Kelowna, the British Columbia town found on the shores of Lake Okanagan, is known for its rustic beauty and scenery. Kelowna is a top destination for winter sports, but that’s not all this charming, pretty city has to offer. Here are some of our favorite things to do with kids in Kelowna…and no, Ogopogo sighting isn’t on the list!

Festivals and Annual Events. Kelowna has a lively festival scene. Some of the most popular ones are the Kelowna Regatta, the Kelowna Hydrofest, and the Center of Gravity Festival.

H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre. (http://www.h2okelowna.com/) H2O is the biggest publicly-owned water park in all of Canada, providing wet and wild fun for all ages. H2) has everything, including Canada’s first FlowRider, where surfers can hang 10 on manmade waves!

Rutlands Lion Park. This local park, found at 175 Gray Road in Kelowna, has a fantastic array of playground equipment, with a special area put aside for young kids. Pack a lunch and enjoy the great outdoors, right in the middle of downtown! And it’s free!

Lake Okanagan. This big and beautiful expanse of water is surrounded by natural beaches that beckon vacationers. You can rent bikes, canoes, scooters, horses, paddleboats and anything else to get around on land or water, camp out, picnic, and soak up the sun during the long, lazy warm spring and summer months on Lake Okanagan’s shores.

Scandia Golf and Games. (www.scandiagolfandgames.com) This indoor/outdoor family fun center has everything necessary for a fantastic time with the kids: more than 130 games and rides of all kinds, including a roller-coaster simulator, the biggest miniature golf course in Canada designed in a natural and beautiful setting, bumper cars, and much more!

Allan Brooks Nature Centre. (www.abnc.ca) The Allan Brooks Nature Centre is where the unique and diverse environment and natural heritage of the North Okanagan area is put on display.

Okanagan Amusements. (http://www.okanaganamusements.com/) This old-fashioned amusement park has the ultimate in family fun at reasonable prices. Everyone will love the go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, mini-golf and more.

Ruckers. (www.ruckerskamloops.ca) This family fun center has games and activities for everyone, young or old. Whether you want arcade, action, video or something completely different, Ruckers in Kamloops (right outside of Kelowna) has it all. Earn points toward cool prizes, have parties, or just have fun!