Summerland is a quaint little community located between Peachland and Penticton. Just turn off Highway 97 to find some great family-fun activities that you and your kids will enjoy.
Where to Stay in Summerland
Looking for a cozy place to stay during your next family trip to Summerland? Here’s one of our favourite spots—perfect for soaking up the sunshine, splashing in the pool, and enjoying some well-earned relaxation.
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Summerland Waterfront Resort – Offers spacious kitchen suites, a seasonal outdoor pool, two hot tubs, direct beach access, and convenient dining at Shaughnessy’s Cove next door—making it an ideal spot for a relaxing family getaway in the Okanagan.
This is a highlight in Summerland, and I think everyone should experience a ride on the Kettle Valley Steam Train. You can choose to book the 90-minute train ride or the Great Train Robbery and BBQ.
My Dad and I at the Kettle Valley Steam Train in Summerland for their Train Robbery
My sisters and I took our dad on the Train Robbery and BBQ for Father’s Day one year, and it was so special. During the scenic ride, the train comes to a halt as the Garnett Valley Gang comes aboard and robs passengers of donations for local charities. My niece was about 8 months old at the time, and she loved it. After the train ride, you head back to the Prairie Valley Station for a delicious BBQ dinner.
Whether it’s a bike, scooter, or skateboard, the Summerland Skatepark is a great place to ride. With ramps, rails, and space for all skill levels, it’s a fun spot to burn off energy and practice new tricks.
Open year-round and offer a fun outing for the entire family. Wander through at your own pace on a self-guided tour, taking in the diverse plants, flowers, and scenic views. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many benches or tables scattered throughout the grounds. Washrooms are available, and while entry is free, a $5 donation is suggested to help support the gardens.
4) Walk or hike up Giant’s Head Mountain to view Summerland, Penticton, and the area.
View from the top of Giant’s Head Mountain in Summerland, Photo Credit: Nick Babyn
5) Walk across B.C.’s highest train trestle.
Just a short stroll from Summerland Sweets, this trestle offers stunning views of Okanagan Lake. Stand high above the canyon and take in the scenery—if you’re lucky, you might even see the heritage train pass by!
Lace up your skates and hit the ice at the Summerland Arena! Enjoy public skating in a bright indoor rink with affordable admission and skate rentals. There are also Parent & Tot skates and Noon Hour Hockey for adults. Check the arena’s website for the current schedule and session availability.
Discover the fascinating history of Summerland through their permanent exhibit, covering pre-contact to early development, early fruit farming ventures, the impact of the Kettle Valley Railway, and more.
Upstairs, witness a captivating scale model of the Kettle Valley Railway as it chugs through Summerland.
Summerland Library is a welcoming, family-friendly space featuring bright play areas for younger children, complete with colorful foam animals for imaginative play, puzzles, coloring activities, and kid-sized furniture for comfortable reading.
Older kids and teens have their own cozy lounge area for relaxing and socializing, while a dedicated Lego corner encourages creative, hands-on fun. With plenty of seating and computer stations available, the library offers a comfortable, engaging environment for families to read, learn, and play together.
Swim, soak, or unwind with the whole family in the pool, hot tub, or sauna. Open year-round, it’s a fun and relaxing spot for all ages to enjoy together.
Located next to Rotary Beach, this family-friendly spot lets you check out the aquarium, learn all about trout, and enjoy hands-on crafts and activities. In spring and summer, don’t miss the chance to tour the trough room and outdoor ponds!
StrongStart is a free school-based early learning program offered on school days. Your child will have free time to play games, read books, create a craft, participate in storytime where they will sing songs, and exercise during gym time (where applicable). Registration is available online for the Summerland location of StrongStart.
Tumble Time takes place on Monday and Tuesday mornings (refer to their website for closure dates). They ask families to complete a one-time online registration form, and once registered, you can come when you can. There is no cost to attend, but they appreciate a donation.
Join the Summerland Library for fun and interactive story time sessions — whether you have a baby, toddler, or preschooler, there’s something for everyone! Expect songs, stories, movement, and plenty of giggles. Drop in and enjoy some quality time together.
Centrally located in downtown Summerland, Memorial Park was renovated in 2022 and is a popular park amongst local families. The park features 2 different play structures and a swing set, surrounded by a large grassy area, picnic tables, and benches. You will find public washrooms on-site just across the park.
We stumbled upon this hidden gem on a hot summer weekend in Summerland, tucked away at the corner of Julia Street and Victoria Road North. The park has a great mix of play structures — including a train, spring riders, and slides — all set in soft sand, perfect for little ones to explore. There’s a picnic table, a big grassy area to run around, and lots of shade to keep things cool. Just a heads-up: there are no washrooms on site.
Nestled in the Dale Meadows Sports Complex, the playground includes 2 swings, a climbing play structure with a slide, a teeter-totter, bike springers, a picnic table, and a park bench. In addition, the Sports Complex features 5 ball fields, 3 soccer fields, 3 basketball courts, a jogging track, washrooms, and a concession stand (open during special events).
The playground and splash park sit side by side, making it super easy for kids to bounce between climbing and cooling off. Around the park, you’ll find plenty of benches and picnic tables, a volleyball court, public washrooms, and even a nearby dog beach — something for everyone!
20) Entertain the kids at Kinsmen Beach and Park.
Nestled into a corner on Lakeshore Drive, Kinsmen Beach and Park may be difficult to find but it’s worth the stop. Kinsmen Park features a giant slide sliced right down the middle, a few swings, teeter-totters, a sand digger, and a climbing wall. There are also a few picnic tables and benches.
21) Relax or have a picnic at Turner Street Park.
Turner Street Park, Summerland
Located on the corner of Turner Street and Rosedale Avenue is Turner Street Park. Although this location does not feature a playground, it does offer a grassy area, a picnic table, and a bench.
This family-friendly spot in Summerland offers a little bit of everything — a sandy beach for swimming and relaxing, picnic tables for lunch breaks, tennis courts, and a baseball diamond for active fun. Kids will love the two separate playground areas: one with swings and another with a small play structure. Seasonal washrooms are available for added convenience.
Beaches
23) Spend the day at Sun-Oka Beach in Trout Creek.
Sun-Oka Beach & Provincial Park
24) Rent recreational watercraft from Okanagan Beach Rentals or SWR Boat Rentals.
Okanagan Beach Rentals at Sun-Oka Beach & Provincial Park
Okanagan Beach Rentals is set up at Sun-Oka Beach in Trout Creek during the summer where you can rent non-motorized watercrafts such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, water trikes, canoes, and inflatable islands.
Not only do they have a beautiful sandy beach on Okanagan Lake, but there is also a playground, swing sets, tennis courts, a softball field, picnic tables, and benches.
Peach Orchard Beach Park includes a beach along Okanagan Lake, ideal for swimming. Nearby, visitors will find amenities such as washrooms with a mural, picnic tables, and a designated dog park area. With lake access, shade, and open space, the park caters to a variety of recreational activities for all ages.
Summerland is the perfect place to shop for local fruits and vegetables. Bustling in the spring and summer months, you can enjoy delicious berries, fresh-baked pies, ice cream, and much more.
Load up on fresh, local BC fruits and veggies (never imported), then treat yourself to ice cream, coffee, baked goods, and more. Plenty of cozy spots to sit inside or out.
30) Indulge at Blossom Fruit Stand.
Pick from a huge selection of local produce and dive into 24 dreamy flavors of ice cream. Chill out at their sunny outdoor picnic tables.
31) Play and Shop at Big Apple Fruit Stand.
Stock up on fresh fruits and veggies while the kids have a blast at the outdoor play area or with toys inside.
32) Take a picture near the world’s tallest tripod orchard ladder at Dickinson Family Farm.
Dickinson Family Farm is home to u-pick cherries, a small RV campsite and the world’s tallest tripod orchard ladder. It stands 30 feet and 2 inches high, perched high above their orchard trees. Stop in to see the ladder and take some family pictures in this beautiful setting.
33) Visit the Summerland Rotary Summer Market on Sundays
The Summerland Rotary Sunday Market features local farmers, food producers, artisans, and crafters on Sundays from June to September.
This popular lakeside restaurant pairs scenic views with a great menu the whole family can enjoy. Kids can choose from classics like Mac & Cheese, Chicken Tenders, and Cheeseburgers, while adults will love the flavorful options. Don’t miss the Crispy Cauliflower—it’s our go-to every time we visit!
This family-friendly restaurant features a Kids Menu with favorites like chicken fingers, spaghetti, pancakes, waffles, and more—perfect for a delicious and easy meal out with the kids.
You most likely have noticed jams, syrups, and other treats from Summerland Sweets at local fruit stands, gift shops, and other boutiques across the Okanagan Valley. Trust me, it’s hard to miss their product – it’s everywhere! But you can also stop in for an ice cream treat, located at the back of their shop
Join the locals at this popular coffee shop known for its fresh baked goods and delicious coffee. It’s always buzzing, and there’s even a kids’ table with toys to keep little ones happy while you sip and snack.
Swing by Main Street for a scoop (or two!) of fresh, house-made gelato or sorbetto. With tons of flavours and vegan and dairy-free options too, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
40) Cool off with a treat at Cleo’s Jelato.
Step into this bright, cheerful shop and choose from a wide variety of tasty flavours—watch your kids’ faces light up as they pick their scoop!
Relax at this family-friendly honey winery and farm, where parents can sip honey wine on the patio while kids enjoy juice boxes, lawn games, and tasty snacks. Browse fresh honey and artisanal goodies to take home too!
Kick back on a stunning patio with gorgeous views of Summerland while the whole family enjoys delicious food, refreshing drinks, and sweet treats like gelato and sorbetto. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed, family-friendly outing!
While you sample wines, the kids can climb and play on a charming wooden train made from wine barrels—perfect for a fun family stop!
44) Play and Picnic at SummerGate Winery.
SummerGate Winery in Summerland is a family-run organic winery with a relaxed atmosphere, offering lawn games, shaded picnic spots, and seasonal eats like poutine, burgers, and weekend waffles.
They have a spacious grassy picnic area with tables and lawn games for families to enjoy, and while the kids sip on a refreshing apple juice tasting, adults can sample their ciders.
Summerland Heritage Cider offers a relaxing outdoor setting with a grassy area for kids to play and a kid-friendly menu, making it a great stop for families.
A great shopping spot is the Summerland Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop which is known to locals as the best thrift shop in the Okanagan. They offer a great selection of children’s toys, clothing, books, and more, all at a very reasonable price. This Thrift Shop is operated by volunteers with proceeds going back towards local hospitals.
When passing by, you will see line-ups of people down the street waiting for them to open their doors as they are only open Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
49) Stop at Home Hardware for candy, toys, and more!
As soon as you step inside, the vast array of candy lights up both kids’ and parents’ faces. From nostalgic sweets to a wide selection, there’s something for everyone.
Seasonal Events & Activities
50) Kick off the New Year with the Polar Bear Dip (January)
Join the fun at Sun-Oka Beach, where hundreds of brave locals plunge into the icy waters of Okanagan Lake to celebrate New Year’s Day in true Summerland style!
This three-day, free event has something for everyone. There’s live music all weekend long, a beverage garden, fireworks, a huge slow-pitch tournament, and the popular Giants Head Run. Kids will love the carnival and live entertainment.
This long-standing community tradition has been celebrating Summerland’s agricultural roots since 1909. The fair features everything from beautiful displays of local produce, baking, and preserves to pioneer workshops, live music, and chef demos. Families will love the petting zoo, food trucks, and quirky fun like zucchini bob sled racing.
A true local tradition, Summerland’s Festival of Lights has been lighting up downtown for over 35 years! Thousands gather to enjoy the tree lighting, live music, festive food, and family fun — all under the glow of thousands of twinkling lights.
A mom of three girls, on a mission to uncover fun activities for parents—because let’s be real, I could’ve used all the help I could get when my girls were little!
