Kelowna is known for outdoor adventure—swimming, paddling, cycling and hiking in summer, and skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking in winter. But sometimes Mother Nature throws a curve ball, such as a downpour or blustery snowstorm. When that happens, seek adventure indoors at the following spots.
H2O Centre
With a wave pool, FlowRider surf simulator, three water slides, a spray park and a lazy river, you can’t beat an afternoon at this water park located in the Mission neighbourhood. Family admission includes access to everything, plus the hot tubs, steam room, change rooms and fitness centre.
EnergyPlex
Between SkyTrax, a climbing wall, Laser Tag, and an Energy Cube climbing structure with tunnels, slides and a ball pit, there are multiple ways for kids to get their ya-yas out at this activity centre. They can also try laser tag or the SkyTrax ropes course for an additional cost. Meanwhile, parents can kick back with a latte at the café, a beer at the bar, or play some games in the arcade!
Arcadia Virtual Reality Lounge
When you step into Arcadia, you and the family are fully immersed in an experience that combines the 80s-style arcade with a glimpse at the future. This virtual reality lounge is fun for the whole family. They offer eight booths with state-of-the-art computer systems, headsets, and controls for your gaming needs. Not only that, Arcadia offers a Hyper Reality Experience, which is a three-player shared space where you can walk through the game. Yes, you can bond with your loved ones over a game of fighting zombies!
Bowling
Bowling at McCurdy Bowling Centre - Photo: Matt Ferguson
See if you can get a strike or a spare at a few bowling lanes around town. McCurdy Bowling Centre has 5- or 10-pin lanes, plus an on-site brewpub that serves craft beer and classic snacks like poutine for parents and chicken fingers for the kids. Capri Bowling Lanes kicks it old school with 5-pin lanes and laser bowling, while BNA offers 10-pin lanes inside a craft brewery downtown.
Escape Rooms
Bust off a desert island or escape from a creepy cellar at one of Kelowna’s escape rooms, such as Exit Kelowna. This family-friendly pastime challenges groups of players to solve puzzles and discover clues to outwit the game master and escape within the time limit (usually an hour).
Scandia Golf & Games
Play mini golf year round on the Indoor Jungle Golf course at Scandia Golf & Games amusement centre on Hwy. 97. There’s also a huge arcade with over 140 video games. If the weather clears up, head outdoors for go-karts, batting cages and an 18-hole outdoor mini golf course.
Axe Monkeys
Work out your anger over the gloomy weather with some axe throwing at Axe Monkeys. Kelowna’s only axe throwing facility has nine indoor lanes where parents and kids can learn tips from a trainer, then practice their technique by repeatedly hurling the axe of their choice into a wooden bulls-eye target.
