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Okanagan Lake in Penticton and the SS Sicamous

When most people think of the Okanagan Valley, they picture rolling vineyards, fruit stands bursting with cherries and peaches, and adults-only wine tours. But Penticton flips that idea on its head—it’s not just for grown-ups sipping wine on sunny patios. This small city, nestled between two lakes (Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake), is actually a dream destination for families.

What makes it so special? The sheer variety. One day you might be biking across historic trestles high above a canyon, and the next you’re floating lazily down a river with the kids giggling beside you. The town itself is compact and easy to navigate, and everything feels relaxed—even in the height of summer. Add in the stunning natural setting, family-friendly attractions, and a few hidden gems (like borrowing board games from the library!), and Penticton becomes one of those places that makes both kids and parents happy.

After spending time here with my family, I’ve rounded up some of our absolute favorite things to do in Penticton and the Okanagan Valley with kids.

Visiting Penticton and the Okanagan Valley with Kids

When most people think of the Okanagan Valley, they picture wineries, orchards, and warm summer days by the lake. But traveling here with kids? It’s even better. Penticton is one of those rare spots that balances outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and a relaxed vibe that makes parents happy too. After exploring with my own kids, here are some of our favorite highlights in Penticton and the surrounding Okanagan Valley.

Where to Stay?

When it came to deciding where to stay in Penticton, I was amazed by how many different options there were. The city sits between two beautiful lakes — Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south — and nearly every area has its own personality. Whether you want to be right on the beach, close to downtown restaurants, or tucked away somewhere quiet with a view, you’ll find a spot that fits your family’s style.

If you want to wake up and walk straight across the street to the sand, stay along Lakeshore Drive. This is the heart of Penticton’s lakefront, lined with hotels, motels, and vacation rentals that sit directly across from Okanagan Lake. You can rent bikes, stroll along the promenade, grab ice cream, and never be far from the water. The nicest place to stay on this strip — and probably in all of Penticton — is Penticton Lakeside Resort. It has everything you could want in a family getaway: a private beach, on-site dining, spacious rooms, and balconies overlooking the lake.

There are also plenty of smaller, more affordable motels and beachside stays along Lakeshore Drive, like Spanish Villa Resort, Shoreline Resort, and Kettle Valley Beach Resort. They’re simple, clean, and right across from the beach — perfect if you plan to spend most of your time outdoors anyway. You can also find apartment style suites with full kitchens in these spots.

Downtown Penticton is another great option if you want to be close to everything. From there, you can walk to restaurants, breweries, shops, and the Saturday Farmers Market. It’s a lively area, especially in summer, so if you like a bit of action and the convenience of being near it all, staying downtown makes sense.

The south end of town near Skaha Lake is a gem. The beaches there are more relaxed, with calm water that’s great for younger kids. There are grassy picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking paths — it feels more local, like the kind of place families go year after year. Driving between the two lakes is not more than 15 minutes, so you are never really far from anything in Penticton!

When we visited, we actually stayed up in West Bench, a quiet residential area perched above the city. It’s just a ten-minute drive to downtown, but it feels like you’re in another world — peaceful, surrounded by vineyards, and with sweeping views over the lake. We loved waking up to the sound of birds and having our morning coffee while watching the sun spill over the valley. It was a perfect base for us, giving us a bit of calm at the end of busy adventure-filled days.

If you have a car and want something really special, look just outside the city toward the Naramata Bench. It’s only about 15 minutes away but feels worlds apart, with rolling vineyards, boutique inns, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts overlooking the lake. It’s ideal for wine lovers or anyone who wants a slower pace and stunning scenery.

No matter where you stay, Penticton is small enough that you’re never far from the water. You can spend the morning swimming at Okanagan Lake, the afternoon exploring the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, and still make it back to your hotel in time for dinner and sunset on the beach.

We found Penticton to be one of those places where the accommodations really match the mood of the trip — laid-back, family-friendly, and full of small-town charm. Whether you stay lakeside, downtown, or up in the hills like we did, you’ll always be close to everything that makes this Okanagan gem such a fun family destination.

Bike the Myra Canyon Trestles

The Myra Canyon Trestles outside Kelowna is a bucket-list ride for families. This section of the historic Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) features 18 wooden trestle bridges and two tunnels, all perched along dramatic canyon walls. Yes, there are steep drop-offs along the route, but the trail itself is wide, flat, and well-maintained, so even kids can ride comfortably. Guard rails run along the edges, and as long as little riders know to stay centered on the trail, it feels very safe.

You can bring your own bikes or rent from a local outfitter near the trailhead (they’ll even deliver the bikes and helmets for you). Families often ride a shorter section, turning around after a handful of trestles, but the full loop is about 24 km round-trip. The views over the Okanagan Valley make every pedal stroke worthwhile.

Float the Penticton Channel with Coyote Cruises

On a hot summer day, nothing beats floating down the Penticton Channel. This lazy river winds from Okanagan Lake at the north end of town down to Skaha Lake in the south. With Coyote Cruises, you can rent tubes or rafts, hop on their shuttle bus, and let the current do the work. The float takes about 2–3 hours end to end, depending on water flow.

It’s family-friendly, but keep in mind that kids should wear life jackets (Coyote Cruises has them available). We packed a small cooler, tied it to our raft, and turned the float into a moving picnic. It’s one of those activities that’s both relaxing for parents and endlessly entertaining for kids.

Hike Mt. Nkwala

If your crew likes a challenge, Mt. Nkwala delivers. The trail is steep right from the start and continues to climb relentlessly. It’s not a long hike, but it’s a sweaty one—definitely not for the faint of heart! Older kids and teens who are comfortable with uphill climbs will find it rewarding, while younger kids may need extra encouragement (and snack breaks).

At the summit, the effort pays off with sweeping views over Penticton, Okanagan Lake, and Skaha Lake. Bring plenty of water, good shoes, and a sense of adventure. This is one hike where the accomplishment feels just as big as the view.

Explore the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR)

The KVR isn’t just a trail—it’s a piece of living history. Families can bike or hike sections of the old railbed right from Penticton, winding past orchards, vineyards, and lakes. It’s mostly flat, making it easy for kids to manage.

For a more classic experience, ride the KVR Steam Train in Summerland. This restored steam locomotive chugs through the valley on a 90-minute round-trip ride, complete with narration about the history of the railway. Kids love the sound of the whistle and the sight of the engine billowing smoke, while parents get a dose of nostalgia.

ZipZone in Peachland

For families with older kids or teens, ZipZone in Peachland is pure adrenaline. Known as one of the highest zipline parks in Canada, it sends you soaring across a deep canyon with the Okanagan landscape spread out below.

The staff are excellent at putting kids at ease, and there are different lines to suit varying comfort levels. My kids were nervous at first, but by the second run they were laughing and racing to go again. It’s a great way to break up days of lake lounging with something a little more adventurous.

Kid-Friendly Stops in Penticton

Frind Winery – Canada’s only beachfront winery. Parents can enjoy a tasting while the kids play by the sand and water. Bring a blanket and make it a picnic.
SS Sicamous – This restored sternwheeler turned museum sits right on Okanagan Lake. Kids love exploring the cabins, dining rooms, and captain’s quarters, imagining what it was like to travel by paddlewheeler.
Okanagan Lake Park – A family favorite thanks to the waterslides that drop right into the lake. It’s the perfect mix of beach and waterpark.
Patio Burger – A casual, family-friendly burger joint. Simple menu, tasty food, and picnic tables make it easy with kids.
Penticton Community Centre – A great rainy-day option. Their pool features a waterslide, lazy river, and shallow play areas for younger kids.
Penticton Museum & Archives – Don’t let the word “museum” scare off the kids—this one has an interactive kids’ zone where they can touch, play, and learn.
Penticton Public Library – Visitors can buy a one-month tourist card for $30 (you get $20 back when you return everything on time). The best part? You can borrow board games and video games—a lifesaver for quiet evenings in your rental.
Splat Room Penticton (found them on Facebook only)– On rainy days, this spot is genius. Kids (and adults!) throw paint at canvases and walls for an hour of messy fun, with zero cleanup for parents. We had a really good time and it was something different!

Why Penticton Works for Families

What makes Penticton shine as a family destination is the balance of adventure and relaxation. It’s rare to find a place where you can hike a mountain in the morning, float a river in the afternoon, and still have energy for waterslides or a museum visit before dinner. The activities are varied enough to keep kids of all ages engaged, but everything is close by—you’re never spending hours shuttling between attractions.

For my kids, the channel float and the waterslides into Okanagan Lake were the clear favorites. For me, biking Myra Canyon and sipping a glass of wine with lake views at Frind Winery hit the perfect mix of outdoorsy and relaxing.

If you’re planning a trip to the Okanagan Valley, don’t skip Penticton. It’s not just a stop between Kelowna and Osoyoos—it’s a destination in its own right. With sun, sand, history, adventure, and plenty of fun surprises for kids, Penticton is the kind of place where you can make summer memories that your family will still be talking about long after the trip is over.

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