The Ultimate Family Guide: 23 Things to Do with Kids in Invermere Throughout the Year
Table of Contents
“Many people initially visit Invermere as tourists and eventually begin exploring homes for sale in Invermere.”
Why Families Love Invermere
When families start exploring homes for sale in Invermere, they're often looking for more than just a house. They want a community where children can grow up outdoors, stay active, and enjoy a lifestyle that balances recreation with a strong sense of community.
One of the biggest advantages of living in Invermere is that family activities aren't limited to a single season. Whether it's swimming at the beach in July or skating on the Whiteway in January, there's always something happening.
The Ultimate Family Guide
Summer Activities for Kids in Invermere
1. Spend the Day at Kinsmen Beach
For many local families, summer revolves around mornings and afternoons at Kinsmen Beach.
Highlights include:
Sandy beach area
Playground
Picnic tables
Shallow swimming areas
Beautiful lake views
Pack a lunch and it's easy to spend an entire day here.
2. Paddleboarding on Lake Windermere
Lake Windermere provides excellent conditions for introducing children to:
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Canoeing
Many families start with short shoreline adventures before progressing to longer paddles.
3. Explore James Chabot Provincial Park
James Chabot Provincial Park offers open green space, beach access, walking trails, and excellent picnic areas.
It's one of the easiest places for younger children to safely explore nature.
4. Visit the Invermere Farmers' and Artists' Market
The Invermere Farmers' Market is a summer tradition for many local families.
For 2026, the regular market runs every Saturday from June 13 through September 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with additional special market dates throughout the season.
Kids love:
Fresh baking
Local treats
Live entertainment
Handmade goods
5. Family Bike Rides
The Columbia Valley offers numerous family-friendly cycling routes.
Popular choices include:
Downtown pathways
Lakefront routes
Valley Trail connections
Cycling is one of the easiest ways for children to explore the community.
6. Panorama Summer Adventures
Just minutes from Invermere, Panorama Mountain Resort transforms into a family adventure destination during summer.
Activities include:
Mountain coaster
Mini golf
Climbing wall
Sightseeing chairlift
Mining activities
Family hiking trails
Outdoor pools
Fall Activities for Families
7. Wildlife Watching
Fall is one of the best seasons to observe wildlife throughout the Columbia Valley.
Children often enjoy spotting:
Deer
Bighorn sheep
Eagles
Waterfowl
Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance.
8. Scenic Family Hikes
Temperatures are cooler, trails are quieter, and the changing colours create spectacular scenery.
Many local families consider autumn the best hiking season.
9. Pumpkin Patches and Harvest Events
Several local farms and businesses host seasonal harvest activities throughout September and October.
These events often include:
Pumpkin picking
Hay rides
Family photo opportunities
Seasonal treats
Winter Activities for Kids in Invermere
10. Skate the Lake Windermere Whiteway
One of Invermere's most famous attractions is the Lake Windermere Whiteway.
The Whiteway stretches more than 30 kilometres around the lake and is recognized as the world's longest skating trail. It includes skating, cross-country skiing, and fat biking routes.
Kids love:
Skating
Hockey areas
Fire pits
Family outings on the ice
11. Skiing and Snowboarding at Panorama
Winter wouldn't be complete without visits to Panorama.
Family-friendly options include:
Ski lessons
Beginner terrain
Snowboarding programs
Village activities
Many local children learn to ski here.
12. Sledding Days
Simple? Yes.
Fun? Absolutely.
Some of the best family memories are made on snowy afternoons with a sled and a good hill.
13. Cross-Country Skiing
The Columbia Valley offers several excellent Nordic skiing opportunities suitable for families and beginners.
Family Friendly Spring Activities
14. Nature Walks
Spring is ideal for getting children outside after winter.
Look for:
Returning birds
Wildflowers
Melting streams
Emerging wildlife
15. Explore Local Parks
As temperatures warm, local parks become gathering places for families.
Many feature:
Playgrounds
Open fields
Walking paths
Rainy Day Activities
Not every day is sunny, even in the Columbia Valley.
16. Library Programs
The local library regularly hosts family-oriented programming and activities.
17. Indoor Swimming
Community pools provide a great option when outdoor plans change.
18. Craft and Art Activities
Throughout the year, various community organizations offer art classes and workshops for children.
Annual Family Events Worth Marking on Your Calendar
May
May Long Farmers' Market
Summer
Invermere Farmers' Market (Saturdays, June 13 – September 12, 2026)
July
Valley Appreciation Day Market (July 18, 2026)
September
Fall Fest Market (September 26, 2026)
Winter
Whiteway season (typically weather dependent)
Contact a licensed realtor in Invermere today to explore property for sale in Invermere BC and start your search with expert guidance.
FAQs – Things to do with kids in Invermere
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Some of the most popular summer activities include visiting Kinsmen Beach, paddleboarding on Lake Windermere, exploring James Chabot Provincial Park, biking local trails, attending the Invermere Farmers' Market, and enjoying family activities at Panorama Mountain Resort.
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Many families are drawn to Invermere because of its outdoor lifestyle, strong sense of community, family-friendly recreation opportunities, and access to activities throughout all four seasons. Children can enjoy beaches, parks, sports, hiking trails, and community events year-round.
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Winter activities include skating the Lake Windermere Whiteway, skiing and snowboarding at Panorama Mountain Resort, sledding, cross-country skiing, and participating in seasonal community events.
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Yes. Many of Invermere's most popular family activities are free or low-cost, including beach days, playgrounds, hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, nature walks, skating on the Whiteway, and attending community events.
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When the weather doesn't cooperate, families can visit the local library, enjoy indoor swimming, participate in art and craft programs, or attend community workshops designed for children.
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Many families choose Invermere for its combination of outdoor recreation, natural beauty, safe community atmosphere, excellent access to year-round activities, and opportunities for children to spend more time outdoors and connected to nature.
Conclusion
Why This Matters for Families Considering a Move
Many people initially visit Invermere as tourists and eventually begin exploring homes for sale in Invermere.
After spending time here, they realize that children can:
Walk to beaches
Learn to ski
Spend more time outdoors
Participate in community events
Enjoy a lifestyle that's increasingly difficult to find in larger centres
For many families, that's what ultimately makes living in Invermere so appealing.
Your Local Invermere REALTOR®
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Let’s Connect
As a local Invermere realtor, I regularly work with families relocating from Alberta and other parts of British Columbia who want to learn more about schools, neighbourhoods, recreation opportunities, and community life.
If you're considering a move and would like to learn more about family-friendly neighbourhoods, local amenities, and homes for sale in Invermere, I'd be happy to help.