It doesn’t always have to cost money to have fun with the family. Drop at one of these programs or activities that are free or low cost (most under $5).
Jump to a location quickly by clicking on one of the quick links below:
Armstrong | Kelowna | Penticton | Vernon
Armstrong
Indoor Walking Hassen Arena
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 am to Noon, walk indoors at Hassen Arena. Bring your indoor shoes and walk the loop where approximately 6.25 times around equals 1 kilometre. Free
3315 Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong | rec.canlansports.com/armstrong/
Armstrong StrongStart
Located at Highland Park Elementary School, this free, drop-in program is for children 0-5 years old and their caregivers. The program follows the SD83 calendar.
Highland Park Elementary – 3200 Wood Avenue | 250-546-8723 | Facebook | Website
Enderby StrongStart
StrongStart is a free school-based program that provides play-based early learning opportunities for children (0 to 5 years old) and their parents or caregivers. This program is located at M.V. Beattie Elementary School and follows the SD83 calendar.
M.V. Beattie Elementary School – 1007 Belvedere Street | 250-838-6434 | Website
Kelowna
Kelowna StrongStart
Four elementary schools offer the StrongStart centres in Kelowna. Website
- A.S. Matheson Elementary – 2090 Gordon Drive | 250-870-5112
- Raymer Elementary – 657 Raymer Avenue | 250-870-5125
- Pearson Road Elementary – 700 Pearson Road | 250-870-5118
- South Rutland Elementary – 200 Mallach Road | 250-870-5113
Penticton
Penticton-Ikeda Japanese Garden
Visit Penticton-Ikeda Japanese Gardens for a fun, free outing. Kids love the Koi Pond, where big fish hide and swim. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk and a sit down with family. If you wander over to Okanagan Lake Park, there are usually many ducks by the water.
199 Marina Way, Penticton | Read our Blog Post
Penticton Museum & Archives
Visit the Penticton Museum to see both temporary and permanent exhibits. You can meet their resident snake, participate in a scavenger hunt, and enjoy interactive activities. Entrance is by donation, with $1 suggested for kids and $2 for adults.
785 Main Street, Penticton | penticton.ca
SOEC Walking Track
When the weather is too cold or too hot outside, walking around the track inside the South Okanagan Events Centre can be just what the kids need to burn some energy off. Open Monday – Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Dogs are not permitted inside unless they are service or guide dogs.
853 Eckhardt Avenue West, Penticton | soec.ca
Vernon
Allan Brooks Nature Centre
250 Allan Brooks Way, Vernon | abnc.ca
Davison Orchards
Davison Orchards is a must-visit for families seeking adventure without breaking the bank. Let your kids unleash their energy in the Crazy Cow Kids Corral, a sprawling 1-acre play area. They’ll find joy in haystack tunnels, tree houses, duck races, and a vast sandbox – fun for all! Don’t miss making new furry friends at the animal barn, where chickens, potbelly pigs, goats, and more await. Bring a few quarters to buy feed for the goats. Plus, take a fascinating walk through the history of farming with our extensive collection of antique tractors.
3111 Davison Road, Vernon | davisonorchards.ca
Vernon StrongStart
Four elementary schools offer the StrongStart centres in Vernon. Website
- Alexis Park Elementary – 4205 35 Street
- Harwood Elementary – 4320 20th Street
- Mission Hill Elementary – 1510 – 36th Street
- Ellison Elementary – 2400 Fulton Road
All Locations
Annual Okanagan Events
The Okanagan Valley is full of family fun events that happen throughout the year. Check the full list of Annual Okanagan Events that you can plan a visit with your little ones.
Beaches & Lakes
This is why we live in or visit the Okanagan, right!?! With over 39 beaches in the Okanagan Valley and multiple lakes that connect the cities, it’s paradise here.
Farmers’ & Community Markets
The Okanagan is filled with various indoor and outdoor markets throughout the year. Take the family for a stroll to one of these markets to pick up local produce, gifts, and more.
Indoor Swimming Pools
Depending on the community centre or indoor pool, the rates are quite reasonable to bring the family for a swim. This activity is sure to tire the kids out.
Museums & Galleries
Open to the public, local museums and galleries are looking to educate locals and visitors about our history with artifacts, photographs, newspapers, and documents on display.
Parks & Playgrounds
Year-round, children need a place to burn energy and have fun. This is completely free and some of these playgrounds also have a water spray park close by.
Regional Libraries
Each community offers a regional library for you to enjoy. Sign-up at a library for a card and you can take out books, movies and more. Each library also offers events and programs available during certain days of the week. The link below will take you to the website with each branch location.
Skateparks
A great way to get exercise and keep the kids active is by bringing them to a skatepark. More communities offer a skatepark for children to enjoy and the best part is, you don’t need to have a skateboard. Bring roller skates, bikes, scooters or anything on wheels to enjoy.
StrongStart
StrongStart is a free school-based early learning program primarily focused on 0-5-year-old children and their parents/caregivers. Offered on school days, your child will have free time to play games, read books, create a craft, participate in storytime where they will sing songs, and exercise during gym time (where applicable). Healthy snacks are provided each day.
Below is a list of all the StrongStart Programs available in the Okanagan:
Lake Country: Peter Greer Elementary | 10300 Sherman Road | 250-870-5129
Okanagan Falls: Okanagan Falls Elementary | Address | 250-497-5414
Oliver: Oliver Elementary | 809 School Avenue | 250-498-3468
Osoyoos: Osoyoos Elementary | 8507 68 Avenue |250-495-7248
Peachland: Peachland Elementary | 5486 Clements Crescent | 250-870-5122
Penticton: Carmi Elementary School | 400 Carmi Avenue | 250-770-7697
Penticton: Columbia Elementary School | 1437 Allison Street | 250-770-7676
Penticton: Queen’s Park Elementary School | 330 Power Street | 250-770-7680
Summerland: Giant’s Head Elementary | 10503 Prairie Valley Road | 250-770-7671
West Kelowna: George Pringle Elementary | 3770 Elliot Rd | 250.870.5103
West Kelowna: Hudson Road Elementary | 1221 Hudson Rd | 250-870-5141