The 7 Best Parks With Playgrounds in Kelowna, BC 2023 | Safe Places for Kids to Play

Looking for outdoor places to play with your kids in the Okanagan?

This article helps you find the parks with the best playgrounds in Kelowna based on the quality of park & playground space, area safety, and first-hand reviews.

Each of these beautiful children's parks and public parks with playgrounds is located in safe neighbourhoods in the City of Kelowna, BC.

About Kelowna Playgrounds in 2023 | Best Playgrounds Near Me

Summer in the Okanagan is hardly the time to stay indoors.  Kelowna  has a number of wonderful, safe outdoor parks within the city area for your kids to play. Spending time in the park with your children is also a great way to get acquainted with the community. 

The variety of public parks in town provide for all of your needs, whether you’re looking for a grassy field to let your child or dog run around, play structures for kids who like climbing or playing on the swings or slides, or parks near beaches to cool off with a swim.  

All of the parks on the following list have public washrooms, and most have picnic tables available for parents to sit nearby.

Parkinson Recreation Centre

About

Located in Kelowna’s central city Landmark district, the Parkinson Recreation Centre is a great spot to take the family.

If you’re searching for a safe spot for your toddlers or young children to play, the rec centre’s outdoor playground with rubber flooring should ease some of your worries about the inevitable bumps and owies.

You can enjoy some outdoor fitness after visiting the playground; Parkinson has a pickleball court, tennis courts, an outdoor workout area & running track, and a soccer field.

There are also some gentle walking trails along Mill Creek.

Address: 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna

Parking: Large free lot next to the playground at the rec centre (off Harvey Ave)

Mission Creek Regional Park

About

Mission Creek Park is a favourite public area for Kelowna residents. The Mission Creek Greenway runs right through it from East Kelowna down to the Lower Mission area.

The park has a fully equipped playground, level gravel walking trails and steeper grade hiking trails for the outdoor adventurer. 

Conveniently located off Springfield Road in central Kelowna, it’s just five minutes from Costco, Superstore, and the Orchard Park Shopping Centre so you can cross errands off your list before or after enjoying what the park has to offer. 

Address: 2363 Springfield Rd, Kelowna

Parking: Free parking at several access points along the Greenway, and a free parking lot at the Springfield entrance.

Boyce Gyro Park & Volleyball Courts

About

Boyce Gyro park is a local favourite for its sandy beach, picnic tables and boat rental options and the proximity to the vibrant restaurants and breweries in the South Pandosy neighborhood.

An Okanagan summer is incomplete without a visit to Gyro.

Children love the playground setup with its zipline into the lake, and parents can enjoy a low-prep venture thanks to the park’s facilities, including clean public bathrooms and water fountains.

The beach volleyball courts are a go-to for the locals, and it’s a great place to watch people windsurfing or even try it for yourself.

Address: 3400 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna

Parking: Paid parking lot, or free street parking on Watt road beside the park.

Kelowna City Park | City Park Kelowna, BC

About

City Park is a must-see. It is Kelowna’s largest public park, with paved pathways throughout for walking, biking or skateboarding. City Park comes alive during the summer. City organized live music events often take place here, and there’s a lively atmosphere along the walkways thanks to busking musicians.

The park reaches from the heart of downtown all the way to the North Pandosy neighborhood, right along the lakeshore. There are grassy areas to sit and picnic or kick a ball around and beach access to lay on the sand and tan or go swimming. 

Kids love the playground, skate park, and two water parks including the Splash BC Water Park - an inflatable water park feature just offshore from the beach.

Locals love to come down to city park for its basketball, tennis, and beach volleyball courts, as well as a full-sized soccer field.

All of the sports facilities are located in the south end of the park near the well-maintained public bathrooms and across from the beach.

Address: 1600 Abbott St, Kelowna

Parking: City Park has a large paid parking lot at the Abbott street entrance, but it’s high volume in the summer so prepare to park on the street downtown. You can pay for street parking on Bernard or Lawrence next to the park.

Ben Lee Park, Rutland | Ben Lee Water Park

About

Ben Lee Park is conveniently located in Kelowna’s Rutland neighbourhood, home to a lot of young families.

Ben Lee is well known for its popular skateboard park, the Ben Lee water park with a water slide, spray park, and regular playground facilities for young kids.

It’s also known for it’s beautiful green space, mature trees, picnic tables and benches close to the water park and playground.

Ben Lee is just a short walk from the center of Rutland, close to schools and affordable housing options.

Basketball courts and walking trails make up the rest of this park’s amenities.

Address: 900 Houghton Rd, Kelowna, BC

Parking: Mid-sized parking lot, almost always with available space, otherwise there is minimal street parking.

Quilchena Water Park

About

Quilchena Water Park is a public park in the Kettle Valley neighbourhood, just up the hill from the Lower Mission area. 

Quilchena is appropriate for all ages, fully-equipped with a cool playground featuring multiple play structures, a downhill slide, and splash park (water park).

The Kettle Valley neighbourhood in Kelowna is home to a ton of young families, making this park an exceptionally safe and friendly community park.

Address: 347 Quilchena Dr, Kelowna

Parking: Small free parking lot and street parking is available nearby.

Marina Park, West Kelowna

About

Marina Park is another local favourite, and a high traffic tourist spot. Located in West Kelowna, it’s a beautiful 20 minute drive from downtown Kelowna through vineyard-lined slopes with lake views.

Marina Park itself is right on the lake in the Gellatly Bay neighbourhood, 10 minutes walk from the Gellatly Bay ferry docks that kids love to jump off.

If you need some shade, there are some beautiful trees to sit under to have a picnic or read a good book. A public washroom is available on site.

Address: 4123 Gellatly Rd, West Kelowna, BC

Parking: Small parking lot and free street parking. It can get busy during the peak summer months, so prepare to walk about 5 minutes from parking to the beach.

Photos courtesy of Google Maps