Looking for some winter family fun in the Okanagan? You’re in luck! The Okanagan is brimming with fantastic indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy during these chilly months.
At Okanagan Family Fun, we’ve put together a list of over 150 winter activities and things to do in the area, all updated for the 2023/2024 season.
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* While we do our best to ensure this information is correct, please check ahead to ensure businesses are open during dates and times. Some programs require pre-registration to secure your spot.
Jump to a location quickly by clicking on one of the quick links below:
Enderby | Kaleden | Kelowna | Keremeos | Lake Country | Lumby | Naramata |
Okanagan Falls | Oliver | Osoyoos | Peachland | Penticton | Summerland | Vernon | West Kelowna
1) Drop in for family skating, public skating, or parent-and-tot skating at the Nor-Val Arena.
2) Book a sleigh ride through the snow with your family this December with Horse Drawn Okanagan (Dec 22-24 and 26-30, 2023).
3) Let the good times roll at Hassen Arena and rent rollerskates on Fridays and Sundays.
4) Visit the Armstrong Library to take out a book.
5) Stop and shop at Sea Star Kids Boutique – selling preloved children’s clothing, shoes, and maternity wear.
6) Bring the kids to Memorial Park Playground for some outdoor family fun.
7) Get tickets to A Snow White Christmas from Nov 30-Dec 2 and Dec 7-9 at the Asparagus Community Theatre – a production for the entire family!
8) Enjoy Free Family Floor Time at Hassen Arena on Thursdays and Thursdays from 7:30-9:30 am. The program starts November 14, 2023, and runs until June 27, 2024.
Enderby
9) Cozy up with a cup of coffee from the Wild Oak Cafe while kids can sip on a hot chocolate – there are plenty of cookies and snacks to choose from too!
10) Shop local and explore the Enderby Indoor Winter Market on Friday, December 1 and 8, 2023, at the Splatsin Community Centre.
11) Take out a book or DVD at the Enderby Regional Library.
12) Enjoy public skating at the Enderby Arena on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the 2023-2024 season (check ahead for cancellations).
13) Join the Jolly one himself for the Tim Horton’s Skate with Santa at the Enderby Arena on Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 2:00-3:30 pm.
14) Enjoy free family skate events during Unplug & Play Week from January 20-28, 2024, sponsored by Enderby & District Recreation Services.
Kaleden
15) Join your community for a Christmas event organized by the Regional District of the South Okanagan. More details coming soon!
16) Dress warm and stop at Pioneer Park – the kids play and enjoy the outdoors.
17) Take out a book or DVD at the Kaleden Regional Library.
Kelowna
18) Visit the Rutland Winter Light Up Festival on Saturday, November 25, 2023, for a free, family-fun, community event at Rutland Centennial Park!
19) Join the Kelowna Art Gallery for Family Sundays, where you and your family can join Gallery staff to take part in an enjoyable and exciting art activity based on one of their current exhibitions.
20) Spend the day or weekend at Big White Ski Resort. It’s the ultimate kids’ playground where you can ski, board, tube, skate, bowl, snowmobile, and much more!
21) Drop in for family story times at the Kelowna Regional Library or Parkinson Recreation Centre.
22) Lace up your skates and enjoy indoor public skating at Rutland’s Area or the Capital News Centre.
23) Make a splash at Parkinson Recreation Centre!
24) Choose from over 800 board games to play at Twice the Dice.
25) Experience Virtual Rcades – North America’s first Motion Simulated Virtual Reality Arcade.
26) Meet at Mission Creek Regional Park in Kelowna on Tuesdays from October 10 to December 12, 2023, for Story Time in the Park.
27) Immerse yourself in a virtual reality game at Arcadia VR.
28) Climb to new heights and go Indoor Rock Climbing at Beyond the Crux, Gneiss Climbing, or the EnergyPlex.
29) Learn to throw an axe from a trainer at Axe Monkeys.
30) Jump around at Airhouse Kelowna! Take a look at their drop-in schedule online or book your kids into one of their classes.
31) Book lessons or a cage rental at the Yardhouse Baseball – Kelowna’s only indoor baseball and softball training facility.
32) Try Indoor Laser Tag at Planet Lazer or the EnergyPlex.
33) To help you get into the holiday spirit, visit Downtown Kelowna on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 11 am to 5 pm for their outdoor Winter Street Market & Light Up.
34) Walk or hike up Knox Mountain for beautiful views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake.
35) Go bowling at Capri Bowling Lanes or McCurdy Bowling.
36) Figure out the clues and escape at Exit Kelowna or Xperience Kelowna Escape Rooms.
37) Enroll your kids in a range of lessons, classes, or programs at the YMCA of Southern Interior BC. Explore Family Play Time and discover additional drop-in programs in Kelowna.
38) Make a splash at the H2O Adventure & Fitness Centre. From drop-in programs to swim lessons to child and youth recreation, kids will love participating in all their activities.
39) Embark on a day of indoor family excitement at the Energyplex! Children can explore a massive climbing structure, a toddler area, an arcade room, rock climbing, laser tag, and more!
40) Enjoy indoor mini-golf or play some games at the arcade at Scandia Golf & Games. The new owners have added several new arcade games.
41) Pick up farm produce or products at Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Winter Market on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm at the Parkinson Recreation Centre every Saturday until March 30.
42) Visit Mission Creek’s Regional Park and explore the Greenway Trails while enjoying their on-site playground and picnic tables (open year-round.)
43) Explore a variety of winter activities, programs, and camps at the Kelowna Museums.
44) Book a Candle Creek Dog Sled Tour at Big White Ski Resort and discover the beauty of the mountains.
45) Bring your skis and go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at McCulloch Lake, Big White, Postill Lake, Sovereign Lake Telemark Nordic Centre, or Myra Canyon.
46) Take a leisurely winter hike up Dilworth Mountain for views of Kelowna
47) Enjoy outdoor skating at Stuart Park Ice Rink or Big White Ski Resort.
48) Visit the Kelowna Art Gallery to view their current exhibits or register for their Family Sundays weekly crafting activity.
49) Catch a movie at the Cineplex Cinemas Orchard Plaza or the Landmark Cinemas Grand 10
50) Join in for a free Family Holiday Skate at the Rutland Arena. Skating, face-painting, refreshments, card-making, and more will take place on Sunday, December 17.
Keremeos
51) Visit Lower Similkameen Early Years and take part in one of their many programs supporting families, parents, and caregivers with children ages 0-6 years.
52) Glide along the ice at the Keremeos Outdoor Ice Rink – open December 2, 2023, to February 3, 2024 (weather-dependent).
53) Give 5-pin bowling a try at the Similkameen Recreation Centre (pre-registration required).
54) Book a time to climb the indoor climbing wall at the Similkameen Recreation Centre (based on staff availability).
55) Get ready for a Christmas Light Up Parade Celebration on December 9, 2023. After the parade, join them for ice skating, bowling, indoor rock climbing, a photo booth, free hot chocolate, and popcorn.
56) Embrace the holiday spirit at Christmas at the Grist Mill’s indoor/outdoor Christmas Craft Fair on December 3, 2023. There will be crafts for the little ones to enjoy.
57) Visit the Keremeos Library to take out a book or DVD.
Lake Country
58) Register for a winter recreation program with the Boys & Girls Club in Lake Country.
59) Drop in for Museum Park and Play on Mondays at the Lake Country Museum, where you can enjoy family fun activities, experience the Museum, and venture outside to the playground or beach. The program runs from September to June.
60) Enjoy public skating at the Winfield Arena. All ages are welcome.
61) Take a book or DVD out at the Lake Country or Oyama Regional Library or take part in one of the scheduled storytime programs they offer.
62) Bring your skateboards, roller skates, bikes, or scooters to the Lake Country Skatepark.
63) Visit one of the many parks and playgrounds in Lake Country.
Lumby
64) Join the Parent & Tots Drop-In on Thursdays from 9:30 am-12:30 pm at the Whitevalley Community Centre. For families with children ages birth to 6 years.
65) Bring your skateboards, roller skates, bikes, or scooters to the Lumby Skatepark.
66) Enjoy public skating or parent & tot skating at the Pat Duke Memorial Arena.
67) Take out a book or DVD at the Lumby Regional Library.
68) Stop for a coffee at Jitter Beans Coffee and the kids can stay and play.
69) Celebrate the Annual Lumby Light Up on December 2nd! At 5 pm, they will be spreading cheer with hot chocolate, hot dogs, and more. Santa will make a special appearance at 5:30!
Naramata
70) Drop in for the Christmas Holiday Community Gym at the Naramata Centre Gym on Dec 18, 20, 22, 27, and 28, 2023. This drop-in is for all ages.
71) Take out a book or DVD at the Naramata Regional Library.
72) Bring your fat bike or rent one to enjoy trails along the KVR Trail
73) Join the community to watch a Christmas Movie on the big screen! On Thursday, December 7, 2023, all ages are welcome to a free movie.
74) Bring your skates and go skating at the outdoor rink at Chute Lake Lodge. Be sure to check when the skating rink is open to the public.
75) Kick off the holiday season and watch the Naramata Inn flip the switch lights for Lighting of the Lights at the Naramata Inn on November 18, 2023.
Okanagan Falls
76) Stop at Christie Memorial Park or John Bell Playground to have the kids enjoy the fresh air while running around.
77) Join the RDOS on December 3, 2023, from 1:00-4:00 pm for a Special Christmas Event. Open to all ages and free to the public – more details coming soon.
78) Take out a book or DVD at the Okanagan Falls Regional Library.
79) Drop in for Open Gym PLAY at the Okanagan Falls Gymnasium on Mondays until December 6, 2023. Open gym time is for sports, games, and burning energy – all ages are welcome!
80) Grab a treat at Tickleberry’s Ice Cream or start your holiday shopping here.
Oliver
81) Join the Rotary Club of Oliver for three family Xmas Movie Matinees throughout the holiday season at the Oliver Theatre on November 26, December 3 and 10, 2023.
82) Enjoy public skating or parent-and-tot skating at the Oliver Arena. The Oliver Lion’s Club sponsors free evening public skating and rentals on weekends from October 13, 2023 to Feb 25, 2024.
83) Go skiing, snowboards, sledding, tobogganing, or snowshoeing at Mount Baldy Ski Resort. Opening Day is scheduled for December 15, 2023.
84) Watch the lights turn on at Triangle Park for Oliver Town Light Up on Friday, November 24, 2023. Then make your way down to Lion’s Park for lights snacks, music, and a bonfire.
85) Drop in at indoor play programs such as StrongStart.
86) Register for an activity at the Oliver Community Centre as they offer children’s programs, day camps, ice skating and more are available.
87) Pre-register for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, a craft, seasonal music, and of course a photo with Santa.
88) Catch a flick at the Oliver Theatre.
89) On Mondays at the Oliver Community Centre connect and make new friends at Parent & Tot Gymtime from October 16-December 11, 2023, and January 8-March 11, 2024.
90) Take out a book or DVD at the Oliver Regional Library.
91) Catch a family-friendly performance at Venables Theatre.
Osoyoos
92) Celebrate the South Okanagan Fire & Ice Festival from November 24 to December 3, 2023. From community light-ups to community concerts, markets and more, there is so much to celebrate this season!
93) Drop in at the Osoyoos Regional Library on Tuesdays from 2:30-7:30 pm for the Lego Club.
94) Get into the spirit of the holiday season with the annual Osoyoos Light Up and Parade on December 1-2, 2023.
95) Stop for a view of Spotted Lake, northwest of Osoyoos on Highway 3.
96) Drive up to Anarchist Mountain for panoramic views of Osoyoos.
97) Take the family bowling at Kobau Lanes Bowling Centre – 8 lanes of 5-pin bowling.
98) Grab your skates and enjoy public skating, senior & tot skating, and shinny hockey at the Sun Bowl Arena. Check their schedule online for more information.
99) If you are looking to shop for kids’ toys and everything you can imagine – stop at Home Hardware in Osoyoos.
100) Looking for a sweet treat? Stop at Scoopsies for ice cream or dessert.
101) Visit one of three cool playgrounds in Osoyoos – Lions Park & Playground, Kinsmen Park, or Osoyoos Elementary Natural Playground for a playdate.
Peachland
102) Explore history at the Peachland Museum while enjoying artifacts, photographs, newspapers, and a scale model of the Kettle Valley Railway. In the winter they are open 1-5 pm on weekends and Wednesdays from 7-9 pm.
103) Visit Peachland on December 1, 2023, for their Christmas Light-Up Events including a children’s party at the Boys & Girls Club, a glow parade and entertainment, face painting, a bouncy castle, and more in Heritage Park!
104) Take out a book or DVD at the Peachland Regional Library.
105) Bring your skateboard, bikes, scooters, and more to Peachland’s Skatepark.
106) Register a table and enjoy a delicious Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Peachland Community Centre.
107) Bundle up and bring your skates to enjoy Peachland’s Outdoor Skating Rink (weather dependent).
108) Pre-register for The Bridge Creative Playtime on Friday Mornings at the Peachland Community Centre (Free program for ages 0-6).
Penticton
109) Celebrate Magic on Main Street on December 3, 2023, where the Santa parade and light-up will be combined this year in Penticton.
110) Go skiing, snowboarding, skating, or tubing at Apex Mountain Resort.
111) Drop-in for indoor skating at McLaren Arena, parent and tot as well as public skating available
112) Book a drop-in session at one of the three StrongStarts or at YMCA’s Family Play Time upstairs at the Recreation Centre.
113) Immerse yourself in arcades or virtual reality at Penticton VR Studio, or Roll n’ Stones Fun Centre.
114) Scale the walls and try indoor rock climbing at Hoodoo Adventures.
115) Train your body and mind to climb, jump, and run at Ethos Parkour & Movement. Drop-in sessions, camps, and birthday parties are all available to book.
116) Make a splash at the Penticton Community Centre Pool – book a swimming lesson or drop in for public swimming.
117) Bring the family to Roll N’ Stones Fun Centre for laser bowling, blacklight mini-golf, arcade games, billiards, or darts.
118) Go outdoor skating at Apex Mountain Resort’s Skating Loop, Penticton Lakeside Resort’s Outdoor Rink (check availability before going), or the new City of Penticton Outdoor Rink.
119) Fat bike or walk the KVR Trail from Penticton to Naramata or head south to Okanagan Falls.
120) Take a short walk/hike up Munson Mountain to see the famous PENTICTON sign and for a view of the city.
121) Bring your family or a group of friends to EXIT Penticton Escape Room to try and escape within one hour.
122) Reserve your seat to catch a new flick at Landmark Cinemas
123) Browse The Book Shop in Penticton for your favourite kids novels, books, or magazine
124) Head to the Penticton Skatepark as it’s a great venue for borders, bikers, and bladers.
125) Choose from a library of games to play from Meeples and Milkshakes Board Game Cafe.
126) Discover the Penticton Museum & Library, conveniently situated in the same building. Engage in various storytime sessions for families with young children at the library, while the museum offers family activities and learning opportunities.
Summerland
127) Experience Summerland’s Festival of Lights on Friday, November 24, 2023, for a wintery celebration filled with live entertainment, food vendors, fireworks, carolers, and more!
128) Sign out a book or DVD at the Summerland Regional Library or register to enjoy one of their storytime programs.
129) Drop in for Tumble Time at the Summerland Baptist Church or pre-register your spot for StrongStart at Giant’s Head Elementary School.
130) Enjoy the pool, hot tub, or sauna at the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre during public swimming hours.
131) Visit the Summerland Museum to view their displays on the main level and check out their model train display upstairs. The kids will have a blast pressing the button and watching the train around the track.
132) Enjoy a coffee or bite to eat at The Beanery Cafe, a local hotspot. They even have a little kids’ area to keep the kids busy.
133) Enjoy ice cream, jams, syrups, and more at Summerland Sweets. There are great gift options for Christmas – even for the little ones.
134) Take a short walk from Summerland Sweets to visit B.C.’s highest train trestle.
135) Head to the Summerland Skatepark on the corner of the Summerland Secondary School field.
136) Walk or hike up Giant’s Head Mountain to view Summerland and the area.
137) Register online to enjoy Public Skating at the Summerland Arena.
138) Visit Roch Maple Syrup for ice cream or a maple treat.
139) Pick up comic books and more at Geek Easy.
140) Swing, slide, and run around at the newly renovated Memorial Park.
141) Take a self-guided tour of the Summerland Ornamental Gardens to view their winter landscapes. They are open daily in the winter from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (weather permitting).
142) Shop till you drop at the Summerland Thrift Shop or Thifty Kids.
143) Indulge in savoury treats at True Grain Bread (try the cheesy twists, they are our favourite!)
144) Register for a Kids’ Art Class at Summerland Arts.
Vernon
145) Make a trip and take part in the Vernon Winter Carnival from Feb 2-11, 2024.
146) Visit Planet Bee Honey Farm to learn through numerous posters and displays and enjoy tastings of over 20 varieties of honey, great for all ages.
147) Stop and shop at Vernon Teach & Learn. Not only is the store packed with amazing toys, but they serve up some yummy ice cream at Lollipop Lane.
148) Get ready for the Silverstar Annual Light Up on Saturday, December 9th! Join the festive night with fireworks, fire spinners, light displays, roaming entertainers, a Christmas market, and more! Kick off the winter and holiday season in style.
149) Book a lane and bowl with your family at Lincoln Lanes.
150) Visit the Okanagan Science Center for fun, hands-on science activities from pre-school through grade 7.
151) Experience winter wonders at SilverStar Mountain Resort! Engage in family activities like tubing, skating, fat biking, snowshoeing, mini snowmobiling, bowling, and more.
152) If you are looking for a kids’ toy shop, Teeter Totter Toys will occupy the kids with over 50,000 items in stock!
153) Take out a book or DVD at the Vernon Regional Library.
154) Bring the family to the Rock Garden Climbing Centre, memberships and drop-ins are available for tots and youth.
155) Make a splash with your family at the leisure pool at the Vernon Aquatic Centre.
156) Catch a flick at the Galaxy Cinemas Cineplex.
157) Cross-country ski at Sovereign Lake as they offer carrier rentals so you can bring the little ones through the trails.
158) Head to the Centennial Outdoor Rink for drop-in public skating, parent and tots skating, or family skating.
159) Fat bike/walk the Okanagan Rail Trail along Kalamalka Lake.
160) Drop in or pre-register for programs such as StrongStart, Baby Time, Little Owl Family Circle and more!
West Kelowna
161) Enjoy your morning or afternoon at Just 4 Fun Indoor Play Centre, which boasts more than 5500 square feet of play area. It’s also an ideal venue for hosting birthday parties.
162) Kick off the holiday season with Light Up on Brown Road in West Kelowna. The event is on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 5:00-8:00 pm.
163) Make a splash at Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre.
164) Catch a flick at the Landmark Cinemas Xtreme or Landmark Cinemas Encore movie theatres.
165) Pre-register for the Polar Pancake Pajama Party on December 3, 2023, at the Westbank Lion’s Community Hall.
166) Borrow a book or DVD at the Westbank Library or stop in to enjoy one of their weekly programs.
167) Head to the Jim Lind Arena for public skating.
