Are you looking for a fun weekend activity that the kids will love? The beautiful and very family friendly city of Kamloops, B.C is such a fun place to explore with kids, both young and older. There is no shortage of parks, playgrounds, family friendly restaurants and cafes, and fun activities here for kids to explore for hours. If you are visiting or new to the city, or have lived here your whole life and are always looking for new things to do with the kids (like me), this is a nice list to start with. Of course there are many places beyond this list, and I would love to hear about them all! My daughter is turning 3 in a few days, and we have had so much fun visiting almost every place I’ve listed in this blog but because of the Covid19 pandemic, my little family has been exploring a LOT less, and keeping as safe as we can. But I am so excited and looking forward to when we can start going to these cool places again! And it goes without saying, it is important that if we are visiting these places during the pandemic, to continue to do so as safely as possible. 

        1. BC Wildlife Park

Everyone in this city knows that the BC Wildlife Park is such an awesome and fun way to spend a day with the kids, and there is something here for every age. The park is home to a huge range of animals native to British Columbia, many who were orphaned and rescued. As well as the amazing animals, there is a beautiful gallery, many interesting exhibits, the Wildlife Education Center, gift shop, café, and outdoor playground. I have been to the Wildlife Park so many times as a kid, and now it’s even more fun for me to bring my daughter and see her explore all the cool things it offers. Both parents and children will enjoy visiting this unique and educational attraction that Kamloops offers. 

Photo by Violet Manuel

        2. Lil Monkey’s Treehouse Indoor Playground 

This super fun play center is still temporarily closed because of the pandemic, as of the time I am writing this, but it absolutely has to be on this list because it is such a cool place to take the kids, both young and older. I took my daughter when she was one year old, and she had so much fun playing in the younger kids area, I can’t wait until we can go back when it reopens and she sees the amazing playground here. This is such a fun place to spend the afternoon, especially when the park is just a little too hot in the intense summer months here in Kamloops. And if your little one is hungry after all the fun they had, they have some yummy snacks and drinks to purchase, or you if you want more of a full meal you can visit the next place on my list 🙂

Image by Guidedby: https://guidedby.ca/businesses/lil-monkeys-treehouse/

        3. Cora’s 

Right next to the Lil Monkey’s Treehouse in the Aberdeen area of Kamloops, is the family friendly restaurant Cora’s. This colorful establishment is popular for many reasons, one of them being the bright and creative menu that appeals to both kids and adults. There is something on the menu for everyone, and has delicious sweet and savory options for breakfast and lunch. I have always had great experiences here, and my daughter especially loves the banana waffles! Unfortunately, we haven’t visited in person for a while, but there are take-out and delivery options available. This is such a nice place to have a meal with your kids, especially during a fun family outing.  

Photo by iheartradio: https://www.iheartradio.ca/newstalk-1010/shop-the-gta/cora-breakfast-1.11726509

        4. Sweet Home Café

Continuing on the subject of food, the Sweet Home Café located in the Aberdeen area of Kamloops, is actually a special place dedicated to entertaining kids. How cool is that? My daughter and I have yet to visit, but I have heard nothing but good things about the services and atmosphere of this kid friendly café. They offer a full dining and lounge area (this is currently affected by the covid19 pandemic and public health orders), and a supervised play area just for the kiddos. As well as a convenient drop in childcare service, so parents can run errands or attend appointments, that can sometimes be hard with a restless little one who would rather be playing and having fun. I can’t wait to visit this café to try their menu and see the play area! 

Photo by Tourism Kamloops: https://www.tourismkamloops.com/listing/sweet-home-cafe/1384/

        5. Riverside Park and Beach

Riverside park is located on the south shore of the Thompson River that flows through Kamloops and is only a short walk from the city’s downtown core. This beautiful park is definitely the biggest and best in the city, and offers so many fun things that kids love. The playgrounds, the waterpark, the beach, basketball hoops, and lots of space to run, bike and scooter, there’s really no end to the fun to be had here. And of course the park is host to many amazing events, like Music in the Park, and various celebrations throughout the spring and summer. It’s so fun to spend a day outside in the beautiful sun and warm weather we get here in Kamloops, and Riverside park is definitely one of my family’s favorite places to go. 

Photo by CFJC Today Kamloops: https://cfjctoday.com/2020/08/12/city-taking-another-run-at-outdoor-rink-seeking-grant-for-riverside-park-improvements/

        6. Scoopz Ice Cream Parlor 

And right across the street from the beautiful Riverside Park, is Kamloops famous Scoopz Ice Cream Parlor. This delicious local treatery has been a favorite of mine since I was a little kid, and still is to this day. Everyone in Kamloops loves Scoopz, and it’s so easy to see why. Their selection of ice cream flavors is every kid (and adults) dream, and the options seem endless. There is something here that everyone will love, and this includes dairy free, sugar free, peanut free and gluten-free options! So amazing. They are open seasonally from April to September, and if you are visiting during the pandemic, of course please respect the safety protocols in place. I am so excited for my family’s first visit to Scoopz this year, it’s such a *sweet* way to welcome the spring season! 

Photo by Mackenzie Manuel

        7. Fun & Games Arcade 

Another very popular place with the kiddos is the Fun & Games arcade in Sahali, but it was called Ruckers when I was a kid :). I used to loove going there and I had a super fun birthday party here one year. I would say this place is a little more suited for the older kids, so I haven’t brought my toddler just yet. But I know once we do go, she’ll be asking to come back for sure. This place is guaranteed to entertain kids for hours with all the awesome games and prizes to be won! 

Photo by TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g154932-d3392915-Reviews-Fun_Games-Kamloops_British_Columbia.html

        8. Canada Games Aquatic Center 

The Canada Games Aquatic Center is a huge hit with kids of all ages, because there is something here for everyone. It is very family friendly, with comfortable and wheelchair accessible change rooms and secure lockers to keep all your family’s belongings. It is also a very affordable activity, admission is $4.35 per person, and children under 3 can swim for free. Inside the center there are two big main pools, multiple diving boards, a huge slide, a hot tub, sauna and so much more. Currently, because of the pandemic, you need to pre-register for your visit in advance as there is a limited number of people allowed in the space at a time, so that’s definitely something to be mindful of. I have so many great memories swimming here with my family, it was always one of my favorite things to do as a kid. I am so excited to take my daughter, I just know she will be so amazed at how fun the pool is!

Photo by CFJC Today Kamloops: https://cfjctoday.com/2021/01/14/a-look-at-the-newly-renovated-canada-games-aquatic-centre/

        9. Little Farmers Petting Zoo

Another great local activity to do with the kids, is to visit the Little Farmers Petting Zoo in the Westsyde area of Kamloops. There are so many adorable small farm animals and birds for the kids to see, all who can be fed by you and the little ones. I have not been yet, but I realllyy want to go and see some little goats 🙂 If you visit, remember to bring some quarters and loonies to get some food for these sweet animals, and your phone because you’ll want to take lots of pictures! My daughter loves animals so we will definitely be making a trip to see these cuties very soon. 

Photo by Tourism Kamloops: https://www.tourismkamloops.com/blog/post/five-free-things-to-do-in-kamloops-this-spring/

        10. Big Little Science Center 

The last but certainly not least place on my list, is the Big Little Science Center located in downtown Kamloops. I have yet to take my daughter, but I am so excited to visit hopefully this summer! This is such an amazing and educational place to inspire young minds, and spark a passion for science. The BLSC hosts lots of different programs, summer camps, special events and speakers, and is just a great place to explore as a family. There is sure to be something to capture the interest of every young mind, and it’s really special as parents and caregivers to see this excitement that kids have for learning. There are covid protocols in place to follow if you visit, such as pre-booking. As well, donations and volunteers are always welcome to support the center and the amazing opportunities they bring to Kamloops. I can’t wait to visit and have my daughter experience such a fun and engaging environment! 

Photo by Big Little Science Center: https://blscs.org/

I hope you enjoyed this list of fun things for families to do in Kamloops, these are definitely my family’s favorite spots as well as a few I am looking forward to visiting. Kamloops is such a diverse and awesome city to explore, for all ages. If you have any favorite places to take the kiddos I would love to hear as well, I love seeing and discovering new places with my family 🙂 Thank you for reading my blog!