If you are travelling with children, it is often difficult to give them something fun to do each day, that distracts them enough (and tires them out) so that YOU get a vacation as well. The Okanagan has many attractions perfect for young children (on top of the many lakeside beaches) These sites are listed in a rough north-to south order:
Three Valley Gap Ghost Town
19 km west on highway 1
Revelstoke
250-837-2109
Near the historical mining town of Three Valley is this park with 20 relocated historical buildings including a church, general store, hotel, schoolhouse and saloon. There is a private railway coach and live performances of the 3 Valley Follies musical stage show. Open May to September 8 am to 5 pm with guided tours. Admission $$.
Albert Canyon and Hot Springs
35 km east on Highway 1
Revelstoke
250-837-2420
Take a dip in a 39 degree Celsius (102F) mineral pool or take a swim in the 30 degree hot pool. There is also rafting, trail rides and camping. There is a completely unrestored ghost town nearby, nestled among regrown wild vegetation. Camping is permitted, and food is available. Open 9 am to 10 pm July and August; open 9 am to 9 pm in May, June and September. Admission $$.
Enchanted Forest
32 km west on Highway 1
Revelstoke
250-837-9477
Over 300 handmade figurines retelling many famous fairy tales, in a forest setting. Open 8 am to dusk May 15 to September 15th. Admission $$.
Beardale Castle Miniatureland
5 km west on Highway 1
Craigellachie
250-836-2268
Fairy tales are told through life-size animated settings. There are also miniature reproductions of a 1950’s prairie town, a Swiss mountain village, a medieval German town, and English country village and a Canadian heritage exhibit. Open daily 9 am to 7 pm May to September. Admission $$.
Kamloops Wildlife Park
18 km east on Highway 1
Kamloops
250-573-3242
This children’s zoo has more than 150 species of animals (both native and exotic) in their natural settings. Also with miniature railway rides and a picnic facility. Open 8am – 8 pm in July & August; 8 am – 4:30 the rest of the year. Admission $$.
DeMilles Petting Zoo
DeMille’s produce just west of Salmon Arm
Salmon Arm
A free petting zoo with farm animals from small to large. Open in the summer from 8 am to 9 pm.
D Dutchman Dairy
1321 Maier Rd, Sicamous, BC V0E 2V1
(1 km east of Sicamous)
(250) 836-4304
Free children’s zoo with llamas, camels, horses, peacocks. Also serves over 50 flavours of home-made ice cream. A
Splashdown Vernon (formerly Atlantis Waterslides)
7921 Greenhow Rd, Vernon, BC V1B 3S2
(5 km north of Vernon)
(250) 549-4121
This attraction features waterslides, hot tubs, mini golf, RV camping. Open June through August. Admission $$.
Parrot Island
5090 MacKinnon Rd, Peachland, BC V0H 1X2
250-767-9030
This attraction features over 100 exotic birds in tropical settings, including macaws, parrots and toucans. The various stages of parrot growth are illustrated in the Education Centre. Open April to October, 10 am to 4 pm until June, and 9:30 to 5:50 until October. Admission $$.