The Ultimate Family Guide: 23 Things to Do with Kids in Invermere Throughout the Year

 
 
Many people initially visit Invermere as tourists and eventually begin exploring homes for sale in Invermere.
— Jessica
 
Invermere BC

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

Jessica Bertrand Realtor

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.

 
Panorama BC

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)

 
Lake Windermere Whiteway

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Jessica Bertrand Realtor

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.

 

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Jessica Bertrand

This article was written by Jessica Bertrand, Realtor® and local real estate expert at RE/MAX Invermere. Jessica helps buyers, sellers, and relocators navigate the Columbia Valley market with clarity and confidence.

https://www.jessicarealtorbc.ca/
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