The weather is getting warmer and the kids will soon be out of school which means it is time to get out with the kids! In Part 2 of our blog series 100 Things Every Family Should Do Together there are some great indoor and outdoor activities for you to try. We know you will enjoy some family time while experiencing the Okanagan with your family.
11. Go Fishing! The Regional District of the Central Okanagan has launched it’s Go Fish! program again this year. It is a great way for kids 16 and under to learn to fish and catch a rainbow trout. To learn more, visit the Regional District’s website or our event calendar for dates and locations.
12. Challenge your kids to a game of Frisbee! This is a fun and inexpensive way to get outside and exercise! Frisbee doesn’t have to be the same old boring back and forth game we used to play. Try these fun variations:
Bullseye – Throw the Frisbee so it lands as close to the target as possible.
Keepaway – Played like monkey-in-the-middle games except the monkey can be armed with a Frisbee of their own to knock down the other players’ throws.
Backoff – Two players start at a very short distance apart throwing the Frisbee back and forth, but each time a catch is made, the players move a few steps away from each other.
13. Cook Dad a nice Father’s Day brunch! Don’t forget Father’s Day is on June 20th! There are lots of yummy recipes like Scrambled Egg Nests you can make Dad this Fathers Day.
14. Go Horseback Riding. If you have never ridden a horse, you really need to try it just once. It’s just good for the soul, and that applies to people of all ages. Riding stables will match you with a horse that meets your skill and ability level, and will take you on some wonderful adventures, leaving you wanting to come back for more. Here are some links to follow.
Mandy and Me in Kelowna
Wildhorse Mountain Ranch in Summerland
15. EnergyPlex What a great way for your kids to burn some energy! My son and I have a standing play date every Friday morning and he loves it. Working from home? Bring your laptop and set up in the café while your kids enjoy themselves (if they’re old enough to play without supervision!). Check them out at www.energyplex.ca for more information.
16. Plant a Potted Garden You don’t need to spend a lot of money or even a lot of time to enjoy your own little garden in a pot (or pots.) The kids will be fascinated as their seeds turn into teeny little baby plants, and then into beautiful flowers, or even herbs, vegetables or fruits that they can eat. Start with one pot if you don’t have a lot of room, or plant as many as you want. There is a garden shop on every corner in the Okanagan, so if you need advice, just ask and they will be happy to help you.
17. Skip Rope Sometimes the best games are the old fashioned ones that you can’t buy from a store. Well, you can buy the skipping rope, but you can use a plain old rope too if you like. This can be a one-person activity or a family game and with lots of practice you can impress all your friends with your fancy footwork.
18. Family Sundays at the Kelowna Art Gallery are a great way to expose your kids to the arts by participating in creative, hands-on art-making activities! There is a new project theme every week. Click here for more information.
19. Go to the drive-in. The North Okanagan is home to one of the last outdoor drive-in movie theatres and is now open for the season! Check out Starlight Drive-in’s website for movie listings and schedules.
20. Go Garage Saling! Families all over the Okangan Valley are starting to set up shop in their driveways to get rid of used toys, games and other household items. Get the family going early in the morning to pick up some great finds and a fraction of the cost for a new item…. And it’s a great way to teach your kids about reduce, reuse and recycle!
We would love to hear about your experiences! Let us know which activities you tried and loved or if you have an activity that you think every family should do let us know! We are all ears!
