Free or Low-Cost

The West Kelowna Library is more than just books — it's a hub for families with books, music, movies, and research for all ages. They offer a fantastic lineup of free, drop-in programs perfect for little ones, including Baby Time, Toddler Time, Preschool Story Time, and Family Story Time for busy families. Older kids can get hands-on with fun activities like Lego Builders and seasonal Craft Time. Whether you're looking to bond, play, learn, or create — there’s always something happening at the library!

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 am to Noon, walk indoors at Hassen Arena. Bring your indoor shoes and walk the loop where approximately 6.25 times around equals 1 kilometre.

Walk along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail to see Alice the T-Rex, a massive metal dinosaur sculpture located on private property. The sculpture is viewable from the trail. To see Alice, you can access the KVR trail at the end of Vancouver Place in Penticton. Walk along the trail (approximately 7-10 minutes) until you see the dinosaur.

The Penticton Cycling Pump Track is a great spot for kids with some shaded areas, picnic tables, and easy access to the KVR trail—perfect for little riders and both small and larger bikes.

Check out the Kids Quiet Zone at Cherry Lane Mall! This cozy play area, designed for children 42 inches and under, is located near the food court. Need something extra to keep little ones entertained? Just ask at the food court for crayons to use with the available coloring sheets!

The Book Shop in Penticton is a treasure trove of books where families can explore countless books together, featuring one of the largest selections of used books in Canada and a charming, maze-like layout.

Explore the Interpretive Centre at Allan Brooks Nature Centre, featuring interactive exhibits, artwork, and hands-on activities in the Habitat and Discovery Rooms. For birthdays, enjoy a themed 2-hour party with guided programming, picnic time, and free exploration.

The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) is an exciting destination for families curious about space and science. Their seasonal guided tours will showcase powerful telescopes like CHIME, which explores the vast universe, and the observatory's role in monitoring solar activity and studying the stars.

When the weather is too cold or too hot outside, walking around the track inside the South Okanagan Events Centre can be just what the kids need to burn some energy off. Open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Dogs are not permitted inside unless they are service or guide dogs. Check ahead for schedule updates, as the track may close for events.

The new Penticton Outdoor Skating Rink, located north of City Hall’s parking lot, opens Saturday, December 21, 2024. The rink, measuring 40 by 14 meters, operates daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Family skating happens on odd calendar days with no hockey, pucks, or sticks allowed—perfect for beginners and casual skaters. Even calendar days are for shinny hockey, open to all ages, with safety gear required and fair play encouraged. Bring your own skates, as rentals are not available. Run by volunteers, the rink is open to everyone all season long, with no private bookings allowed.