If you’re planning a family getaway in the South Okanagan, Osoyoos should be on your list. This small desert town is packed with sunshine, scenic landscapes, and kid-approved activities. From sandy beaches and splash parks to playgrounds and ice cream shops, Osoyoos offers a perfect mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly attractions.
Best Places to Stay in Osoyoos
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Watermark Beach Resort – A beautiful lakeside hotel with everything families need, including an outdoor hot tub, pool with waterslide.
Outdoor Activities
1) Explore the desert at Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre.
Pronounced “in-ka-meep,” this award-winning interpretive centre offers interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits, hands-on displays, and multi-media theatre experiences. Learn about Canada’s only desert and explore the deep cultural roots of the Osoyoos Indian Band and Okanagan people.
2) Ride at Osoyoos Skatepark.
Located next to the Sun Bowl Arena and visible from Highway 97, this skatepark includes a mix of street and transition features with ledges, rails, and more.
3) Take in views on Pioneer Walkway.
This paved path along Osoyoos Lake is great for walking, biking, or stroller outings. Lined with colourful gardens, benches, and shaded pergolas, it also features seasonal washrooms and convenient parking at both ends.
4) Get in the game at Osoyoos Paintball.
With both low-impact and high-impact options, Osoyoos Paintball offers a fun and safe way for families to enjoy some action together.
5) Play all day at Rattlesnake Canyon.
This outdoor amusement park in Osoyoos is packed with fun—mini-golf, bumper boats, go-karts, arcade games, and unique rides like the Bungee Tree and Tumble Whirl. It’s a must-visit for families looking for nonstop action.
6) Stroll the shoreline on the Osoyoos Beach Walk.
This easy, stroller-friendly path runs along Osoyoos Lake, starting near the Pioneer Walkway and continuing past Gyro Park. With lake views, shady trees, and close access to downtown shops and cafés, it’s a relaxing walk for all ages.
7) Participate in a Recreation Program at the Sonora Community Centre.
Indoor Activities
Go bowling at Kobau Lanes.
Open seven days a week, Kobau Lanes offers 8 lanes of classic 5-pin bowling—perfect for a fun outing with family or friends.
Osoyoos Regional Library
Stop into the Osoyoos Regional Library to take out a book, magazine, or dvd. You can also register to join an online storytime or participate in their many activities throughout the year.
Step back in time at the Osoyoos & District Museum and Archives.
With over 10,000 artifacts, this museum highlights the diverse history of Osoyoos and the surrounding area. Admission is by donation, and the gift shop features unique local finds.
Drop-In Programs
Osoyoos StrongStart
On school days, bring your kids ages 0-5 years to Osoyoos StrongStart. It is a free school-based early learning program offered at the Osoyoos Elementary School where your child will have free time to play games, read books, create a craft, participate in storytime where they will sing songs, and more!
Horseback Riding
Saddle up at Indian Grove Riding Stables.
With over 40 years of experience, this local stable offers guided horseback trail rides through the unique Osoyoos desert landscape and scenic mountain trails.
Sun Hills Riding Centre
Parks & Playgrounds
Osoyoos is home to four amazing playgrounds that we suggest visiting: Lions Park, Kinsmen Park, and the natural playground at Osoyoos Elementary.
Climb and explore at Lion’s Park.
This lakeside playground is perfect for younger kids, featuring a tree-shaped climber, slide tower, monkey bars, and imaginative play structures like a fire truck and animal-themed climber.
Spend time outdoors at Kinsmen Park.
Located near Rattlesnake Canyon, this family-friendly park features a variety of swings—including traditional, bucket, saucer, tire, and an adaptive swing. Toddlers can enjoy a smaller play structure with slides, while older kids can climb and explore a larger one. The park also includes a wide open field with soccer posts, picnic tables, a covered shaded area, and seasonal washrooms.
Tackle the challenges at Osoyoos Elementary Playground.
With its bold red design, this playground is full of fun features like climbing walls, swings, slides, and creative balancing elements that keep kids active and engaged.
Enjoy nature play at Osoyoos Elementary Natural Playground.
Located behind the school along 89th Street, this nature-based playground features logs, rocks, and other natural elements that invite kids to balance, jump, and create their own adventures.
Beaches
Spend the day at Gyro Beach Park.
Located at the end of Main Street in Osoyoos, this large beach park offers a sandy shoreline, shaded picnic areas, seasonal washrooms, and easy access to shops and restaurants. In summer, enjoy live music, watersport rentals, and the floating Wibit water park (admission required).
Relax and play at Legion Beach.
This sandy lakeside beach in Osoyoos features shaded grassy areas, picnic tables, and a dog-friendly swim zone. With Jack Shaw Splash Park and a natural playground just across the street, it’s a great spot for a full day of family fun. Washrooms and parking are available on-site.
Water Parks
Cool off at Jack Shaw Splash Park.
Open May to September, this splash park features colourful water arches, fountains, and sprayers for kids to enjoy. Families can take advantage of shaded picnic tables, nearby green space, washrooms, and a Free Little Library.
Splash BC Wibit Water Park
Located on Gyro Beach, the Osoyoos Wibit Water Park offers hours of entertainment on the water.
Ice Cream & Coffee
Moo-Lix Ice Cream
Roberto’s Gelato
Barn Owl Eatery & Café
Junction 3 Coffee House
Gino’s Coffee House
Markets & Fruit Stands
Visit Brar Fruit Stand & Orchards.
Family-owned since 1996, this Osoyoos orchard offers a great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Stop by C&C Family Orchards.
This 45-acre, family-run orchard offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, local honey, and homemade jams and syrups. Don’t miss their fresh-baked pies, handmade samosas with chutney, and 16 flavours of ice cream—now with screamers too!
Shop local at J&H Fresh Fruit Market.
This market offers a wide selection of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, including cherries, apricots, peaches, apples, plums, and nectarines.
Stock up at Kailay Fruit Market.
This seasonal stand offers fresh favourites like Tieton cherries, donut peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and early apricots.
Osoyoos Farmers’ Market
Grab a treat at Osoyoos Fruit Basket.
This local stand offers a wide variety of fresh-picked produce—from cherries and berries to corn, tomatoes, and garlic. While you shop, cool off with one of 8 ice cream flavours in a regular or waffle cone.
Shop fresh at Osoyoos Fruit Market.
Family-owned since 1994, this market offers a wide selection of homegrown produce including cherries, peaches, apples, melons, tomatoes, garlic, and more—sold directly from the farm to you.
Purchase seasonal at Peach Hill Farm Market.
Family-owned and operated, this market grows and sells a wide variety of fresh produce, including cherries, peaches, watermelons, tomatoes, herbs, and more. With friendly service and easy parking, it’s a convenient stop for farm-fresh goods.
Pick up fresh produce at Red Barn Fruit Market.
Family-owned since 1998, this market is known for offering top-quality Okanagan fruits and vegetables, grown and sold with care.
Kid-Friendly Wineries & Cideries
Stop in at Orchard Hill Estate Cidery & Fruit Market.
Located on the Golden Mile Bench between Oliver and Osoyoos, this family-run cidery sits on a 14-acre orchard, with 8 acres of premium dessert apples. Enjoy fresh fruit, local cider, and scenic views all in one stop.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Grab a family meal at Boston Pizza.
With a kid-friendly menu, activity packs, and drinks served with lids and straws, Boston Pizza makes dining out easy. Kids get a meal, drink, dessert, and fun all in one.
Enjoy handcrafted pizza at Osoyoos Pizza Factory.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, this local favourite serves up hand-tossed pizzas made from scratch with fresh ingredients and real milk cheese. Dine in, take out, or order delivery—choose from specialty, supreme, or build-your-own pizzas, plus a full menu of sides, BBQ, salads, and more.
Smitty’s Family Restaurant
Enjoy a taste of France at Convivia Bistro Cuisine.
Known for its delicious French dishes, this local favourite also welcomes families with kid-friendly options like pasta or pizza and ice cream for dessert (menu items may vary).
Shopping
Browse the aisles at Osoyoos Home Hardware.
A community staple since 1942, this massive store is full of surprises—especially the large kids’ toy section tucked away on the upper back level. With games, puzzles, cars, dolls, and crafts, it’s a must-stop for families visiting Osoyoos.
