Vernon Family Activities - Okanagan Family Fun

There are many family activities and things to do in Vernon. Known for its beautiful coloured lakes, families can enjoy the beach and outdoor pools.

Families love visiting farm animals at Davison Orchards, playing games at the Boarding House Cafe, and taking in activities at the Vernon Winter Carnival, just to name a few.

Location

Vernon is located in the North Okanagan and a 50-minute drive from Kelowna.

Family Drop-In Programs

Vernon StrongStart is a free school-based early learning program offered on school days to children 0-5 years old and their parent/caregivers. The program is located at three schools in Vernon.

The Boys and Girls Club Okanagan North offers a variety of services and programs for children, youth, families, and childcare providers. Follow their Facebook Page for camps, events and activities.

Once a month, join the Vernon Public Art Gallery for their Mini-Artists program and Family Saturdays, where you can join them for a fun art activity inspired by their current exhibits.

Indoor Play

Enjoy 5-pins of bowling fun at Lincoln Lanes. They are open year-round, but please check their hours of operation before going. If you are looking for a winter bowling experience, try ten-pin bowling at Pinheads Bowling at Silver Star Mountain Resort.

At The Boarding House Cafe in Vernon, dive into a world of fun with over 300 board game titles in a cozy cafe atmosphere. Perfect for any season, this spot combines the joy of games with the delight of homemade baked goods.

The Okanagan Science Centre is packed with fun for children of all ages. Walk through the Science Centre at your own pace and explore the unique collection of hands-on exhibits that kids can learn from. They offer general tours as well as special programs including School Break Camps, Birthday Parties, and School Field Trips.

Okanagan Science Centre - Vernon — *Okanagan Science Centre, Vernon*

The Rock Garden Climbing Centre is an all-ages, all-ability indoor climbing gym. Drop in, attend an after-school kids camp, or book a birthday party at their climbing gym. With over 19 vertical feet in their 4000+ square foot air-conditioned facility, the kids are sure to have a great time!

Bring the family to the Vernon Aquatic Centre where you can enjoy the free-form leisure pool. In addition, the facility provides a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, waterslide, one-metre diving board, rope swing, and lots of other fun things for the whole family.

Outdoor Play

Come for a walk around the Grasslands Trail, discover and learn in the Allan Brooks Nature Centre Interpretative Centre, explore the naturescape gardens and viewpoints, or enjoy a picnic lunch or refreshments under our covered picnic area.

Vernon is home to the most colourful and beautiful lakes for you to explore. Rent a paddleboard from Kalavida Surf Shop or at Innerspace Watersports they provide paddleboard, kayak, and canoe rentals in the Vernon and surrounding area.

SilverStar Mountain Resort offers activities year-round for your family to enjoy. Go mountain biking, ride the gondola or explore hiking trails in the summer when the weather cools down experience skiing, snowboarding, horse sleigh ride tours, snowshoes, fat biking, tubing, snowmobiles, ice skating, bowling, snowcat tours, and more!

Formerly known as Atlantis Waterslides, Splashdown Vernon Family Waterpark is perfect for all ages. Enjoy a variety of waterslides, from toddlers to teens and the young at heart.

Farms & Zoos

Take a ride through the farm on an orchard tour, let the kids play for free in the Crazy Cow Kids Corral, visit the farm animals, or take part in our seasonal special events. Davison Orchards Country Village is fun to explore in the Fall, where you can ride to their pumpkin patch and select your very own pumpkin.

Bring your family and spend the day touring the site of Historic O’Keefe Ranch. The kids will have a blast from exploring buildings and displays to visiting the farm animals.

Planet Bee Honey Farm in Vernon — *Planet Bee Honey Farm, Vernon*

Open daily, year-round, Planet Bee Honey Farm and Meadery are buzzing with fun for children. They offer a variety of educational experiences for all ages and group sizes including their new and improved bee-friendly learning gardens.

Arts & Culture

Feeling artsy? Register for a session at the Vernon Public Art Gallery where you can attend art education such as Mini Artists, and Family Saturdays, or visit an exhibit.

Book an appointment and the kids can pick from hundreds of ready-to-paint ceramics at Colour Time Ceramic Studio located in Downtown Vernon.

Express your creativity with clay, paint, glass, fibre and so much more at the Vernon Community Arts Centre. The VCAC offers art classes for all ages and abilities, spring and summer art camps, and is also the place to pick up your essential art supplies and local artisan goods.

Events & Entertainment

Catch a flick at Cineplex Galaxy Cinemas in Vernon. You can find out what’s playing now by, clicking here.

The Vernon’s Farmers’ Market is proud to offer a diverse number of foods and products all grown, made or baked by locals. Their outdoor season is from mid-April until the end of October and is located at the Kal Tire Place Back Parking Lot.

Learning & Tours

Stop into the Vernon Regional Library to take out a book, magazine, or DVD. You can register to join an online storytime or participate in a drop-in program or activity throughout the year.

Drop in from Wednesdays to Saturdays at the Vernon Museum Exhibit Space and kids can partake in a mini-scavenger hunt and a recently refurbished children’s area that captures the magic of the North Okanagan’s Natural History.