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 Kelowna and the Okanagan.
This includes drop-in programs, indoor play, farms and petting zoos, museums, and more!
1) Drop in at StrongStart
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. With 8 StrongStart Centres across the Central Okanagan Public School District, they’re open during the school year. Some locations welcome walk-ins, while others might ask you to pre-register.
- A.S. Matheson Elementary | 2090 Gordon Drive, Kelowna | (250) 870-5112 | Website
- Raymer Elementary | 657 Raymer Avenue, Kelowna | (250) 870-5125 | Website
- Pearson Road Elementary | 700 Pearson Road, Kelowna | (250) 870-5118 | Website
- South Rutland Elementary | 200 Mallach Road, Kelowna | (250) 870-5113 | Website
- Webber Road Elementary | 2829 Inverness Road, West Kelowna | (250) 870-5131 | Website
- Ecole Hudson Road Elementary | 2090 Gordon Drive, West Kelowna | (250) 870-5141 | Website
- Peachland Elementary | 5486 Clements Crescent, Peachland | (250) 870-5122 | Website
- Peter Greer Elementary | 10300 Sherman Drive, Winfield | (250) 870-5129 | Website
2) Visit a local Park or Playground
Visit one of the many playgrounds near you. This is a free activity and our family enjoys exploring new locations near us.
3) Libraries & Programs
With six locations throughout the Central Okanagan, our local Okanagan Regional Library is 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.
- Kelowna Downtown Library | 1380 Ellis Street, Kelowna | Website
- Westbank Library | Unit 31-2484 Main Street, West Kelowna | Website
- Westside Learning Lab | Unit 216-525 Highway 97 South, West Kelowna | Website
- Lake Country Library | 2-10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country | Website
- Mission Branch Library | 4105 Gordon Drive, Kelowna | Website
- Peachland Library | 40-5500 Clements Crescent, Peachland | Website
4) Drop-In Programs
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 days of the week, helping you maximize your family time without the need for advanced planning.
- YMCA Okanagan Family Play Time | Kelowna
- YMCA Okanagan Family Play Time | Penticton (during the school year)
- Central Okanagan Family Hub | Kelowna
- Boys & Girls Club Okanagan Early Years North | Vernon
5) Explore a Museum or Art Gallery
Dive into the fascinating world of the Okanagan with family-friendly visits to museums and art galleries. Many museums boast interactive exhibits like model railways that will dazzle the kids, and some even offer scavenger hunts to make learning fun and engaging. Meanwhile, art galleries are not just for adults; they often have special programs designed for children, turning a family outing into an adventure of discovery and creativity.
6) Explore Aviation at KF Centre for Excellence.
The KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence in Kelowna is an exciting outing for parents and toddlers alike. This 60,000-square-foot aviation museum, located by the Kelowna International Airport, features vintage airplanes, hands-on displays, and a helicopter model that shows how helicopters work. Little ones can step inside a real cockpit and experience a multi-sensory fly-over of the Okanagan Valley, making for a fun and educational adventure!
7) 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.
7) Discover hands-on fun at the Okanagan Science Centre.
Toddlers can enjoy a world of interactive learning at the Okanagan Science Centre (OSC) with activities just for them! Their Discovery Room provides a dedicated space for kids aged 0-5, complete with sensory play areas, a Build-A-Bug Wall, and a Life Cycles exhibit. For ages 2-5, their Little Scientists Program offers weekly science activities every Wednesday from 10-11 am, giving young ones the chance to engage in hands-on experiments without pre-registration. These programs make the OSC an exciting, welcoming place for toddlers to explore and learn.
8) Explore the Toddler Area at EnergyPlex in Kelowna.
The EnergyPlex in Kelowna is great for kids of all ages. For younger kids, the 4-level Energycube is a nice 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.
9) Make a Splash at H20 Adventure & Fitness Centre | Kelowna
Drop in at H20 Adventure and Fitness Centre for access to everything! Use their Olympic-size pool, river run, waterslides, and more. Children aged 0-2 can access the pool for free.
10) Just4Fun Playcentre | West Kelowna
If you are in West Kelowna, bring your kids to Just4Fun Indoor Play Centre. They have a Toddler Zone for children ages 3 and under which is enclosed (parent supervision is required). A ball pit, small climbing structures, a mini-slide, and interactive toys are included in a padded area. If you have older kids, they can explore their 3-level adventures cube and inflatables while your toddler plays.
11) Visit Play Area Kelowna.
This indoor play space is perfect for little explorers! With soft play structures, climbing areas, and sensory activities, toddlers can play safely while engaging in active, hands-on fun.
12) In the summer, cool down and visit a Water Park
Not only is visiting a water park a great way to cool down in the hot summer months, but it’s also completely free!
