Free or Low-Cost

Penticton BMX is a city-owned track open to the public for recreational riding anytime—except during scheduled races or when the track is wet, as use can damage the surface. Maintained by the Penticton BMX Society, the club welcomes riders of all ages and offers a free one-day trial for those wanting to try out organized racing, with events typically held Thursday evenings from April to October. Racing schedule is available on www.pentictonbmx.com or their Facebook page. Any bike is allowed except motorized or throttle e-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.

StrongStart is a free school-based program that provides play-based early learning opportunities for children (0 to 5 years old) and their parents or caregivers. This program is located at M.V. Beattie Elementary School and follows the SD83 calendar.

StrongStart is a free school-based early learning program offered on school days. Your child will have free time to play games, read books, create a craft, participate in storytime where they will sing songs, and exercise during gym time (where applicable).

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.

Located within the John Pritchard Memorial Sports Complex, Enderby Arena offers a full season of public skating from September to March. Weekly public skate times are available alongside seasonal skating lessons for various skill levels. The arena also hosts the Enderby Ice Hawks hockey sessions for different age groups. With a capacity for 900 spectators, the arena provides bleacher seating, a concession, dressing rooms, and washroom facilities. Private bookings are available at reduced rates during non-prime hours, including special holiday rates in late December.