Recreation
Rainy Day Things to Do in Kelowna
Kelowna Team
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Summary
Indoor things to do in Kelowna when it rains: galleries and museums, winery tasting rooms, cafes, a waterslide-filled aquatic centre, laser tag, and shopping.
In this article:
The best rainy day things to do in Kelowna are the Kelowna Art Gallery, the Okanagan Heritage Museum, and the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre for kids. Below are more indoor options sorted into arts and culture, food and drink, active things and shopping, so you can choose based on who's with you and how much energy they have.
Arts and Culture
The indoor arts and culture stops are the Kelowna Art Gallery, the Okanagan Heritage Museum, and the Rotary Centre for the Arts, all in or near downtown.
Kelowna Art Gallery
Location: 1315 Water Street
Best for rotating exhibitions by local and national artists, with workshops and programs for all ages. The gallery's website lists current exhibitions and the event schedule.
Okanagan Heritage Museum
Location: 470 Queensway Avenue
The quickest introduction to the region for newcomers. The museum covers the Syilx/Okanagan people, early settlers and how the region developed, including the fruit-packing industry that once defined the Okanagan.
Rotary Centre for the Arts
Location: 421 Cawston Avenue
The centre has a theatre, galleries and workshops, with programming year-round from local and visiting artists. It's near downtown, close to cafes and restaurants.
Food and Drink
The best rainy-day food and drink options are indoor winery tasting rooms and cafes with room to linger.
Indoor Winery Tastings
Rain doesn't have to cancel a winery day, because plenty of wineries have good indoor winery tastings. CedarCreek, Mission Hill and Quails' Gate are worth the drive:
- ●CedarCreek Estate Winery: You still get the lake view, just from inside the tasting room.
- ●Mission Hill Family Estate: Grand architecture and a polished tasting.
- ●Quails' Gate Estate Winery: Cozy and intimate, with a focus on family history and tradition.
Check hours and book tastings ahead, especially in peak season.
Cozy Cafes and Coffee Shops
The best rainy-day cafes are Sprout Bread, Bean Scene Coffee Works and Pulp Fiction Coffee House.
- ●Sprout Bread: A local favourite on Cannery Lane for coffee, bread and pastries.
- ●Bean Scene Coffee Works: Comfortable rooms, with locations around town.
- ●Pulp Fiction Coffee House: Coffee and a used bookstore under one roof.
For takeout, see the Kelowna cheap eats guide.
Activities and Entertainment
The indoor options for burning off energy are H2O's pools and slides, EnergyPlex, the movies, and Scandia's arcade and indoor mini-golf.
H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
Location: 4075 Gordon Drive
Best for families who want to spend the day in the water. The aquatic centre has several pools, waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool and a gym, and adults can take a fitness class and finish in the hot tub.
EnergyPlex
Location: 948 McCurdy Road #130
Best for kids and teens with energy to burn: laser tag, a 30-foot climbing wall, a kids zone, an arcade and more. Book online in advance to guarantee entry.
Landmark Cinemas Grand 10 Kelowna
Location: 948 McCurdy Rd #101
The standard rainy-day fallback: a multi-screen theatre with comfortable seats and current releases.
Scandia Golf & Games
Location: 2898 Highway 97 N
Best known for outdoor mini-golf, Scandia also has an indoor jungle-themed course and an arcade of 140+ games for all ages.
Shopping
The two indoor shopping options are Orchard Park Shopping Centre and the boutiques downtown.
Orchard Park Shopping Centre
Location: 2271 Harvey Avenue
The largest mall in the city has everything from department stores to specialty shops, plus a food court. It's central and easy to reach by transit.
Unique Boutiques in Downtown Kelowna
The downtown boutiques are better for browsing, with clothing stores, galleries and plenty of locally owned shops selling handmade goods. Start on Bernard Avenue and work outward. With kids, see the family activities guide for more ideas.
For newcomers choosing an area, see the guide to the best neighbourhoods in Kelowna to live in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some free indoor activities in Kelowna on a rainy day?
Free rainy-day options include the Kelowna Library, window-shopping at Orchard Park Mall, and free events at the Rotary Centre for the Arts when one is scheduled. Check the Rotary Centre's schedule before you go.
Are there any indoor play areas for kids in Kelowna?
Yes, EnergyPlex is a popular indoor entertainment centre with laser tag, a climbing wall, a kids zone, and arcade games. The H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre also has pools and water slides suitable for children.
Can you still go wine tasting in Kelowna when it's raining?
Yes, you can still go wine tasting when it rains, because many wineries have indoor tasting rooms. CedarCreek, Mission Hill, and Quails' Gate are worth the drive. Check hours and book ahead, especially in peak season.
Where can I find local art in Kelowna?
The Kelowna Art Gallery and the Rotary Centre for the Arts are the main places to see art. Many smaller galleries and boutiques downtown feature the work of local artists.
What are some cozy cafes in Kelowna to visit on a rainy day?
Sprout Bread, Bean Scene Coffee Works, and Pulp Fiction Coffee House are all comfortable places to sit for a while with coffee, tea, and a pastry. Pulp Fiction also has a used bookstore under the same roof.
