Looking for ways entertain the kids this Family Day weekend? Here are some options to get out of the house and make it one to remember.
1. Free activities and skating at the SOEC Plaza
Round up the kids for this free event at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Family Day (Monday, Feb. 19) between 12 noon and 3 p.m. Drop by for free hot chocolate, BBQ by donation, outdoor family games and a photo booth. If you bring your own skates, you can go for a skate ice at the SOEC. CSA-approved helmets or winter helmets are not mandatory but strongly recommended. Helmets and skates will not be available to rent. Kids (12 and under) must be accompanied by an adult/guardian.
2. Have a splash
For the first time since 2019, the Penticton Community Centre will be open between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The waterslide and lazy river will be available all day. Find out more about the pool at penticton.ca/pool.
3. Go for a skate on an outdoor rink
The Activate Penticton outdoor ice rink is open this weekend, offering ice skating in the heart of downtown Penticton, at 107 Martin Street, behind City Hall. Be sure to bring your own skates (no on-site rentals) and check out their website for the daily schedule. And if you see them, be sure to tip your hat the volunteers who fund, operate and maintain this rink.
There's also the outdoor rink at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, overlooking the beach and Okanagan Lake. This rink is open to the resort and the public, but be sure to call the front desk in advance to make sure the rink is open and not reserved for private skating. Again, you'll need to pack your own skates (no on-site rentals).
And thirdly, the adventure skating loop at Apex Mountain Resort is open (although double check in advance, since conditions can change quickly). This is a 1 km skating loop through the forest, with ice skates available to rent.
4. Snap a fabulous (and free) family photo
How would you like a new family photo to hang on the wall? The Penticton Public Library and the Penticton Museum & Archives is setting up a green screen with props to capture unique family photos. This will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, because both facilities will be closed on the public holiday. Book your free 45-minute appointment by calling 250-490-2451 or email museum@penticton.ca. Appointments start at 1 p.m.
5. Take part in a communal art project
Make your mark on a collaborative communal painting, organized by the Penticton Art Gallery and the Penticton & District Community Arts Council. Head to the Penticton Art Gallery on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., to join in the free festivities, including the canvas art project, which is open to all ages. Also, the tearoom space will host other creative activities such as rock painting and colouring pages. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.
6. Do some downhill skiing or tubing
Get up into the hills for fresh air & exercise! Apex Mountain Resort offers skiing & tubing. Rentals are available on the hill.
7. Free Nordic skiing event
And Nickel Plate Nordic Centre is hosting a Ski Playground Family Day event on Sunday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thanks to the Rainbow Outdoor Collective (ROC), the lessons, day pass and rentals are provided at no cost to you. The one requirement is to receive a coupon by clicking on this webpage. Otherwise, if you want to do some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on another day, they have snowshoes and skis available for rent).
8. Cheer on the home team: GO VEES GO!
Cheer on the Penticton Vees on home ice this weekend at the SOEC. Wear pink and soak up the energy of their "Pink the Rink" event on Friday, Feb. 16 as they take on the Vernon Vipers. They'll be back on Saturday, Feb. 17 to play against the West Kelowna Warriors.
9. Hit the KVR trails
Bike or walk the KVR Trail from Penticton to Naramata or head south to Okanagan Falls. Pack some hot chocolate and snacks and make a picnic stop. Wave hello to Alice, the T-Rex, if you pass her by!
10. See exotic animals
Get up close and personal with a huge display of reptiles, amphibians, arachnids and other small animals at the Wild Education at the Penticton Lakeside Resort from Saturday, Feb. 17 until Monday, Feb. 19.
... And more indoor activities
Here are some more ideas to entertain the kids. Call ahead to confirm opening hours:
- Do some bowling at RollNStones: They're open all weekend, including Monday.
- Do some family karaoke at the Hub on Martin on Sunday, Feb. 18, from 12:15-4:15 p.m. (No cover)
- Challenge your brains with an escape room adventure at Exit Penticton on Nanaimo Ave West.
- Catch a movie at Landmark Cinemas.
Did we miss one? Let us know! Email us at communications@penticton.ca