I get asked almost daily through Instagram [1] about places to see and things to do in Kelowna from people who are planning a visit… and a lot of you have asked specifically about kids activities! Charlie and I put our heads together to come up with a list for you to help make the most of your vacation here… or your staycation if you’re a local just looking for new things to do in your hometown!
- Kelowna Farmers Market [2]: Open Wednesday and Saturday (8-1pm April 7-November 3) this is a must see if you’re in Kelowna! Incredible local farmers, niche foods, clothes, crafts and food trucks (try the potatoes, lemonade and ice cream bars) come together to show off our local food scene.
- Paynter’s Market [3]: I get asked a lot about fruit picking (cherries, apricots, apples, plums… we grow so much amazing produce here!) and where to go, and I love recommending Paynter’s! They have u-pick fruit with tons of local fresh produce for sale… and ice cream (we’re regulars there!). Here is a link [4] to the u-pick farms including a map to plan your route! If you are staying on the Kelowna side of town check out Don O’ Ray Farms [5], they have a great fruit stand and apparently some killer authentic East Indian food, yum!
- Kangaroo Farm [6]: This is a cute one for the kids, we do it at least once per year! They have baby Kangaroos that you can hold (so adorable, Max wanted to take one home saying ‘mine’ when they tried to take it away) along with so many other animals! It’s only $10 for adults, $5 for kids (free under 5 years old)
- Myra Canyon Adventure Park [7]: A climbing and zip-lining course (some height and weight restrictions, see the site), it’s good for anyone 3 years and older. Max is going to love this place one day!
- Rent a bike, paddle board or a boat!!: There are so many places to explore in Kelowna, why not rent a bike [8] to check them out? And if you want to be on the water, there are so many places that rent out boats, sea doos, kayaks, paddle boards… you name it! Check out this link [9] to find one. You can also go parasailing or even Flyboarding [10] (click the link if you’re curious, I haven’t been but it looks like so much fun!)
- Free water parks: there are a few in Kelowna [11] and West Kelowna that are awesome especially for young kids on hot summer days.
- Beaches: I mean, you don’t need much more than a picnic basket (Natrure’s Fare Markets, Choices, Quality Greens and Nesters Markets all have great food selections for your picnic), sunscreen and a few floaties to fill a day at one of the beaches! My two favs are Gyro Beach [12] in Kelowna and Pritchard Park [13] in West Kelowna and who knows, you may even see Ogopogo!
- Wibit Water Park [14]: Basically an adventure course on the water, there are a few of them in the Okanagan (Kelowna, Peachland, Penticton)
- Golf Driving Range: Charlie loves to golf and taking the kids to the driving range is a great way to get them started! We hang our hat at Two Eagle’s Golf Course [15].
- Knox Mountain [16]: Our largest natural park in Kelowna, this mountain offers a amazing hiking trails including a hike to Paul’s Tomb with incredible views of Kelowna, especially from the top!
- Bear Creek Park [17]: The campground is just at the base with a picnic area (under construction right now but some of it is still open); the hiking loop offers a great workout and an awesome waterfall!
- Mount Boucherie Hiking Trails [18]: Located in West Kelowna, in our back yard, this hike is a fav of Charlie’s and mine. You get amazing Okanagan lake views at every step!
- Kettle Valley Steam Railway [19]: Check out their Great Train Robbery [20] where they stage an old fashioned robbery for charity. Um, you just want to tell your kids about it in advance if they are sensitive… long story but ask my sister-in-law, there may or may not be therapy needed years from now lol!
- Kettle Valley Railway (KVR)Trail: [21] not to be confused with the above, this abandon railway corridor is so spectacular with stunning views of Kelowna: the trail is awesome for hiking or biking (check their website for any closure info due to fires).Abandoned railway corridors hold unparalleled opportunities as recreational trails, and the Kettle Valley Railway is no exception. This corridor is one of the most dynamic routes in Canada, with some truly impressive scenery and spectacular views.
- Pitch and Putt Golf at 19 Greens [22] – much more doable than a full round of golf for a kid!
- Scandia [23]: I grew up going to Scandia, and really it hasn’t changed a whole lot! Get ready for sensory overload if you stay inside: they have indoor and outdoor mini golf (highly recommend the outdoor), race cars, a batting cage and loads of games. Oh yes and some bigger than life sized monkeys that sing to you – they are a bit creepy but the kids love them. They serve food as well including pizzas, hot dogs etc. I mean, I won’t lie, I often wish they served wine at this place, it’s complete sensory overload but the kids LOVE it.
- Planet Lazer [24]: what kid doesn’t like laser tag? I mean… I love it too lol! Good for a rainy day activity.
- H20 [25]: This is the best indoor pool in Kelowna with bigger slides, a wave pool etc. It’s a community centre so there is also a gym if mom or dad wants to sneak in a workout! Johnson Bentley [26] (West Kelowna), is a good choice if you’re looking for something on the other side of the lake.
- Energy Plex [27]: this one isn’t for really young kids as it’s a big place with many rooms that make it a bit more stressful for parents with young kids but Charlie loves this place. We had his birthday here this year, there is a climbing wall, tons of ‘jungle gym’ type areas, trampolines… and a place for parents to sit and chill where food (hot dogs etc) can be purchased! There are other places that are better for smaller kids such as Fun Bugs [28], Jump 2 It [29] or Just 4 Fun [30] (West Kelowna)
- Hoof Prints Barnyard (Petting Zoo) [31]: Hoof Prints Barnyard in Kelowna, BC is an ethical farm animal rescue facility and Kelowna’s only petting zoo. Set on a picturesque 8 acres, their country retreat offers a variety of options for you to come experience life in the country. From select public days, Goga (yoga with goats), vacation farm stays, private events such as birthdays, weddings, school field trips, family reunions.
Comment below if you have others to add to the list that I may have missed, I know people would truly appreciate it! If you’re coming for a visit have FUN, it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth:).
xo
Tori