Getting through the tail-end of a Canadian winter takes stamina, so thankfully we’ve got a long weekend in there to help us pull through! Whether there’s a fresh dump of snow or street sweepers on the move, we’ve got options to make the most of your stat. Here are our top ten things to do for Family Day 2024 in Kamloops:
1. Family Day Festival & Toonie Swim
Check out the Tournament Capital Centre for the 10th Annual Family Day Festival. With booths from a ton of local organizations and businesses, there’s something for the whole team here. Get your faces painted, have tea with a princess, enjoy live music, and try all sorts of arts, crafts, sports, and science activities. Additionally, the Aquatic Centre will be offering $2 swimming so you can burn off any leftover energy on the waterslide.
2. Harper Mountain Ski & Snowboard
If you’d rather get outside, head up to Harper Mountain for Family Day on the slopes. Located only 30 minutes out of town – with affordable ticket prices – Harper is ideal for family ski days. After all, if the kids are burned out by lunch, you’re close to home! If shredding the slopes isn’t your thing, Harper also offers tubing, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing. Equipment is available to rent, and the lodge kitchen is open for lunch.
Local tip: With the 'Loops Explorer Pass, you can get 50% off a snowshoe trail ticket for a friend when you buy one at regular price!
3. Zaaz Eatery & Play
For families with little ones, we highly recommend Zaaz Eatery & Play. If the weather isn’t kid-friendly, you can still burn off energy with Zaaz’s indoor mazes, obstacle courses, and imagination stations. Plus, the nutrition-focused menu means your little bugs get a treat and you can feel good about it. Zaaz updates their play areas regularly so kids can always find something new to explore. Check them out at 425 Mount Paul Way!
Local tip: Be sure to grab the 'Loops Explorer Pass for 50% off at the eatery or indoor play village!
4. Kamloops Blazers Home Games
If you’re up for a good ol’ hockey game, we have great news – you can catch two Kamloops Blazers home games this long weekend. Head down to the Sandman Centre for games against the Prince George Cougars at 6 pm on Saturday, then against the Victoria Royals at 2 pm on Monday. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
5. Free Admission at the Kamloops Art Gallery
If the arts are more your speed, then good news – admission to the Kamloops Art Gallery is FREE for the Family Day weekend. On Saturday afternoon you can catch a family-friendly mini-tour and hands-on activity inspired by their current exhibition, Sleeping in Skins: Life in Inuit Nunangat. This is an all-ages interactive experience, so bring the whole gang, no pre-registration is required! Learn more about Inuit culture and art, and explore your creative side at the Art Gallery.
6. BC Wildlife Park
Is a things-to-do-in-Kamloops list complete without a visit to the BC Wildlife Park? This is a great way to spend the day together, learn something, and support local conservation efforts. The Park is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on stats and can be found just east of Kamloops on Dallas Drive. Ride the mini train around the park and see if you can spot their newest residents, two red (silver) foxes, Sterling and Storm. The Wildlife Park is committed to rescuing and rehabilitating injured animals and endangered species, so your admission dollars are going to a good cause. On top of that, they have a great playground and picnic area so you can park the stroller for a bit!
Local tip: The 'Loops Explorer Pass has a BOGO deal for BC Wildlife Park, buy 1 regular admission, get 1 free!
7. Free Family Flicks at the Paramount
The Kamloops Film Society has some great choices running at the Paramount Theatre this weekend. As part of their 1st Annual Kamloops Black Film Festival on Saturday you can catch a free showing of Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse back on the big screen. Break out the spidey suits for this one – anyone arriving in costume gets complimentary candy. Alternatively, you can join the Smurfs party for free on Sunday to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Smurfs on the big screen. Bring the whole family in for a special showing of 5 episodes of the new Smurfs show.
8. Inflatable Palooza
Stop in at the OLPH school gym on Saturday to catch Inflatable Palooza, courtesy of Fun Zone Rentals. Test out all the best bouncy castles in town, alongside other inflatable favourites like bungee run, gladiator jousting, obstacle courses and more. This event runs from 10 am to 3 pm and a hot dog lunch will be available to purchase on site. Get your day passes ahead of time online to skip the line!
9. Kamloops Children’s Museum
Visit the Kamloops Museum & Archives on Saturday to check out the Children’s Museum, or take in the constantly evolving permanent gallery show riverpeoplenationstatepeople. Located downtown – with admission by donation – the Children’s Museum offers a hands-on opportunity for kids of all ages to experience local history.
Local tip: Use your 'Loops Explorer Pass for 1 complimentary admission.
10. Thompson Nicola Regional Library Events
The Aberdeen Tiny Library has a full roster of great stuff coming up on Saturday the 17th! Break out the tiaras and join Princess Belle for story time at 11 am, then stick around for the Family Fun Fest afterward. With crafts, games, face painting, and an appearance from Lolli-pop the Clown, this is sure to be a hit with the under-12 crowd. Meanwhile, the downtown Kamloops library is hosting a Family Fun Zone event featuring fabric collage projects for kids big and small. Register ahead of time for this one as seating is limited.
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So cheers to the Family Day Long Weekend! There’s enough going on to keep anyone busy – but let us know if we missed your favourite. Keep us in the loop on social with the hashtag #ExploreKamloops, and tag @tourismkamloops. Be sure to keep an eye on our website for more great stuff coming up, and grab the 'Loops Explorer Pass for discounts at a ton of great local businesses and activities.
