Indoor Adventures in Kamloops: Fun for Every Interest and Every Season

Hands-On Learning for Curious Minds

Big Little Science Centre

The Big Little Science Centre (BLSC) in Kamloops offers a variety of interactive exhibits and programs designed to engage visitors of all ages in the wonders of science. Established in 2000 by retired science teacher Gordon R. Gore, the centre is dedicated to developing a passion for science within the community.

The BLSC features three hands-on rooms with over 140 stations where visitors can explore various scientific concepts through interactive displays. These stations cover topics such as magnetism, gravity, optics, and geology, allowing guests to engage directly with scientific principles in a fun and educational environment.

Regular science demonstrations and shows are a highlight at the BLSC, offering engaging presentations on topics like static electricity and other fascinating phenomena. These sessions are designed to be both educational and entertaining, providing deeper insights into scientific concepts.

The centre offers a range of educational programs and clubs aimed at fostering a love for science among children and adults alike. Programs include home school sessions, summer camps, and specialized clubs such as the Robotics Club, Creative Design & Maker Club, and 3D Printing Club. These initiatives provide hands-on learning and skill development opportunities in various scientific and technological fields.

Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park

The Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park in Kamloops offers an immersive experience into the history and culture of the Secwépemc people. The museum features four galleries that showcase various aspects of Secwépemc life, including traditional clothing, hunting and fishing tools, housing, and more. These exhibits provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the Secwépemc way of life before European contact.

Adjacent to the museum, the Heritage Park extends over a 5-hectare area along the South Thompson River. Visitors can explore a 2,000-year-old archaeological site featuring a reconstructed pithouse, offering a glimpse into ancient Secwépemc architecture. The park also includes an ethnobotanical garden filled with traditional Secwépemc plants, highlighting the deep connection between the Secwépemc people and their natural environment.

The museum serves as an education and community engagement center, hosting workshops, cultural events, and guest lectures. These programs provide opportunities for visitors to actively participate in preserving and promoting the living traditions of the Secwépemc people. Through collaboration with community members, elders, and scholars, the museum ensures its exhibits authentically reflect Secwépemc culture.

For those interested in the history of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, the museum offers guided tours that shed light on this significant part of Canada's past. Visitors can explore various parts of the school, including the chapel, dining room, kitchen, boys' dormitory, and gymnasium, gaining insights into Indigenous children's experiences.

Family Fun That Everyone Can Enjoy

Fun Factor Fun Centre

The Fun Factor in Kamloops is a hub of entertainment designed to cater to guests of all ages. If planning a family outing, a birthday celebration, or a group event, this centre provides diverse attractions to keep everyone engaged and entertained.

The laser tag arena is a highlight for action seekers, featuring cutting-edge technology for dynamic, interactive battles. Perfect for casual players or competitive groups, it offers a fun, fast-paced adventure in a high-energy environment. For those looking for a unique spin on classic fun, the Spin Zone bumper cars provide an exciting experience. These cars spin unpredictably upon impact, creating a thrilling ride for kids and adults alike.

Mini bowling is another crowd favourite, offering all the excitement of traditional bowling in a scaled-down version accessible to younger participants. Families can enjoy this activity together, making it an excellent option for those looking for inclusive, lighthearted competition.

The Fun Factor's arcade features an impressive selection of games, from timeless classics to the latest digital offerings. Players can win tickets to redeem for a variety of prizes, adding an element of reward to the gaming experience.

In addition to its attractions, The Fun Factor is well-equipped for hosting events, including birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and team-building activities. With flexible event packages and a dedicated party area, organizing a memorable celebration tailored to your needs is easy. The facility's clean and modern environment ensures guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Falcon Lanes Bowling

Established in 1974, Falcon Lanes is Kamloops' sole bowling centre, offering both 5-pin- and 10-pin bowling options.

One of the standout features at Falcon Lanes is Cosmic Bowling, which combines traditional bowling with black lights, disco balls, and music to create a lively atmosphere. Shoe rentals are available for $2.50.

Falcon Lanes also caters to group events and parties, making it a suitable venue for gatherings and celebrations. They offer various leagues, including options for adults, seniors, ladies, and youth, providing opportunities for bowlers of all ages and skill levels to participate. Given its popularity, especially on weekends, it's advisable to call ahead and reserve a lane to ensure availability.

While some patrons have noted that the facility has an old-school charm, many appreciate the friendly staff and the nostalgic bowling experience it offers. As the only bowling alley in Kamloops, Falcon Lanes holds a special place in the community, continuing to be a favoured spot for entertainment and socializing.

Get Active, Indoors

APEX Adventure Plex

Apex Adventure Plex in Kamloops is a premier indoor entertainment centre offering a variety of active attractions suitable for all ages. The facility spans over 30,000 square feet and features a trampoline park, bubble soccer arena, parkour course, and a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.

The trampoline park includes wall-to-wall trampolines, 40-foot long fast-track trampolines, slam dunk trampolines, and Canada's first obstacle course, providing a dynamic environment for casual and avid jumpers.

For those seeking a challenge, the Ninja Warrior course offers two lanes with progressively difficult obstacles, allowing participants to test their agility and strength. The parkour area is designed to enhance free-running skills in a safe setting. The bubble soccer arena also provides a fun twist on traditional soccer, with players encased in inflatable bubbles, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game.

Apex Adventure Plex also caters to families with young children through "Toddler Time," ensuring that even the youngest visitors can enjoy the facilities in a safe and controlled environment.

Cliffside Indoor Rock Climbing Gym

Cliffside Climbing Gym, established in the early 1990s, is one of British Columbia's pioneering indoor climbing facilities. Created for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to maintain their climbing skills during winter, it has become a popular destination for birthday parties, drop-in sessions, and dedicated members. Despite its modest size, patrons praise the gym's welcoming atmosphere and friendly community.

The gym offers various climbing experiences suitable for all ages and skill levels. With over 60 climbing routes and 100 bouldering problems available at any given time, climbers can challenge themselves on features such as corners, aretes, overhangs, and caves. Cliffside also provides specialized areas, including a bouldering section for individuals aged 14 and above.

Beyond individual climbing sessions, Cliffside Climbing Gym hosts various programs and events. Youth climbing programs, summer camps, and introductory lessons are available for those new to the sport. The facility is also popular for birthday parties and group events, offering a bright, colourful party room overlooking the climbing area. For experienced climbers, the gym features training tools such as campus boards and free weights to enhance their skills.

Explore Art and Culture

Kamloops Art Gallery

The Kamloops Art Gallery, established in 1978, stands as the most extensive public art gallery in the Interior of British Columbia, housing a collection of 3,100 works.

Situated on the unceded lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc within Secwepemcúl'ecw, the traditional territory of the SecwépemcIt'sple, the gallery is dedicated to engaging minds to realize a passionate community.

The gallery presents more than 12 exhibitions each year featuring local, national, and international artists.

These exhibitions offer diverse, accessible, and affordable experiences, including talks, tours, and studio-bTk'emlúpsrams for people of alSecwepemcúl'ecwities.

The Kamloops Art Gallery is committed to the belief that art is essential to the human experience. It is dedicated to making this belief tangible within the galleries and the amenities it serves.

Sagebrush Theatre

The Sagebrush Theatre is a 685-seat proscenium theatre that serves as a central hub for the performing arts in the region. It is home to prominent local arts organizations, including the Kamloops Symphony and Western Canada Theatre, and hosts a variety of local, community, and professional performances.

The theatre's design includes a spacious lobby equipped with two TV monitors that broadcast live performances, ensuring attendees don't miss any part of the show if they need to step out. The facility is accessible, featuring two accessible washrooms with baby change stations. Its location adjacent to South Kamloops Secondary School underscores its role in supporting educational and community events.

In addition to serving as a venue for local arts groups, the Sagebrush Theatre regularly features touring artists and musicals, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Kamloops.

The theatre's commitment to accessibility and community engagement makes it a cornerstone of the arts scene in Kamloops, offering a diverse range of performances that cater to various audiences. If you're interested in orchestral music, theatrical productions, or contemporary performances, the Sagebrush Theatre provides a welcoming environment to experience the arts.

Why Stay Indoors?

Kamloops' indoor attractions are more than just a rainy-day backup plan—they're destinations in their own right. If you're chasing family fun, hands-on learning, or an adrenaline rush, these spots offer a break from routine with plenty to explore. Next time you're looking something to do, take advantage of the incredible indoor experiences Kamloops has to offer.