Looking for things to do with toddlers in Kelowna? From exploring educational programs to enjoying local parks and discovering interactive exhibits, there’s plenty to keep your little ones entertained. Splash pads and indoor play areas ensure fun regardless of the weather. Let’s dive into the list below and find the perfect outing for your family!
1. Try a new Drop-In Program.
Kelowna offers a variety of drop-in programs perfect for families wanting flexibility and last-minute options. From free educational activities at StrongStart centers during the school year to playful sessions at the YMCA, there’s something for every age. These programs typically require no prior booking, making it easy for last-minute plans. For a full list of programs, click here.
2. Visit a Park or Playground.
Kelowna’s parks and playgrounds are perfect for the kids to burn off some energy while parents enjoy a quick coffee break. With options to climb, swing, and play, there’s always a new playground to explore. View a list of Kelowna parks and playgrounds here.
3. Interact with Animals at a Farm or Petting Zoo.
One of our family’s favourite outings is visiting a local farm or petting zoo. At Arlo’s Honey Farm, you can learn about bees through engaging guided tours. Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure mixes it up with a petting zoo where the kids can meet ponies and goats, a fun maze, and even airbrush tattoos—a hit with the whole family! Kangaroo Creek Farm is another must-visit, where you get up close with exotic animals like kangaroos and emus. And when fall rolls around, we love visiting McMillan Farms for their pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, and animal farm. It’s the perfect way to spend a family day out! Learn more.
4. Stop by Your Local Okanagan Regional Library.
The Okanagan Regional Library has locations in Kelowna, Mission, Rutland, and Westbank. Here, families can check out books and participate in diverse activities. Programs like Baby Time, Baby Social, Toddler Time, and Family Story Time cater to younger children. For older kids, there’s Lego at the Library, Engineering Club, and many other unique events throughout the year.
5. Journey into the world of aviation at KF Centre for Excellence.
Parents with toddlers will find the KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence in Kelowna a new educational and fun experience. This 60,000-square-foot aviation museum is located near the Kelowna International Airport and offers interactive and engaging displays. Little ones will be thrilled to see vintage airplanes, engage with interactive exhibits, and even test out a mechanized helicopter model that shows how helicopters operate. They’ll love the multi-sensory fly-over experience of the Okanagan Valley and the chance to step inside a real cockpit, where pressing all the buttons is all part of the fun! Learn more about our visit here.
6. Splash Around at an Indoor Swimming Pool.
Kelowna offers several indoor swimming pool options perfect for toddlers looking to make a splash, regardless of the season. The H2O Adventure & Fitness Centre offers a wide range of amenities, fitness classes, and year-round activities for children and youth. The YMCA Okanagan is perfect for family fun with its swim lessons and aquatic fitness programs. For families in the central part of the city, the Parkinson Recreation Centre includes a children’s play pool that’s ideal for little ones. Meanwhile, over in West Kelowna, the Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre boasts a similar array of facilities, including a 25-meter pool, a hot tub, and a warm soaking pool, with added accessibility features.
7. Discover Fun in the Toddler Area at Energyplex.
Designed for children under 4, Energyplex’s Toddler Area is equipped with learning boards, a ball pit, and a mini slide. It offers a safe and enclosed environment where toddlers can explore, play, ensuring they have as much fun as the older kids.
8. Explore the Toddler Zone at Just4Fun Indoor Play Centre.
Designed with toddlers three and under in mind, this dedicated area is fully padded for safety and features a slide, ball pit, interactive toys, and blocks, enabling young children to play. Nearby, they can also play with a rocking horse and giant blocks. For even more excitement, there’s a bouncy castle, bouncy slide, and a 4-level play structure nearby, perfect for the adventurous child.
9. Cool off at a Water Park.
Kelowna is home to three fantastic waterparks: Ben Lee Waterpark, City Park Waterpark, and Quilchena Splash Park. Ben Lee Waterpark is fully fenced with grassy areas for picnics, an accessible playground, a skateboard park, and basketball courts nearby. City Park Waterpark entertains with its interactive spray fountains, water guns, large splash pad, and amenities like a playground and beach area. Over at Quilchena Splash Park, families can enjoy an enclosed area with water cannons and playful spray features, conveniently located next to Quilchena Playground.
10. Visit the Kasugai Japanese Gardens.
The Kasugai Japanese Gardens in Kelowna is a quiet spot perfect for little explorers. Toddlers will love spotting the bright koi fish and discovering various plants with an easy-to-follow map. It’s also an ideal place for family photos. Admission is free, just keep in mind that the gardens close for winter and reopen in spring.
