Family Fun in Vernon: Activities for Kids of All Ages

By Sean Phillips, REALTOR® · Updated September 25, 2026

Hands picking apples from a tree in an orchard

Short answer: Some of the best things to do with kids in Vernon are the Okanagan Science Centre in Polson Park, the water park at Lakeview Park, u-pick fruit and farm fun at Davison Orchards, Planet Bee Honey Farm, Historic O’Keefe Ranch just north of town, easy nature trails at Swan Lake and Allan Brooks Nature Centre, and SilverStar in both summer and winter. Add a Vernon Vipers hockey game and the big community festivals and you’ll never run out of ideas.

I meet a lot of families who are moving to Vernon, and the question I hear most after “which school catchment?” is “what will the kids do here?” The honest answer: plenty. Vernon is a small city with big-city variety in the outdoors, and most of it is close to home.

Here’s my list, grouped by type of outing. Hours, seasons and programs change, so check each website before you head out.

What can you do with kids in Vernon on a rainy day?

The Okanagan Science Centre in Polson Park is the obvious first stop. It’s open year-round with interactive exhibits and live animals like snakes and fish, plus seasonal programs, camps and events, according to a September 2026 Castanet story.

The Vernon Museum (Greater Vernon Museum and Archives) on 32nd Avenue has rotating exhibits on local history and runs on a by-donation basis, which makes it an easy one to pop into.

Bowling: BNA Vernon downtown has bowling lanes along with its restaurant, handy for a family outing with teenagers.

Swimming: Vernon is building a new Active Living Centre on Old Kamloops Road. According to local news in September 2026, it will include a 50-metre pool, a leisure pool, a waterslide and more, with public opening tentatively expected in December 2026. Check the City’s website for opening updates.

Where can kids see farm animals and pick fruit?

This is where Vernon really shines.

Davison Orchards is a family-run orchard with u-pick apples and pumpkins in season, orchard tours, a bakery, a cafe and play areas. The orchard opens seasonally, usually from spring to fall.
Planet Bee Honey Farm on Bella Vista Road is open year-round. Kids can see live bees and explore hands-on activities.
Historic O’Keefe Ranch, a short drive north on Highway 97 in Spallumcheen, preserves early BC ranching history with heritage buildings, resident animals and seasonal events like a corn maze. It’s open seasonally from spring to fall.
The Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong, around Labour Day, is a big old-fashioned fair with livestock, 4-H, a rodeo and a midway.

More local food spots are in my guide to farmers’ markets, orchards and local food in Vernon.

Planning to buy in Vernon soon? Get pre-approved first, then text me at 236-599-5898 and I’ll send you new listings that match what you want, or book a 10-minute chat. Quick questions any time: call Sarah, my 24/7 AI info line, at 604-227-4810.

What are the best parks and outdoor spots for kids?

Polson Park: a wheelchair-accessible playground, the floral clock, a Japanese garden and wide lawns, right beside downtown.
Lakeview Park: the City lists a water park, playground and baseball here, making it a summer favourite.
Paddlewheel Park and Kin Beach: playgrounds right beside Okanagan Lake.
Swan Lake Nature Reserve: a short, flat loop that’s great for spotting ducks and other birds.
Allan Brooks Nature Centre: a short grassland trail with big views, good for little legs.
BX Creek Delta Trail: boardwalks and bridges along the creek.

I cover these in more depth in Vernon’s best parks. The beaches get their own guides, but in short, Kal Beach and the Okanagan Lake beaches are summer staples.

What is there to do at SilverStar with kids?

In winter, SilverStar Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, skating and snowshoeing, and nearby Sovereign Lake Nordic Club is a great place for kids to try cross-country skiing. In summer, SilverStar turns into a hiking and mountain-biking destination, and it’s often cooler than the valley on hot days. I’ve got more winter ideas in things to do in Vernon in winter.

What events are good for families?

Vernon Winter Carnival in February, with family activities, a parade and fireworks.
Sunshine Festival downtown in June, with a kids’ zone.
Canada Day in Polson Park, with bouncy castles and entertainment.
Polson Artisan Night Market on summer Friday evenings.
Vernon Vipers BCHL hockey games at Kal Tire Place from fall through spring. The team’s home opener for the 2026-27 season is September 26, according to the Vipers.
SPOTLIGHT Kids Series at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, with family-friendly shows through the season.

See Vernon’s year of events for the full calendar.

What about teens?

Teens tend to love the outdoors side of Vernon: mountain biking, paddleboarding, skiing, the skate park in Polson Park and the trail network. Many local sports clubs, from hockey and soccer to rowing on Swan Lake, keep kids busy year-round. The City of Vernon’s recreation guide is the best place to find programs and registration dates.

Choosing a family-friendly neighbourhood

When families ask me where to buy, I start with three things: school catchment, parks and commute. My Vernon and Coldstream schools guide covers the catchments, and my post on the best Vernon neighbourhoods for families covers the rest. Neighbourhoods like Middleton Mountain and Okanagan Landing are popular with families for their parks, trails and lake access.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do with kids in Vernon on a rainy day?

Try the Okanagan Science Centre in Polson Park, the Vernon Museum, bowling downtown, or a family show at the Performing Arts Centre.

Is there a water park in Vernon?

The City of Vernon lists a water park at Lakeview Park. Vernon’s new Active Living Centre, expected to open to the public around December 2026, will include a leisure pool and waterslide.

Where can kids pick fruit near Vernon?

Davison Orchards offers u-pick apples and pumpkins in season, and several other orchards around Vernon offer u-pick fruit in summer.

Is O’Keefe Ranch open year-round?

No. Historic O’Keefe Ranch opens seasonally, roughly from May through October. Check its website for current dates.

More Vernon guides

Questions about buying or selling in Vernon?

I’m Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty in Vernon, BC. I live in Okanagan Landing, and I help buyers and sellers across Vernon, Coldstream, SilverStar and the North Okanagan.

Text or call Sean: 236-599-5898
Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 info line: 604-227-4810

Book a 10-minute chat with Sean

This article is general information as of fall 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and conditions change, so confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.

Featured photo by Dan Burton on Unsplash.