Museums & Libraries

Step back in time at the Nixdorf Classic Car Museum in Summerland—a 14,000 sq. ft. indoor showroom featuring over 50 beautifully restored vintage cars, fun artifacts, and a touch of nostalgia that’s perfect for car lovers of all ages.

The Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library offers a range of programs for children, youth, and families. Younger kids can enjoy Story Time, Baby Time, PJ Story Time, and French Story Time, while older kids and teens can participate in activities like Lego drop-ins, 3D crafting, and Coding Club. Families new to Canada benefit from programs like the Niteo Family Reading Program and homework support. The library also hosts seasonal events, making it a vibrant space for learning, creativity, and connection.

The Okanagan Falls branch of the Okanagan Regional Library is a cozy and welcoming spot that's perfect for families with young kids. Alongside a great selection of children's books, the library features a puppet theatre with hand puppets, a large puzzle table where visitors can work on, and shelves filled with board games and puzzles for all ages. There's a special play area just for little ones with wooden puzzles and a table marked "Reserved for Little Humans," plus bins of LEGO tucked under the shelves for creative play.

The Okanagan Regional Library in West Kelowna is more than just books — it's a hub for families with books, music, movies, and research for all ages. They offer a fantastic lineup of free, drop-in programs perfect for little ones, including Baby Time, Toddler Time, Preschool Story Time, and Family Story Time for busy families. Older kids can get hands-on with fun activities like Lego Builders and seasonal Craft Time. Whether you're looking to bond, play, learn, or create — there’s always something happening at the library!

The Penticton Public Library serves as a vibrant community hub with a wide array of resources and programs for all ages. Families can enjoy access to books, audiobooks, magazines, and movies, alongside engaging activities. Young children can participate in programs like Baby Songs and Rhymes, Toddlertime, and Preschool Storytime, while older kids will love after-school activities such as Lego Club. For teens, the library offers creative outlets like CraftQuest and STEAM-powered sessions.

Visit the Learning Lab on the Westside, where creativity comes to life through hands-on access to Maker technology like 3D printing, Cricut cutting machines, and graphic design software. And yes—there are plenty of books to explore as well!

The KF Centre for Excellence in Kelowna is a 60,000-square-foot aviation exhibit that offers an exciting and interactive experience for families. Located near Kelowna International Airport, this family-friendly destination features a historic aircraft collection, hands-on exhibits, and flight simulators that allow visitors to step into the world of aviation. The facility is wheelchair accessible and open year-round, Tuesday to Saturday. Please be sure to check their website before visiting for special event exceptions to these hours.

Step aboard the S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society, a beautifully restored historic sternwheeler located on the shores of Okanagan Lake in Penticton. This paddlewheeler, built in 1914, once carried passengers and cargo up and down the lake. A highlight for many kids visiting the S.S. Sicamous is the large model train display inside the ship. With interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, and plenty of space to roam, the S.S. Sicamous offers a way to spend time exploring with your kids.

Explore the history of the Okanagan’s orchard and wine industries at the Wine and Orchard Museum, located in the historic Laurel Packinghouse. While drop-in hours are limited, guided tours for pre-booked groups are available year-round—perfect for discovering the stories, tools, and traditions that shaped the region.

The current museum is located at the Gold Panner Campground, with a new permanent location in development at 1217 Hwy 6.