13+ Things to Do in the Okanagan Valley (More than Wineries)

Looking for things to do in the Okanagan Valley with kids? The Okanagan Valley is one of the best family destinations in British Columbia, known for its warm weather, beautiful lakes, and relaxed vacation feel.

We have visited the Okanagan Valley twice with our kids, and loved it both times. Staying right next to the lake made it feel like a true vacation, not just a short getaway.

When most people think about things to do in the Okanagan Valley, they think about wineries. But after traveling here as a family, we discovered there is so much more: bike trails, beaches, orchards, short hikes, museums, and small towns that are easy and fun to explore with kids.

Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you.

What Is the Okanagan Valley Famous For?

The Okanagan Valley is famous for its warm climate, beautiful lakes, vineyards, fruit orchards, and relaxed lifestyle. It’s a great stop on a Banff to Vancouver road trip.

It is one of Canada’s best-known wine regions, but it is also known for:

• Long lakes with sandy beaches
• Scenic rail trails and trestle bridges
• Fresh fruit, farm markets, and orchards
• Outdoor activities that are easy and accessible
• A summer vacation feeling that is hard to beat
  

For families, the Okanagan stands out because you can mix nature, food, and outdoor fun without rushing.

Map of the Okanagan Valley with Things to Do

Family-Friendly Things to Do in the Okanagan Valley BC

1. Enjoy the Penticton Lakefront

Located between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, the town has a long, flat waterfront that is perfect for walking, biking, and letting kids move freely.

You will find a sand beach (with a floating bouncy structure in the summer), green spaces, benches, casual restaurants, and plenty of spots to stop and watch boats on the water. It is the kind of place where you can park the car once and not need it again for the rest of the day.

One highlight along the lakefront is the SS Sicamous Marine Heritage Park. This historic sternwheeler is fun to see up close and adds a bit of history to the walk. Even if you do not go inside, it’s still nice seeing the large ship docked by the shore.

If you continue walking past the SS Sicamous, you will reach a skate park, which ended up being a surprise favorite for our kids. They loved stopping there to ride scooters, and it was a great place to let them burn off some extra energy.

Important tip for families with bikes:
If you bring bikes to Penticton, make sure they are secured and out of sight, ideally stored inside your hotel room. We had our bikes locked on our car rack, and the hotel manager actually texted us to come back and bring them inside due to frequent bike thefts in the area.

2. Visit Family-Friendly Vineyards in Naramata

Visiting a vineyard is one of the classic things to do in the Okanagan Valley, but not all wineries are well suited for families. Naramata stands out because some vineyards here are more relaxed, with open spaces and a casual atmosphere where kids are not immediately out of place.

Naramata is located just north of Penticton, along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake. The area sits on the Naramata Bench, known for its rolling hills, orchards, vineyards, and sweeping lake views. The scenery is beautiful and very different from busier parts of the valley. It honestly reminded me a bit of Tuscany, Italy.

For families, the key is choosing vineyards that is welcoming and informal: places with outdoor seating, space to walk around, or activities beyond just tasting are much easier with kids.

The day we visited, the specific family-friendly vineyards we wanted to try were unfortunately closed. However, based on recommendations from locals and other families, these were on our list:

• D’Angelo Winery
• Deep Roots Winery
• Abandoned Rail Brewing Co. (it’s not a winery, but a brewery)

These places were recommended to us because they tend to have a more laid-back vibe, outdoor seating, and an environment where kids can exist without it feeling awkward. Not every vineyard in the Okanagan is like this, so it is worth checking hours and family-friendliness in advance.

P.S. If you end up trying one of those during your visit, PLEASE let me know what you thought about them.

3. Bike the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (Little Tunnel Section) in Naramata

Biking or hiking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a must-do when visiting the Okanagan, and the Naramata section is especially well suited for families.

This trail follows the route of a former railway, the Kettle Valley Rail, which means it is wide, mostly flat, and car-free. The surface is packed gravel, making it manageable for bikes, balance bikes, and even strollers on shorter sections. The views along this stretch are breathtaking and include vineyards, cliffs, and beautiful overlooks of Okanagan Lake.

How to get on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

A practical starting point for families is the Smethurst Road parking lot. From this access point:

• Little Tunnel is at approximately 4.4 km (one-way)
• Adra Tunnel is further along and requires a longer ride (8.0 km one-way)

Our experience on the trail

Our goal was to reach the Little Tunnel (or maybe even the Adra Tunnel), but we quickly realized the distance to Adra Tunnel was too long for our kids that day. We sadly had to turned around before the Little Tunnel, but it still felt like it was absolutely worth it.

4. Admire the Summerland Ornamental Gardens and the Trout Creek Trestle

The Summerland Ornamental Gardens is located in Summerland, between Penticton and Peachland, along the western shore of Okanagan Lake.

The gardens cover several acres and include walking paths, ponds, bridges, shaded areas, and open lawns. There are picnic tables on site, making this a practical stop for a lunch break without needing to leave the area (which of course was the first thing we did when we arrived!)

From the gardens, you can see the Trout Creek Trestle, one of the historic trestle bridges from the Kettle Valley Railway. While the trestle is visible from the garden area, access to walk across it is not clearly marked from this location.

I must confess that we could not easily figure out where to access the bridge on foot. It is not the same parking lot. While it was interesting to see from a distance, we did not spend much time trying to reach it, especially since the kids were not very interested in crossing the bridge that day.

How to get on the Trout Creek Trestle:

The best way to get on the Trout Creek Trestle would be to drive back into Summerland and follow the signs to Summerland Sweets. There is apparently a small parking lot there, where you can bike or walk to the trestle. This trail is part of the Trans-Canada Trail. Here is a map to help you better plan your visit.

If your kids enjoy bridges and you want to walk across the trestle, it is worth researching access points in advance. Otherwise, the gardens alone make this stop worthwhile and easy to combine with a picnic or short walk.

5. Board the Kettle Valley Steam Railway Train

You can’t visit the Okanagan, bike and hike on the Kettle Valley Rail trail and miss the actual train ride at the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. The railway is based in Summerland and operates seasonal heritage train rides along a restored section of the former Kettle Valley Railway.

Rides typically last about 90 minutes, including the return trip, and travel through orchards, vineyards, and along scenic stretches of the valley. Some departures also include themed rides, depending on the season.

We wanted to ride the train during our visit, but the schedule did not line up with our itinerary that day. If you have flexibility, this is an activity worth planning ahead for, especially if you are already spending time in Summerland or passing through between Penticton and Kelowna.

6. Visit a Winery or a Cidery With Kids in Kelowna

Visiting a winery or a cidery is one of the most well-known things to do in the Okanagan Valley, but for families, choosing the right place matters. Not all wineries welcome children, and many are set up only for adult tastings. Cideries and more casual wineries tend to work better for families because they often have outdoor seating, open spaces, and a less formal setup.

A good family-friendly option we visited was Truck 59 Ciderhouse, located in West Kelowna, just across the bridge from downtown Kelowna. Truck 59 stood out because it was clearly set up to welcome families. There was plenty of space to move around, and they had board games and lawn games, which gave the kids something to do while we enjoyed a cider tasting.

A few years earlier, we visited The Vibrant Vine, right in Kelowna and it was also a great experience with kids. While the wine was just okay, the space was amazing for families. Kids could walk around the fields, and they even had homemade popsicles, which made a big difference.

We also visited 50th Parallel Estate Winery after reading online that it was kid-friendly. While the views were stunning, I would not personally recommend it for families. They offered apple juice for kids, but that was about it. The kids had nothing to do while I was tasting. The sparkling wine was good, but the rest was not my favourite.

If you plan to include a winery or cidery stop with kids

• Check hours in advance, as many places have limited days or seasonal schedules
• Look for outdoor seating and space to walk around
• Avoid places that focus only on tastings by the bar (or indoor space)

With the right stop, this can be an enjoyable activity for both parents and kids, rather than something you rush through.

7. Enjoy Downtown Kelowna’s Marina and City Park Beach

Downtown Kelowna is located right along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake and has a compact waterfront area where several family-friendly activities are grouped together.

The marina area is a good place for a short walk with kids. Boats come and go throughout the day. Along the waterfront, you will also see the famous Ogopogo statue (the legendary lake monster said to inhabit Okanagan Lake).

Just next to the marina is City Park Beach, one of the most popular family beaches in the city. The beach has a large grassy area, a sandy swimming area, a playground (with a zipline), and a splash park.

8. Hike the Apex Trail on Knox Mountain

If you’re looking for a short hiking trail, the Apex Trail is one to do. The trail is located in Knox Mountain Park, just minutes from downtown Kelowna, which makes it easy to fit into a half day without long driving.

Trail information (Apex Trail)

• Distance: approximately 4 km round trip
• Elevation gain: about 180 metres
• Difficulty: moderate
• Trail type: out-and-back

The Apex Trail is popular because it offers panoramic views over Kelowna and Okanagan Lake without being too long. The trail climbs steadily but does not have technical sections or exposure. Most of the elevation gain happens gradually, which makes it manageable for kids who are used to walking on uneven terrain.

There are a few viewpoints along the way, so you do not need to reach the very top for the hike to feel worthwhile. This also makes it easy to turn around early if kids get tired.

Another alternative could at Knox Mountain would be the hike the Paul’s Tomb trail.

9. Bike the Myra Canyon Section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

This section of the Kettle Valley Rail trail is located in South Kelowna, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Kelowna and it runs through Myra Canyon. You’ll find a wide, flat trails with wooden trestle bridges and tunnels and beautiful views of the Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Lake, and downtown Kelowna.

In total, there are 18 historic wooden trestles and two tunnels.

From the Myra Canyon Station to the Ruth Station, the trail is about 24 km round trip. You don’t need to complete the entire trail. You can ride until you reach a few trestles and then turn around.

This was one of our favourite family activities in the Okanagan Valley. It was so beautiful.

How to get on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (Myra Canyon)

There are two main access to the Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail:

• Myra Canyon Station
• Ruth Station

The most popular starting point is at the Myra Canyon Station. It’s also where you can find an equipment rental facility, if you need to rent bikes.

10. Bike the Okanagan Rail Trail Along Kalamalka Lake

The Okanagan Rail Trail is along Kalamalka Lake between Kelowna and Vernon. It follows a former railway corridor along the lake, for a total of 48.5 km of trails.

The trail is wide, mostly flat, and covered with packed gravel. Because it was built for trains, the grade is gentle and consistent, making it suitable for biking with kids or walking at a relaxed pace.

You do not need to plan a long ride here for it to be worthwhile. Even a short out-and-back gives you lake views and plenty of space for kids to ride comfortably. Because the trail is linear, it is easy to turn around whenever kids get tired.

How to get on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

There are different access on the Okanagan Rail Trail, but we personnally parked at Kekuli Bay Provincial Park. It’s a convenient access point (the closest to Vernon) and a good place to stop by the water before or after your ride. There is even a kids playground and a campground.

From there, we biked a small section of the trail and enjoyed constant views of the lake. We did make many stops for the kids to throw rocks in the lake.

11. Enjoy the Davison Orchards

The Davison Orchards is located in Vernon, in the North Okanagan. It’s a working farm that is open to visitors during the growing season. It combines:

• a farm shop,
• outdoor space,
• animals, and
• seasonal activities,

You’ll want to plan for about two hours, depending on the season and how much time you spend outside.

When we visited, the kids loved having space to walk around and see the farm animals. We spent time browsing the farm shop and picked up fresh apples, lemonade, and apple juice to take with us.

12. Try honey at the Planet Bee Honey Farm

Planet Bee is located just outside Vernon, really close to Davison Orchards, which makes it simple to combine the two in the same outing.

Planet Bee focuses on honey production and pollination, with a small visitor area designed to be quick and engaging. The visit usually does not take more than 30 to 45 minutes, which works well for kids who have limited attention spans.

During a visit, you can learn about how honey is made, the role of bees in agriculture, and sample different types of honey.

We really enjoyed the honey tasting, and the kids were (not surprising) interested in trying ALL different flavours. We probably went a bit overboard and left with several jars of honey, but it was worth it.

13. Visit the Okanagan Science Centre

The Okanagan Science Centre is located in Vernon, close to downtown, and focuses on hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children. Most displays encourage kids to touch, test, and experiment, which keeps them engaged without needing guided tours.

When visiting, plan for about an hour or two. It’s a lot smaller than Science World in Vancouver, but still really worth it.

💰 One important practical detail: the Okanagan Science Centre is part of the ASTC Passport Program. If you have a valid annual membership to a participating science centre, you may be eligible for free admission. We are members at the Calgary TELUS Spark, so we were able to visit without paying extra, which made this stop even more worthwhile.

Is the Okanagan Valley Worth Visiting With Kids?

Yes, absolutely. The Okanagan Valley is one of the best family destinations in British Columbia if you want:

• Warm weather
• Lakes and beaches
• Easy outdoor activities
• Great food without formal dining
• A relaxed pace that works with kids

It is an easy place to travel as a family. Days feel slower, distances between stops are short, and most activities do not require advanced planning. You can mix beach time, short walks, biking, and good food without feeling rushed.

Where to Stay in the Okanagan Valley With Kids

Instead of using Kelowna as a single home base, I really recommend treating the Okanagan as a true road trip. Staying in different towns lets you explore more without long daily drives.

A route that works well with kids is staying a few nights in:

• Penticton
• Kelowna
• Vernon
• Salmon Arm

Hotels we recommend

We really like the Prestige Hotels. We have stayed at a few of their properties, including in Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm, and they are consistently a great option for families.
They usually have:

• Beautiful pool areas
• On-site restaurants
• Locations within walking distance of downtown
  

In Penticton, we stayed at the Kettle Valley Beach Resort. The accommodation itself was basic, but the location was excellent. It is right on the beach, close to everything, and there is a great coffee shop just next door. For families, location often matters more than luxury, and this spot delivered on that.

FAQ: Visiting the Okanagan Valley With Kids

Final Thoughts

The Okanagan Valley is much more than wineries. With lakes, rail trails, orchards, museums, and family-friendly stops spread across small towns, it is an easy place to slow down and enjoy time together.

If you are looking for things to do in the Okanagan Valley BC with kids, this region delivers a true vacation feeling without needing a packed itinerary.