By Kristen Thompson

The first Monday of Spring Break (two weeks! Picture panicked, ghost-face emoji here) is about to start. And, if you’re like me, you opted out of putting your kids in camp to a) save cash, and b) bond with your children. And… now … you’re maybe regretting it a bit?

Well, I’m here to help mitigate that panic just a little. Because I’ve put together an itinerary of great (cheap or free) things to do around Kelowna with your kids this week, that don’t require advanced planning or registration. So I’ll pray for you, if you pray for me, and at the end of the two weeks, we can compare grey hairs! (Part 2 coming soon)

If you do want to sign your kids up for camps - drop-in or otherwise - there’s a great list here

MONDAY MARCH 18

- Indoor Energy Burn Day -

Weather: Sunny, highs of 13

9 AM: Breakfast at McDonald’s Play Space

Coffee for me, pancakes and climbing structure for the kids
2120 Harvey Ave, KELOWNA -map-

11 AM: Trampoline energy burn at Airhouse

Drop-in open from 11 am - 1 pm for kids ages 3 and up. $15 per participant.
730 McCurdy Rd. KELOWNA -map-

12:30 PM: Lunch at home, or at Parkinson Rec Centre playground

1:30 PM: Public swim at Parkinson Rec Centre

Little pool and large pool open. Slide, rope swing, spray feature and toys from 1:30 PM to 5 PM. Click here for rates.
1800 Parkinson Way, KELOWNA -map-

3 PM: Home for a snack and movie

TUESDAY MARCH 19

- Greenway Adventure Day -

Weather: Sunny, highs of 15 (whaaaat?!!)

9:30 AM: Breakfast at Tim Horton’s, Orchard Park

10:30 AM: Head to the EECO to sign out discovery backpacks.

Full of everything you need to explore four different environmental aspects of Mission Creek Regional Park: Pond Exploration, Forest Walk, Mini Beasts and Kokanee. FREE to sign out.
Mission Creek Regional Park, 2363 A Springfield Rd -map-

11 AM: Bike ride or walk along the Greenway with discovery backpack.

And this awesome spring textures scavenger hunt from Mama Papa Bubba (free downloadable PDF at bottom of their post)

1 PM: Picnic lunch at playground, and play

2:30 PM: Home to fill out the scavenger hunt with crayons, snack and rest. Early dinner!

6:30 PM: Pajama story time at the downtown library

Featuring longer books, children will sing, dance and rhyme along. Don’t forget your PJs! FREE
1380 Ellis St, KELOWNA -map-

WEDNESDAY MARCH 20

- Capital News Centre Day -

Weather: Sunny, highs of 16 (WHAA-AAAT?!!)

9 AM: Public skate at Capital News Centre

Hit up the mini rink for some fun skating. Helmets are mandatory for anyone under 18. Skates and skate trainers available for rent for all ages. $3 per participant - pay at concession.
4105 Gordon Dr, KELOWNA -map-

10 AM: Snack

10:30 AM: Library at Capital News Centre