One of the best things about growing up in the Okanagan is, by far, spending summers at the beach.
Those who grew up here likely have a tough time picturing a childhood without a summer full of beach days; spending hours playing in the lake and chasing ice cream trucks, and going to bed feeling tuckered out from the sun, with a smile on your face and sand between your toes.
It’s easy to take these moments for granted when you’re a kid, but as adults, we see how lucky we are to be able to experience these days at the lake and share them with our families.
Summer is officially here, so we’ve rounded up a few of the Okanagan’s most family-friendly beaches based on location, activities, nearby amenities and food options.
City Park Beach, Kelowna
City Park Beach is located on the Okanagan Lake, right in the heart of downtown Kelowna. With a long, sandy beach as well as a large grassy area, it’s the perfect place to lay down a blanket or enjoy a game of beach volleyball, soccer or frisbee. The park also features public washrooms, picnic tables and a concession stand.
One of the best things about City Park Beach is that there’s lots of entertainment for kids, including a big playground, sports fields, skate park, swimming area, basketball court and Splash BC aqua park.
The Splash BC (formerly known as Wibit) water park in Kelowna has been the highlight of the beach for the past few years. If you haven’t seen it before, it’s basically a giant obstacle course/playground that floats on the lake, and it’s pretty awesome. It’s a safe, affordable and fun activity for kids five and older, and good news – it’s now open for the 2018 season!
If you start feeling a little peckish, take a five minute stroll down to Bernard Avenue and get an ice cream cone from the oh-so-popular Moo-Lix or a deluxe milkshake from The Munkey’s Fist.
You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many family-friendly restaurants downtown such as Memphis Blues Barbeque House, Momo Sushi, Naked Cafe, El Taquero and more, and don’t forget keep an eye out for local food trucks!
Okanagan Lake Beach, Penticton
Located along Lakeshore Drive, this mile-long, sandy beach is a Penticton favourite. With lots of space, trees for shade, public washrooms, fire pits, free parking and great nearby amenities, what’s not to love?
Either along or within a short walk of the beach, you’ll find bike rental shops, a skateboard park, family-friendly motels and resorts, markets, a playground, parks and docks out on the water.
Okanagan Lake Beach also features a Splash BC water park, which provides hours of safe entertainment for kids and is now open for the 2018 season!
Keeping the hangries at bay is easy with lots of great places to grab a bite to eat nearby.
Head just across the street to Salty’s or Cambo Beach Restaurant for some great meal options, or head over to the Penticton Peach for one of their famous milkshakes.
Beach Avenue, Peachland
Quaint Peachland is such a great place for a family beach day! Whether you’re staying in the area or just passing through, Beach Avenue is the perfect spot to spend a fun afternoon.
Although the beach is a bit more pebbly here (watershoes are a good idea!), there are plenty of shady, grassy areas within steps of the lake. There are also public washrooms, picnic areas, a concession and even a lifeguard on duty during the summer.
Kids love to spend hours jumping off the wharf into the water and can even take swimming lessons right at the beach. What’s more, Peachland now has its very own Splash BC water park on Beach Avenue which will be opening for the season on June 29th.
All that playing tends to work up an appetite. Luckily, there are lots of great food options just up the road including Gasthaus on the Lake, Waterfront Grill Pizzeria and Ships-A-Hoy Fish & Chips. Bliss Bakery & Bistro is also a great place to stop for a sweet treat!
Summer’s just get starting and there so many fun beach days ahead – so grab the towels, sunscreen and beach bags and start making some amazing memories! Remember to share your summer fun photos with us by using #KelownaNow and #PentictonNow, and Splash BC with #MakeYourSplash.
Splash BC (Wibit) is a family-operated business that offers unique water parks with a goal to provide healthy, affordable fun for residents and tourists of all ages. Now with three waterpark locations in the Okanagan (Kelowna, Pencticton and Peachland), Splash BC plans to continue expanding into other cities while maintaining its dedication to giving back to the communities it serves through charitable giving.
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