Kid-Friendly Vacations

Spring comes early in Vernon. After a long winter, it is time to dust off the suitcases and get the family ready for a spring getaway in the sunny Okanagan. Pursue a new point of view as the season changes with these 5 must-do activities to add to your spring bucket list.

1. Learn about Wildlife and Nature

The best place to learn about the different creatures, plants and wildlife in Vernon is at the Allan Brooks Nature Centre, where you can walk the grassland trails, take in the views and see the interpretive exhibits. Don’t forget to check out Marmot City and see the furry creatures sun bathing on the rock. Visit Planet Bee Honey Farm for a tasty and educational spot to learn about the wonderful world of bees and taste 10+ flavours of homemade honey. On a rainy or cooler day, head indoors to visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum where you can see over 350 mounted species of animals native to the Okanagan and Canada.

2. Explore the Trails Capital of BC

Did you know the Greater Vernon area is the official trails capital of BC? The Vernon area is home to some of the best hiking trails and spring is the perfect time to explore them. Soak in the views of the city, mountains and lakes as you hear the birds chirping and see the flowers blossoming. A couple family-friendly routes to start with include the Grey Canal Trail and Ellison Provincial Park.

3. Say "Hi" to the Baby Farm Animals

The kids will love stepping back in time with a visit to Historic O’Keefe Ranch. Some must-see activities include visiting the farm animals, watching the metal smith in action and visiting the old-time candy store. The whole family will love a stop at Davison Orchards opening May 2^nd this year. Enjoy a tractor ride into the apple orchard on the Johnny Popper. Meet 4 generations of Davison farmers during the 90^th Anniversary Celebration on May 27^th.

4. See a Show

Check out a planetarium show at the Okanagan Science Centre where the kids can explore different aspects of space. Test your engineering skills in the makerspace, explore light, sound, energy and more in the gallery exhibits. For evening entertainment, check out the family-friendly events at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. The Vernon Towne Theatre showcases family-friendly matinees so check out their events calendar for the showings.

5. Go on an E-bike Adventure

Biking is a great way to go further and see more of the sights around the Vernon area. One of the most popular biking trails for all ages and abilities is the Okanagan Rail Trail. Mountain Biking is also a great way to keep the kids active and enjoy the outdoors. Ellison Provincial Park has lots of great short loops for beginner and intermediate riders. Need to rent a bike? Kalavida Surf Shop rents bikes for the Okanagan Rail Trail and cruising around the city.

Ready to book your Okanagan spring vacation? Check out our accommodations page to score a deal on a place to rest during your visit.