most Canadian visitors. In fact, kangaroos outside of Australia are considered quite rare and valuable, since the country outlawed exports of the species since the 1960s. Kangaroo Creek is a very hands-on and additionally educational experience that your kids will love. The facility typically opens for the season in mid-March. Plan your visit by visiting their website here.
Kelowna Area Beaches and Parks
Kelowna’s ideal location along the shores of Okanagan Lake makes it a perfect location for family fun at the many lakeside beaches and parks. Some great examples of these waterfront parks are City Park and Gyro Beach, where families can swim, picnic, and play on sandy shores. The parks are well maintained and offer concessions in the summer months for when you and your kids decide it’s time for ice cream or popsicles. Water activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking are also popular on Okanagan Lake and there are many accessible rental options available near city parks.
Pick Fruit at a Local Orchard
Kelowna is known throughout Canada for its fresh tree fruit. Admittedly, this can be a bit variable from year to year depending on seasonal weather conditions, as BC’s tree fruit industry has experienced difficult winter frosts in recent years. Regardless, many well-established and family-friendly local orchards offer U-pick experiences for cherries, apples, pears, peaches, and more. Picture this: it’s a sunny day and your kids are having fun picking their own fruit while also learning about local food production farming. Now doesn’t that just sound lovely?
Seasonal Things to Do
Throughout the year, there is a variety of uniquely seasonal activities for families to enjoy in the Kelowna area. Read on to learn about some fun options for each season!
Skiing and Holiday Fun in the Winter
Big White Ski Resort is Kelowna’s local mountain option for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing. Located just a short drive from downtown, Big White offers many options for family fun in the winter. For those of us who love colourful twinkling lights and an official holiday season kickoff, check out the Downtown Kelowna Light-Up and Winter Street Market. For families that enjoy skating, check out the outdoor rink at Stuart Park for a quintessentially Canadian winter family experience. Winter is a fun time for families in Kelowna!
Springtime Blossoms and Farm Visits
As we mentioned earlier, the many fruit-producing orchards in the Kelowna area offer charming opportunities for family fun. Consider spending a day taking in the springtime cherry and apple blossoms. Paying a visit to Arlo’s Honey Farm is another nice thing for families to do in the springtime. Kids will enjoy learning about beekeeping and tasting the sweet liquid gold. Arlo’s offers guided tours between May long weekend and Labour Day weekend. Learn more here.
Summertime Festivals and Adventures
Summertime in Kelowna is all about enjoying boating, paddleboarding, or swimming at Okanagan Lake. Families should also check out the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market to discover fresh produce and handmade goods from the many growers and makers. It’s a nice way to spend an hour or two on a sunny Saturday. Another bonus in Kelowna summertime are the outdoor move nights available at municipal parks like City Park. Grab a picnic blanket and your favourite snacks to enjoy some outdoor summertime fun!
Harvest Time Pumpkin Patches and Wineries
It’s hay ride time! Take a trip to McMillan Farms to explore more than 100 acres of scenic countryside from the back of a hay wagon. Not only that, the farm offers an animal petting area, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and a concession. If you’re looking for something a bit more adult-focused, many of the local wineries in the Kelowna area offer kid-friendly amenities such as playgrounds and petting zoos. Learn about a few fun options to keep the whole family happy here.
Cultural Experiences
Kelowna offers a selection of fun, engaging and educational cultural experiences that offer ideal opportunities for family fun. Read on to read about a few highlights in the cultural fun category!
Kasugai Gardens
Treat your family to a serene hidden gem in downtown Kelowna. Kasugai Gardens is arguably the city’s most unique park, located adjacent to Kelowna’s City Hall. Completed in 1987, this Japanese garden symbolizes the city’s sister-city relationship with Kasugai, Japan. Families can walk through the peaceful garden, admire its koi fish ponds, and learn about Japanese landscaping traditions. The park opens in early March for the season and is open to the public every day from 9am - 5pm.
Sncewips Heritage Museum
Operated by the Westbank First Nation and located on the West Kelowna side of the William Bennett Bridge, this museum offers an insightful look into Syilx (Okanagan) Indigenous culture, history, and traditions. Families can participate in storytelling sessions, view traditional artifacts, and gain a deeper understanding of the area's First Nations heritage. The museum is open from Monday - Friday from 10am - 5pm. Learn more on their website here.
Rotary Centre for the Arts
The Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna is a lively cultural hub located in the city's colourful downtown Cultural District. This family-friendly facility hosts live performances, art exhibitions, workshops, and various community events, inspiring creativity across music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. The centre provides a space for visual artists and theatre fans alike, supporting those who are new to creating art as well as those who are more established. The centre has a wide range of community programs available at no cost. Check out what’s going on at The Rotary Centre for the Arts and find an opportunity to foster a love of the arts with them.
Family-Friendly Day Trips from Kelowna
Kelowna is well-situated in the Okanagan region, with quite a few options for family friendly day or half-day trips within a reasonable distance. If you’re ready to expand your horizons beyond the Okanagan’s biggest community, consider planning a road trip to one of these destinations. Plan a day, grab the kids, and enjoy!
Downtown Vernon: Polson Park and the Okanagan Science Centre
Consider this your warm invitation to take a quick drive from Kelowna to downtown Vernon. (It’s a 45 minute drive away.) Polson Park, located in downtown Vernon, has c the picnic shelter. While at Polson Park, this is a fantastic opportunity to pay us a visit at the Okanagan Science Centre! Our mission is to share the fun of science with everyone and we have a wide selection of engaging and interactive exhibits that will delight visitors of all ages. Plan your trip to downtown Vernon and visit us today!
A Day at Rattlesnake Island and Peachland Beach
From Kelowna, the charming lakefront community of Peachland is just a 30-minute drive south. After the short and beautiful drive, you can plan a relaxing beach day at Swim Bay, which has a diving platform, zipline, and lifeguards available in the summer. If your family is looking for a road trip with a side of adventure, we suggest taking a kayak or boat tour to Rattlesnake Island, a small, mysterious island in Okanagan Lake rumored to be home to Ogopogo, the region’s legendary lake monster. The island is now part of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, but was once privately owned. It’s a fun place to explore and take in the beautiful scenery.
Davison Orchards and Planet Bee Honey Farm in Vernon
Vernon, just a short drive from Kelowna, offers a variety of family-friendly things to do. (Case in point: The Okanagan Science Centre!) It’s definitely worth a trip to check out Davison Orchards, which is a family-run and family-friendly farm experience. Kids can go on a tractor ride, pet the farm animals, pick fruit, and enjoy other fun activities depending on the season. To complement your time at Davison Orchards, swing by Planet Bee Honey Farm to learn about bees and honey production and taste the good stuff while you’re at it. This is bound to be a sweet and memorable experience for everyone!
Plan Your Family Activities in Kelowna
No matter the season or what your family enjoys doing together, there are so many options to choose from in Kelowna and the surrounding area. When planning family activities, we recommend always being aware of the weather conditions – bringing water, snacks, warm clothing, or sun protection depending on the time of year. Also, it’s always a good idea to have a back-up plan in case things go differently than you expect. There are always new and different programs, performances, or seasonal activities to enjoy in Kelowna. As such, a little research and preparation can go a long way. Enjoy planning some fun activities for you and your family!