tricitiesparks

Aug 5, 20203 min read

Leaving The Tri-Cities: Guide to KELOWNA (Part 2: Activities and Hikes)

Updated: Aug 7, 2020

Kelowna offers lots of fun options for younger and older kids. This is my guide to family-friendly activities in the area. Please note: As COVID-19 situation is ever changing please consult the BC CDC website before travelling, and keep informed about safety restrictions and precautions for travelling within the province.

Hikes (& Bikes)

Rail Trail: Easy, flat gravel trail, stroller friendly, dogs on-leash, bike friendly

This flat trail runs from downtown Kelowna to the South end of Vernon! Of course you don't have to hike the almost 50km with your kids, but it's a great trail for strollers. Or rent bikes with the family - and yes you can rent strollers and/or child carriers for the bikes! There are portable toilets at some points along the trail and parts of the trail are along the water so there are great views.

Myra Canyon Trestles Trail Wide flat path with stunning views, 12k one-way, bike friendly, outhouses, stroller friendly - trestles have a boardwalk, bike rentals available

This is a top choice for anyone with kids who love biking! The old train trestles have been converted into a walking/biking trail. There are also cool tunnels you can bike through and amazing views along the way. This is a very popular choice for a good reason and one of the top tourist attractions in Kelowna.

Knox Mountain 6 km hiking trail with elevation, not stroller friendly, currently 1 way for social distancing, great views

This hike is about the same elevation as the Coquitlam Crunch and a little longer, so it's an option for older kids who can make their own way up, or for baby/toddler wearing.

Maude Roxby Wetlands short boardwalk stroll through a bird sanctuary, no dog allowed, no washrooms, located near amenities.

Pelmewash Parkway (Lake Country): Paved, stroller friendly, bike friendly, no washrooms, dogs must be leashed, lake and orchard views

Dilworth Mountain Park Under 1 km, not stroller friendly, great views

Fintry Provincial Park ~45 minute drive north of Kelowna, short 1 km hike to a waterfall, playground, washrooms, picnic tables

Mission Creek Park Trails you can walk, bike or stroller (see part 1 of the Kelowna Blog series for more info on the great playground there)

Activities

Kangaroo Creek Farm (10 am - 3 pm, 7 days/week, $12 for adults, $6 kids, free for kids under 4)

Are you even allowed to go to Kelowna with kids without visiting the Kangaroo Farm? It's the #1 most recommended activity in the area by other parents who have gone. It's not just Kangaroos - there are a wide variety of Australian mammals and birds to interact with. Note: most of the park is full sun, and very hot. Bring lots of water, sunscreen and a hat!

Oyama Zipline Park (prices vary, open 7 days/week)

Monkey park ($20) Fully netted obstacle course made especially for children ages 3 to 11. Two hours of full-on play time.
Aerial Obstacle course ($34-$39) Clip-in then trek, climb, balance, zip and swing. Three levels of difficulty (green, blue, and black) and finish with a FreeFall QuickJump.
Zipline tours ($89-$99) about 2-2.5 hours, 7 different ziplines totaling almost 2 km of line. Participants must weigh between 50-270lbs.

Splashdown Vernon (Open daily. Teo daily sessions, 9:30 - 2:00 or 2:30 - 7:00.$25/per person. Children under 36 inches is free with a paid adult).

Wibit at City Beach (10 am - 8 pm, $28 day pass, $18 evening pass after 5:30) (see part 1 of the Kelowna Blog series for more info on the great amenities at this beach)

Think, a GIANT bouncy castle/obstacle course on the lake. Ages 5+, children 5-7 require a parent to join them (free of charge).