Located just a 20-minute drive from Vernon, Armstrong is a hidden gem in the North Okanagan. It is known for hosting the Armstrong Fair (IPE) every August and is a great spot for families, with fun attractions such as Log Barn 1912, where kids can see farm animals, enjoy delicious treats, and explore quirky displays.
Outdoor Activities
1) Bring your gear to the Armstrong Outdoor Skatepark.
Have the kids bring their skateboards, roller skates, bikes, and scooters to take some jumps and get some fresh air.
Indoor Activities
2) Rent roller skates for an evening of fun at Hassen Arena.
Roller skate at Hassen Arena and enjoy cruising around, whether using your own skates or the rentals available on-site.
3) Discover activities and resources at the Armstrong Regional Library.
Borrow books, magazines, DVDs, and more while enjoying engaging programs like Family Story Time, Stay & Play sessions, and creative S.T.E.A.M. Adventure Kits. Test your skills with Break In Bags or connect with fellow readers in the monthly book club—there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Drop-In Programs
4) Drop in for early learning fun at Armstrong StrongStart.
Bring your little ones to Highland Park Elementary for free activities like story time, music, art, and playtime, perfect for children birth to five years old.
5) Join drop-in activities at the Boys and Girls Club.
Enjoy programs like Mother Goose and More for children aged 0-5, featuring songs, rhymes, and stories. Children aged 7-12 can join recreation programs offering activities like sports, creative arts, leadership opportunities, and community field trips. A one-time registration is required, with program fees varying by activity. Monthly calendars with schedules and specific offerings are available online.
6) Participate in drop-in programs at Armstrong Spallucheen Parks & Recreation.
Take part in activities for all ages, including public ice skating at the SUNBELT Sports Centre with options like Adult/Senior Shinny Hockey, Parent & Tot Skate, and Family Skate. At Hassen Arena, try roller skating with rentals available, or join indoor walking and Family Floor Time, where children can bring bikes, scooters, and balls.
Animal Farms & Petting Zoos
7) Feed goats at Log Barn 1912.
This is the perfect family-friendly place to stop for food, drinks, shopping, ice cream and photos. You can even feed the goats during your visit (a must for our girls). There is no cost to visit the farm animals but bring some quarters to buy feed for the goats.
Parks & Playgrounds
8) Play and explore at Armstrong’s Memorial Park Playground.
This is a large playground area with all kinds of playground equipment for the kids to play on and lots of trees and green space to run or relax. Located next to the splash pad and the outdoor pool makes this a perfect place to spend time with the kids.
9) Climb and slide at the Armstrong Lion’s Park.
Recently renovated, Armstrong Lions Park features a colorful and modern playground with slides, swings, and climbing structures designed for children of all ages. The playground has a soft wood chip surface and plenty of open green space for running and playing. There’s also a small sports area, perfect for basketball or street hockey. With picnic tables nearby, it’s a perfect spot for family outings.
Water Park & Outdoor Pool
10) Make a splash at the Armstrong Outdoor Pool.
This is a great outdoor pool and a perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. is a fun activity to cool. This heated pool is open to the public and offers a waterslide, lane swimming, a diving board, a hot tub, and a few splash elements. Be sure to pre-register to avoid disappointment.
11) Cool off at Armstrong-Spallumcheen Memorial Spray Park.
Armstrong-Spallumcheen Memorial Park, located next to the Armstrong outdoor pool and Memorial Park Playground, features a spray park and a fun playground for kids. The spray park is perfect for cooling off on hot days, while the playground offers plenty of space for climbing, swinging, and playing.
Ice Cream & Coffee
12) Enjoy real fruit ice cream and a cheesy grilled cheese at Village Dairy.
Are you a cheese lover? Village Dairy is a great place to stop in for a coffee, lunch or ice cream. They offer guided tours of cheesemaking on certain days and you must try their grilled cheese while you are there!
13) Savour drinks and snacks at PV Blvd Coffee.
This cozy coffee shop sells some sweet treats and delicious coffee. While waiting, browse their shop filled with local items to purchase.
14) Unwind with coffee and a treat at Wild Oak Café.
Wild Oak Café, located in downtown Armstrong, focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create seasonal and healthy menu options. Families can enjoy a variety of offerings, including breakfast, lunch, desserts, and specialty drinks, all crafted to suit diverse tastes. The café’s warm atmosphere reflects the charm of small-town living, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy quality food.
Fruit Stands & Markets
15) Pick fresh fruits and veggies at Good “N” Plenty Produce.
Visit their Farm Market from early spring to late summer to enjoy garden-fresh vegetables, juicy strawberries, and beautiful homegrown flower baskets. Take part in U-Pick during strawberry season, or find their fresh offerings at the Vernon Farmers Market and the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market.
16) Experience U-Pick at Pilgrim’s Produce.
Discover where your food comes from while picking your own strawberries, saskatoons, blackcurrants, sweet and sour cherries, raspberries, mulberries, pin cherries, and chokecherries. U-Pick is open to the public on select days and times throughout the season, offering a hands-on way to enjoy fresh, local fruit.
17) Shop local at the Armstrong Farmers’ Market
Explore fresh goods, handmade items, and local crafts at this vibrant community market.
Shopping
18) Shop for quality finds at Sea Star Kids Boutique.
Check out a mix of new and gently used clothes for kids, plus accessories and maternity wear. With sizes for newborns up to older kids, it’s a cozy spot to find what your little ones need.
Winter Activities
19) Enjoy public skating at SUNBELT Sports Centre.
Visit Sunbelt Sports Centre for ice skating which offers a fun way for families and individuals to enjoy some time on the ice, perfect for all ages and skill levels.
20) Experience a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride with Horse Drawn Okanagan.
Join Horse Drawn Okanagan each winter for a festive journey through a snow-covered valley, complete with sleigh bells, Christmas caroling, and hot cocoa around the fire—a perfect holiday activity for the whole family.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
21) Experience the Armstrong IPE & Stampede.
Join the annual Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede in Armstrong, for five days of family-friendly fun. Enjoy thrilling midway rides, live music performances, exciting rodeo events, and a variety of vendors offering delicious food and unique crafts.
22) Celebrate events hosted by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.
Attend community favourites like Countdown to Canada Day, Harvest Pumpkin Festival, Cheese…It’s a Natural, and Downtown Light Up to name a few.
23) Admire blooms at Bloom Tulip Festival in the spring and their Sunflower Festival in the Fall.
Discover the vibrant and scenic Bloom Tulip Festival in Armstrong with your family, where you can admire a breathtaking array of over 40 tulip varieties in full bloom.
24) Pick your pumpkin at Armstrong Pumpkin Patch.
Open during the month of October, this is a perfect place to bring the family and have them pick their very own Pumpkin for the Halloween season.
25) Experience unique performances at Caravan Farm Theatre.
This outdoor theatre shows range from classics like Shakespeare and Brecht, to original works like Horseplay and Cowboy King. Annual productions include The Halloween Walk of Terror, a Winter one-act sleigh ride show, and in Summer, a full-length musical. Photo by Emily Cooper.
