What is there to do with the kids in Osoyoos? This part of the Okanagan, categorized as semi-arid but called by most “Canada’s only desert”, is filled with kid-friendly activities for travelling families to British Columbia.

Osoyoos Accommodation

Start out at the Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos, the base for your holiday. Draped along the sandy beach of Osoyoos Lake, the Watermark has the best location in town: cross the street and stroll down Main Street to the Saturday farmer’s market; walk out the back door and choose between the lakeside path for walking, cycling and rollerblading; throw down a blanket and picnic on the expansive lawn; or get the shovels, buckets and bathing suits out for some beach time. The town claims that the lake is the warmest fresh water lake in Canada. 

Studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites are great for families, all with extra pull out sofas in the living rooms. And instead of a Pack ‘N’ Play for babies, Watermark has real cribs if requested. Enclosed private balconies and full kitchens help during nap and mealtimes. (Patios adjoin the second bedroom, where kids can nap while parents relax with a cup of coffee or glass of wine.)

Poolside, families can blow up the water toys in the pool, slip down the spiral waterslide, or sprawl on the lounge chairs surrounding the pool and hot tubs. Inside, kids between the ages of five and 12 can be left with the camp leaders at the Kids Camp (summer only), where they’ll do face painting, make balloon animals, do arts and crafts, and make chalk art. Make sure to book ahead, as there is a maximum of eight children at a time. 

The only downside? Although the hotel restaurant is reasonably priced for adults, the kids menu is not: a grilled cheese sandwich is $12. Thankfully, most or all meals can be cooked in the suites’ kitchens, which come with pots and pans, cutlery, utensils and even a blender. A grocery store is next to the hotel to stock up on food.

Kid-friendly activities in Osoyoos

Down the street, kids go wild for Rattlesnake Canyon, an amusement park for children. Try out the mini golf, bumper boats, go karts, arcade, bungee tree, Tumble Whirl, swing chairs and a rock climbing wall. The park is only open during the peak summer months. Driving in the other direction is the Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad. More than 1,600 mini houses and 15,000 little people populate the 4,000 square foot building.    

A short drive to neighbouring Oliver is Covert Farms Organics, a win/win for parents and children. Mom and dad can pick up tasty produce from the overflowing boxes and feed the family with the farm’s home grown café menu. 

Kids of all ages will beg to go into the corn maze ($3), a bushy labyrinth with a find-the-sign-Monopoly-like game to see who will become Farmer of the Year. There is also a bouncy ball derby ($5), giant jumping pillow ($5), mini golf ($5), duck races ($5) and a play area with a sandbox. 

Back in Osoyoos, there is a fantastic rattlesnake program at NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre. Owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band, this treasure of a space is filled with First Nations history and information about the surrounding desert. They are also the only location in North America that tracks the daily travels of rattlesnakes by radio telemetry. Their Snakes Alive presentation features various snakes that the presenter brings out for the audience to learn about and even touch.  

More outdoor fun can be had at the Centennial Lion’s Park, a 10 minute walk from Watermark. This underused park – the boat launch is busier – is a great spot for picnics on the beach and playtime down the slides and climbing apparatuses.

With the warm Osoyoos water, children’s activities nearby and family-friendly hotels, Osoyoos is an excellent spot for families. Make sure to book ahead in the summer months, though, when the town gets very busy.