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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Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel – With an indoor pool, hot tub, and waterslide, this hotel is a hit with families and located close to Rattlesnake Canyon amusement park.
Best Western Plus Osoyoos Hotel & Suites – Offers an indoor pool, and hot tub, with convenient access to the lake and local attractions.
Watermark Beach Resort – A beautiful lakeside hotel with everything families need, including an outdoor hot tub, pool with waterslide.
Spirit Ridge Resort – This all-suite resort in Osoyoos offers spacious accommodations with kitchens, a family outdoor pool with a waterslide, and a separate adults-only pool—making it an ideal getaway for both relaxation and family fun.
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 the 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) Ride and Explore Osoyoos on Two or Four Wheels with Double O Bikes & Sports.
Rent a scooter, bike, quad bike to cruise the sunny streets of Osoyoos.
8) Witness Nature’s Beauty at Spotted Lake.
Located 10 km west of Osoyoos along Highway 3, Spotted Lake (kłlilx’w) is a sacred site within the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area. While visitors are not permitted beyond the designated viewpoint out of respect for the Okanagan Nation and the sensitive environment, the lake’s unique mineral “spots” and the stunning scenery make it well worth the stop—just be mindful of traffic when parking along the highway.
Indoor Activities
9) 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.
10) Visit the 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.
11) 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.
12) Join the fun at Sonora Community Centre.
Join a variety of recreation programs at the Sonora Community Centre, from fitness classes and youth activities to arts, sports, and seasonal events for all ages.
Drop-In Programs
13) Learn and Play at 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
14) 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.
15) Ride Through the Desert at Sun Hills Riding Centre.
Explore the unique desert landscape of Osoyoos on horseback with guided trail rides through aromatic sagebrush, vineyards, and orchards, all offering stunning views of Osoyoos Lake. Suitable for ages 8 and up.
Parks & Playgrounds
16) 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.
17) 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.
18) 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.
19) 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
20) 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).
21) 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
22) 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.
23) Spend the day at Splash BC Wibit Water Park.
Located on Gyro Beach, the Osoyoos Wibit Water Park offers hours of entertainment on the water.
Ice Cream & Coffee
24) Cool Off with a Treat from Moo-Lix Ice Cream.
Moolix Ice Cream in Osoyoos offers a wide variety of creamy, delicious flavours in a convenient location near shopping, making it the perfect sweet stop during a day out in town.
25) Scoop Up Something Sweet at Roberto’s Gelato.
Roberto’s Gelato, located inside the Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos, serves authentic Italian-style gelato with around 30 rotating flavours in the summer and 12 to 16 in the spring and fall. Enjoy a cool treat anytime with refreshing dairy-free sorbettos made from real fruit—perfect after a day at the beach or exploring downtown.
26) Relax and Refuel at Barn Owl Eatery & Café.
Barn Owl Eatery & Café in Osoyoos is a warm and inviting spot offering fresh food, baked goods, smoothies, milkshakes, and coffee.
27) Brew and Bite at Junction 3 Coffee House.
Junction 3 Coffee House serves up bold brews, creative espresso drinks, and various food options. From baked goods and customizable coffee creations to grilled cheese and more.
28) Sip a cozy coffee at Gino’s Coffee House.
Gino’s Coffee Place is a cozy café serving up coffee and light bites. After your drink, pop over to Home Hardware and stroll through their surprisingly fun toy aisles—it’s a great little combo stop for families and coffee lovers alike.
Markets & Fruit Stands
29) Shop Local at the Osoyoos Farmers’ Market.
Held every Saturday from May to early October at Town Hall Square in Osoyoos. The Osoyoos Farmers’ Market features local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, wine, cider, and more. Enjoy live music while you browse and support the community—rain or shine!
30) 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.
31) Stock up at Kailay Fruit Market.
This seasonal stand offers fresh favourites like Tieton cherries, donut peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and early apricots.
32) Visit Brar Fruit Stand & Orchards.
Family-owned since 1996, this Osoyoos orchard offers a great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.
33) 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.
34) 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.
35) Purchase seasonal produce 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.
36) 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
27) 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.
28) Take in the Views at Family-Friendly Lakeside Cellars.
Lakeside Cellars offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with panoramic lake views, a large lawn, and a patio perfect for unwinding. Kids can stay entertained with lawn games and board games, plus enjoy a free freezie, while adults sip wine, listen to live music on Sundays, or grab a bite from the weekend food truck. Sparkling juice and other treats are also available for purchase.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
29) 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.
30) 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.
31) Dine comfortably at Smitty’s Family Restaurant.
Smitty’s Restaurant is a casual dining spot known for its all-day breakfast and hearty comfort food. Be sure to save room for dessert—the mini donuts or warm apple crumble are worth the try.
32) 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
33) 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.
Winter Activities
34) Go Skating at the Sun Bowl Arena Ice Rink.
Sun Bowl Arena in Osoyoos is a full-sized indoor ice rink that hosts public skating, hockey games, tournaments, and skating lessons throughout the season.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
35) Celebrate Summer at the Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta.
Held every July 1st, the Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta is a vibrant Canada Day celebration featuring a lively downtown parade, live music, food vendors, and one of the South Okanagan’s biggest fireworks shows. It’s a fun-filled day for all ages that showcases the region’s cherry harvest and community pride.
