Summerland is this quaint little community located in between Peachland and Penticton. Just turn off of Highway 97 to find some great family-fun activities that you and your kids will enjoy.
1. Book a seat on the Kettle Valley Steam Railway Train
This is a highlight in Summerland and I think everyone should experience a ride on the Kettle Valley Steam Train.
You can choose to book the 90-minute train ride or the Great Train Robbery and BBQ.
My sisters and I took our dad on the Train Robbery and BBQ for Father’s Day one year and it was so special. During the scenic ride, the train comes to a halt as the Garnett Valley Gang comes aboard and robs passengers of donations for local charities.
My niece was about 8 months old at the time and she loved it. She was hanging out the window as the robbers showed up on horses, fully dressed in costume. After the train ride, you head back to the Prairie Valley Station for a delicious BBQ dinner. Stay tuned for when these will be available again
2. Enjoy ice cream, jams, syrups, and more at Summerland Sweets
You most likely have noticed jams, syrups, and other treats from Summerland Sweets at local fruit stands, gift shops, and other boutiques across the Okanagan Valley. Trust me, it’s hard to miss their product – it’s everywhere!
But you can also stop in for an ice cream treat, located at the back of their shop.
3. Visit B.C.’s highest train trestle
Just a minute’s walk down the road from Summerland Sweets, you can visit B.C.’s highest train trestle.
Take the short walk for a scenic view of Okanagan Lake while you are perched on top of British Columbia’s highest train trestle. You might even catch the train coming through for a tour.
4. Play with the kids at Julia Street Kinsmen Park
This was a hidden gem for us that we found one hot summer weekend in Summerland on the corner of Julia Street and Victoria Road North.
The park features several different play structures including a train, bouncy equipment and slides all located in the sand.
There is also a picnic table, a large grassy area, and plenty of shade. Please note there are no washrooms at this park.
5. Spend the day at Sun-Oka Beach in Trout Creek
6. Rent recreational watercraft from Okanagan Beach Rentals or SWR Boat Rentals.
At SWR (Summerland Waterfront Resort) Rentals you can choose between power boats, pedal boats, Seadoos, SUPs, canoes, and kayaks to rent.
Okanagan Beach Rentals is set up at Sun-Oka Beach in Trout Creek during the summer where you can rent non-motorized watercrafts such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, water trikes, canoes, and inflatable islands.
7. Enjoy a morning or afternoon at Peach Orchard Beach – both a playground and water park
The playground and water park are located right beside each other which makes it the perfect location for the kids to run back and forth between the two.
The park is surrounded by several benches, picnic tables, a volleyball court, public washrooms, and a beach dog park.
8. Tour the Summerland Trout Hatchery and Visitor Centre
The Summerland Trout Hatchery and Visitor Centre is located beside Rotary Beach. In their Visitor Centre, you can view the aquarium, learn about the trout and participate in their craft and activity tables available. During the spring and summer months, you can tour their trough room and outdoor ponds.
> Read our Blog Post about our visit
9. Stop at Home Hardware for candy, toys and more!
As soon as you step inside, the vast array of candy lights up both kids’ and parents’ faces. From nostalgic sweets to a wide selection, there’s something for everyone.
10. Entertain the kids at Kinsmen Beach and Park
Nestled into a corner on Lakeshore Drive, Kinsmen Beach and Park may be difficult to find but definitely worth the stop.
Kinsmen Park features a giant slide sliced right down the middle, a few swings, teeter-totters, a sand digger, and a climbing wall.
There are also a few picnic tables and benches on site, perfect to sit and take in the view of Okanagan Lake while enjoying Kinsmen Beach.
11. Cool down at Rotary Beach
Rotary Beach is just a short walk or drive down the road from Kinsmen Beach.
12. Bring a bike, scooter, or skateboard to the Summerland Skatepark
13. Enjoy Powell Beach or the playground in Trout Creek
Not only do they have a beautiful sandy beach on Okanagan Lake, but there is also a playground, swing sets, tennis courts, a softball field, picnic tables, and benches.
14. Pick up comic books and memorabilia at Geek Easy.
This Summerland shop is located at 10120 Main Street and they sell novels, movies, action figures, and more! Bring the family to explore the store for unique items.
15. Enjoy a coffee or bite to eat at The Beanery Cafe
This is a hot spot among locals and visitors. You will find the Beanery Cafe a bustling coffee shop with people lined up to try their fresh baked goods and coffees. There is a kids’ table with a few toys to distract the little ones.
16. Swing, slide, and run around at Memorial Park
Centrally located in downtown Summerland, Memorial Park was renovated in 2022 and is a popular park amongst local families.
The park features 2 different play structures and a swing set, surrounded by a large grassy area, picnic tables, and benches. You will find public washrooms on-site just across the park.
17. Indulge in savory treats or fresh coffee at True Grain Bread
The smell of freshly baked bread and treats fill the air as you enter True Grain Bread. They also serve coffee and tea. Try the cheesy twists – they are our family’s favourite!
18. Enjoy the pool, hot tub or sauna at the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre.
Bring your family to the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre where they have a pool, hot tub, and sauna for you to enjoy.
This is a great family-friendly activity you can participate in year-round on evenings or weekends.
19. Visit the Summerland Museum & Archives to view their displays.
Discover the fascinating history of Summerland through their permanent exhibit, covering pre-contact to early development, early fruit farming ventures, the impact of the Kettle Valley Railway, and more. Upstairs, witness a captivating scale model of the Kettle Valley Railway as it chugs through Summerland.
20. Take a self-guided tour of the Summerland Ornamental Gardens.
The Summerland Ornamental Gardens are open year-round and offer a fun outing for the entire family.
Take a self-guided tour of the gardens, bring a picnic, and enjoy at one of the many picnic tables or benches located throughout the gardens.
Washrooms are available on-site, entrance to the gardens is free (a suggested $5 donation to support the gardens).
21. Walk or hike up Giant’s Head Mountain for a view of Summerland, Penticton, and the area.
22. Stop in at a fruit stand or U-pick to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables
Summerland is the perfect place to shop for local fruits and vegetables. Bustling in the spring and summer months, you can enjoy delicious berries, fresh-baked pies, ice cream, and much more.
Come fall, the fruit stands sell squash, pumpkins, apples, and more.
23. Shopping – the Summerland Thrift Shop, to the Carousel Collective.
Another great shopping spot is the Summerland Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop which is known to locals as the best thrift shop in the Okanagan.
They offer a great selection of children’s toys, clothing, books, and more, all at a very reasonable price. This Thrift Shop is operated by volunteers with proceeds going back towards local hospitals.
When passing by, you will see line-ups of people down the street waiting for them to open their doors as they are only open Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The Carousel Collective is a shop with curated collections of antiques, vintage, preloved, and handmade items from 9 different vendors.
24. Visit the Summerland Rotary Summer Market on Sundays
The Summerland Rotary Sunday Market features local farmers, food producers, artisans, and crafters on Sundays from June to September.
25. Go to the Summerland Regional Library to take out a book, movie, or magazine.
During the school year, the Summerland Regional Library offers Preschool Storytime, Toddlertime, and Rhymetime for children to participate in.
26. Drop in for StrongStart at Giant’s Head Elementary during the school year.
StrongStart is a free school-based early learning program 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).
Registration is available online for the Summerland location of StrongStart. The link can be found on the Summerland StrongStart Giants Head Facebook Page.
27. Play outside at Dale Meadows Playground
Nestled in the Dale Meadows Sports Complex, the playground includes 2 swings, a climbing play structure with a slide, a teeter-totter, bike springers, a picnic table, and a park bench.
In addition, the Sports Complex features 5 ball fields, 3 soccer fields, 3 basketball courts, a jogging track, washrooms, and a concession stand (open during special events).
28. Take a picture on the world’s tallest tripod orchard ladder
Dickinson Family Farm is home to u-pick cherries, a small RV campsite and the world’s tallest tripod orchard ladder. It stands 30 feet and 2 inches high, perched high above their orchard trees. Stop in to see the ladder and take some family pictures in this beautiful setting.
29. Relax or have a picnic at Turner Street Park
Located on the corner of Turner Street and Rosedale Avenue is Turner Street Park. Although this location does not feature a playground, it does offer a grassy area, picnic table, and bench.
30. Grab a treat from Gigi’s Gourmet Gyros and Gelato
Located on Main Street, the gelato options are endless at Gigi’s Gourmet Gyros and Gelato. Their fresh gelato and sorbetto are made daily with vegan/dairy-free options also available.
31. Visit the Petting Farm at Ve Oh Lay Acres
Ve Oh Lay Acres is an 11-acre farm, kitchen, and winery. They have over 150 farm animals and at any time you can catch the sheep in the fields, pigs digging up dirt, and chickens roaming everywhere. There are also turkeys, bunnies, alpacas, chickens, ducks, and more!
