Just under an hour drive from Vernon, Salmon Arm is a beautiful lakeside town packed with family-friendly fun. Whether you’re looking to spend a day at the beach, splash around at a water park, explore playgrounds, enjoy local treats, or escape indoors for movies, climbing, and arcade games, there’s something here for every age and interest. From seasonal events to animal encounters and cozy cafés, this list of 35+ things to do with kids in Salmon Arm will help you plan the perfect family adventure, rain or shine.
Best Places to Stay in Salmon Arm
Planning a family getaway to Salmon Arm? Here are some great hotel options, perfect for a home base while you explore everything Salmon Arm has to offer.
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Prestige Harbourfront Resort offers indoor and outdoor pools, an arcade room, on-site dining, and lakefront views—perfect for a fun and relaxing family stay.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott features an indoor pool with a waterslide, hot tub, and a free hot breakfast buffet, making it a great choice for families visiting Salmon Arm.
Indoor Activities
1) Catch a Flick at Salmar Grand Cinemas and Salmar Classic Theatre.
Watch a movie at either Salmar Grand Cinemas or Salmar Classic Theatre—both just a few minutes apart and conveniently located for a fun family outing.
2) Play board games and sip bubble tea at Sanctuary Games.
Sanctuary Games is a cozy board game café where families can enjoy a huge selection of games, bubble tea, milkshakes, and tasty snacks in a relaxed, welcoming space.
3) Bowl with family and friends Lakeside Bowling.
Lakeside Bowling in Salmon Arm offers 12 lanes of 5-pin fun, making it a great spot for family outings.
4) Reach new heights at Gym of Rock.
Located in Salmon Arm’s Westgate Public Market, Gym of Rock offers indoor climbing for all ages and skill levels. With bouldering areas, top-rope routes, auto-belays, and a MoonBoard, it’s a welcoming space for families, beginners, and seasoned climbers alike.
5) Step into interactive fun at Arc Gaming Centre.
Located inside Centenoka Park Mall, The Arc offers Virtual Reality, VR escape rooms, billiards, PC and console gaming—making it a go-to spot for tech-loving families and gamers of all ages.·
6) Climb, slide, and explore at Jungle Mania’s indoor play space.
Jungle Mania is a jungle-themed indoor play centre with over 2,000 square feet of slides, tunnels, climbs, and mazes—perfect for kids to explore and burn off energy in a safe, fun environment.
7) See the Koi Fish Pond in Piccadilly Mall.
Visit Piccadilly Mall to see the koi fish in the indoor pond and enjoy the view from the small bridge above. Do not feed the fish or throw anything in the water.
You May Also Like: Top Reasons to Stay at Prestige Harbourfront Resort
Outdoor Activities
8) Walk the Salmon Arm Wharf.
Stroll Salmon Arm’s famous curved wharf for scenic lake views and wildlife spotting. At the end, enjoy ice cream or snacks from Café on the Bay.
Animal Farms
9) Visit the animals and shop local at DeMille’s Farm Market.
DeMille’s Farm Market in Salmon Arm offers fresh produce, baked goods, and specialty items, plus a fun farm animal area where kids can feed goats, llamas, emus, and more for a small price.
Parks & Playgrounds
10) Cool off and play at Fletcher Park.
Fletcher Park features a playground, spray park, picnic tables, and open green space—perfect for a fun family outing with room to run, relax, and enjoy the day. The older kids will love one of the very tall play structures.
11) Play and splash at Blackburn Park.
Blackburn Park offers a large playground, skatepark, splash pad, and wide-open green spaces—making it a great all-in-one destination for active family fun.
12) Ride the ramps at Salmon Arm Skatepark.
Located in Blackburn Park, this popular spot has a smooth surface with ramps, rails, and ledges for all skill levels.
13) Relax by the waterfront at Marine Peace Park.
Located in the heart of Salmon Arm, Marine Peace Park offers scenic lake views, picnic areas, and a boat launch. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful afternoon by the water. Also, check out the Salmon Arm Wharf.
14) Play, picnic, and paddle at Klahani Park.
Klahani Park features two ball diamonds, a playground, and a fenced dog park. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy six dedicated pickleball courts, two tennis courts, and a sports court, while families can relax in the picnic areas with covered shelters and access to washrooms.
15) Stroll through McGuire Lake Park and enjoy views of the fountain.
McGuire Lake Park in Salmon Arm is a peaceful spot with a walking path that loops around the lake, a fountain at its center, and plenty of space to enjoy a stroll, picnic, or birdwatching.
16) Camp, play, or enjoy a beach day at Herald Provincial Park.
A short drive from Salmon Arm, Herald Provincial Park features a playground with slides, swings, and climbing structures, plus a day-use area perfect for picnics and lakeside play. Even if you’re not camping, families can stop in to enjoy the beach, playground, and open green space.
Splash Parks & Water Parks
17) Spend the day sliding and playing at Salmon Arm Waterslides.
With 7 waterslides, a hot tub, and a toddler pool with a fun fountain, this summer spot has something for everyone. Families can enjoy mini-golf, a concession, Jimmy’s Candyland and more.
18) Make a splash at Fletcher Park’s downtown spray park.
Located in the heart of Salmon Arm, Fletcher Park features a vibrant spray park with colorful spray features, perfect for kids to enjoy during the warmer months. The park also offers a playground, picnic tables, and open green spaces, making it an ideal spot for family outings and playtime.
19) Cool off and play at Blackburn Park’s spray park.
Blackburn Park in Salmon Arm features a vibrant spray park with over 25 spray features, offering a fun and refreshing experience for kids during the warmer months.
20) Swimming fun at the SASCU Recreation Centre.
A family-friendly facility offering a variety of activities, including a 25-metre pool with a Tarzan rope swing, wading pool, hot tub, gymnasium, racquet courts, and meeting rooms.
Beaches
21) Spend a summer day at Canoe Beach.
Canoe Beach is a well-loved summer spot near Salmon Arm, featuring a sandy beach, playground, picnic areas, boat launch, and seasonal concession. Just a 15-minute drive from town, it’s perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying a day by the lake.
22) Make a lakeside escape to Sunnybrae Park.
Located outside of Salmon Arm, about 20 minutes away, Sunnybrae Park offers a quiet beach, picnic spots, a playground, and swimming—perfect for a peaceful family outing.
Market & Fruit Stands
23) Discover Local at the Downtown Salmon Arm Farmers’ Market.
Open year-round, rain or shine, the Downtown Salmon Arm Farmers’ Market is a community-focused hub for fresh produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, and handmade artisan items. Enjoy live music, kid-friendly activities, and a vibrant, festival-style atmosphere during the summer months. Find the market every Saturday at Ross Street Plaza and the 200 block of Hudson Avenue.
24) Shop and Stroll at DeMille’s Farm Market.
DeMille’s Farm Market in Salmon Arm offers a wide selection of fresh produce, specialty foods, and local goods in a fun, farm-style setting. Families can also visit the friendly farm animals, making it a great stop for both shopping and a little outdoor fun.
25) Shop, snack, and stock up at Pedro Gonzales Fruit Stand.
Offering fresh local produce, a full garden centre, and farm/landscaping supplies. Don’t miss their Bakery & Deli, where you’ll find homemade pies, daily soup and panini combos, local meats and cheeses, and scoops of ice cream the kids will be sure to love.
26) Pick up fresh fruit and homemade pies at A&L Peterson Orchards.
A&L Peterson Orchards in Salmon Arm offers tree-ripened fruit including cherries, peaches, plums, apples, and more. Be sure to try one of their homemade frozen pies, made fresh daily for a delicious take-home treat.
Family Restaurants
27) Devour homemade goodness at Shuswap Pie Company.
Located in downtown Salmon Arm, Shuswap Pie Company is beloved for its handcrafted sweet and savory pies, all made from scratch on-site. Whether you’re craving a slice of classic apple or a hearty chicken pot pie, this cozy café also offers soups, sandwiches, and specialty coffee drinks.
28) Enjoy casual dining at Boston Pizza.
Boston Pizza offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a kids’ menu featuring pizzas, pastas, and more. It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
29) Enjoy a Meal at Brixx Brewhouse in the Prestige Harbourfront Resort.
Located inside the Prestige Hotel, Brixx Brewhouse serves up a delicious variety of dishes. We tried the fish and chips and loved it! From burgers and pasta to seafood, steak, and a dedicated kids’ menu, there’s something for everyone. Just steps from the Salmon Arm Wharf.
30) Dine at HOME Restaurant for Kid-Approved Comfort Food.
HOME Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a kids’ menu designed for children 10 and under—featuring classics like pancakes, mac & cheese, and chicken strips that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
Ice Cream & Coffee Shops
31) Fuel up at Underpass Café before visiting Salmon Arm’s Wharf.
Underpass Café is a cozy stop near the Salmon Arm Wharf, serving up coffee, sandwiches, baked goods, and snacks—perfect for grabbing a bite or drink before a scenic walk by the lake.
32) Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Candy Vault.
The Candy Vault is a delightful shop filled with everything from nostalgic favourites to today’s top treats. With seasonal ice cream available in the warmer months, it’s a fun stop for candy lovers of all ages.
33) Start your day right with a coffee from Anvil Coffee Collective.
Anvil Coffee Collective is a welcoming café in Salmon Arm located downtown and next door to The Book Nook.
34) Treat yourself to something sweet at Pink Cherry.
Pink Cherry combines great coffee and gelato in one cheerful spot. Whether you’re after a latte or a double scoop, it’s a fun place to stop year-round for tasty treats.
35) Enjoy lakeside views with a bite from Cafe on the Bay.
Located at the end of the Salmon Arm Wharf, Cafe on the Bay offers drinks, ice cream, and light bites with beautiful waterfront views.
36) Savor wholesome bites at Ecotreats Cafe.
Ecotreats is a go-to spot for organic goodies, offering fresh baked treats, smoothies, and coffee. Kids can try the chocolate-banana smoothie shake or a classic grilled cheese sandwich if they’re feeling hungry.
Shopping
37) Explore local flavor and creativity at Westgate Public Market.
An indoor marketplace featuring a mix of local artisans, specialty shops, and eateries. It’s a one-stop destination for shopping and entertainment.·
38) Find your next great read at Bookingham Palace, The Book Nook, or Hidden Gems Bookstore.
Bookingham Palace, located in Piccadilly Mall, offers a wide selection of new books along with puzzles, greeting cards, and unique gifts.
The Book Nook in downtown Salmon Arm has over 30,000 new and used titles.
39) Stop at the Dollar Tree an Centenoka Park Mall.
Seasonal Events & Activities
40) Start the Fall Season at Harpur Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch.
Open only in the fall, Harpur Family Farm offers hayrides, hot dogs, warm apple cider, and delicious seasonal treats—perfect for a cozy autumn outing with the family.
41) Celebrate community and fun at the Salmon Arm Fair & Parade.
This long-standing family fair features a lively downtown parade on Saturday morning, daily attractions like acrobatic dog shows, lawnmower races, livestock events, and a Kids Fun Zone. Enjoy live entertainment on the main stage all weekend, plus exhibits, 4-H competitions, a trade show, and the popular Celebrity Barnyard.
