The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia has so much to explore outdoors and there’s something for everyone – families included! Here are some awesome things to do and places to see in the Okanagan Valley with your kids in the month of July. Happy Adventuring!
1. Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday!
On July 1st we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday! There are going to be fun events and celebrations throughout the Okanagan Valley to commemorate this special sesquicentennial year.
VERNON will be holding Canada Day activities at Polson Park and fireworks at Kin Beach in the evening. Or visit Davison Orchard from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for Free Johnny Popper Tours (see schedule).
KELOWNA is planning over fifty activities and performances that will be taking place at Waterfront Park, Jim Stuart Park, Kerry Park and Prospera Place. To find out more about this huge community festival visit Celebrate Canada Day – Kelowna. Or how about celebrating Canada Day at BIG WHITE SKI RESORT! There’s going to be a FREE scavenger hunt on the hill.
PEACHLAND will be kicking off their Canada Day celebration with a Beach Run! Kids aged 6 and older can join in too (Register Here!). For more information about the rest of their activities see their schedule.
SUMMERLAND is hosting a Canada Day Picnic at Memorial Park. There will be FREE cake, BBQ foods, ice cream and pop and activities for kids (see schedule).
PENTICTON is having a Canada 150 Music Festival at Gyro Park with a fireworks display over Okanagan Lake at night.
OKANAGAN FALLS will have fun activities for the whole family at Kenyon Park (see schedule), and KALEDEN will be hosting activities at Pioneer Park (see schedule).
OLIVER is inviting everyone out to it’s annual FREE pancake breakfast at the Oliver Community Centre from 8:30 to 10:30am followed by a loonie swim at their outdoor community pool (see schedule).
OSOYOOS is gearing up for its 66th Annual Cherry Fiesta which will wrap up with some of the best fireworks in BC!!
2. Hike the new Chopaka Lookout Trail at Mount Kobau
As temperatures down in the Okanagan Valley start to heat up, locals and tourists gravitate towards our beautiful lakes to keep cool. Another way to escape the heat is to drive up into the surrounding mountains and enjoy a hike at higher altitude. Mount Kobau, which is located north-west of Osoyoos, BC, is a great spot to enjoy some cool mountain air and go for an family-friendly 3 km hike with amazing views of the surrounding valley. Click the link for more information about this hike: Hiking Mount Kobau: The (New) Chopaka Lookout Trail.
3. Go Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
SUP with kids is a lot of fun. If you and your kids are new to SUP find a quiet spot on a calm day (no wind) to try it out. You can rent SUP boards for kids and adults from a rental shop. I suggest starting with a one hour rental the first time out unless your kids are keeners. Children that are too young to paddle can sit on an adult board and enjoy the ride.
Check out my post: Paddleboarding with Kids in the Okanagan Valley: Tips and Rental Locations
4. Pick Your Own Cherries!
Cherry season is getting started and this year the Okanagan is expecting a record amount of cherries, 12 million pounds! There are plenty of places to pick your own cherries throughout the valley – just follow the signs. Whether it’s someone’s backyard or a favourite u-pick get out there and pick some cherries. Here are some popular spots for cherry picking:
VERNON
KELOWNA
SUMMERLAND
BETWEEN OLIVER AND OSOYOOS
5. Enjoy a picnic at Linden Gardens or Summerland Ornamental Gardens
Making a special trip to Linden Gardens (Kaleden, BC) or Summerland Ornamental Gardens (Summerland, BC) for a picnic is a perfect way to enjoy a summer’s afternoon. Slow down and smell the flowers, bring some books to read or just lay on the grass and watch the clouds float by.