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The 10 Best Playgrounds in Kelowna for Outside Play That Will Let the Kids Go Wild!
Remember the time when we played outside for hours and hours? Running around with our friends and going down slides that probably won’t meet the safety standards these days?
Kids need to let their imaginations run wild, whether they’re on top of the tower playing pirates or swinging and imagining they’re flying. The good thing about living in Kelowna is that our little munchkins can do that because we have loads of playgrounds here!
We’re not raising iPad kids in this side of town! We’re sharing our favourite places with the coolest playgrounds that the whole fam bam will enjoy!
Julia’s Junction
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Address: 2569 May St
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 am – 10 pm
Amenities: Inclusive playground, unitary surfacing,self-closing gates, and washrooms
Best For: Kids of all abilities
Nothing beats a gated playground designed for kids of all abilities. Julia’s Junction is the kind of play place where youngsters with or without mobility challenges can have fun without worrying about whether or not the equipment can accommodate them.
Every single area in here is well-maintained and inclusive, like the spinner, swing, and slide. The coolest part is that every piece of equipment is on the ground level, eliminating the need for ramps to ensure safety, accessibility, and comfort.
Playing here is super easy for wheelchair users as well, as kids can use the playground while using their wheelchairs. The playground is also smooth and easy to use, since the structures were made with unitary surfacing, which means there’s a continuous surface.
Pro Tip:
If you notice broken equipment, don’t hesitate to reach out to them here so they can do something about the issue. Let’s do our part to keep the kids safe.
Kinsmen Park
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Address: 2600 Abbott St
Operating Hours: 24/7
Amenities: Picnic tables, playground, tennis courts, and washrooms
Best For: Families who want to enjoy the beach that’s not far from downtown Kelowna
A kid’s day out in Kelowna should include swinging by Kinsmen Park, located near the shores of Okanagan Lake. This is a two-in-one visit: the playground and the beach (kelowna beaches)!
Its proximity to the downtown core—as it’s only a 5-minute drive—makes it a popular spot for locals. It’s also because it’s a beachside location, perfect for listening to the waves while the kids race around the playground.
It’s not the most impressive play area, but it’s not dull either. It’s your typical playground, elevated by the fact that it’s accessible, near the beach, and includes a tennis court.
Pro Tip:
Bring snacks and have a picnic with the family. Get a blanket in case all the picnic tables are occupied.
Osprey Park
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Address: 2600 Richter St
Operating Hours: 24/7
Amenities: Playground, baseball field, and washrooms
Best For: Families looking for a quick park visit
In the middle of residential and commercial areas, Osprey Park offers a fun yet straightforward playground that kids can enjoy. It’s a small, open space surrounded by trees, where the little ones can go wild while their older siblings practise baseball.
Yes, there’s a baseball court in the park, where you’ll see kids staying active. The place isn’t big, though, but more than enough for the little munchkins, since there are slides, swings, a seesaw, and a climbing bar.
Since this park is small, there isn’t a lot to do. But it’s ideal for a quick morning visit with the whole family, maybe after a brekkie at a restaurant across the park.
Pro Tip:
Parking is scarce, so it’s best to visit in the early morning.
Kelowna City Park
Media credit: tourismkelowna
Address: 1600 Abbott St
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 am – 11 pm
Amenities: Playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, skatepark, waterpark, washrooms, concession stands, wheelchair accessibility, and more
Best For: Families who need to cool off at the beach; families looking for a big playground
Kids who love the outdoors will have the grandest time at Kelowna City Park, a big waterfront space with a ton of activities for every family. You can tell this is a well-maintained park, as it comes with various installations and features.
Let’s start with the huge play area, which features a play structure that has slides, monkey bars, and swings. It’s sprawling, so you’re 100% sure the kids will be worn out by the end of the day!
If the kiddos need to cool off during the summer heat, they can move to the splash pad. Meanwhile, sporty kids can drop by the basketball, beach volleyball, and tennis courts for some physical activity.
Aside from all these cool things, the playground is near the beach, which has… wait for it… an inflatable water park! Talk about the perfect playground!
Pro Tips:
Don’t disappoint the kids who want to try out the water park! Purchase a pass here before plopping by!
Also, don’t forget to bring extra clothes and swimwear for the kids, as they’ll likely want to try the splash pad or the water park.
Ben Lee Park
Media credit: cityofkelowna
Address: 900 Houghton Rd
Operating Hours: 24/7
Amenities: Playground, water park, basketball court, multi-court, skatepark, and trails
Best For: Families seeking an inclusive playground that offers lots of amenities
Smack in the middle of a residential area, Ben Lee Park is a popular spot for the locals. This family-friendly park brings a lot of joy and laughter every visit, since it has amenities for all ages.
The best part about the playground is its accessibility. It was made with mobility issues in mind, because kids with physical challenges can still access the play structure via a ramp—and that includes a swing for wheelchair users and paved paths.
Plus, kids can splash about at the water park (there’s no need to go to the beach!). The youngsters can also enjoy the skateboard park and the basketball court, although it’s best to be careful since you’ll see more advanced skaters here.
Pro Tip:
Bring a blanket and lay it on the grass near the water park. Pick a spot under the tree for shade.
Parkinson Recreation Centre
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Address: Parkinson Recreation Park – 1800 Parkinson Way
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 6 pm – 10 pm (up to 9 pm only from July to August),
- Saturday – Sunday: 8 am – 5 pm
Amenities: Playground, soccer field, bocce, cricket field, pickleball courts, track and field, outdoor fitness equipment, and more
Best For: Families who want a safe playground near a rec centre
If you’re searching for a spacious playground for the kids, a visit to the Parkinson Recreation Centre is a must! The playground is outside the centre, across the parking area.
It’s pretty big for the youngsters. It’s equipped with all the structures they would need for a fun time, like swings, slides, monkey bars, teeter-totters, and a play climber shaped like a dragon!
The rec centre also supports individuals with mobility challenges. You can enroll your kid in sports that can accommodate their physical restrictions.
Pro Tip:
Check out the drop-in family classes at the recreation centre for free play.
Rowcliffe Park
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Address: 536 Rowcliffe Ave
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 am – 11 pm
Amenities: Inclusive playground and community garden
Best For: Kids who need a sensory-rich, inclusive playground
The beautiful Rowcliffe Park is a beautifully serene place in a residential area, perfect for bringing the whole family for some fun. But what makes this awesome is the inclusive playground—all little ones can play!
Every structure is easy to access, as it’s all made with unitary surfacing. The playground also features sensory and musical elements that can help kids calm down when overstimulated while boosting their playtime.
Dogs are welcome at the park, too! And it’s not boring here! For two months in the summer, the kiddos can find more engagement through recreational activities—jumping on an inflatable, anyone?
Pro Tip:
Parks Alive! offers free entertainment in the summer. Click here to see when they’ll be popping in Rowcliffe Park!
Gerstmar Park
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Address: 955 Gerstmar Rd
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 am – 11 pm
Amenities: Playground, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and washrooms
Best For: Families who want a quick play session and a day out exploring the trails
For quick playtime, Gerstmar Park is where you need to bring the kids. It doesn’t have a massive space, but the play structure, composed of slides, climbing bars, and spring sliders, is enough for a brief play session… or to let the tiny tots burn off steam.
Parents will also appreciate this playground due to its washroom facilities and tennis court. And if your family wants to go exploring with the kids, the trail leads to Mission Creek Greenway for a lovely day out in nature.
You can bring Fido if you plan on walking the trails after a time at the playground. But keep in mind that they must be on a leash at all times.
Pro Tip:
If you have kids who love to run, consider avoiding the trails in winter due to the slippery sections.
Quilchena Park
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Address: 347 Quilchena Dr
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Amenities: Playground, water park, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and trails
Best For: Families searching for a playground and splash park in one
Tucked away in Kettle Valley, Quilchena Park features a pretty cool play area. The slide? Extra long that slides down from the hill (there are still short ones for toddlers).
The play structures provide the ultimate adventure environment—they’re pretty tall for the rugrats, but they can give endless fun. What makes this extra special? The water park, where little explorers can splash in the puddles and have a giggle!
Oh, and this playground isn’t crowded most of the time. The park is reasonably big, and you can enjoy a nice walk with the family after playtime.
Pro Tip:
Be mindful of where you leave your vehicle because the park is in the middle of a residential neighbourhood.
Rotary Beach Park
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Address: 3736 Lakeshore Rd #3726
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Amenities: Playground, beach, washrooms, and trails
Best For: Families seeking a lakeside playground
A beach and playground in one? Rotary Beach Park is a lakeside spot where the whole family can splish-splash in the water and start tiny adventures in the playground.
The playground is on a sandy area and is super close to the lake. It brings more excitement for the kids since they can go down the slide and then head straight for the water, where the family can also kayak or paddleboard.
The playground isn’t accessible to kids of all abilities, but the beach is. Okanagan Beach Rentals offers free beach wheelchair rentals for individuals with mobility challenges.
The pro about the playground’s lakeside location? You can watch the kids while sunbathing.
Pro Tip:
If you don’t have beach supplies, head over to Okanagan Beach Rentals. Aside from water sports equipment, they also offer beach chairs and umbrellas.
