Museums & Libraries

The Armstrong Library of the Okanagan Regional Library is a family-friendly spot where kids can enjoy a bright and inviting space designed just for them. With low shelves, comfy seating, and a cozy reading corner, it’s easy for little ones to explore and settle in with a good book. The library also offers child-sized tables for quiet play and creative activities, plus regular programming like Family Story Time and Stay & Play. You’ll often find seasonal activity sheets and crafts available to keep young visitors entertained.

The Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum & Art Gallery is a great spot for families to explore local history in a fun, hands-on way. With colourful, interactive displays and kid-friendly scavenger hunts or activity sheets, it’s an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The Kelowna Art Gallery offers a welcoming and creative space for families to connect through art. With hands-on programs like Family Sundays, Studio Scribble for little ones, and the always-open ART LAB, there’s plenty to engage kids of all ages. The gallery also offers seasonal art camps, youth classes, and workshops for all skill levels, along with rotating exhibitions and guided tours. Whether you're dropping in for a casual visit or signing up for a full program, it's a fun and inspiring spot to spark creativity together.

The Okanagan Falls Heritage Museum, located beside Tickleberry’s Ice Cream and the Thrift Shoppe, offers a step back into the everyday life of early settlers in the South Okanagan. Through carefully preserved rooms, vintage furnishings, and local artifacts, visitors can see how families lived, worked, and relaxed over a century ago.

The Okanagan Falls Library, part of the Okanagan Regional Library, is a charming and kid-friendly spot perfect for young families. Inside, you’ll find more than just books—there’s a playful puppet theatre, a big community puzzle table, and shelves stocked with board games and activities for all ages. Younger children will especially enjoy the designated play area, complete with wooden puzzles, and LEGO bins.

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).