We often talk up all the outdoor benefits of our beautiful city, but there’s also some fantastic options for indoor activities. Enjoy this roundup of things to do with friends, family or just your own good self.
Move your body
It might be summer, but you can cool off with free public ice skating at McLaren Arena. The SOEC walking track is open weekdays for a climate-controlled stroll (4 laps = just over 1km). And while the pool is currently closed for maintenance, the Community Centre’s fitness centre is open and there are a variety of activities scheduled in the gym this week (free of cost), such as drop-in basketball, or build your own fun during the Family Open Gym sessions.
Maybe you choose to send the kids to Ethos Parkour to burn off some energy at one of their drop-in sessions. Get the blood pumping in your limbs at the Hoodoo Adventures Climbing Wall or work on your flexibility at one of the many yoga and pilates studios in town.
Schedule some playtime
Enjoy solving puzzles? Grab some friends and book a game at Exit Penticton, where you solve problems to move through the space before the time runs out. Or step into another dimension at the Penticton VR Studio in the Cannery Trade Centre.
With a wall-sized collection of board, dice and card games and delicious food & drinks, Meeples & Milkshakes is an excellent option for having fun with friends or family. Rent your table by the hour and explore the library of games. Need help finding the right one? The staff are very knowledgeable and ready to help with recommendations. When was the last time you racked up the balls on the pool table?
Cue's Games Room at 342 Main St is open 7 days a week for food, drink and games. And with laser bowling (5 and 10 pin), darts, blacklight minigolf, arcade games, and a laneside bar… there’s something for everyone at Roll ‘n Stones Fun Centre.
The Penticton Seniors Drop-in Centre has a variety of activities scheduled every week. From line dancing to coffee chats, there is always something going on.
Culture up
Looking to expand your mind or be entertained? Check out an exhibition at the Penticton Art Gallery (nudge: they also have a range of events so look those up, too). Penticton has a delightful range of art galleries; the Penticton and District Community Arts Council has put together this Art Walk Map that you can use as a reference to explore. Maybe the big screen is calling: grab a bag of popcorn and settle into a movie at Landmark Cinemas.
While away a few hours at the Penticton Library where you can find a peaceful, light filled corner, take part in the family activities, or select a stash of material to bring home. Did you know that you can borrow board games, DVDs and video games as well? The Penticton Museum & Archives is a great place to explore and learn about our region’s history and there’s some great hands-on activities for the kids. Historic Leir House Cultural Centre, on Manor Avenue, is home to the Penticton and District Community Arts Council, the Penticton Academy of Music, the Penticton Potters Guild and the Artist-in-Residence studios. Check out the website to see what exhibitions and events are happening.
There’s an explosion of live music, trivia, and performance happening around town and a night out might be just what you need. Most of our pubs breweries are featuring live music throughout the week, and there’s ticketed shows at The Dream Cafe, and Tempest Theatre to check out as well. Visit Penticton has a great event calendar to help you plan.
It’s fun to explore your hometown. There’s much to choose from and you’ll be supporting some of the local businesses who are impacted by the current travel restrictions.
