This is one of the first years we won’t be going somewhere that welcomes you with a salty breeze and coconut trees for spring break, and while I feel sorry for myself with every Instagram photo I see of friends traipsing the globe at this time of year, I know it’ll all be worth it.
Building our new house is tying up our time (and money) this year, so we’re taking this opportunity to have a local-themed staycation. Sticking around the Okanagan is hardly a punishment, we do live in the most breathtaking valley afterall! With Jake working hard on the house most days, it’ll be Ben and I taking on the Okanagan in style!
Here is our itinerary. Many items are weather dependent and can be easily swapped around with other day’s activities. Follow our staycation on Instagram and send us your suggestions for your favourite Okanagan spring break activities!
Family Swim Night at PRC.
We’re commencing this time off with a family swim at Parkinson Rec Center beginning at 6pm. We always bring jammies to change into so we can toss our tired-out toddler in bed as soon as we get home.
This way we get some grown-up time to celebrate our spring break kick-off as well.
$5 For the whole family!
Morning: Ideally, this would be a sleep-in day but not with our rambunctious boy.
He’ll be up at the crack of 6 asking for waffles. Waffles it is!
Afternoon: Story time @ the downtown library at 11:00 am, and it's free!
Lunch: at the local Farmer’s Market at Parkinson Rec Center.
Make sure to save room for Jaide and Joel’s vegan, gluten free donuts, they are incredible! We never leave the farmer’s market without having one. They’ll be returning to the outdoor market in spring.
Afternoon: crafts at home (something involving glitter glue and stickers no doubt).
Evening: Family movie night (probably Aladdin, as is the current Benjamin-obsession. I can’t wait for the live-action movie!)
Peachland Day Trip!
Rollerblade, walk or bike the Penticton Centennial Walkway along the lake. Start far enough away from Bliss Bakery so that this can be your coffee break stop! The walkway begins at 1st street and goes until 13th.
Browse the unique boutiques along the waterfront. I love the eclectic finds from Deja Vu Gift & Decor in downtown Peachland
With Hardy Falls closed, try the 60 min, round trip trail of Pincushion Mountain for spectacular selfies at the top!
Use caution if there’s still snow and wear appropriate footwear. Have kids who can do stairs? Try Peachland’s Stairway to Heaven to get your steps in this spring break! 158 steps, beautiful trails, and gorgeous views.
Lunch at The Blind Angler Grill is not up for debate.
Take the kiddies to Parrot Island to meet adorable parrot rescues.
Morning: Smoothies and Crafts
Our smoothie recipe:
1 frozen banana
½ cup frozen berries
Handful of spinach
½ carrot
Sm-med chunk cauliflower
¼ cup oats
1-2 cups milk, juice or milk substitute such as almond or coconut
1 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 dates (optional)
¼ cup almonds (optional)
2 tbsp hemp hearts (optional)
1 tbsp pure cocoa (optional)
Tip: Freezing the vegetables will mute their flavour even more, our taste buds are temperature sensitive, meaning it’s more difficult to taste the flavour if they are super cold.
Note: This accommodates our family’s allergies, adjust as needed for your littles.
Afternoon: Thrift Store Scavenge
You may not get to stroll down Rodeo Drive this March but how about scouring the local thrift stores for fabulous finds? I love doing this with Ben because we come home with a truck load of new books and cars that keep him busy for a long time. For older kids, make them a scavenger hunt to take along!
Lunch: at Sunny’s Diner
Celebrate our local chef, Rod Butters (RauDZ) with his restaurant on Bernard for all day breakfast! Kids will love the blown up pictures of Sunny, the golden retriever and out of town guests will love this modern diner’s unique menu.
Morning: Bake spring time meringues. I’ll be posting our recipe on Instagram this day!
Afternoon: H20 Adventure and Fitness Center
Morning: Bike the Okanagan Rail Trail
If snowy conditions persist, we’ll switch to the route from the bird sanctuary downtown to the WAC Bennett Bridge, keep an eye out for the family of deer that live in the sanctuary!
Afternoon: Visit the cuties at the SPCA starting at noon
Teach your kids about giving back to the community by donating to a local charity.
QB Gelato time!
Morning: Bake Banana Bread!
Afternoon: Kelowna Art Gallery
Free admission from 10 am - 9 pm on Thursdays
Lunch: at Sprout on Cannery Lane
Morning: Plan family backyard camping trip!
Give your older kids specific roles like entertainment or snack coordinator.
Afternoon: Bowling at Capris Bowling Lanes
Set up for family backyard camping.
Watch for BC Bucket List Family’s Staycation Week 2! We’d love to see you and your family participating! Tag your Instagram photos #okstaycay
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