Museums & Libraries

If your family is looking for things to do in Oliver with kids, the Oliver & District Museum is a great stop. This 1920s heritage building, once the town’s police station, is filled with exhibits on South Okanagan history, from Indigenous heritage to farming, irrigation, and the gold-rush days. Kids can explore the original Fairview jail cell, then head outside to try gold panning and enjoy the peaceful Heritage Garden. Admission is free, making it an easy and affordable outing.

The Oliver Library is a welcoming branch of the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) system, located in Oliver. It offers a good selection of books, DVDs, audiobooks, and digital resources, along with public computers and free Wi-Fi. The library also hosts regular programs for children, teens, and adults, making it a hub for learning in town.

The Osoyoos & District Museum and Archives invites you to step back in time and explore the stories that shaped Osoyoos. With over 10,000 artifacts on display, it highlights Indigenous heritage, pioneer life, farming, orchards, and the town’s quirky past. Kids will enjoy spotting old-fashioned household items, vintage tools, and unique treasures from days gone by. After exploring, visit the gift shop for locally made souvenirs, books, and other special finds. Admission is by donation, making it an easy and affordable outing for the whole family.

The Osoyoos Library offers a welcoming space with a wide selection of books, free Wi-Fi, public computers, and regular children’s programs, including story time and seasonal activities.

The Penticton Museum & Archives is a family-friendly spot packed with interactive exhibits and hands-on fun. Kids will love the Hands-On Heritage Lab, where they can build earthquake-proof towers, watch a model steam engine, and explore an augmented reality sandbox. Pick up a scavenger hunt at the front desk to turn your visit into a playful adventure, and don’t forget to meet the museum’s resident snake! Located in the same building as the Penticton Public Library, it’s a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. Open Tuesday to Saturday, with entry by donation ($1 suggested for kids, $2 for adults).

The Penticton Public Library serves as a vibrant community hub with a wide array of resources and programs for all ages. Families can enjoy access to books, audiobooks, magazines, and movies, alongside engaging activities. Young children can participate in programs like Baby Songs and Rhymes, Toddlertime, and Preschool Storytime, while older kids will love after-school activities such as Lego Club. For teens, the library offers creative outlets like CraftQuest and STEAM-powered sessions.

The Summerland Museum and Archives is a family-friendly spot where you can explore the town’s history at your own pace. Admission is by donation, and kids love the highlight upstairs, a working model railway they can start with the push of a button, complete with step stools so even the smallest visitors get a great view.

The Vernon Library of the Okanagan Regional Library is a vibrant community hub with something for every age group. Little ones can join in on Baby Time, PJ Story Time, French Story Time, and more, while older kids and teens have access to engaging activities like Lego sessions, 3D crafting, and Coding Club. The library also supports newcomer families through programs such as the Niteo Family Reading Program and homework help.

The Westbank Museum in West Kelowna is a great spot for families to explore local history together. Take a self-guided tour through pioneer homes, a vintage classroom, and farming displays, then let the kids enjoy the Beaver and Bear Hunt scavenger game. Open year-round with admission by donation.

Visit the Westside Learning Lab where creativity comes to life through hands-on access to Maker technology like 3D printing, Cricut cutting machines, and graphic design software. And yes—there are plenty of books to explore as well!