September has arrived and I have to confess it’s one of my favourite months of the year here in the Okanagan Valley. Schools are back in session, the peak of tourist season has passed and locals are frequenting their favourite haunts once again. September is typically an extension of summer here, warm sunny days with cooler night. It’s like a second summer, and if you want to visit the Okanagan this is one best times of the year to come.
I’ve rounded a fun list of family-friendly outdoorsy things to do and places to see in the Okanagan Valley for the month of September. Free free to share your favourite September outdoorsy activities in the comments section below. Happy Adventuring!
1. Freakn’ Fun for the Whole Family!
Freakn’ Farmer Adventure Obstacle Race (Oliver, BC – September 23, 2017)
Mud, water and a ton of freakn’ fun obstacles, yes please! The Freakn’ Farmer Adventure Obstacle Race is a must do obstacle race for the entire family. There are three kid categories: Mini Freak’n Farmer (ages 3-6), Freak’n Little Farmer (ages 6-12) and a 5 km race (ages 13-16), and three adult categories: 5 km, 10 km and 20 km. My kids are going on their fifth year of taking part in this event and hand-down it’s their favourite race.
The Freakn’ Farmer takes place at the beautiful Covert Farms, just north of Oliver, BC. For more information or to register for the race visit the race website.
2. Get Those Little Legs Peddling.
Big White Ski Resort Shimano Kids Bike Race (FREE Kelowna, BC – September 02, 2017)
Bring the kids (ages 2-12) up to Big White Ski Resort (Kelowna, BC) for the Shimano Kids Bike Race race. There will be three categories: push bikes, training wheels and two wheelers (such great categories!). Registration is FREE and start at noon at the guest service desk. There will also be a FREE kids carnival in the village. For more information visit their website of Facebook page.
3. Join the Baldy Marathon Kids Fun Run.
Baldy Marathon Kids Fun Run (FREE Oliver, BC – October 1st, 2017)
The first ever Baldy Marathon will take place along the scenic Okanagan River in Oliver, BC. This race isn’t just for adults! Kids (ages 3-12) get to do their very own Fun Run for FREE. Parents can register their kids on Saturday, September 30th 1-7pm at the Oliver Visitors Centre or on October 1st between 11:45 am and 12:45 pm on location (Festival of the Grapes). The Fun Run will have three categories 500m (ages 3-5), 750m (ages 6-8) and 1 km (ages 9-12), will take place in the Oliver Community Park and finish under the same finisher’s arch as the adult run. All children are winners and will get a goody bag at the end. For more information visit: Baldy Marathon.
4. Take Part in RespectFest 2017
RespectFest 2017 (FREE Vernon, BC – September 18 – 24, 2017)
RespectFest 2017 is a week long celebration of respect and diversity in the North Okanagan as part of the Canada 150 celebrations. There will be multicultural celebrations, public art workshops and various events that are fun and family friendly. Here are a few fun FREE outdoorsy events for the whole family:
Pollinators of the Okanagan: FREE, Pre-Registration Required, Okanagan Science Centre, Vernon, BC September 21, 2017, 6:00-7:00pm
Indigenous Roots of Our Region: FREE, Pre-Registration Recommended, Allan Brooks Nature Centre, Vernon, BC
September 22, 2017, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Fly a Kite!: FREE, Allan Brooks Nature Centre, September 23, 2017, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Raptor Flight Demonstration: FREE, Pre-Registration Required, Allan Brooks Nature Centre, September 24, 2017, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
5. Watch Epic Adventures
Penticton Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2017 (Cleland Community Theatre, September 20, 2017)
I still remember the first time I watched a Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. It was the year Ueli Steck free climbed the Eiger in 2008. What an amazing feat! The world tour is a collection of short films from the adventuring world of journeys through remote areas, epic expeditions and adrenaline packed adventures. The stories are bound to make you hold your breath in anticipation, grip your chair in fear and shed happy tears, sometimes all at once. It’s a must see experience. Tickets are $25 per person and available at The Bike Barn, Peach City Runners, and True Outdoors.
6. Enjoy A FREE Movie Under the Stars
Bring the kids for a final FREE family-friendly movies under the starts for this year. Don’t forget your blankets!
Starlight Movie Night: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Oliver Parks & Recreation, 6359 Park Drive Oliver, BC, September 8, 2017 8:00 – 11:00 pm More info
Prospera Cinema Under The Stars Film: Moana
Okanagan Lake Park, Penticton, BC, September 15, 2017 6:00 – 8:00 pm More info
Prospera Cinema Under The Stars Film: Beauty and the Beast
DND Soccer Fields, 2950 15th Avenue, Vernon, BC. September 16, 2017 6:00 – 8:00 pm More info
7. Learn about Bird Migration and Conservation
Family Day at the Bird Observatory, Vaseux Lake Bird Observatory (September 24, 2017)
The Vaseux Lake Bird Observatory is hosting a Family Day at the Bird Observatory. Come and learn about conservation, migration in a fun and interactive way. For more information check the event Facebook Page.
8. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Veggies!
The Okanagan Valley is bursting at the seams with fresh fruit and veggies in September. Pick your own blackberries, strawberries and tomatoes at Secrest Organic U-Pick (Covert Farms) or how about visiting Matheson Creek Farm just south of Penticton, BC to buy some of their delicious apples. Hit up the local Farmers’ Market to fill your (reusable bags) . If you have any spare time, preserve some of this Okanagan goodness for the months to come.
9. Bike the Kettle Valley Rail Trail
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail follows abandoned railbeds that wind their way throughout south-interior of British Columbia. There are several popular stretches of the KVR in the Okanagan Valley and September is a great month to go and explore these trails with kids.
Biking the Kettle Valley Railway Trail: Chute Lake to Penticton