Ultimate Kelowna Itinerary: Exploring the Best of BC’s Okanagan Gem
Are you looking for the best family activities in Kelowna?
Welcome to Kelowna, BC – a vibrant city in the heart of the stunning Okanagan Valley. This rapidly growing town has become a favorite for many who find cities like Vancouver and Banff too expensive. With its abundant waterfront property, incredible hikes, and all the major attractions of a large city, it’s easy to see why Kelowna is a top destination.
Kelowna has something special for families looking for fun outdoor activities. This 4-day itinerary will guide you through the city’s best experiences, from the scenic Kettle Valley Railroad hike and Okanagan Lake adventures to fun fruit farms and family-friendly wineries.
Prepare to create unforgettable memories in one of British Columbia’s most picturesque destinations!
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4 Days in Kelowna, BC (RECAP)
Today, we’re sharing a 4-day itinerary filled with fun activities for families in Kelowna. This guide includes a mix of outdoor and indoor activities, along with a few free options to enjoy with your kids.
- Day 1: Lakeside Adventures: Explore Waterfront Park, the Marina & Ogopogo, and Boyce-Gyro Beach.
- Day 2: Outdoor Thrills: Experience the Kettle Valley Railway, Myra Canyon Adventure Park, and Splash BC Water Park (Kelowna Wibit).
- Day 3: Culinary Delights and Vineyard Tours: Pick fresh fruit, and tour the wineries.
- Day 4: Outdoor Adventures and History: Visit the Kangaroo Creek Farm, hike the Paul’s Tomb Trail, and Father Pandosy Museum.
Day 1: Lakeside Adventures
Waterfront Park
Start your morning at Waterfront Park, a picturesque spot boasting a beautiful boardwalk and landscaped gardens that are great for a morning snack, tea or coffee.
Let the kids burn off some energy at the playground, complete with an exhilarating zip-line for ages 3 and up. If your kids are younger, you may want to stand next to them to ensure they don’t fall from the 6- or 7-foot ledge.
Then, head to the beach for some water fun – there you can rent small boats or kayaks or simply splash around in the lake.
Waterfront Park is also a fantastic spot to squeeze in a morning run before the kids wake up.
Marina and Ogopogo
After a morning of outdoor excitement, enjoy a picnic lunch by the water before heading to the marina.
The marina was one of our family’s favorite places to visit. Like Waterfront Park, it’s a perfect escape for those beautiful Kelowna summer days. But it has a couple of unique perks that Waterfront Park doesn’t.
The main attraction is Ogopogo, Kelowna’s version of the Loch Ness Monster (or “Nessie”).
According to First Nations legends, a killer monster once lived at Squally Point, just 20 kilometers south of Kelowna. Over time, the legend evolved, with varying descriptions of the monster’s appearance: its head is either a horse or a goat, but its body is always snakelike and approximately 25 meters long.
Whether you choose to believe in Ogopogo is up to you, but you’ll definitely want to visit the statue of this sea monster at the marina.
Boyce-Gyro Beach
Finish your day off with some beach time at Boyce-Gyro Beach, one of the most popular spots in Kelowna. You can’t visit Okanagan Lake without taking advantage of its beautiful beaches.
Boyce-Gyro Beach offers picnic areas, playgrounds, a rope swing, volleyball courts, and watersport rentals – plenty to entertain the whole family.
This beach is a little outside the city center, but it’s worth the extra drive. Complete your day with a relaxing stroll along the shore, soaking in the stunning lake views as the sun sets.
Day 2: Outdoor Thrills
Kettle Valley Railway
This Kelowna attraction will always be in our family’s heart. We had originally planned to participate in a half-marathon, but due to COVID, all events were canceled. So, we decided to organize a virtual marathon with the kids.
We arrived in Kelowna and discovered that the Kettle Valley Railway was approximately the same length as a half-marathon. One Saturday morning, we put the kids in the baby jogger. Emilie hopped on a bike, and I went at it on foot.
And I can honestly say it was one of the best runs I’d ever had.
The Kettle Valley Railway, constructed between 1910 and 1914, winds its way around Myra Canyon, offering breathtaking views of the entire valley, Okanagan Lake, and downtown Kelowna.
The kids loved it because the trail felt like stepping into an old western movie, complete with tunnels where trains once roared and sturdy wooden bridges (rest assured, they’re secure).
We encountered numerous families hiking, biking, and exploring this magnificent natural escape.
Be sure to get there early as parking can become congested. Additionally, bear in mind that the round trip from Point A to Point B spans approximately 12 kilometers, so so save some energy for the return trip.
Though it’d be worth going halfway and soaking in the views as the last half is slightly less picturesque.
Myra Canyon Adventure Park
After your railway adventure, head to Myra Canyon Adventure Park for an adrenaline-packed experience.
They offer a variety of activities suitable for kids of all ages, with some options even appropriate for children as young as 3 (which is quite rare for an adventure park). The Kinder Course is specially designed for younger children.
The adventure park offers zip lines, tree-top courses, and climbing routes so you can enjoy quality family time.
Plan for at least half a day, as completing the Maximum Challenge Courses takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Alternative to Myra Canyon Adventure Park: Splash BC Water Park (Kelowna Wibit)
After an afternoon of adrenaline, cool off and unwind at the Splash BC Water Park, a must-do for families.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the park’s giant floating playgrounds, slides, trampolines, and climbing walls. Kids can easily spend an entire day immersed in water-filled fun. It’s similar to the inflatable water park we saw in Kenora on our Northern Ontario road trip.
Please note that children must be at least 5 years old to enter the water park.
If time permits, head downtown to explore the vibrant streets, shops, and restaurants of Kelowna. Take a leisurely stroll by Kelowna City Park and enjoy the scenic views of Okanagan Lake.
Day 3: Culinary Delights and Vineyard Tours
Fruit picking
Start your day by taking a leisurely drive to the outskirts of Kelowna and indulge in some fruit picking. You’ll be welcomed by sprawling orchards and vineyards, where you can find an abundance of fresh fruits and organic delights for sale.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling to Okanagan Valley with a self-contained RV, you might be able to stay overnight at one of the fruit farms (or wineries) with Harvest Hosts.
Why not turn a leisurely afternoon into an unforgettable experience by going fruit picking? During harvest season, it’s one of the coolest activities to enjoy in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.
Fruit picking isn’t just about filling baskets; it’s a fantastic way to get your kids outdoors and introduce them to the joys of nature. Our own children loved it; they were so excited that they could have spent the entire day running through the trees.
Before going to a farm, research orchards that offer your favorite fruits and call them ahead of time to ensure they’re in season.
Here are a few of our cherished spots, each boasting an array of apple trees:
- Cherries: Kempf Orchards
- Plums: Kuipers Family Fruit Farm
- Peaches: Griffin Farms
- Pears: Paynters Fruit Market
Wineries
Next, venture into the world of wineries in Kelowna.
In our previous tip, we delved into the joy of fruit picking, a delightful way to way to spend an afternoon. Now, let’s shift our focus to mama’s personal favorite: grapes, especially when they’re transformed into delightful wine.
Kelowna boasts an array of wineries waiting to be explored by the entire family. The Okanagan Valley stands as one of Canada’s premier regions for wine production. The vineyards are not only picturesque but also exude a charming rustic ambiance.
Moreover, many wineries host live events such as concerts throughout the week, adding to the allure of the experience.
We visited Vibrant Wine, where we were treated to captivating 3D art and a spacious grassy patio perfect for the kids to run around. Plus, the tasting fee was offset by any bottle purchase—a win-win situation!
While Vibrant Wine left a lasting impression, here are a few other wineries to consider for future visits:
Be sure to check each establishment’s website, as some may require advance tasting bookings, and some may not be family-friendly.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventures and History
Kangaroo Creek Farm
Begin your day with a visit to Kangaroo Creek Farm, where you can get up close and personal with adorable kangaroos and wallabies. It’s a unique experience that both your kids and you will love.
They take excellent care of the kangaroos, abstaining from breeding them for leather or meat (apparently, kangaroo meat is quite tasty, prompting some farms to engage in such practices for additional income).
This establishment is a genuine farm dedicated to the well-being of kangaroos and wallabies, which are kept as cherished pets. Visitors, including you and your children, can feed these animals directly by hand. However, it’s important to remember that these creatures should be treated with utmost respect.
It’s a highly enjoyable attraction for families visiting Kelowna, especially during the summertime.
Paul’s Tomb Hiking Trail
Continue your day with a hike on Paul’s Tomb Hiking Trail. If you’ve been following our blog or our Instagram account, you know we love hiking with our kids. So, it’s only natural that we include some family-friendly hikes in our list of things to do in Kelowna.
Paul’s Tomb trail, nestled within Knox Mountain, is a beloved route for outdoor enthusiasts like us. Spanning 4.8 kilometers round-trip, with a manageable 125-meter elevation gain, it’s perfect for families seeking an enjoyable trek.
This trail offers stunning views of Okanagan Lake, adding to its allure as a fantastic outdoor activity for families in Kelowna. Plus, a refreshing swimming area awaits you at the trail’s end.
Don’t forget to check out the trail report and reviews on AllTrails.
Father Pandosy Museum
Complete your day with a visit to Father Pandosy Museum to learn about Kelowna’s fascinating history and enjoy some family-friendly activities before bidding farewell to this beautiful city.
The Father Pandosy Museum is an outdoor living museum that showcases the rich history of Kelowna’s initial European settlement.
You can glimpse the past through exhibits featuring historic school churches and expansive agricultural and ranching operations.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts various engaging family activities, providing opportunities for interactive learning and enjoyment.
Raining During Your Visit?
Don’t worry! Here are some fantastic indoor activities in Kelowna for the whole family to enjoy, ensuring that your trip to Kelowna is fun and memorable, no matter the weather.
Indoor Playgrounds
Ok, you might be surprised to see an indoor playground on this list of things to do in Kelowna. But it’s the perfect indoor activity for families when it’s raining outside.
Isn’t Kelowna one of the best places to explore outdoors? Well, yes and no.
We stayed in Kelowna for a few weeks, and sometimes, the weather simply didn’t allow for much outdoor activity. As a result, we had to get creative and find some fun things to do indoors.
We stumbled upon two awesome indoor parks that are an excellent distraction for kids:
To be honest, these would have been great options even if the weather was beautiful. Traveling with young kids can get… well, a little exhausting.
These indoor playgrounds gave us a few hours of peace while the kids burned off all their energy, leading to an early night’s sleep.
And as you know, an early bedtime always gives parents a nice break🍷.
Gneiss Climbing Wall
Indoor rock climbing is our go-to family activity when it’s cold or raining outside. We started rock climbing in Calgary and we love it.
The Gneiss Climbing Wall offers an open concept that fosters a sense of community and a social atmosphere, making it a welcoming place for climbers of all ages.
With a variety of bouldering spaces, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Even better, they’ve created separate areas just for kids and youth, where they can explore and have a blast at their own pace.
These areas, equipped with auto belays and speed climbing tracks, ensure a safe and exciting experience for young climbers.
Trust us, your kids will have an absolute blast rock climbing here!
Okanagan Science Centre
If you’re looking for a hands-on adventure in Kelowna, the Okanagan Science Center is a must-visit.
Located in Vernon, it’s about an hour’s drive from Kelowna, but trust me, it’s worth it—especially if your kids love science and interactive activities.
One of the highlights is the only fixed-roof planetarium in the BC Interior. The museum also boasts a variety of exhibits and activities that the whole family can enjoy together.
Planet Lazer Kelowna
Kids, especially older ones, will LOVE this fun activity in Kelowna.
Planet Lazer Kelowna is the ultimate spot for a few rounds of laser tag, with over 600 square feet of Extreme Laser Tag and room for up to 38 players. That means plenty of action-packed fun for everyone!
And if that’s not enough, there are also arcades and a snack bar to keep the excitement going.
Scandia Golf & Games
Scandia Gold & Games is another fantastic indoor spot for families to enjoy together.
They offer a wide range of activities, including outdoor mini-golf, indoor jungle mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, and arcade games.
With over 140 arcade and redemption games suitable for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect place for a day filled with laughter and fun memories with your kids!
Final Thoughts: Ultimate Kelowna Itinerary: Exploring the Best of BC’s Okanagan Gem
And that’s it! Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley are fantastic places for families to visit. With a perfect mix of outdoor adventures and indoor activities, there’s something for everyone.
Our family’s absolute must-do in Kelowna is biking on the Kettle Valley Railway at Myra Canyon, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.
We hope you found this itinerary helpful and that it enhances your visit to this beautiful region.
Whether you’re hiking, exploring the lake, or discovering local attractions, Kelowna promises a memorable trip for the whole family.
If you have any other recommendations or experiences to share, please let us know in the comments. Happy exploring!
