At Watermark Beach Resort, we welcome thousands of families to our Osoyoos community each year. For some of our families, a visit to Watermark has become a yearly tradition, and in such a family-friendly hotel and community, it’s not hard to see why!
During your stay with us, be sure to check out some of the great things to do in Osoyoos with kids and family attractions around the Okanagan Valley.
Here At “Home”
Watermark Waterslide & Pool
With a large outdoor pool overlooking Osoyoos Lake and a big waterslide, your family doesn’t have to go far to have some fun! Venture outside the resort doors and relax on a lounger while the kids burn off some energy in the water.
Osoyoos Lake
Take advantage of our desert oasis and jump in with both feet! Osoyoos Lake offers plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained. Paddleboarding, wakeboarding, sailing, fishing and more! Your family watersport adventure is boundless! Check out the Room & Board package to receive credit with Wakepilot when you book your stay! Not ready for a splash? Watermark’s beautiful beach is a perfect place to build that sandcastle you’ve been planning.
Splash BC (formerly Okanagan Wibit)
Located right on the boardwalk in front of Watermark Beach Resort, Splash BC is a must-visit attraction for families looking for some high-energy fun. This thrilling inflatable water park is available until August 26th, offering a unique and exciting way to enjoy the beautiful Osoyoos Lake.
With a variety of inflatable obstacles, slides and trampolines, Splash BC provides endless entertainment for kids and adults alike. Watch as your children navigate the challenging courses, leap into the water, and race their friends across the floating playground. Safety is a top priority, with life jackets provided and attentive staff on hand to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Don’t miss out on this seasonal adventure! It’s the perfect way to make unforgettable memories with your family during your stay at Watermark Beach Resort.
All Around The Town
Keremeos Grist Mill & Gardens
History is fun at The Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos; Bring the whole family and check out a working 1877 waterwheel-powered flour mill! This historic site is also home to spectacular gardens, including heritage flower and fruit varieties, meaning that the plants are the same as they were generations ago. Love music? The Grist Mill hosts weekly concerts throughout the summer!
Rattlesnake Canyon
Don’t let the name fool you, Rattlesnake Canyon isn’t a gorge full of scary snakes – it’s a western-themed amusement park! No family trip to Osoyoos is complete without a visit to Rattlesnake Canyon. It boasts a ton of Osoyoos activities, including an 18-hole mini golf course, bumper boats, go-karts, rock climbing wall, 1500 sq ft arcade with over 30 games, tattoo parlour, bungee tree, tilt-a-whirl, and a tornado. Visit the windmill for a treat! The little shop features 48 flavours of ice cream, cotton candy, iced cappuccinos, and cold drinks.
Splash Park at Jack Shaw Gardens
On the off-chance that your kids get tired of the awesome water slide at Watermark, Jack Shaw Gardens is another great Osoyoos water park to explore! It’s better than a sprinkler on the front lawn! Just be sure to reapply that sunscreen.
Sonora Community Centre
Located just a short, 8-minute walk from Watermark, the Sonora Community Centre offers recreation and drop-in programs that are great for families and teens. Programs include basketball, pickleball, soccer, floor hockey, and other gymnasium sports. Contact the great people at Sonora for more information about their daily or weekly schedules for available activities.
The Great Outdoors
Discover the Desert
Osoyoos lies in the only pocket desert in Canada. Our arid climate provides the perfect home for a variety of unique flora and fauna. The desert may seem sparse, but there’s so much life happening here, if you know where to look! Introduce the kids to this amazing habitat. Just a few minutes north of downtown, at the Osoyoos Desert Centre, visitors of all ages can learn about our desert ecology and wildlife on a 1.5 km boardwalk tour, and at the small-but-fascinating interpretive centre.
Remember to bring plenty of water! The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre lies to the west, in the foothills of Anarchist Mountain. A 2km interpretive trail and cultural centre showcase the natural habitat and how intricately it is linked to the life and history of the Okanagan First Nation people.
Explore the Trail System
The South Okanagan has miles of outdoor activities, exploring splendid trails for all levels of ability, from flat, stroller-friendly walks to daredevil mountain biking runs. An excellent way for the kids to burn off some energy, and to get spectacular views across the valley, hiking around the region will provide you with a lifetime of memories.
Horseback Riding
View this amazing part of the world as the early pioneers and First Nations people did! Local stables provide safe, guided horseback tours that move at a relaxed pace, and capture all of the laid-back magic of the South Okanagan. Introduce the whole family to the awe-inspiring views of lush vineyards, beautiful trails, and unique corners of the region that you’d otherwise not be able to discover.
Indian Groves Riding Stable and Sun Hills Riding Center offer guided trail rides with stunning valley views overlooking orchards, vineyards and Osoyoos Lake.
Spotted Lake Stop
A quick drive west on Highway 3 will take you to Osoyoos’ famous natural curiosity, Spotted Lake. A high concentration of minerals in the water have made this small lake historically important to the Okanagan First Nation for its medicinal properties, and to the Canadian army for raw materials during World War I.
The lake is on private land, but there are viewpoints from the road that make this a fascinating and worthwhile (and very quick!) photo op. Remember that it lies along a busy highway, so be careful with the little ones when you’re out of the car.
Updated July 12, 2024 to ensure accuracy and up-to-date activities.
