Vernon is packed with family fun year-round! Discover hands-on learning at the Okanagan Science Centre, explore seasonal adventures at SilverStar Mountain Resort, or enjoy farm fun at Davison Orchards. Visit local parks and playgrounds, get creative with arts and crafts, or join drop-in programs for kids of all ages. With family-friendly dining and exciting activities indoors and out, Vernon is the perfect spot for unforgettable family outings!
Indoor Activities
1) Choose from over 300 board games at The Boarding House Cafe.
At The Boarding House Cafe, dive into a world of fun with over 300 board game titles in a cozy cafe atmosphere. Perfect for any season, this spot combines the joy of games with the delight of homemade baked goods.
2) Explore hands-on exhibits at the Okanagan Science Centre.
3) Climb to new heights at The Rock Garden Climbing Centre.
The Rock Garden Climbing Centre is an all-ages, all-ability indoor climbing gym. Drop in, attend an after-school kids camp, or book a birthday party at their climbing gym. With over 19 vertical feet in their 4000+ square foot air-conditioned facility, the kids are sure to have a great time!
4) Have a blast bowling at Lincoln Lanes.
Lincoln Lanes offers 5-pin bowling fun for the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time bowler, it’s a great spot to enjoy some friendly competition and laughter. Open year-round, it’s the perfect indoor activity—just be sure to check their hours before heading out.
5) Get creative at Colour Time Ceramic Studio.
Book an appointment and let the kids choose from hundreds of ready-to-paint ceramics at Colour Time Ceramic Studio. Located in Downtown Vernon, it’s a fun, hands-on activity that lets their imagination run wild.
6) Make a splash at the Vernon Aquatic Centre.
Bring the family to the Vernon Aquatic Centre and enjoy the free-form leisure pool. The facility also features a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, waterslide, one-metre diving board, rope swing, and plenty of other fun activities for all ages.
7) Discover local history at the Vernon Museum & Archives.
The Vernon Museum Exhibit Space is open for drop-ins from Wednesday to Saturday. Kids can enjoy a mini-scavenger hunt around the museum and explore the children’s area that captures the magic of the North Okanagan’s Natural History. For at-home fun, the museum also offers virtual exhibits.
8) Get creative at the Vernon Community Arts Centre.
Express your creativity with clay, paint, glass, fibre, and more at the Vernon Community Arts Centre. They offer art classes for all ages and abilities, as well as spring and summer art camps. It’s also the perfect spot to pick up essential art supplies and browse local artisan goods.
9) Test your family’s detective skills at Beyond Belief Escape Room.
Beyond Belief Escape Rooms offers six exciting themed experiences, perfect for family fun. Work together to solve puzzles, follow clues, and unlock mysteries—all within 60 minutes. It’s a great way to encourage teamwork, creative thinking, and a little friendly competition.
10) Explore the epic Indoor PlayPlace at McDonald’s.
The Indoor PlayPlace at this McDonald’s is sure to impress the kids with so many tunnels to hide out and slides to enjoy. This separate play area includes tables, high chairs, and a shoe storage area.
11) Catch a flick at Galaxy Cinemas Vernon.
Catch a flick at Cineplex Galaxy Cinemas in Vernon.
Outdoor Activities
12) Bike/walk the Okanagan Rail Trail along Kalamalka Lake.
13) Explore and learn at Allan Brooks Nature Centre.
Walk around the Grasslands Trail, discover and learn in the Allan Brooks Nature Centre Interpretative Centre, explore the naturescape gardens and viewpoints, or enjoy a picnic lunch under the covered picnic area.
14) Vernon Skateboard Park
Located in Polson Park.
Drop-In Programs
15) Enjoy Indoor Drop-In at Vernon StrongStart.
StrongStart is a free school-based early learning program offered on school days to children 0-5 years old and their parent/caregivers. You may register for StrongStart at any time! The program is located at four schools in Vernon: Alexis Park Elementary School, Harwood Elementary School, Mission Hill Elementary Schoo, and Ellison Elementary School.
16) Drop-in for Story Time at the Okanagan Regional Library – Vernon Branch.
The Vernon Library offers several engaging drop-in programs, including Story Time, Baby Time, and PJ Story Time for families and young children.
17) BGC Okanagan – Vernon
18) Vernon Public Art Gallery
Feeling artsy? Register for a session at the Vernon Public Art Gallery where you can attend art education such as Mini Artists, and Family Saturdays, or visit an exhibit.
Farms & Zoos
19) Davison Orchards Country Village
20) Planet Bee Honey Farm and Meadery
21) Meet the animals at Historic O’Keefe Ranch.
Parks & Playgrounds
22) Run and Play at Polson Park.
Polson Park is home to a playground, skateboard park, tennis courts, and washrooms. They playground features monkey bars, slides, swings and climbing elements. A large grassy area surrounds the park for running and playing. We loved the buddy benches surrounding the playground.
23) Visit the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground at Marshall Field Park
24) Civic Memorial Park
Civic Memorial Park offers a whimsical balloon-themed playground for children aged 2 to 5 years old. The park features a variety of play structures, including swings, slides, and a hot air balloon-inspired play tower, with natural wood elements seamlessly integrated into the design including a soft wood chip surface.
25) Creekside Park
Creekside Park in Coldstream features a large playground with fun climbing structures, swings, and slides for children of all ages. The playground is surrounded by beautiful grass, offering plenty of space for outdoor games.
26) Lakeview Park
Lakeview Park in Vernon is a spacious and well-equipped playground perfect for families with kids of all ages. The playground includes a variety of slides, swings, climbing structures, and balance challenges. It’s designed with wood chip ground covering for safety and has open areas for free play. The park also features a splash pad, providing a refreshing way for kids to cool off in the summer, along with a covered picnic area for family gatherings.
Beaches
27) Kal Beach
A sandy beach, clear waters, and amenities such as swimming dock, washrooms, and concession stand.
Pools, Splash Parks, and Waterslides
28) Lakeview Splash Pad
The Lakeview Splash Pad is located between the Lakeview Wading Pool and Lakeview Park. It features simple yet fun spray elements, including flower-shaped sprayers and ground fountains. To activate the spray features, press the blue activation disc near the splash area. It’s an easy way to keep kids entertained and cool during the summer!
29) Lakeview Wading Pool
Adjacent to the park, this is a great spot to stop for families. Known as the “peanut pool”, the new Lakeview Wading Pool is now open! Hours may vary based on weather. Free public swim admission.
30) Lavington Outdoor Pool
The Lavington Outdoor Pool features a limited-depth wading pool that is perfect for young kids. You can have peace of mind knowing that there are professional lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. The pool’s hours may vary depending on the weather, so it’s always a good idea to check beforehand. The best part is that admission to public swimming is completely free, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
31) Splashdown Vernon
32) Vernon Aquatic Centre
The Vernon Aquatic Centre is a fun-filled indoor family activity with a leisure pool, waterslide, rope swing, and diving board, making it the perfect spot for kids to enjoy year-round.
Markets & Fruit Stands
33) Vernon’s Farmers’ Market
Proud to offer a diverse number of foods and products all grown, made or baked by locals. Their outdoor season is from mid-April until the end of October and is located at the Kal Tire Place Back Parking Lot.
34) Bright Angel Farm
Their typical u-pick season for cherries begins in early July and lasts for 2-3 weeks (depending on the weather and the number of people picking). Table grapes are ready in late August. This farm is great because they supply buckets and containers to pick up and take home. Please note, that they accept cash only.
35) K&R Orchards
Selling fresh fruit and vegetables.
36) Peter’s U-Pick Orchard
This 10-acre family fruit farm offers u-pick as well as a direct sale on the farm. Because they rely on the weather, the cherry season and picking times will vary each year.
37) Ringo-En Orchards
This 25-acre family orchard has been growing Okanagan produce since the mid-1920s. They sell apples, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, melons, and sweet corn. Ringo-en Orchards invites you to their fields for a u-pick adventure, where you can harvest your own apples, peaches, tomatoes, and peppers directly from the plant.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
38) Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
39) Enjoy Crispy, Golden Fish & Chips at C-Lovers.
C-Lovers Fish & Chips is a great spot for a family meal, serving up perfectly crispy fish and fresh-cut fries. They offer all-you-can-eat fish and chips with special pricing for toddlers and kids, making it an easy and delicious choice for the whole family. Plus, the casual and welcoming atmosphere makes dining out with little ones a breeze!
40) Kelly O’Bryan’s Restaurant
Kelly O’Bryan’s Restaurant offers a kids’ menu with favorites like Cheese Burgers, Pizza and Mac ‘N’ Cheese, all served with sides. Ice Cream Sundae’s are also available on the kids menu.
41) Los Huesos Mexican Restaurant
Los Huesos Mexican Restaurant in Vernon serves up authentic Mexican flavors in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot to enjoy delicious tacos, enchiladas, and more.
42) The Kal Eatery
A great family-friendly spot offering a kids’ menu with favorites like pizza, crispy corn dogs, and pasta.
43) Mr. Mikes Casual Steakhouse
This casual steakhouse is family-friendly, offering kids menu items such as chicken tenders, grilled cheese and steak and fries to name a few.
44) Original Joe’s Restaurant & Bar
They offer a kids menu and all kids meals are served with a drink and dessert. Yummy!
45) Dig Into a Tasty Meal at Boston Pizza.
Boston Pizza offers a kid-friendly menu filled with favorites like pizza, pasta, and more. Kids can stay entertained with a fun coloring sheet, and their drinks come in spill-proof cups with lids and straws—making mealtime easy and enjoyable!
46) Station BBQ Smokehouse
Serving up slow-smoked BBQ.
47) Set Sail with Pirate Paks at White Spot.
White Spot is a go-to spot for family dining, especially with their famous Pirate Paks! These fun meals come served in a pirate ship, complete with a chocolate coin and a themed activity sheet to keep little ones entertained. It’s a classic kid-friendly experience that makes mealtime extra special!
Ice Cream & Coffee Shops
48) La Carraia Gelateria Café
49) Kal Beach Gelato
50) Ratio Coffee & Pastry
51) Easthill Creamery
If you’re looking to beat the heat or just treat yourself, Easthill Eatery in Vernon offers creamy soft-serve vanilla ice cream and milkshakes all year round.
52) Rail Trail Café & Market
Perfectly situated beside Kal Beach and the Okanagan Rail Trail in Coldstream, this cozy café doubles as a mini market, gift shop, and ice cream stop. With over 12 delicious flavors, there’s something for everyone—making it an ideal spot for a refreshing treat!
53) Swan Lake Market & Garden
A hidden gem for ice cream lovers, Swan Lake Market & Garden in Vernon offers a delightful surprise with over 30 flavors of hard ice cream, served in your choice of a regular or waffle cone. Tucked inside this unique grocery and garden store, it’s the perfect spot to treat yourself while browsing fresh produce, specialty groceries, and garden supplies.
54) Marble Slab Creamery
Marble Slab Creamery in Vernon serves up handcrafted ice cream made fresh in-store, with a variety of mix-in options and freshly baked waffle cones for a customizable treat.
Kid-Friendly Breweries & Wineries
55) Have Fun & Unwind at BNA Brewing.
BNA Brewing in Vernon is more than just a brewery—it’s a family-friendly spot where everyone can have a great time! Parents can enjoy craft beer and tasty bites while kids stay entertained with the on-site bowling alley. The laid-back atmosphere makes it an easy choice for a casual family outing.
56) Planet Bee Honey Farm and Meadery.
This is the perfect place for kids to get up close with nature and learn something new. They can watch bees hard at work in the observation hive, explore interactive displays, and discover how honey is made. Parents can sample a variety of honey wines at the Honeymoon Meadery while the kids enjoy a sweet and educational experience. It’s a great mix of fun and learning for the whole family.
57) Relax & Play at The Perch Winery.
The Perch Winery in Vernon is the perfect blend of relaxation and family fun! Set among beautiful vineyards, this spot offers picnic areas, open spaces for kids to run and play, and plenty of nature to enjoy. Little ones can paint river rocks with chalk, blow bubbles, watch fish in the pond, or kick around a soccer ball while parents sip wine and soak in the views of Swan Lake. Plus, it’s just a short drive from Splashdown Park for even more family fun!
Shopping
58) Vernon Teach and Learn
A fantastic educational store with a huge selection of books, toys, hands-on learning resources, ice cream, and more, making it one of our favourite stops in Vernon.
59) Tetter Totter Toys
Teeter Totter Toys in Vernon is a toy store filled with unique, toys, games, and puzzles, making it a fun visit for kids.
60) Chicken Little
Chicken little in Vernon offers baby and children’s clothing, toys, and accessories.
61) Kalavida Surf Shop
Kalavida Surf Shop in Vernon is the go-to spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts, offering rentals, gear, and lessons right by the scenic shores of Kalamalka Lake.
Winter Activities
62) SilverStar Mountain Resort
63) Centennial Outdoor Rink
Centennial Outdoor Rink in Vernon offers free outdoor skating throughout the winter season, with a range of public skate sessions, family-friendly times, and dedicated Shinny games for various age groups.
64) Kal Tire Place
The facility is an NHL and international-sized arena that provides skating, ringette, and hockey to the public.
65) Priest Valley Arena
Located in the Recreation Complex, the Priest Valley Arena is home to Vernon Figure Skating, the Speed Skating Club, ringette, adult hockey, public skating, and skating lessons.
Seasonal Events & Activities
66) Experience the Vernon Winter Carnival – February
One of Canada’s largest winter festivals, the Vernon Winter Carnival brings the community together with snow sculptures, hot air balloons, parades, fireworks, and family-friendly events celebrating winter fun.
67) Downtown Sunshine Festival – June
Vernon’s Downtown Sunshine Festival transforms Main Street into a lively, car-free celebration with live music, street performances, local vendors, and family activities to kick off summer.
68) Canada Day – July
Vernon’s Canada Day celebrations feature live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a fireworks display, making it a great way to celebrate Canada’s birthday.
69) Mackie Lake House
Mackie Lake House is a beautifully preserved historic home in Vernon, offering guided tours that transport you back in time with its elegant architecture, vintage furnishings, and stunning lake views. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal events, afternoon teas, and picturesque gardens, making it a charming stop for history and nature lovers alike.
