5 Kid-Friendly Activities in Kelowna

Located in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, the Kelowna community has seen a population boom over recent years. This means that there are more children than ever within this lakeside town. And, as all parents and guardians know, children can quickly become bored if they aren't challenged mentally and physically.

As luck would have it, Kelowna has plenty for children to explore, including farms and beaches, as well as places to play and have fun. Read on to discover some of the best kid-friendly activities in Kelowna.

Kangaroo Creek Farm

Located north of Kelowna International Airport, Kangaroo Creek Farm presents a fun learning experience for all ages. Kangaroo Creek Farm is known for its kangaroos and wallabies but also has a variety of other animals for children to look at, enjoy, and learn about.

In operation for over 20 years, Kangaroo Creek Farm is dog-friendly, as long as the dog is kept on a leash while on farm property and does not enter the animal enclosures. If needed, farm guests can leave their pets at Bark N' Fly Dog Daycare next door.

The owners of Kangaroo Creek Farm want to keep the farm as non-commercial as possible. As a result, farm patrons are not asked to pay extra for treats to feed the animals. Kids and adults are encouraged to get up close and personal with the animals living at the farm by petting, feeding, and getting to know them. The farm is also open to group visits with advanced booking, and it even allows self-catered birthday parties for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at no extra charge.

U-Pick Farms

Visiting U-Pick farms is a great way to spend a day in nature. Fruit picking in Kelowna is an annual tradition, so there are plenty of places to have an adventure while harvesting tasty treats.

Some things to bring when visiting a U-Pick farm include a snack or lunch, bottled water, hat or sunblock, appropriate footwear, and a box or other container to carry produce since not all farms provide this. Other than that, all farm visitors need is a willingness to get their hands dirty as they pick their own fruit.

Keep in mind that most U-Pick farm locations are only open during certain times of the year, including during the summer months. Cost generally depends on the amount of fruit visitors choose to pick.

Arndt Orchards

Arndt Orchards first started growing its signature cherries in 1950. Today, the orchard offers some of the best cherry picking in Kelowna.

• Address: Arndt Orchards, 1555B Teasdale Rd, Kelowna, BC
• Hours: Early July to the end of July 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Kempf Orchards

Kempf Orchards is another cherry orchard found in the Okanagan Valley and is an excellent place for kids to spend time picking fruit. Family-run, the orchard sits on 14 acres and grows a variety of cherries.

• Address: Kempf Orchards, 1409 Teasdale Rd, Kelowna, BC
• Hours: Late June to mid-August 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Kuipers Family Fruit Farm

Kuipers Family Fruit Farm is a family-run farm that sells a variety of fruits, including cherries, apricots, peaches, and plums.

• Address: Kuipers Family Fruit Farm, 579 Barnaby Rd, Kelowna, BC
• Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., based on fruit availability

Hot Sands Beach

Hot Sands Beach is an excellent location for a fun outing in the sun and surf. Popular with both residents and visitors, this long sandy beach gives beachgoers plenty of room to spread out and enjoy themselves.

Located on Lake Okanagan's eastern side, west of the Downtown Kelowna community, Hot Sands Beach offers major fun for visitors of all ages looking to spend a day in the sand, including checking out what local vendors and artisans, who set up shop along the beach, have to offer. The beach also has plenty of activities, including volleyball, basketball, and playgrounds.

When travelling to Hot Sands Beach, beachgoers should make sure to bring a few items with them, including a hat, sunscreen, bottled water, somewhere to sit, and a packed lunch if making a day of it. For beach patrons who plan on staying past dusk, mosquito repellant is a recommended item to bring.

Energyplex

The Energyplex is Kelowna's largest indoor family recreation center. Designed to develop balance and coordination, the Energyplex offers a wide range of activities.

Areas for the physical activities available at the Energyplex include a gymnastics area, 30-foot-high rock wall, Skytrax, and a four-level Energy play cube. The location also offers laser tag and an arcade. And when energy levels run low, visitors can visit the concession area for a variety of food and beverages.

When travelling to the Energyplex, keep in mind that socks are required while inside the location. Admission is free for supervising adults. Children 12 years and over can be dropped off for two hours maximum without adult supervision, though a waiver must first be signed by an adult aged 19 or older.

Myra Canyon Adventure Park

Located to the southeast of Kelowna in Myra Canyon, Myra Canyon Adventure Park offers outdoor adventure for all ages. Myra Canyon Adventure Park has a large selection of ziplines and high ropes to use while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding area.

The park also has a variety of team-building exercises that visitors can participate in, and birthday parties are allowed on site all year long. The Kinder Course welcomes kids three years old and over. However, to enjoy the ziplines and aerial courses, visitors must pass a height requirement.

All park guests must sign a release form before participating, and any park guest under the age of 19 must have a parent or guardian sign the release form. Closed-toed shoes are also required while taking part in any activities.

Kelowna is a Great Place to Spend Time Together

Kelowna has a large variety of activities for kids year-round, but especially during the summer months. These activities run the gamut from physical activities at one of the area's adventure zones or Kelowna's best parks to something as simple as a day at the beach or local fruit-picking farm. Regardless, everyone can have a lot of fun with these and other things to do in Kelowna.

If the opportunities in Kelowna excite you, contact the agents at KelownaHomes.ca at 250-999-9844 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home in Kelowna today.