Kelowna Family Activities shine in this bustling city, from scenic parks to sandy beaches, alongside numerous indoor and outdoor pursuits.
Choose to relax at a beach or park, visit a local farm, play mini-golf, or try the many indoor and outdoor activities available for Kelowna families.
Location
Situated in Central Okanagan, Kelowna is just a 45-minute drive from Vernon and an hour away from Penticton.
Family Drop-In Programs
Kelowna offers a variety of drop-in programs for families throughout the year.
If you want to get the kids out of the house drop in to Kelowna or Rutland’s StrongStart Program. StrongStart is a free school-based early learning program offered on school days at A.S. Matheson Elementary, Raymer Elementary, Pearson Road Elementary, and South Rutland Elementary Schools.
The YMCA provides Family Playtime for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers. Here you can meet other families in a comfortable play environment. Registration is required online for an hour drop-in session.
Pre-register for Monkey Academy’s two-hour drop-in play where kids will have access to their Ninja obstacle course, gymnastics equipment, and a large climbing structure. There is also a designated toddler area for kids 3 years and under.
Indoor Play
The Energyplex in Kelowna offers an all-ages entertainment experience, featuring a Kids Zone, Ballistix, rock climbing, laser tag, a high ropes course, and a new arcade. Families can enjoy pizzas or snacks in the bar/lounge or grab a quick bite at the concession, with free Wi-Fi and no reservations needed. They also host birthday parties, day camps, and group events for up to 250 people.
If you don’t want to be outside, immerse yourself in virtual reality. Both Arcadia Virtual Reality Lounge and Xperience Kelowna offer an out-of-the-world experience.
Bowling is always packed with fun and great for all ages and skill levels. Drop in or make a reservation for Okanagan Bowling Club or McCurdy Bowling Centre.
Experience the thrill of high-speed racing at the indoor go-kart track at Kelowna Karting.
If you’re looking for a place to test your climbing skills or compete against your friends, Beyond the Crux welcomes drop-ins. They offer various types of climbing such as top rope climbing, bouldering, and lead climbing, each catering to different skill levels.
Exit Kelowna offers an exciting escape room experience perfect for families! With a minimum requirement of two players, you can select from four uniquely themed rooms.
Gneiss Climbing features a dedicated kids/youth climbing area, creating an ideal environment for young climbers to explore the sport. This section includes auto belays, speed climbing tracks, and diverse bouldering terrain, all tailored for youth engagement.
Discover a world of fun and fitness at H2O Adventure & Fitness Centre, where amenities cater to all ages. Take a dip in one of the pools, get active in a fitness group, and let your kids enjoy a wide range of year-round child and youth activities.
Head to Parkinson Recreation Centre for a splash! Dive into their 25-metre pool, kids’ play pool, whirlpool, and steam room.
Experience the thrill at Planet Lazer with 6000 square feet of Extreme Lazer Tag. Up to 36 players can join 17-minute missions!
Visit Scandia Golf & Games for fun-filled arcade games, mini-golf (both indoor and outdoor), go-karts, and batting cages.
YMCA Okanagan is perfect for water lovers. They offer swim lessons, aquatic fitness classes, and more for the whole family. Dive in and enjoy!
Outdoor Play
Visit Big White Ski Resort, a kid-friendly haven with wide runs ideal for learning. They’ve got a Kids’ Centre too, so you can hit the slopes while the kids have a blast.
Explore Father Pandosy’s Mission all year! It’s perfect for self-guided tours, enjoying the park, or snapping photos with loved ones.
Check out Kelowna Paddle Centre for family fun on the water. They offer public programs for families, parents and tots, and even annual memberships. Plus, don’t miss their drop-in paddles and youth summer camps!
Okanagan Beach Rentals
Rent paddleboards and more for the beach – three Kelowna locations.
Farms & Zoos
Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure is fun for the entire family. Explore the petting zoo where you can brush and feed goats, pet bunnies, feed ducks, and more. Challenge yourself to solve their hedge maze (similar to corn maze, but trickier). Try archery and other fun activities. Be sure to get a free airbrush tattoo. Then head over to the farm market to shop for fresh produce & baked goods, cold drinks and snacks, and there’s so many choices of delicious ice cream. In the Fall, pick up your pumpkin at Don-O-Ray Farm Market and the Farm Adventure becomes spooky fun for October!
Book an educational honey farm tour at Arlo’s Honey Farm or stop at their shop to purchase honey, beeswax, propolis, candles, soaps, honeycomb chocolate, fresh fruits, berries, vegetables in season, and lots of garlic!
Meet many animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus, parrots, and more at the Kangaroo Creek Farm.
In the Fall, visit McMillan Farms – Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Here you can explore their 3-acre corn maze, jump on a hayride to tour their farm, visit their petting farm, pick a pumpkin, and try slinging apples out of a giant slingshot. There is also a concession stand on-site and cutouts for fun family pictures. A great place for all ages to experience all these unique activities and
Parks & Playgrounds
Quilchena Park in Kelowna offers a vibrant playground with slides, swings, a sandbox, and climbing structures, plus a seasonal splash park with water cannons and spray features. Located at 347 Quilchena Drive, it’s a family-friendly spot with additional amenities like pickleball and tennis courts.
Discover Bella Vista Park on Loseth Road, near Black Mountain in Kelowna. This playground is perfect for children, with features like a spiral slide, climbing wall, and a climbing dome. Surrounded by a wooden fence, the park offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Spanning 0.89 hectares, it’s an ideal spot for families, including those with on-leash pets. However, keep in mind there are no restrooms or water fountains, so plan your visit accordingly for a fun day out.
Learning & Tours
Stop into one of the three libraries in Kelowna to take out a book, magazine, or DVD. There is the Kelowna Regional Library on Ellis Street, the Mission Branch on Gordon Drive, or the Rutland Branch on Highway 33. You can also register to join an online storytime or participate in a drop-in program or activity throughout the year.
Events & Entertainment
Kelowna Community Theatre
Each year the Theatre is home to over 250 events ranging from comedy to music, dance, theatrical performances, and everything in between.
Markets, Food, and Drink
If you are seeking fresh produce and locally made items, head over to the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters Market. They offer their Main Outdoor Market in the Summer, a Satellite Summer Market, and a Winter Market.