Penticton is known for peaches, beaches, and being the Floatie Capital of Canada. Did you know the city also offers many activities and things to do for kids and families?
The city hosts many annual events such as Peach Festival and Ha Ha Ha KidzFest, to name a few. In addition, indoor play activities, outdoor adventure, and learning programs keep the kids busy year-round.
Location
Located between two lakes, Penticton is a 45-minute drive from Kelowna or a 50-minute drive from Osoyoos. The name Penticton is translated as “a place to stay forever”.
Family Drop-In Programs
Penticton StrongStart is a free school-based early learning program offered on school days to children 0-5 years old and their parent/caregivers. The program is located at three schools in Penticton
- Carmi Elementary School | 400 Carmi Avenue | 250-770-7697 | M-F, 8:45am — 11:45am
- Columbia Elementary School | 1437 Allison Street | 250-770-7676 | M-F, 8:30am-11:15am
- Queen’s Park Elementary School | 330 Power Street | 250-770-7680 | M-Th, 8:30am — 11:30am
The YMCA Family Play Time is another free drop-in program where you can spend some quality time with your children while meeting new friends. Explore, create, imagine, and play in a variety of activities for you and your child ages 0-6 years.
Mama’s Meet-Up is held every Wednesday morning at the Church of Nazarene Gym during the school year. There is plenty of room for the kids to play and run around in their gym PLUS they serve coffee for the parents and snacks for all.
In the fall, winter, and spring months, the Penticton Public Library hosts programs such as Toddlertime, Baby Songs & Rhymes, and Preschool Storytime for the younger ones. For tweens and teens, activities such as craft nights, teen trivia, and more are available after school.
Additional drop-in programs such as Ethos Parkour, Baby & Breastfeed Cafe, Gymnastics, Public Skating, and other activities are available on our Penticton Drop-In Programs Page.
Indoor Play
For parkour and movement activities, check out Ethos Parkour. Here you can register the kids for a class, book a birthday party, or attend drop-in.
If you are looking to scale to new heights, Hoodoo Adventures Climbing Gym offers a variety of options for climbers from beginner to intermediate. Book a course, try bouldering a wall or top-rope climb with a friend or family member.
For those Escape Room Enthusiasts, EXIT Penticton is the perfect family bonding experience where you must work together and figure out how to escape before the clock runs out of time.
Cool down and book a time to bring the family to the Penticton Community Centre. This modern swimming facility features a leisure pool with a lazy river and a large whirlpool, spray features, and a waterslide.
Experience Penticton’s own virtual reality by heading to the Cannery Trade Centre to try out Penticton’s Virtual Reality Studio, or book them for an immersive party experience
Tour the historic S.S. Sicamous, the largest surviving sternwheeler in BC which is open as a museum to the public from May to September. The lower deck features a scale model of the Kettle Valley Railway where most of the buildings were built from scratch by club members.
Outdoor Play
Floating the Penticton River Channel is a must-do bucket list activity for both visitors and locals. You can rent a tube from Coyote Cruises, which includes a ride back to your starting point, or bring your own flotation device to enjoy the journey down the Channel.
Enjoy outdoor family fun at LocoLanding Adventure Park. Attractions include
In the summer, kids can spend all day at Splash BC’s Wibit Waterpark located at Okanagan Lake Park.
Looking to race or just try out the track? The Penticton BMX track is always open for anyone to ride. Race nights are Thursday evenings and you can register until 5:00 pm on Thursdays.
Learning & Tours
Book an appointment to visit the goats at GottaGoat Farm. Time your visit in the spring and you will get to meet all the ‘kids’!
Stop into the Penticton Public Library to take out a book, magazine, or DVD. You can also register to join an online storytime or one of their many programs offered.
Explore the Penticton Museum & Archives with your family through self-guided tours available Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Delve into their exhibits, engage in hands-on interactive learning activities, and even say hello to their pet snake.
Our family loves visiting Penticton’s Ikeda Japanese Gardens to see the Koi fish. The gardens offer fun exploration for the kids. We often end up checking out the nearby ducks too.
Events & Entertainment
Watch newly released movies at the Landmark Cinemas in Penticton. Book your seat, sit back, and enjoy your popcorn and on-screen entertainment.
Head to the Penticton Speedway where they host drifting and stock car races for those speed enthusiasts.
Bring the family down to the 100 block of Main Street in Penticton to take in the Penticton Farmers’ Market. The Market is open on Saturdays from8:30 am to 1:00 pm from April to October where all vendors make, bake or grow their own products.
