When school’s out for summer, that means family vacations are on the horizon.
The resort town of Osoyoos, B.C. is a fantastic summer destination for families planning a getaway together.
Once you arrive and get comfortable at one of the resorts or campgrounds in the region, it’ll be time to start filling your days in the sun.
To help with your planning, we’ve pulled together eight kid-friendly activities which are sure to enhance your family vacation plans.
Spend the day at Rattlesnake Canyon amusement park
Rattlesnake Canyon is a must for any family visiting Osoyoos, and you will want to be sure to allot a few hours at least, as the amusement park is full of things to do.
You can pay for individual activities or get wristbands that allow access to the whole park.
Rattlesnake Canyon features mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, a rock climbing wall, amusement rides like the tilt-a-whirl, a trampoline bungee tree, a video game arcade and much more!
With all the activities, you will undoubtedly need a snack so make sure you plan on trying one of the 48 different flavours of ice cream they have available on-site.
Learn More About Rattlesnake Canyon
Take a bounce on the Osoyoos Wibit
Inflatable Water Park.
Three words that don’t need much more of an explanation. The Osoyoos Wibit Splash Park is anchored on the warm waters of Osoyoos Lake and boasts climbing walls, monkey bars, slides, trampolines and more!
The Osoyoos Wibit is located at Gyro Beach at the bottom of Main Street in Osoyoos and is for anyone ages 5 and up. It should be noted that children 5-8 require an adult chaperone to go out on the structure with them.
Book Your Wibit Experience Here
Learn About Indigenous Culture at Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is a great way to spend part of the day with the family, learning about the Osoyoos Indian Band and the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation.
The 1,600-acre desert conservation area and state-of-the-art cultural centre is a place where you can discover the desert ecology and wildlife, hear the legends of Sen’klip (Coyote) in two multi-sensory theatres, meet interpreters who give daily trail walks, see eye-to-eye with a Western Rattlesnake and experience the beauty of Nk’Mip’s sage and antelope-brush environment.
Walking tours are given daily that will show the traditional way of life of the Osoyoos Indian Band. You can also catch their “Snakes Alive” show which allows you to see snakes up close while also learning about different species and their habitats.
Learn More About Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Experience the Living Ecosystem at the Osoyoos Desert Centre
Similar to the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, the Osoyoos Desert Centre is the perfect place to explore this unique ecosystem safely and up close.
Take a guided or self-guided stroll along the Centre’s 1.5 km boardwalk amid the semi-arid, antelope-brush ecosystem — one of Canada’s most rare, fragile and endangered ecosystems.
During your visit, there is a good chance you will see some of the incredible wildlife species that inhabit the Osoyoos region as well. From bears to birds to bobcats to big horn sheep there are countless animals that live in this habitat and the Desert Centre is a great place to learn more about them.
Learn More about the Osoyoos Desert Centre
Rent a Boat or Board at Wakepilot
Wakepilot is your family’s key to access all the watersports on Osoyoos Lake.
Don’t worry if you don’t have your own boat, Wakepilot will take you out on their watercrafts, whether you are looking to try wake surfing or wakeboarding behind a power boat or go for a leisurely float on a pontoon.
You can also rent kayaks, E-Foils, Sea-Doos or, our personal favourite, Stand-Up Paddleboards. We recommend getting a couple of paddleboards and going exploring along the shorelines with the family!
Wakepilot has three different rental locations situated around the lake.
Learn More and Book Your Wakepilot Experience
Cool Down at Scoopsies Treat Shop
You may have seen the vibrant pink sign for Scoopsies as you drive down Main Street, but if you have yet to ever stop in, it is an absolute must for families with children.
Not only is it loaded with sweets and cool treats that will refresh you on a hot day, but the ice-cream parlour interior is an extremely fun environment to have a snack, only made better by the extremely lovely staff.
You are sure to love their ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, cupcakes, baked goods and candy enough that you might even stop by more than once during your stay.
Oh ya, they also have a Zoltar.
Learn More about Scoopsies Treat Shop
Get Wet at the Osoyoos Splash Park
Osoyoos Lake and beaches are always a great time, but if you are looking to change things up then why not venture over to the Jack Shaw Gardens Splash Park?
Located at Jack Shaw Gardens off of Kingfisher Drive, the Osoyoos Splash Park is across from Legion Beach in Osoyoos and provides family-friendly entertainment (and a way to beat the heat!). The splash park combines the sensations of water movements and interactive play elements in a safe “zero-depth” water play area.
The park has a variety of water features that are sure to keep families entertained for a while.
Learn More about the Jack Shaw Gardens Splash Park
Take in a Barrel Race at Desert Park Equine Facility
Racing has returned once again to Desert Park in 2023! The excitement is scheduled to take place on various Friday nights throughout the summer.
Watch the horse races as you enjoy hotdogs and snacks, a beer garden, and more!
Check out Desert Park Equine Facility & Racetrack or visit desertpark.ca for details and a full schedule.
