It is time for fall family fun! Early fall is our favourite time of year - Kelowna still gets plenty of sunshine hours and the average daytime high is in the upper 'teens. Because of the moderated temperatures, late September and October is an ideal time to get outside with the kids.

Friday

^{Paynter's Fruit Market. Photo: Wines of British Columbia}

Arriving Friday afternoon? Start your weekend off at an orchard with the kids. Stroll through the lush trees and pick delicious apples at Griffin Farms in West Kelowna and stock up on a healthy snack for your weekend! They are open until 5 pm on Fridays. Our kids’ favourite apples are the gala variety - they are crispy and known for their sweet flavour.

If you’re arriving into town around supper time and still looking to pick up some locally grown fresh fruits and veggies before checking into your accommodations, you can visit Paynter’s Fruit Market as they are open until 7 pm during the fall season. With a family-friendly patio at the back of the market that offers sidewalk chalk as well as mini tables and chairs, the kids can also burn off some energy meandering through the rows of fruit trees.

Saturday

^{Myra Canyon. Photo: Matt Ferguson Photography}

If you happen to be visiting mid-October, the Larch trees start to change colour from green to yellow and provide colourful scenic rides at the Myra Canyon Trestles. We recommend taking a bike to make sure you can see all of the trestles - though hiking and walking with the littles is also a great way to explore. No bike? No problem! The Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals & Tours is located at the Myra Station parking lot and will be open until October 15 this year. Full day and half day rentals are available starting at 9 am.

On your way back from the canyon, stop by McMillan Farms to wander through the pumpkin patches, hop on a hayride or go through a corn maze! Our kids also love visiting and feeding the pigs, donkeys, chickens, and goats! There is also a food truck on site if you’re feeling hungry after your bike ride.

^{Sperling Vineyards Labyrinth. Photo: Ken Hagen}

We also recommend stopping at Sperling Vineyards. They have a grapevine labyrinth that you can walk through! This winery caters to families with children - they even have a play-space for the kids to climb on. After grabbing your wine for dinner, head down the road to Don-O-Ray Farms. If your little ones are animal-lovers, there is a petting zoo that is open until the end of October. Also at the farm is a 7000 square-foot hedge maze that is stroller-friendly to challenge the whole family.

Sunday

^{Salmon spawning channel at Mission Creek. Photo: ARK Media}

Before heading home, make your trip an educational one and learn about the Kokanee Salmon at Mission Creek Regional Park. As a major tributary of Okanagan Lake, thousands of fish return to the spawning channel along Mission Creek every fall, and you can learn more about them at the park’s Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan. Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10am to 3pm, the centre offers interpretive displays, park staff to answer your questions, and kids can also sign out discovery backpacks full of information and activities that inspire outdoor exploration.

Where to Stay?

^{Comfort Suites Kelowna.}

What’s also great about visiting during the off-season is that many hotels are easier on the wallet. When we travel as a family, we often look for accommodations with an onsite pool and we compiled a list of Kelowna area hotels where you can splash around here.  

Indoor Activities

^{Games at Energyplex.} 

In the off-chance that weather doesn’t work in your favour during your visit, Kelowna is also home to indoor options for families. Our kids love the H20 Adventure + Fitness Centre, Canada’s largest municipal waterpark. There are a few waterslides to choose from, as well as a lazy river, and a wave pool! If you have kids over 107cm or 42 inches tall, they can also try surfing on the FlowRider surf machine. Check their website for latest schedule and operating hours. Don’t forget your ID, as all adults require photo identification for entry.

Scandia Golf & Games and Energyplex are two other great choices for an inside day with children. There is an indoor jungle mini golf course and a large arcade at Scandia where you can also win cool prizes with redemption tickets. Across the street from Scandia is the Energyplex where the kids can sprint around a 4-level jungle gym, play arcade games, play laser tag or go rock climbing.