Winter break is the perfect time to explore all the fun things to do in the Okanagan with kids. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures like skating and skiing, or you’re looking for indoor options to stay warm, there are plenty of activities to enjoy across the region. From Armstrong to Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, and Vernon, this guide features family-friendly events and drop-in programs running during the 2025–2026 winter break. Make the most of the holidays with easy, local ideas to keep everyone active and entertained.
Know Before You Go:
- Check websites and Facebook pages to confirm hours and availability before going
- Dress warmly for outdoor activities
- Outdoor ice rinks may close due to weather or maintenance
Winter Break Activities for Kids in Armstrong
Drop-In at Willing 2 Ninja Athletics
Open Dec 22, 27, 29, 30, 2025 & Jan 3, 2026 | Website
Their Ninja Drop-ins are perfect to enjoy over the winter break. There are two different drop-in sessions, one for Parent & Tots (ages 1-4 who are confidently walking) and one for children ages 5-10 years. Check their website to confirm hours for each drop-in program.
Holiday Family Skate at SUNBELT Arena
Open Dec 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 & 31, 2025 & Jan 2, 2026 | Facebook
Armstrong Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Armstrong Kin Club, is offering FREE skating! Please check their Facebook page for hours of operation.
Roller Skating at the Hassen Arena
Open Dec 19, 21, 26, 28, 2025 and Jan 2 & 4, 2026 | Website
Enjoy roller skating at Hassen Arena in Armstrong. Bring your skates/blades or rent theirs (unisex sizes 3-13 available). There is an on-site concession and drop-ins are welcome. Please check their website for hours of operation and cancellations.
Winter Break Activities for Kids in Kelowna
Outdoor Skating at Stuart Park
Open Daily (weather permitting) | Website
The outdoor skating rink at 1430 Water Street is open to the public for casual, drop-in use from 6 am – 11 pm daily (weather and mantenance permitting). Before going, you can check ice conditions, maintenance schedules, and crowd levels using the live cam on their website. Skate rentals and a food truck are on-site during certain hours.
Holiday Public Skating at Rutland Arena
Open Dec 20-23, 27-31, 2025 and Jan 2-4, 2026 | Website
Lace up your skates for public skating at the Rutland Arena at 645 Dodd Road this winter break. Pre-booking your time is recommended to secure your spot, however, drop-ins are also available with sign-in (cash only). Check hours of operation online.
Leisure Rink Public Skating at MNP Place
Open Dec 19, 22-24, 2025 | Website
Enjoy leisure public skating at MNP located at 4105 Gordon Drive. This is on the small rink at the front of the building. Helmets are required for skaters under 18 years old. Online registration only – maxmimum of 15 skaters.
Winter Activities at Big White Ski Resort
Open Daily | Website
Big White is the second-largest Family Ski Resort in British Columbia. Winter activities include alpine skiing and snowboarding, nordic skiing, fat biking, dog sled tours, snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
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Virtual Rcades Indoor VR Theme Park & Arcade
Open Daily (Closed Dec 24, 25 & 31, 2025 and Jan 1, 2026)| Website
Virtual Rcades Indoor VR Theme Park and Arcade in Kelowna is a must-visit for anyone looking for an extraordinary virtual reality experience. They will be running extended holiday hours during the winter break. Check their online booking calendar for the most up to date information.
Simplex Sportszone
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 2025 and Jan 1, 2026)| Website
Simplex Sportszone is a fun indoor destination for families, offering Trackman Golf and Multi-Sport simulator studios, and immersive full-motiona racing sims. You can play hockey, soccer, or even Zombie Dodgeball, while parents enjoy an adult beverage.
Kelowna Karting Entertainment Centre
Open Daily (Closed Dec 24, 25 & 31, 2025) | Website
Kelowna Karting Entertainment Centre is packed with thrilling activities for all ages! Race around the indoor go-kart track, step into a fully immersive Zero Latency VR adventure, or challenge your aim with interactive axe throwing. No matter your thrill level, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
KF Centre for Excellence
Open Dec 23, 27, 30, 2025 and Jan 2-3, 2026
(Closed on Sundays and Mondays and Dec 24-26, 31, 2025 and Jan 1, 2026) | Website
Bring your family to the KF Centre for Excellence in Kelowna for an exciting aviation adventure! Located near the Kelowna International Airport, this world class facility showcases a historic unique aircraft collection. This 60,000-square-foot interactive exhibit is packed with hands-on exhibits, flight simulators, and real airplanes that kids and parents will love.
Family Swimming at H2O
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 2025) | Website
Drop in for family fun at the H2O Adventure & Fitness Centre! Make use of their Olympic-size pool, river run, waterslides, and more. Please check their pool schedule ahead to make sure the areas you want to visit are open. No reservations are required. They are closed on Christmas Day with revised hours on Dec 24, 26, 31, and Jan 1.
Indoor Play at Energyplex
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 2025 & Jan 1, 2026) | Website
The Energyplex is open for drop-ins over Christmas break. They offer the arcade, the kids zone (including energycube and Ballistix), rock climbing wall, laser tag, and Skytrax. Their website lists their daily hours of operation.
Play Sessions at Monkey Academy
Open Dec 19, 20, 27, 29, 2025 | Facebook
Pre-purchase tickets for drop-in play with Monkey Academy during specific dates and times over the holiday break. Children will have access to their Ninja obstacle course, gymnastics equipment, and a large climbing structure. Check their Facebook for hours of operation on the dates noted.
Okanagan Heritage Museum
Open Thursdays-Mondays (Closed Dec 25 & 26, 2025 and Jan 1, 2026) | Website
Discover something new at the Okanagan Heritage Museum which features exhibits, Indigenous and settler history, biodiversity, the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame, and more!
Beyond the Crux Climbing Gym
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25,26, 2025 & Jan 1, 2026) | Website
Get your climb on at Beyond the Crux Climbing Gym. They are operating regular hours exceept for Dec 24 and Dec 31, where they close at 6:00 pm. They are also closed Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1.
Planet Lazer
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 2025 & Jan 1, 2026) | Website
For family fun over the holidays, visit Planet Lazer for laser tag and arcade games.
Jump Around at Airhouse Kelowna
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25-26, 2025) | Website
Drop into Airhouse Kelowna over the winter break to jump around and burn off some energy. Please note that payment is required to book a drop-in session.
Enjoy Indoor Fun at Play Area
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 2025 and Jan 1, 2026)| Website
Discover Play Area in Kelowna, an indoor playground designed to engage children in a fun and educational play.
Twice the Dice Board Game Cafe
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 2025 and Jan 1, 2026) | Website
With over 800 games to choose from, your family can enjoy indoor play at this board game cafe. They are open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check their social media pages for hours of operation.
Scandia Golf & Games
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 2025 and Jan 1, 2026) | Website
For arcade games and indoor mini-golf, visit Scandia Golf & Games. Collect tickets and cash them in for a big prize.
Drop-in to Paint Pottery at Work of Art Pottery Studio
Open Daily (Call to confirm holiday hours) | Website
You can drop in anytime during the drop in hours and choose from a wide assortment of ready-to-paint bisque pieces to create your art piece using our fun selection of paint. Your master piece will be ready after being kiln fired. Depending on kiln space, this can take 5 to 10 days. Their cut off time for drop-ins is 1.5 hours before they close every day.
Go Bowling
Okanagan Bowling Club | Website
McCurdy Bowling | Website
BNA Brewing | Website
Book time in the Splatter Room at Creative Flow Craft Studio
Booking Request Online | Website
Fun for both kids and adults, this creative space provides everything you need to be creative.
Xperience Games
Open Daily (Call to confirm holiday hours) | Website
Book a tech-driven escape room or choose from their library of immerive VR escape games.
EXIT Kelowna
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 2025) | Website
Figure out clues and escape at EXIT Kelowna.
Watch a Movie on the Big Screen
Landmark Cinemas Grand 10 Kelowna | Website
Cineplex Cinemas Orchard Plaza | Website
Book Tickets and Ride the Dreamer Express
Open Dec 19-31, 2025 | Website
A magical 30-minute train journey along the Kelowna boardwalk, starting from the festively decorated Delta Hotel lobby.
Winter Break Activities for Kids in Lake Country
Free Public Skating at the Winfield Arena
Open Dec 22-24, 26-31 and Jan 1 & 2, 2026 | Website
Bring your family to the Winfield Arena for public skating over the holidays. All ages are welcome to this family-friendly public skate. View their Skate Schedule here.
Winter Break Activities for Kids in Oliver
Holiday Skating at Oliver Arena
Open Dec 22, 24, 27-29, 31, 2025 and Jan 2, 2026 | Website
Join Oliver Recreation for Holiday Skating. They will offer public skates, family shinny, parent & tot skate, stick and puck, drop-in hockey, and senior skate running on select dates throughout the Holiday Break.
Catch a movie at the Oliver Theatre
2025 Winter Break Hours Coming Soon | Website
Catch a flick on the big screen at the Oliver Theatre. They will be filming…
Winter Break Activities for Kids in Penticton
Winter Activities at Apex Mountain Resort
Open Daily | Website
If you are seeking snow, head up to Apex Mountain Resort. Activities include tubing, hockey, adventure skating, snowshoeing, night skiing, and snowboarding. Visit their website for full hours of operation.
Visit the S.S. Sicamous for Santa’s Workship
Open Dec 21-24, 28-31, 2025 | Facebook
Celebrate the holidays with the S.S. Sicamous Santa’s Workship and explore the Queen of Okanagan Lake while she is all decked out for the season with our magical KVR Model Train and Christmas decorations. This Christmas at the S.S. Sicamous they are creating a fun and educational holiday experience for family and friends to enjoy.
Drop-In at Ethos Parkour & Movement
Open Dec 20-23, 26-30, 2025 & Jan 2-4, 2026 for Special Drop-In | Website
Join Ethos Parkour for their special 2-hour parkour Christmas Drop-In. From 1:00-3:00 pm, drop in on the days noted and get active after Christmas.
Holiday Public Skating at McLaren Arena
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25-26, 2025 & Jan 1, 2026) | Website
Bring your family to McLaren Arena for Holiday Public Skating. There are also times available for Children Shinny and Teen & Adult Shinny. View their Holiday Public Skating Schedule.
Holiday Swimming at the Penticton Recreation Centre
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25-26, 2025 & Jan 1, 2026) | Website
The leisure pool at the Penticton Community Centre is open for family swimming fun! Click on the website link above for holiday hours. The pool is closed on December 25 and 26, 2025, and January 1, 2026 with early closures on December 24, 31 and January 4. View their Holiday Pool Schedule Here.
Bowling, Mini-Golf, and Arcade at Roll N Stones Fun Centre
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 2025) | Website
Roll N Stones Fun Centre is a great indoor place to visit with your family. They have indoor black-light mini golf, pool tables, arcade games, and bowling! You can find their hours of operation listed on their Facebook Page.
Skating at the Penticton Outdoor Rink
Open daily starting Dec 19, 2025 (weather permitting) | Website
Located near City Hall at 107 Martin Street (near Gyro Park), the public outdoor rink is available to use for free public skating. Please note there are no skate rentals available at this rink (bring your own skates). Family skating on odd days, shinny hockey on even days. Absolutely no hockey allowed on family skating days.
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Catch a movie at Landmark Cinemas
Open Daily | Website
Catch a flick on the big screens with your family this winter break. Located in Penticton, Landmark Cinemas 7 offers an upscale moviegoing experience with four auditoriums. Reserve your seats ahead of time and enjoy the show!
Indoor Play at McDonald’s Playplace
Open Daily | Website
Visit the indoor play zone at Mcdonald’s, a separate room where your kids can climb, slide, and enjoy touchscreen games.
Winter Break Activities for Kids in Summerland
Holiday Swimming at Summerland Aquatic Centre
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 26, 2025 & Jan 1, 2026) | Website
The Summerland Pool will be open on certain days over the winter holidays for you and your family to enjoy public swimming. They are closed early on Dec 24 and 31, 2025 and will return to the normal schedeule on Jan 5, 2026. Check their Recreation Guide for hours of operation.
Holiday Skating at the Summerland Arena
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 26, 2025 & Jan 1, 2026) |Website
Bring your family to the Summerland Arena for holiday skating. Depending on the date, there is Public Skate, Parent & Tot Skate, Noon Hour Skate and Holiday Skate available. Register for Noon Hour Hockey and Public Skate online. View the Holiday Skate Schedule here.
Winter Break Activities for Kids in Vernon
Another World VR
Open Daily (Closed Dec 24, 25, 31, 2025) | Website
Immerse yourself in the world of virtual reality with an immersive virtual reality arena in 4100 square feet of high-tech fun. Great for ages 6 and up, guests can explore fantasy worlds, battle zombies, and enjoy interactive games.
Explore the Okanagan Science Centre
Open Tues-Sun (Closed Dec 24-26, 31, 2025 (ticketed event) & Jan 1, 2026) | Website
Looking for something to do in Vernon? Visit the Okanagan Science Centre, an interactive science museum where families can explore science, technology, and innovation. Their current exhibit is ‘Wild Weather’.
The Boarding House Cafe
Open Mon-Sat (Closed Sundays and Holidays) | Website
Check out Vernon’s only board game café, with a library of over 300 games to choose from. It’s a cozy and welcoming hangout for families, friends, or a relaxed day out. Grab a fresh-baked treat, sip on a drink, and settle in for some quality game time.
Winter Activities at SilverStar Mountain Resort
Open Daily | Website
Bring your family and friends to SilverStar and explore all the mountain has to offer. Activities include tubing, skating, fat biking, snowshoeing, and horse sleigh ride tours.
Cross-country ski or Snowshoe at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club
Open Daily | Website
Located 20 minutes from Vernon, bring your family to Sovereign Lake Nordic Club for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. They have ski, snowshoe, and child carrier rentals available. View Christmas Holiday Hours here.
Holiday Swimming at Vernon Aquatic Centre
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 2025) | Website
The Vernon Pool will be open over the winter holidays for you and your family to enjoy public swimming. View the Pool Schedule online.
Public Skating at the Centennial Outdoor Rink
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 2025 & Jan 1, 2026) | Website
Public skating at Centennial Outdoor Rink is free to the public and no pre-registration is required. Please note that the rink can be closed due to weather conditions. View the Skating Schedule online.
Go Bowling at Lincoln Lanes
Open Daily (Winter hours and closures TBD) | Website
Enjoy 5-pins of bowling fun at Lincoln Lanes.
Winter Break Activities for Kids in West Kelowna
Indoor Play at WildKidz Play Place
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25, 26, 2025 & Jan 1, 2026) | Facebook
WildKidz is OPEN every day except Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1. Westbank’s very own indoor play centre, featuring over 5,000 sq ft of energy-burning fun.
Holiday Public Skating at Jim Lind Arena
Open Daily (Closed Dec 25-26, 29, 31, 2025 & Jan 1-2, 2026) | Website
Bring your family to Jim Lind Area for Holiday Public Skating. Depending on the day, there are the following available: Public Skate, Adult Stick & Puck, Big & Little, and Kid Stick & Puck/Ring. Due to occasional scheduling conflicts, these sessions are subject to change/cancellation without notice. View their Holiday Public Skating Schedule here.
Swimming at Johnson Bently Memorial Aquatic Centre
Dates coming soon | Website
Public swimming at the Johnson Bently Memorial Aquatic Centre is open for family swimming fun! Click on the website link above for holiday hours.
Enjoy Indoor Play at Fun Space Kids
Open Daily (Holiday break hours coming soon) | Website
Drop in to West Kelowna’s newest indoor play space for children. From toddler areas to a giant climbing structure and arcade games to a ball pit and trampolines, children will love exploring this space. Please check hours before visiting. They may be closed for a birthday party.
Take a Self-Guided Tour of West Kelowna’s Twinkle Tour
December 1-30 | Website
Visit the map for a self-guided tour of holiday light displays on the Westside! See if you can spot all of the holiday shapes along your self-guided Twinkle Tour. Enjoy one of the ‘just for fun’ scavenger hunts with the whole family!
Bowl at Whiski-Jack’s Pins & Pints
Open Daily (Holiday Hours coming soon) | Facebook
Bring the kids bowling at Whiski-Jack’s Pins & Pints.
