7 Things to do with the family this summer in Kamloops
Kenna Cartwright Park
Dylan Sherrard
It’s time to explore beyond your front door so burst your bubble in Kamloops! Here, every member of the family (including furry and four-legged) will experience endless summer adventure—free from lines, crowds and traffic.
It’s time to explore beyond your front door so burst your bubble in Kamloops! Here, every member of the family (including furry and four-legged) will experience endless summer adventure—free from lines, crowds and traffic. Did we mention it’s far enough to feel like a vacation but close enough to drive in one shot? Make lasting memories and explore like a local with these 7 affordable, family-friendly activities.
Barnhartvale Nature Park
Dylan Sherrard
1. Take a hike
Grab goodies from the Kamloops Farmers' Market and embark on a hike to remember. Kamloops’ extensive network of hiking trails offers something for every family—from easy strolls for the littles, to uphill grinds with epic views. Venture along the paved River’s Trail in downtown Kamloops and make a stop at Scoopz Parlour for an ice cream cone. Want to tackle a tougher trail? The 3.4 km round trip Tower Trail in Kenna Cartwright Park, BC’s largest municipal park, offers the perfect route and an incredible backdrop of the Thompson River Valley ideal for your next family photo. For the most authentic Kamloops experience, take the 5.2 km Battle Bluff hike through protected grasslands up to a 360 view of Kamloops Lake from the top.
Bruker Marina on Kamloops Lake
Mary Putnam
2. Make a splash
Whether your family likes to play on, in, or next to the water, Kamloops has you covered. Bring your own gear, or rent kayaks, paddleboards, sea-doos, pontoon boats and more from Bruker Marina + Beach Club on Kamloops Lake. Glide across the water with your stand-up paddleboards on Heffley Lake, or stop in at Paddle Surfit for rentals and lessons from local expert Bodie Shandro. If the littles still have energy to burn, a visit to Riverside Park or one of Kamloops’ 4 splash parks might be in order.
Lac du Bois Grasslands
Dylan Sherrard
3. Go mountain biking
Fun awaits every pedalling style in Kamloops. Load up the bikes and stop for a casual city ride around the paved trail at McArthur Island Park—you might even spot wildlife along the way. The kids will also love testing their skills across bridges, roll overs, bumps and more on mini pump tracks at Kamloops Bike Ranch, Westsyde Centennial Park or the KBRA Kids Zone at Dufferin Park that mimic the bike trails. For more advanced cross-country mountain bike action, try the trails through Lac du Bois Grasslands’ sage-scented vistas or hit Kenna Cartwright Nature Park for some winding singletrack action with fantastic views.
BC Wildlife Park
Olsen Imaging
4. Visit the BC Wildlife Park
Take a walk on the wild side and discover the BC Wildlife Park. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Kamloops and a must-visit for animal lovers, the BC Wildlife Park is a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation centre for orphaned and injured wildlife. Learn about over 60 different animal species native to BC, including cougars, bears, wolves, reptiles, birds of prey, and Clover, the only Kermode bear in human care in the world. Hop aboard the wildlife express mini-train, play on the playground and splash park, and discover some of BC’s most iconic wildlife. This one will be an adventure for the books!
Back Alley Art Gallery
Rachel Lewis
5. A sweet flavours tour
Enjoy everyone’s favourite summertime treat, plus so much more! Start at downtown Kamloops’ craft ice cream shop, the Frozen Paddle, where you’ll find innovative flavours like Chocolate Banana Bread and Haskap Berry. Next, visit Brynn’s Bakery for the sticky buns and sweet treats. Along the way, challenge your crew to a self-guided scavenger hunt and see how many of the 30 art murals you can find in the Back Alley Art Gallery. Next, walk or pedal the paved Rivers Trail path from downtown to the North Shore, and stop for another scoop at The Ice Cream Social (lactose free, dairy free, and sugar free options available).
Rivershore Estate & Golf Links
Mary Putnam
6. Swing into golf
See how you par at one of Kamloops’ family-friendly golf courses where the dress code is casual and the vibe is always laid-back Bring your own putters and golf balls for a free (yes, free!) 18-hole mini-golf game on McArthur Island. If you're looking to practice your golf game, play 9 or 18 holes at Mt Paul Golf, or start a friendly competition and see who can drive the farthest at the range. Rivershore Golf Course also offers a relaxed atmosphere and a layout for all skill levels. Their 'Family of 4' special tees up Sundays after 4 p.m. for just $44.
Match Eatery & Public House
Mary Putnam
7. Satisfy your tastebuds
After an adventure-filled day, why not let the kids pick a local dinner spot? Try the hand-crafted wood-fired pizzas at Bold Pizzeria (where you can design your own pie), homemade classics at Scott’s Inn Family Diner (where you’ll find a great selection of gluten-free options), or casual fare at Match Eatery & Public House. Whether you dine-in or take your grub to-go, you’ll find delicious options to please even the pickiest palate.
Be prepared
With the ongoing wildfire situation in British Columbia, we encourage you to be prepared, book ahead, and stay
informed with the following resources:
