If you have a little one between 1 and 3 years old, some activities may be a bit too old for them to try. With that in mind, we have created a list of things to do with toddlers in the Okanagan.
This includes drop-in programs, indoor play, farms and petting zoos, museums, and more!
1) Drop in at StrongStart Centre
Dive into the excitement with your little one, aged 0-5, through engaging play-based early learning activities. Think stories, music, and art. This free drop-in program was a game changer for me on maternity leave. It offers a social setting for parents and caregivers and sets your child up for a smooth transition into Kindergarten. StrongStart Centres are open across the Okanagan, during the school year. Some locations welcome walk-ins, while others might ask you to pre-register.
2) Visit a Park or Playground
The Okanagan has playgrounds in every community and we’ve narrowed down our favourites, that we think are perfect for toddlers. Click the link on each playgound for photos and more information.
- McLeod Park — Armstrong | fenced, bucket swings, play structure, slide, spring rider
- Memorial Park — Armstrong | bucket swings, play structure, slide, spring rider, splash park
- Barnes Park — Enderby | fenced, bucket swings, play structure
- Riverside Park — Enderby | play structure, slides
- Pioneer Park — Kaleden | fenced, slides, bucket swings, teeter totter
- Ben Lee Park — Kelowna | bucket swing, play strucutre, next to water park
- Burne Park — Kelowna | soft ground, small hill slide, rubber stepping stones
- Parkinson Recreation Centre – Kelowna | wheelchair ramp leading to bus equipment, spring riders, saucer swings, sandbox
- Quilchena Park – Kelowna | play strucutres, slides, bucket swings, sandbox, spring riders, splash park
- Rowcliffe Park – Kelowna | bucket swings, saucer swings, musical instruments, spring rider, sensory panels, large grassy area
- Rutland Centennial Park – Kelowna | two play structures, slides, musical instruments
- Strathcona Beach Park – Kelowna | small play structure, slide, accesible carousel, sesory play centre, interactive panels
- Beasley Park – Lake Country | sandbox, slides, bucket swings, spring riders
- Okanagan Centre Park — Lake Country | play structure, slide, bucket swing, spring rider
- George Fisher Memorial Park — Lumby | fenced, slides, bucket swing, small play structure
- Oval Park — Lumby | play structure, slides, bucket swing, spring riders, spray park
- Spirit Park – Naramata | small play structure, slides, spring riders, activity panels, bucket swing
- John Bell Playground — Okanagan Falls | slides, small play structure, bucket swings, teeter totter, beach
- Kinsmen Playground & Spray Park — Oliver | fenced, play structure, slides, spray park, spring rider
- Oliver Tots + Tykes Plagyground — Oliver | fenced, toddler-sized play structure, music station, face-to-face swing
- Lion’s Park — Osoyoos | play structure, slides, bucket swing, fire truck, spring riders, teeter totter
- Dunant Park — Penticton | fenced, slides, teeter totter
- Lion’s Park — Penticton | play structures, slides, bucket swing
- Mariposa Park — Penticton | sand digger, spring riders, bucket swings, red bus climber, grassy area
- Selby Park – Penticton | hillside slide, basket swing, bucket swings, teeter totter
- Rotary Play World — Penticton | toddler play structure, bucket swings, spring riders, splash pad
- Julia Street Kinsmen Park — Summerland | fenced, small play strucutre, train, slides, spring riders, teeteer totter
- Memorial Park — Summerland | small play structure, slides, bucket swings, grassy area
- Peach Orchard Beach Park — Summerland | junior play structure, slides, musical instruments, boat spring rider, spray park
- Powell Beach Park – Summerland | play structure, slanted climbing wall, bucket swing, slide into the water (summer)
- Civic Memorial Park – Vernon | play structure, slides, bucket swings, spring rider
- Davison Orchards Playground — Vernon | sandbox, tractors, treehouse slide
- Polson Park — Vernon | play structure, slides, bucket swing
- Jumpstart Inclusive Playground — Vernon | accessible, roller slide, bucket swing, spring rider, musical instruments
- Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre Playground — West Kelowna | small play structure, slide, saucer swing
- Julia’s Junction — West Kelowna | fenced, play structure, slides, bucket swings, basket swing, playhouses
- Moonbeam Park – West Kelowna | play structure, slides, bucket swing
- Osprey Park – West Kelowna | play structure, slide, lower monkey bars, bucket swing, beach access
- Shannon Ridge Park — West Kelowna | fenced, small cube play structure, slide, activity panels, bucket swing
- Shannon Woods Park – West Kelowna | fenced, two play structures, slides, sandbox, bucket swings
- Tallus Park – West Kelowna | small play structure, slides, spring rider, bucket swing
3) Explore the Discovery Zone at Okanagan Science Centre
There are many areas at Okanagan Science Centre that toddlers will love. Their Discovery Zone is suitable for ages 0-5 years, with hands-on activities. Upstairs, children will love the Light and Sound Room and the Space Ball Wall.
4) Enjoy storytime and family programs at an Okanagan Regional Library branch near you
With locations spanning from the North to South Okanagan, local Okanagan Regional Libraries are a cozy spot for families, offering loads of fun activities and resources. At each library, you’ll find a variety of drop-in programs perfect for little ones, including storytime and toddler time. To see what’s happening at your nearest branch, you can peek at the Library Event Calendars and Youth Events through the links provided below.
- Armstrong Library | 1-3305 Smith Drive, Armstrong | Website
- Cherryville Library | 1114 Highway 6, Cherryville | Website
- Enderby Library | 514 Cliff Avenue, Enderby | Website
- Kaleden Library | 101 Linden Avenue, Kaleden | Website
- Kelowna Downtown Library | 1380 Ellis Street, Kelowna | Website
- Kelowna Mission Library | 4105 Gordon Drive, Kelowna | Website
- Kelowna Rutland Library | 20-301 Highway 33 West, Kelowna | Website
- Keremeos Library | 638-7th Avenue, Keremeos | Website
- Lake Country Library | 2-10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country | Website
- Naramata Library | 3580 Third Street, Naramata | Website
- Okanagan Falls Library | 101-850 Railway Lane, Okanagan Falls | Website
- Oliver Library | 1400-5955 Main Street, Oliver | Website
- Osoyoos Library | 8505 68th Avenue, Osoyoos | Website
- Peachland Library | 40-5500 Clements Crescent, Peachland | Website
- Penticton Public Library | 785 Main Street, Penticton | Website
- Salmon Arm Library | 285-1151 10th Avenue, Salmon Arm | Website
- Summerland Library | 9533 Main Street, Summerland | Website
- Vernon Library | 2800 30th Avenue, Vernon | Website
- Westbank Library | Unit 31-2484 Main Street, West Kelowna | Website
- Westside Learning Lab | Unit 216-525 Highway 97 South, West Kelowna | Website
5) Visit Play Area, an indoor playground in Kelowna
Designed for kids 9 months to 10 years old, the facility includes an indoor sandbox, water table, ball pits with pneumatic tubes, climbing structures, costumes, and loose parts play.
6) Visit a new Drop-In Program
Drop-in programs are a lifesaver for parents and caregivers looking to choose a last-minute activity to enjoy with their kids. Most don’t require you to sign up, but it’s always best to check ahead just to be sure. Whether it’s a sunny Tuesday or a rainy Saturday, finding the perfect activity is easy.
Our website sorts these activities by location and day of the week, helping you maximize your family time without the need for advanced planning.
7) Explore your local museum
Visit your local museum, you would be surprised the activities they offer for families. From interactive exhibits to scavenger hunts, activities vary based on the museum. Some even have model railroads.
8) Visit an Animal Farm or Petting Zoo
Take your little ones on a fun-filled outing to an animal farm or petting zoo in the Okanagan. They’ll have a blast meeting and petting a variety of animals, and learning about farm life firsthand. You can also book a tour to explore more or even host a memorable birthday party at some locations.
9) Explore the Toddler Zone at the Energyplex
The EnergyPlex in Kelowna is great for kids of all ages. For younger kids, there is an enclosed area for toddlers to enjoy. Admission also includes access to Ballistix, where children can collect balls and load them into a machine. A concession is available to purchase snacks and washrooms are available with change tables.
10) Make a Splash at a Swimming Pool
The Okanagan has both indoor and outdoor pools with drop-in swimming available across the valley. Outdoor pools open up in the summer months, and when the weather cools down, indoor pools keep the fun going year-round.
11) Check out the Kid’s Corner at Planet Bee Honey Farm and Meadery in Vernon
Kids can peek at working bees through the glass observatory, dress up in a beekeeper suit for a photo, and explore bee-themed toys and puzzles inside. Stroll through the bee-friendly learning gardens at your own pace, then stop into the gift shop for a complimentary honey tasting. It’s a genuinely fun and educational stop that holds up for all ages.
12) Visit Fun Space Kids Play Party in West Kelowna
The play space welcomes kids ages 1 to 12 and has separate toddler and big kid zones with arcade games, an interactive trampoline, foam LEGO blocks, piano slides, a merry go round, spiral slides, and ball pits. Families can bring their own food, have it delivered, or purchase snacks on site.
13) Cool down at a Splash Park in the Summer
From the interactive fountains at City Park Waterpark in Kelowna to the spray ring tunnel at Lumby’s Oval Park, there’s a splash pad within reach no matter where you are in the valley. Most are free, fully fenced, and right next to a playground, making them an easy go-to on a hot day with toddlers.
14) Explore Élodie’s Playhouse Café in Vernon
Little ones can climb, play, and let their imaginations run wild in dedicated areas including a market, vet clinic, school, and townhouse. Sip a coffee while the kids stay engaged nearby. It’s the kind of place that feels designed for real family life.
15) Have fun at the Toddler Zone at Wild Kidz Indoor Play Centre
Created for toddlers three and under, this fully padded play area offers a safe space to explore with a slide, ball pit, climbing structures, and blocks. Nearby, little ones can enjoy even more fun with a bouncy castle, bouncy slide, and a thrilling four-level play structure for those ready for adventure.
