Family-Friendly Activities Around Sun Peaks

Discovering Sun Peaks as a Family Destination

This article explores family-friendly activities around Sun Peaks, focusing on year-round experiences that bring families together. From walkable village access to seasonal programming, everything is set up to simplify planning and keep families active.

Sun Peaks is designed to work for all ages. The pedestrian-friendly village core connects lodging, dining, and outdoor activities without the need for a vehicle. Seasonal transitions are supported by activities that are structured and easy to navigate, helping families stay engaged from morning through evening.

Winter Activities for All Ages

Skiing and Snowboarding Together

Sun Peaks has over 4,200 acres of skiable terrain, most of it suitable for beginner and intermediate levels. Families can take their time exploring three different mountains, avoiding crowding and long lift lines. Programs at Sundance Kids Centre offer structured lessons and play for younger children.

Family zones on the mountain are designed to support slower speeds and safe learning environments. Equipment rentals are available in all sizes, and instructors specialize in teaching children. Parents can either join private family sessions or leave their kids in supervised programs while they explore more advanced terrain.

Tube Park and Tobogganing Zones

The tube park gives families a quick, fun option with minimal effort. A conveyor lift brings riders back up, and several side-by-side lanes keep things moving. Tubes are provided, and staff are on hand to help younger participants.

Those looking for a more traditional option can try tobogganing. Designated zones are groomed and lit for early evening use. Sleds can be brought from home or rented locally, and the experience is informal but safe.

Skating Outdoors

The full-sized outdoor skating rink is a short walk from the village and features regular maintenance, rentals, and family skate nights. These evenings include background music and lighting changes to keep things interesting.

Earlier sessions in the day offer a quieter experience. There are benches and warm-up stations nearby, allowing families to pace themselves and take breaks when needed.

Sleigh Rides and Dog Sledding

Horse-drawn sleigh rides follow a loop near the resort, lasting about 30 minutes. These are available during the day and in the evening, with blankets provided for colder rides. Booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends.

Dog sledding tours combine a short training session with a guided run through forested trails. Groups are small to ensure personal attention, and guests can help interact with the dogs before and after the ride.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

Marked snowshoe trails give families a way to explore at walking speed, with distances ranging from short loops to longer out-and-back routes. Maps are available at the Day Lodge, and trails are clearly marked for skill level.

Families interested in cross-country skiing can access over 37 km of groomed trails. Equipment rentals are available, and warming huts are placed along common routes. The McGillivray Lake outpost is a popular turnaround point for both activities.

Ice Fishing Trips

Ice fishing tours offer everything needed for a half-day or full-day experience. Outfitter staff provide transportation, gear, and warm tents, with a focus on trout fishing in nearby lakes.

The trips are structured to be family-friendly, with safety gear, hands-on instruction, and consistent supervision. It’s a slower-paced activity that adds variety to a winter itinerary.

Summer Family Adventures

Hiking and Nature Walks

Summer trails around Sun Peaks range from easy to moderate, and many start directly from the village. Maps and signage make it simple to choose a route that matches a family’s schedule and stamina.

Guided hikes add an educational layer, with stops for wildlife viewing and local plant identification. These outings are geared toward families with young children and usually include regular breaks and snack stops.

Biking on Trails and in the Bike Park

Sun Peaks Bike Park includes a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced downhill trails, all accessible by chairlift. New riders can use the Progression Park to develop skills on easier terrain before advancing to the full network.

Bike rentals and safety equipment are available at shops throughout the village. Instruction is offered through lessons and clinics that group riders by experience and age, allowing families to ride together with support.

Water Activities at McGillivray Lake

McGillivray Lake offers a calm environment for paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Rentals include lifejackets, and access points are managed for easy entry and exit.

Fishing is also popular, especially for rainbow trout. Many families combine a paddle session with a relaxed afternoon along the shoreline, using designated areas for casting and picnicking.

Horseback Riding and Trail Lessons

Sun Peaks Stables offers trail rides for beginner and experienced riders, with all equipment provided. Children must meet minimum age requirements, and all rides begin with a safety briefing.

Groups move at a walking pace through scenic routes, accompanied by wranglers. Private lessons are also available for those looking to build confidence or learn specific riding skills.

Geocaching Around the Village

Geocaching adds a playful way to explore the area using GPS coordinates. Families can download an app or borrow a device to locate hidden containers placed around trails and landmarks.

Each cache includes a small logbook and may contain small tokens to trade. The activity encourages teamwork and offers a goal-oriented way to spend time outdoors.

Free and Casual Outdoor Activities

Tennis and pickleball courts are open seasonally and located near a large playground and green space. Some equipment may be available to borrow, and facilities are free to use.

The area layout allows families to split up by age group without being far apart. Parents can keep an eye on younger kids while older ones play sports or explore nearby paths.

Summer Events and Local Markets

The weekly farmers' market includes local food vendors, crafts, and family activities like face painting and music. It’s held in the main plaza and runs throughout the summer.

The Summer Concert Series features free live performances at the base of the slopes. Early shows are scheduled with families in mind, and guests can bring their own chairs and snacks to enjoy an evening outdoors.

Where to Eat and Stay with Kids

Family Dining Options

Most restaurants around the village are casual and set up to accommodate children. Menus often include child-sized portions and options for common dietary restrictions. Popular choices include Bottoms Bar & Grill, Mountain High Pizza, Powder Hounds Restaurant, and Mantles Restaurant & Lounge. Each offers flexible seating and a relaxed setting that works for families.

Quick-service options like pizza and sandwiches are also available, and many cafés offer relaxed seating. Allergy-friendly food can be found at several establishments, either listed directly or made to order.

Lodging with Family Amenities

Accommodations range from hotel rooms to multi-bedroom suites with kitchens and laundry access. Larger properties like Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre, Nancy Greene's Cahilty Hotel & Suites, and Hearthstone Lodge offer pools, hot tubs, and common areas with games and activities for kids.

Some providers also offer babysitting referrals or partner with activity programs for children. Many units include secure gear storage, in-suite laundry, and walking access to lifts or trailheads, making them practical for longer family stays with a variety of needs.

Planning the Trip

The busiest snow season runs from mid-December to late March, while summer activities peak in July and August. Booking early is recommended for both lodging and high-demand activities. Shuttles run regularly between Kamloops and Sun Peaks, and resort staff are available to help arrange transport.

Families can access maps, rental gear, and event information through the main resort hub. On-site kiosks and support staff make it easy to adjust plans or ask questions during the trip.

Closing Thoughts

Sun Peaks offers an easy rhythm for family travel, with experiences that fit a wide range of interests and energy levels. Everything is close together, which helps reduce stress and maximize time on activities.

From winter snow to summer trails, every season offers something structured, safe, and enjoyable so families can move at their own pace and build a schedule that works without friction.