Since we can’t head south for spring break, why not check out of your house and check in to a local hotel with the fam-jam to explore the city? One hidden gem for families is Rutland, which combines international cuisine and street art with plenty of parks and trails, and tons of family attractions (think bowling, axe throwing, miniature golf, a movie theatre, and more).
Here are a few suggestions for families heading to Rutland. And remember, vacation in a place with just your household, while following health and safety protocols including wearing a mask in indoor public spaces around town.
WHAT TO DO
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Matt Ferguson Photography
Aim for a strike with 10-pin or 5-pin bowling at McCurdy Bowling Centre, where you can play by the game or by the hour. Afterwards, hit Freddy’s, the renovated on-site brewpub that serves craft beer and classic snacks like garlic fries for parents and chicken fingers for the kids.
Discover the Mission Creek Greenway
Look for pileated woodpeckers drilling into trees or mallard ducks floating along the water as you walk the flat gravel pathway that parallels Mission Creek between Hollywood Rd. and Ziprick Rd. in Rutland. Venture a bit farther, to Mission Creek Regional Park, and hike the trails or let the kids explore the giant playground. Be sure and pop into the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan (ECCO) to see the new felines and canines exhibit, or to check out a Discovery Backpack to learn more about the park’s birds, geology or more. Masks are required inside the ECCO building.
An artistic transformation overtook the neighbourhood in August 2020, when Canadian mural artists came to town to beautify buildings with their stunning and eclectic street art. The result is 12 bright and bold murals on the sides of various buildings off of Hwy. 33 between Aurora Crescent and Rutland Road. The murals range from psychedelic, rainbow-hued mammals to a bursting floral kaleidoscope. If the kids get art-ed out, head to nearby Ben Lee Park and its accessible playground, trails and green space, for a body break.
WHERE TO EAT
Photo credit: Dosa Crepe Cafe
Travel vicariously to Mexico at this Rutland favourite with kid-pleasing dishes like quesadillas, nachos and burritos. More dexterous children will also love the tacos and tostadas (be careful not to spill the goodness!). Adventurous parents should try the delicious chile Rellenos (chiles stuffed with cheese and spices) and the ‘tacos dorados,’ which are deep-fried tacos with salsa, guacamole, feta and sour cream. For fun, order a Jarritos, which is a sweet and fizzy brand of Mexican soda pop.
This new creperie features South Indian cuisine including the famous dosa. For those not in the know, a dosa is basically a crepe made with rice and lentil flour and then stuffed with savoury ingredients, from spiced potatoes (a masala dosa) to cheese to vegetables. As a bonus, dosas are both gluten-free and vegan.
In the running for the best Thai food in K-town, Zabb, with two locations in town including Rutland, doesn’t disappoint. Go full Panang curry and pad Thai with the kids, or ease them into the wonders of this Southeast Asian cuisine with spring rolls, chicken satay and pineapple fried rice.
WHERE TO STAY
Photo credit: Comfort Suites
The Comfort Inn & Suites is an affordable option for families looking to stay close to Rutland and keeps the kids busy back at the hotel. All of the accommodations are suites that come in various configurations (the Family Suite, for example, has additional rooms and can sleep six!) and include a fridge and microwave, plus daily hot breakfast. After a day exploring, enjoy the indoor hot tub, pool and waterslide.
Every night is movie night at this family-friendly hotel, which features 50” televisions in the bright, spacious rooms, along with mini-fridges and microwaves to pop the corn (upgrade to a suite for even more space). Breakfast is provided daily, and other amenities include an indoor hot tub, pool and two waterslides that can be booked for a one-hour time slot to maintain physical distancing during COVID-19.
There are many more places to explore in Rutland and across the city. Consider signing up for the #exploreKelowna Local Savings Pass where you will find exclusive deals at over 80 Kelowna businesses to make the most of your spring break.
Interested in learning more?
Visit TourismKelowna.com, contact our Visitor Centre team, or sign up for the #exploreKelowna weekly newsletter.
