Kelowna offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and food discoveries that can engage every family member at any time of the year. Here are some fantastic family-friendly activities to enjoy in Kelowna for every season.
Spring Activities
As the trees bloom, Kelowna presents itself with a fresh face of beauty to explore.
Kangaroo Creek Farm
One delightful spring activity is visiting the Kangaroo Creek Farm, where children can hold baby kangaroos and interact with other animals, such as parrots, capybaras, and wallabies. The farm reopens in spring when the weather becomes more conducive to outdoor activities.
Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market
The Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market is perfect for the whole family. Open from spring through fall, visitors can discover the local culture, fresh produce, baked goodies, artisan crafts, and live performances.
Summer Activities
Summer in Kelowna is all about outdoor adventures and time spent near or on the water.
Kelowna Beaches
With over 30 beaches, Kelowna serves as a summer paradise for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Families can relax on the sandy shores, build sand castles, paddleboard or enjoy a picnic with the stunning Okanagan Lake serving as their backdrop.
Myra Canyon Trestles
A bike ride on The Myra Canyon Trestles is an unforgettable experience. This would be a perfect family outing in summer as the trail traces through 18 trestle bridges and two tunnels with exquisite views of the majestic canyon.
Autumn Activities
Autumn colours in Kelowna provide a dazzling backdrop as the city transitions into a colourful kaleidoscope of reds and oranges.
Fruit Picking
Kelowna is renowned for its orchards. From cherries and peaches to Zari or Honeycrisp apples, families can sample and handpick fruit straight from the tree, making it a fantastic fall activity that is as educative as it is entertaining. Local favourites include Kempf Orchards, Arndt Orchards, and Griffin Farms.
Scenic Hikes
Autumn is also prime time for hikes as the trails are adorned with autumn leaves, and the temperature is just right. A popular family-friendly hike would be Knox Mountain that offers panoramic views of the city and Okanagan Lake from the peak.
Winter Activities
Winter in Kelowna transforms the valley into a snowy wonderland, offering exhilarating opportunities for family adventures.
Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski resort is a family favourite during the winters. From skiing and snowboarding trails for different proficiency levels to ice climbing towers and snowshoeing trails, this place is a winter wonderland for the family.
Silver Star Ski Resort
SilverStar Ski Resort offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of activities that cater to all ages, ensuring a memorable winter getaway for everyone. Families can enjoy the excitement of skiing and snowboarding on diverse terrains, explore scenic cross-country trails, and experience the joy of snowshoeing through serene landscapes. A highlight for many families is the thrilling tube slide, where both kids and adults can slide down snowy slopes in large inflatable tubes, adding an element of fun and adventure to their ski resort experience.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Experience the charm of outdoor ice skating at the Stuart Park Ice Rink, where families can rent skates and soak in the festive winter atmosphere. It provides a leisurely activity that allows everyone to embrace winters with fun and laughter.
Conclusion
Family adventures come in all shapes and sizes, and Kelowna is an example of this. With its myriad of offerings catering to every family size and interest, there is always an opportunity to create lasting memories, regardless of the season. It's easy to see why families return to Kelowna year after year. Make sure you add Kelowna to your travel list, it's a destination that infuses lasting memories in family vacation stories.
