Vernon is packed with family fun year-round! Discover hands-on learning at the Okanagan Science Centre, explore seasonal adventures at SilverStar Mountain Resort, or enjoy farm fun at Davison Orchards. Visit local parks and playgrounds, get creative with arts and crafts, or join drop-in programs for kids of all ages. With family-friendly dining and exciting activities indoors and out, Vernon is the perfect spot for unforgettable family outings!
Best Places to Stay in Vernon
Planning a family getaway to Vernon? Here are some great hotel options that are comfortable, convenient, and close to all the action. These spots are all kid-friendly and perfect for a home base while you explore everything Vernon has to offer.
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Prestige Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre – Relax in the beautiful indoor atrium featuring a pool, hot tub, and full-service restaurant.
Prestige Vernon Hotel – Enjoy the convenience of an indoor pool, hot tub, and on-site dining, all in a comfortable setting just minutes from restaurants and shopping.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Vernon – Kids will love the waterslide and pool, while parents can relax in the hot tub and enjoy a free hot breakfast buffet each morning.
Best Western Premier Route 97 – Stay in modern, comfortable rooms, then relax in the indoor pool and hot tub, all just minutes from restaurants and stores.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vernon – Kids can enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, and complimentary hot breakfast.
Indoor Activities
1) Choose from over 300 board games at The Boarding House Cafe.
At The Boarding House Cafe, 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.
2) Explore hands-on exhibits at the Okanagan Science Centre.
3) Step Into the Action at Another World VR.
Take your family fun to the next level at Another World VR in Vernon—a massive 4,100-square-metre virtual reality arena packed with high-tech adventures. Designed for ages 6 and up, this immersive space lets you explore fantasy worlds, battle zombies, and dive into interactive games as a team or solo. A great indoor option for days when you’re looking for something different and exciting.
4) Climb to new heights at The Rock Garden Climbing Centre.
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!
5) Have a blast bowling at Lincoln Lanes.
Lincoln Lanes offers 5-pin bowling fun for the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time bowler, it’s a great spot to enjoy some friendly competition and laughter. Open year-round, it’s the perfect indoor activity—just be sure to check their hours before heading out.
6) Get creative at Colour Time Ceramic Studio.
Book an appointment and let the kids choose from hundreds of ready-to-paint ceramics at Colour Time Ceramic Studio. Located in Downtown Vernon, it’s a fun, hands-on activity that lets their imagination run wild.
7) Make a splash at the Vernon Aquatic Centre.
Bring the family to the Vernon Aquatic Centre and enjoy the free-form leisure pool. The facility also features a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, waterslide, one-metre diving board, rope swing, and plenty of other fun activities for all ages.
8) Discover local history at the Vernon Museum & Archives.
The Vernon Museum Exhibit Space is open for drop-ins from Wednesday to Saturday. Kids can enjoy a mini-scavenger hunt around the museum and explore the children’s area that captures the magic of the North Okanagan’s Natural History. For at-home fun, the museum also offers virtual exhibits.
9) Get creative at the Vernon Community Arts Centre.
Express your creativity with clay, paint, glass, fibre, and more at the Vernon Community Arts Centre. They offer art classes for all ages and abilities, as well as spring and summer art camps. It’s also the perfect spot to pick up essential art supplies and browse local artisan goods.
10) Test your family’s detective skills at Beyond Belief Escape Room.
Beyond Belief Escape Rooms offers six exciting themed experiences, perfect for family fun. Work together to solve puzzles, follow clues, and unlock mysteries—all within 60 minutes. It’s a great way to encourage teamwork, creative thinking, and a little friendly competition.
11) Explore the epic Indoor PlayPlace at McDonald’s.
The Indoor PlayPlace at this McDonald’s is sure to impress the kids with so many tunnels to hide out and slides to enjoy. This separate play area includes tables, high chairs, and a shoe storage area.
12) Catch a movie at Galaxy Cinemas Vernon.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the latest family-friendly films at Cineplex Galaxy Cinemas in Vernon — a perfect way to spend a cozy afternoon or evening together.
13) Visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum.
Families can explore more than 350 mounted specimens, including Canadian animals and birds, interactive dioramas, and a nature-themed gift shop.
Outdoor Activities
14) Bike or walk the Okanagan Rail Trail along Kalamalka Lake.
Take in the stunning views of Kalamalka Lake’s turquoise waters as you bike, walk, or stroll along the Okanagan Rail Trail.
15) Explore and learn at Allan Brooks Nature Centre.
Walk around the Grasslands Trail, discover and learn in the Allan Brooks Nature Centre Interpretive Centre, explore the naturescape gardens and viewpoints, or enjoy a picnic lunch under the covered picnic area. They also have a natural playground located near the front entrance.
16) Ride and roll at the Vernon Skateboard Park.
Located in Polson Park, the Vernon Kalamalka Rotary Skateboard Park offers a great space for skaters of all ages to practice their skills and have some fun.
Drop-In Programs
17) Enjoy Indoor Drop-In at Vernon StrongStart.
StrongStart is a free school-based early learning program offered on school days to children 0-5 years old and their parents/caregivers. You may register for StrongStart at any time! The program is located at four schools in Vernon: Alexis Park Elementary School, Harwood Elementary School, Mission Hill Elementary School, and Ellison Elementary School.
18) Drop in for Story Time at the Okanagan Regional Library – Vernon Branch.
The Vernon Library offers several engaging drop-in programs, including Story Time, Baby Time, and PJ Story Time for families and young children.
19) Have fun at BGC Okanagan – Vernon.
20) Get creative at the Vernon Public Art Gallery.
Sign up for a fun art session like Mini Artists or Family Saturdays, or simply drop by to explore inspiring exhibits — a great way to spark creativity together!
Farms & Zoos
21) Spend a fun-filled day at Davison Orchards Country Village.
22) Discover the buzz at Planet Bee Honey Farm and Meadery.
23) Meet the animals at Historic O’Keefe Ranch.
exploring buildings and displays,
Parks & Playgrounds
24) Run and Play at Polson Park.
Polson Park is home to a playground, skateboard park, tennis courts, and washrooms. The playground features monkey bars, slides, swings, and climbing elements. A large grassy area surrounds the park for running and playing. We loved the buddy benches surrounding the playground.
25) Visit the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground at Marshall Field Park.
Located in Marshall Field Park, the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground in Vernon offers a fun and welcoming space for all kids. Designed to be inclusive for children of all abilities, the playground features ramps, adaptive swings, sensory play elements, smooth rubber surfacing, and plenty of room to explore and play together.
26) Explore Civic Memorial Park.
Civic Memorial Park offers a whimsical balloon-themed playground for children aged 2 to 5 years old. The park features a variety of play structures, including swings, slides, and a hot air balloon-inspired play tower, with natural wood elements seamlessly integrated into the design including a soft wood chip surface.
27) Unleash the fun at Creekside Park.
Creekside Park in Coldstream features a large playground with fun climbing structures, swings, and slides for children of all ages. The playground is surrounded by beautiful grass, offering plenty of space for outdoor games.
28) Dive into summer at Lakeview Park.
Lakeview Park in Vernon is a spacious and well-equipped playground perfect for families with kids of all ages. The playground includes a variety of slides, swings, climbing structures, and balance challenges. It’s designed with wood chip ground covering for safety and has open areas for free play. The park also features a splash pad, providing a refreshing way for kids to cool off in the summer, along with a covered picnic area for family gatherings.
29) Chase thrills at DND Playground.
Next to the playing fields, this playground features a large wood chip-covered area with slides, tunnels, climbing structures, swings, spring riders, a spinner and more.
30) Soak up the views at Kekuli Bay Park.
Overlooking Kalamalka Lake, the Kekuli Bay playground provides a fun place for kids to climb, slide, and play on features like climbing poles and two slides, with picnic benches conveniently nearby.
31) Climb, Swing, and Explore at Girouard Park.
Girouard Park is a well-loved neighbourhood spot in Vernon with a solid playground setup for kids of all ages. There’s a fun mix of equipment—climbing structures, monkey bars, swings, slides, and a wavy climbing wall that adds a bit of challenge. The play area is set on wood chips and surrounded by open grassy space, perfect for running around. A small creek winds through the park, adding a peaceful natural element and a little extra room for curious kids to explore.
Beaches
32) Soak up the sun at Kal Beach.
Kal Beach in Vernon is a summertime favourite for families, thanks to its sandy shoreline and the stunning turquoise waters of Kalamalka Lake. It’s an easy place to spend the day, with a swimming dock, on-site washrooms, and a seasonal concession stand for snacks and cold treats.
Pools, Splash Parks, and Waterslides
33) Cool Off at Lakeview Splash Pad.
Located between the Lakeview Wading Pool and Lakeview Park in Vernon, this splash pad is a perfect summer stop for families. It features simple but fun spray elements like flower-shaped sprayers and ground fountains—just press the blue activation disc to get the water flowing. It’s an easy way to keep kids entertained and cool during the summer.
34) Make a Splash at Lakeview Wading Pool.
Adjacent to the park, this is a great spot to stop for families. The new Lakeview Wading Pool is a perfect addition to Lakeview Park.
35) Take a Dip at Lavington Outdoor Pool.
Perfect for younger kids, the Lavington Outdoor Pool offers a shallow wading pool with lifeguards on duty for added peace of mind. It’s a great way to cool down on warm days without breaking the bank—public swim admission is completely free! Hours may vary with the weather, so be sure to check ahead before heading out.
36) Slide Into Summer at Splashdown Vernon.
37) Make a Splash Year-Round at the Vernon Aquatic Centre.
The Vernon Aquatic Centre is a fun-filled indoor family activity with a leisure pool, waterslide, rope swing, and diving board, making it the perfect spot for kids to enjoy year-round.
Markets & Fruit Stands
38) Shop local at Vernon’s Farmers’ Market.
Running from mid-April to the end of October, Vernon’s Farmers’ Market is the place to find fresh, local goodness. Located in the back parking lot of Kal Tire Place, the market features a wide variety of foods, handmade goods, and home-baked treats—all proudly grown, made, or crafted by local vendors.
39) Harvest Fresh Flavours at Ringo-En Orchards.
With roots dating back to the 1920s, Ringo-En Orchards is a 25-acre family-run farm that’s all about fresh, local produce. They grow a tasty variety of fruits and veggies, including apples, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, melons, and sweet corn. For a hands-on experience, head out to the fields for a U-pick adventure—harvest your own apples, peaches, tomatoes, and peppers straight from the plant. It’s a fun and rewarding way to connect with the Okanagan’s farming spirit.
40) Pick cherries at Bright Angel Farm.
This seasonal u-pick spot offers cherries in early July and table grapes in late August. Buckets and containers are provided, so all you need to bring is your appetite for fresh fruit.
41) Stock up at K & R Orchards.
Located near Planet Bee and Davison Orchards, this roadside stand is perfect for grabbing fresh, local fruits and veggies while exploring Vernon.
42) Harvest your own at Peter’s U-Pick Orchard.
This 10-acre family farm offers u-pick cherries and peaches, with varieties like Rainier, Lapins, Red Haven, and Blazing Star. Harvest times vary, so check ahead for what’s in season.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
43) Dig Into Family Favourites at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.
The kids’ menu at Red Robin has plenty of choices—from burgers with beef, chicken, turkey, or veggie patties to mac and cheese, mini corn dogs, and crispy chicken bites. Every meal comes with bottomless fries, which is always a win with our crew. It’s casual, quick, and makes eating out with kids feel easy and fun.
44) Enjoy Crispy, Golden Fish & Chips at C-Lovers.
C-Lovers Fish & Chips is a great spot for a family meal, serving fish and fresh-cut fries. They have an all-you-can-eat option and special pricing for toddlers and kids, which makes it a budget-conscious choice for families. The relaxed setting means it’s easy to bring little ones along without the stress.
45) Find Kid-Friendly Faves at Kelly O’Bryan’s Restaurant.
Kelly O’Bryan’s in Vernon has a solid kids’ menu with crowd-pleasers like cheeseburgers, pizza, and mac and cheese, all served with sides. And yes—there are ice cream sundaes on the menu, which is always a bonus.
46) Enjoy Bold Flavours at Los Huesos Mexican Restaurant.
Los Huesos Mexican Restaurant in Vernon serves up authentic Mexican flavors in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot to enjoy delicious tacos, enchiladas, and more.
47) Dine and Game at The Kal Eatery.
A great family-friendly spot offering a kids’ menu with favorites like pizza, crispy corn dogs, and pasta. The arcade in the family section is the highlight of your visit. Load up a play card for your children and let them enjoy all the fun games.
48) Mr. Mike’s Casual Steakhouse.
This casual steakhouse is family-friendly, offering kids menu items such as chicken tenders, grilled cheese and steak and fries to name a few.
49) Enjoy Dinner (and Dessert!) at Original Joe’s Restaurant & Bar.
They offer a kids’ menu, and all kids’ meals are served with a drink and dessert. Yummy!
50) Dig Into a Tasty Meal at Boston Pizza.
Boston Pizza offers a kid-friendly menu filled with favorites like pizza, pasta, and more. Kids can stay entertained with a fun coloring sheet, and their drinks come in spill-proof cups with lids and straws—making mealtime easy and enjoyable!
51) Savour Slow-Smoked Goodness at Station BBQ Smokehouse
Station BBQ Smokehouse is a must-visit for lovers of authentic southern-style barbecue, serving up slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and hearty sides in a warm, welcoming setting. Be sure to save room for dessert—made in-house and including favourites like Mississippi Mud Pie, Black Cherry Bourbon Cheesecake, Maple Crème Brûlée, Peanut Butter Cup Pie, and the classic Southern Pecan Pie.
52) Set Sail with Pirate Paks at White Spot.
White Spot is a go-to spot for family dining, especially with their famous Pirate Paks! These fun meals come served in a pirate ship, complete with a chocolate coin and a themed activity sheet to keep little ones entertained. It’s a classic kid-friendly experience that makes mealtime extra special!
Ice Cream & Coffee Shops
53) Treat yourself at La Carraia Gelateria Café
This spot serves up authentic Italian gelato with 60 rotating flavours, including plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.
54) Chill out with Kal Beach Gelato.
Grab a cup of gelato or a refreshing Italian soda and enjoy it right by the water—perfect after a swim or a walk along the beach.
55) Grab a treat at Ratio Coffee & Pastry.
A cozy café known for its coffee, house-made pastries, and popular Friday donuts, located in the downtown area.
56) Sip and swirl at The Easthill Eatery.
If you’re looking to beat the heat or just treat yourself, Easthill Eatery in Vernon offers creamy soft-serve vanilla ice cream and milkshakes all year round.
57) Stop and snack at Rail Trail Café & Market.
Perfectly situated beside Kal Beach and the Okanagan Rail Trail in Coldstream, this cozy café doubles as a mini market, gift shop, and ice cream stop. With over 12 delicious flavors, there’s something for everyone.
58) Scoop up a treat at Swan Lake Market & Garden.
A hidden gem for ice cream lovers, Swan Lake Market & Garden in Vernon offers a delightful surprise with over 30 flavors of hard ice cream, served in your choice of a regular or waffle cone. Tucked inside this unique grocery and garden store, it’s the perfect spot to treat yourself while browsing fresh produce, specialty groceries, and garden supplies.
59) Mix it up at Marble Slab Creamery.
Marble Slab Creamery in Vernon serves up handcrafted ice cream made fresh in-store, with a variety of mix-in options and freshly baked waffle cones for a customizable treat.
Kid-Friendly Breweries & Wineries
60) Have Fun & Unwind at BNA Brewing.
BNA Brewing in Vernon is more than just a brewery—it’s a family-friendly spot where everyone can have a great time! Parents can enjoy craft beer and tasty bites while kids stay entertained with the on-site bowling alley. The laid-back atmosphere makes it an easy choice for a casual family outing.
61) Discover the Buzz at Planet Bee Honey Farm and Meadery.
This is the perfect place for kids to get up close with nature and learn something new. They can watch bees hard at work in the observation hive, explore interactive displays, and discover how honey is made. Parents can sample a variety of honey wines at the Honeymoon Meadery while the kids enjoy a sweet and educational experience. It’s a great mix of fun and learning for the whole family.
62) Relax & Play at The Perch Winery.
The Perch Winery in Vernon is the perfect blend of relaxation and family fun! Set among beautiful vineyards, this spot offers picnic areas, open spaces for kids to run and play, and plenty of nature to enjoy. Little ones can paint river rocks with chalk, blow bubbles, watch fish in the pond, or kick around a soccer ball while parents sip wine and soak in the views of Swan Lake. Plus, it’s just a short drive from Splashdown Park for even more family fun!
Shopping
63) Shop and Explore at Vernon Teach and Learn.
This downtown gem is packed with educational toys, books, games, and creative learning resources that kids actually get excited about. And yes—there’s even an ice cream counter, which makes the visit even sweeter. It’s one of our favourite family-friendly stops in Vernon for both fun and learning.
64) Discover Unique Finds at Tetter Totter Toys.
Teeter Totter Toys in Vernon is a toy store filled with unique, toys, games, and puzzles, making it a fun visit for kids.
65) Shop Stylist Items for Babies and Kids at Chicken Little.
Chicken Little in Vernon offers baby and children’s clothing, toys, and accessories.
66) Hit the water with Kalavida Surf Shop.
Located on the shores of Kalamalka Lake, this shop offers paddleboard rentals, gear, and lessons—everything you need for a fun day out on the water.
Winter Activities
67) Adventure year-round at SilverStar Mountain Resort.
68) Lace up at Centennial Outdoor Rink.
Centennial Outdoor Rink in Vernon offers free outdoor skating throughout the winter season, with a range of public skate sessions, family-friendly times, and dedicated Shinny games for various age groups.
69) Hit the ice at Kal Tire Place.
The facility is an NHL and international-sized arena that provides skating, ringette, and hockey to the public.
70) Skate at Priest Valley Arena.
Part of the Vernon Recreation Complex, this arena hosts figure skating, speed skating, ringette, adult hockey, public skates, and lessons for all ages.
Seasonal Events & Activities
71) Experience the Vernon Winter Carnival – February
One of Canada’s largest winter festivals, the Vernon Winter Carnival brings the community together with snow sculptures, hot air balloons, parades, fireworks, and family-friendly events celebrating winter fun.
72) Downtown Sunshine Festival – June
Vernon’s Downtown Sunshine Festival transforms Main Street into a lively, car-free celebration with live music, street performances, local vendors, and family activities to kick off summer.
73) Canada Day – July
Vernon’s Canada Day celebrations feature live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a fireworks display, making it a great way to celebrate Canada’s birthday.
74) Mackie Lake House
Mackie Lake House is a beautifully preserved historic home in Vernon, offering guided tours that transport you back in time with its elegant architecture, vintage furnishings, and stunning lake views. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal events, afternoon teas, and picturesque gardens, making it a charming stop for history and nature lovers alike.
