Things to Do with Kids in Kamloops

With more than 100 lakes and various rivers in the area, Kamloops is a family dream destination for outdoor adventure. Canoeing, boating, swimming, and fishing all abound here, along with loads of other fun family activities that will have your kids clamouring for more. If you are visitors to the area and want to try your hand at fishing, check out the Kamloops Visitor’s Center Go Fish BC Rod Loan Program, which allows you and your family to borrow rods with reels and basic tackle at no charge.

25 FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN KAMLOOPS

BRITISH COLUMBIA WILDLIFE PARK

Home to more than 40 species of birds and animals, this is the perfect day out for kids who love the outdoors and wildlife. With opportunities to view animals like Arctic Wolves, Bobcats, Cougars, Bison, Mountain Goats, a variety of reptiles, bears, birds of prey, raccoons, geese, and so many more, every child will enjoy their time here. The Discovery Center is a great place to start your day, and if you want to take a break, there is a café on-site. Check out the available guided tours and private experiences. Details

KAMLOOPS HERITAGE RAILWAY

Some summer fun that will turn your kids into train lovers, an outing to the Heritage Railway is a must do if you are in the Kamloops area. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, your family can enjoy a ride on this one of a kind steam locomotive. The ride itself is about an hour long, and you never know who you may encounter during your journey, there are lots of characters who may join you to create an unforgettable adventure. Fare includes the train ride, entertainment, snack and a drink. Check the website for Ghost train days in the fall, and Christmas trains in December. Details

RIVERSIDE PARK

Home to the Variety Kids Centennial Water Park, this park is great for kids of all ages as a place to spend the summer months. Take a picnic and enjoy lunch at one of the many sites, take a stroll along the beach, let your kids have fun on the playground, take a dip in the water, or play a game of lawn bowling. There is definitely enough here to keep your children busy all day long. Details

BIG LITTLE SCIENCE CENTER

An incredible place to get your kids to complete some hands-on experiments and experiences. With three rooms with 140 stations to explore and enjoy, children can learn while they play. For science minded kids, or those who are adventurous and curious, this may be the right destination for them. Shows are available for all ages, and exhibits change, so there are many reasons to return again and again. Details

HARPER MOUNTAIN

Winter fun at its best, this is a snow filled day of excitement for all ages. Skiing and snowboarding runs abound on over 400 acres of snow covered terrain. Lessons are available in groups or private, and rentals are available on-site for those who don’t have their own. If your kids are not in the mood for downhill action on skis or boards, check out the Snow Town Tube Park, which will have them flying down the mountain on one of the provided tubes. Details

JUMP 360 TRAMPOLINE PARK

Jump parks are swiftly becoming a new favourite activity of kids of all ages. Kids can challenge themselves as they are enjoying the trampolines, slides and rope swings. Safe activities that will stretch your kids experiences and let them have tons of fun without the worry of hurting themselves. Kids under three years of age jump free with a paying parent, and activities are appropriate for kids from 2 to 92. Details

KAMLOOPS MUSEUM

If you need some time indoors on a rainy day, grab your kids and check out the Kamloops Museum. Guided tours of the exhibits are available at an additional cost and take your family through the interesting history of the area. Otherwise, check out the exhibits on your own. Kids will love the chance to see how the fur traders lived or discover the history of the natives in the area. Details

LIL MONKEYS TREEHOUSE

If your child is aged 10 and younger, this destination will give them the opportunity to discover and explore an amazing indoor playground. Kids favourite foods are available at the on-site café, and parents will refuel on coffee or tea for themselves. Buy a monthly or yearly pass if your kids love it! Details

PIONEER PARK BEACH

Located right along the South Thompson River, this park offers a nice beach to relax on during the summer months. Take a dip in the water, build sand castles, and enjoy a picnic. If your kids want a bit more activity, take a walk along the trails here. There is a boat launch located here as well, so it is a good place to start a water adventure. Details

OVERLANDER PARK BEACH

Right where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet you will find this nice little park. Spend the day with your kids on the beach, playing, swimming, or just relaxing. Beach volleyball courts and tennis courts are available for those kids who want to challenge their friends or family. A walking trail takes you along the river bank that eventually leads into the 40-kilometer-long River Trail. Details

ERIN VALLEY RIDING STABLES

An opportunity to view the area in a unique way, trail rides are available here. No experience is necessary as your rides are accompanied by an experienced wrangler. Horse loving kids will be in their element here as your ride takes your family out to experience the surrounding wilderness. For families that live in the area, kids can also take lessons here. Details

KENNA CARTWRIGHT NATURE PARK

Put on some walking shoes or grab your bikes and head out with your family to enjoy the wetland areas of this park. There are over 40 kilometres of gentle trails here within the largest municipal park in the province. Trails may be closed during severe weather, winter conditions, or because of forest fires, so check the website before heading out. For lovely days, bring along a picnic to complete your experience. Details

PETERSON CREEK NATURE PARK

A perfect place to have a family BBQ or picnic, relax and enjoy this outdoor area with your kids and other family members. Take a stroll along one of the many trails and enjoy a fantastic viewpoint with beautiful scenery. This area is good for kids who love to hike and already have some experience with some harder trails. Inclines can be steep on some routes, so make sure you choose the appropriate one from the information provided. Details

FUN AND GAMES

Time to try out some laser tag in the fantasy world full of fog, black lights and laser beams. Or perhaps your kids are into the three-dimensional environment of Virtual Reality. Maybe they want to spend some time playing all sorts of games to win tickets to trade for cool prizes. Whatever their interest, children will have an amazing time at this indoor game facility. Details

SCOOPZ ICE CREAM PARLOUR

Open 7 days a week from April to September, your family will find their favourite ice cream and sorbets, among new tastes at this neighbourhood ice cream shop. With rave reviews, this place can get busy, but we guarantee you will love anything that you get here. Serving the famous Foothills Creamery Ice Cream, the servings are big and the selections will have each of your kids begging for more. Details

KAMLOOPS LAKE

You can find Kamloops Lake just west of the city, along the Thompson River. This lake is quite warm, which makes it a great place for swimming. A popular boat launch area, this lake is perfect for canoeing, boating, sailing and other watersports. Your kids can enjoy fishing for trout here as well. Details

THE ZOO ICE CREAM PARLOUR and CREPERIE

If your kids love crepes, this is a great place for a snack, treat or meal. Served with homemade vanilla ice cream, the fruit crepes may be a good choice, or perhaps kids will love to try the Nutella and banana crepes, served just like they do in France. Along with the crepes, there is a good selection of ice cream and other sweet treats. Details

EDITH LAKE

Just 20 minutes outside the city you will find Edith Lake. Stocked with both brook trout and rainbow trout, this makes this a great place for your kids to try their hand at fishing. Brook trout are best fished from the shoreline, so you don’t even need a boat. During the winter your family can also enjoy ice fishing. If you like, take a canoe or a paddleboard, as this small lake is a good beginners paddle area. Details

SECWEPEMC MUSEUM & HERITAGE PARK

Take your kids on a journey back in time and experience the culture of the Secwepemc people through this interesting museum and Heritage Park. The museum holds unique artifacts and old photos that will intrigue your kids. The 5-hectare Heritage Park includes the archaeological remains of a 2,000-year-old Secwepemc winter village site, which features 4 reconstructed winter pit-houses, and summer tule mat lodges. Kids will love the mixture of history and outdoors at this unique site. Details

BOWLERTIME 5 PIN BOWLING CENTER

Children of all ages will love to get out and spend a couple of hours bowling at this fun center. Check out their Toonie Nights to save yourself some money or spend a couple of hours glowing at the weekends cosmic bowling times. 5-pin bowling is a great way to get your kids started with this fun sport, as the balls are just the right size to fit little hands. Details

CANADA GAMES AQUATIC CENTER

Spend some time in the water at the Aquatics Center, with its long course and short course pools, three levels of diving boards, hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms. Kids will have a blast on the spiral waterslide, the Pelican Slide and the waterfalls. A good activity on any day for any age. Details

FALCON LANES BOWLING

A family fun center that offers both 10-pin bowling and 5-pin bowling, so perfect for all ages and abilities. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, families can enjoy the black light cosmic bowling. Take advantage of the inexpensive rates on Sunday nights to treat your kids to a fun night out. Details

FOX HUNT

A completely exciting and unique activity that will have your entire family racing. Put on your comfortable shoes, grab a fully charged smartphone and head out for your family fun time. Rain or shine, this creative mixture of scavenger hunt, amazing race style activities, and escape room puzzles will have your kids hopping. Best run with a team of 4 to 6 players, your team needs to get the most points in a 90-minute race. The team will be provided with a backpack with fun props to help you figure out the challenges. Details

FUN FACTOR AMUSEMENT CENTRE

Head on out for a day of fun and family time at the Fun Factor. Kids will enjoy the laser tag in the 1800 square foot arena, the 9-hole pirate themed mini golf course, the interactive laser maze, and the arcade. With vintage arcade and pinballs machines mixed with fun, new skill challenging games, there are opportunities for kids to earn tickets to redeem for prizes. Details

CLIFFSIDE CLIMBING GYM

Introduce your children to the world of climbing and bouldering at this center. It is so much easier than you might think and kids of all ages will love the challenge. With over 60 climbing routes and 50 bouldering options, this is a perfect outing for kids of all levels and abilities. Details
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