kid holding pumpkin

7 Things to do in Vernon with Kids this Fall

Fall is our favourite time of year and Vernon offers plenty of activities to keep your family busy. With pumpkin patches and corn mazes, as well as indoor play, families can explore Vernon while making unforgettable memories.

What are you waiting for? Pack the family into the car and check out these 7 things to do in Vernon with the kids this fall.


 

1. Pick a pumpkin at Davison Orchards

kids walking in pumpkin orchard

In our opinion, the best time to visit Davison Orchards is in the fall. Here kids can feed their goats (don’t forget your quarters), play in a sandbox and explore the multiple playgrounds and activities available.

Looking for a tour of the farm? In September and October, Davison Orchards offers pumpkin-picking tours. This is where you can hop on the Johnny Popper Tractor Ride and head out to their pumpkin patch.

This farm is bustling with locals and tourists, so be sure to arrive early and spend the morning or afternoon taking in this epic location.

2. View the bees in action at Planet Bee Honey Farm

children at bee farm

If you are looking for a sweet stop, visit Planet Bee Honey Farm. Families can take a self-guided outdoor tour of their bee friendly learning gardens – scan their QR codes for facts, videos and more!

Inside children can watch the bees hard at work at their glass observatory hive. Nearby, their kids’ corner includes coloring sheets, informational posters, and quick facts that will entertain all ages while adults can browse the shop, taste honey or sip Honeymoon Mead.

3. Explore the exhibits at the Okanagan Science Centre

child at science centre

Looking for indoor activities to keep the kids entertained? Little scientists can take advantage of Vernon’s very own Okanagan Science Centre and view their permanent and everchanging exhibits.

Children can explore the centre at their own pace while learning through hands on displays.

4. Experience Allan Brooks Nature Centre

nature centre with kids playing

From the moment you enter the Allan Brooks Interpretive Centre, it’s an opportunity for kids of all ages to reconnect with nature.

In their Discovery Room, try to spot the queen bee in their bee observatory and measure your wingspan.  Next door in their Habitat Room, press the buttons to hear audio of what you would typically hear in nature.

Afterwards, head outdoors where children can climb and play on their Nature Playground, walk around the Grasslands Trail, and enjoy the gardens and viewpoints.

5. Take a step back in time at Historic O’Keefe Ranch

family walking up to heritage house

Vernon is full of history and little ones can learn about the past at Historic O’Keefe Ranch. In October, O’Keefe Ranch is open on Saturdays and Sundays for Family Daze in the Corn Maze.

Families can tour the grounds by foot or take a wagon ride, get lost in their corn maze, and meet some of their farm animals.

The highlight for our family was the model train railway and the general store – yes, they sell candy!

6. Burn off energy at a local playground

kid playing on slide in playground

Vernon offers more than 40 playgrounds to explore and there is no better time to visit a new playground than in the fall. 

It’s the perfect temperature to spend a morning or afternoon outside climbing ladders, flying down the slides, or swinging to new heights.

7. Shop for fresh produce at the Vernon Farmers’ Market

veggies at farmer's market

Even the pickiest eaters will love the fresh produce from the Vernon Farmers’ Market. This is a great opportunity to teach your children where food comes from and learn about the types of produce in-season.

The Vernon Farmers’ Market is open on Mondays and Thursdays until October 31.

Whether you are a local or a tourist, Vernon offers a variety of things to do with kids this Fall.

Article and images by Okanagan Family Fun.
Raquel Meriam is the founder of OkanaganFamilyFun.com – a website packed with family-fun activities, events, and resources from Enderby to Osoyoos. Born and raised in the North Okanagan, Raquel now resides in Penticton with her husband Rylan and three girls.