A Surprise Grandparent Visit & a Perfect Weekend in Kamloops
For the past month, we were keeping a pretty big secret.
My kids had absolutely no idea that their grandparents were coming to visit. Not a hint, not a clue... and let me tell you, keeping that secret for over a month was not easy.
When the moment finally came and they walked through the door, the excitement was instant. Pure shock followed by the biggest hugs and the kind of joy only kids can show when they see people they love unexpectedly. It was one of those moments you wish you could freeze in time.
What made the visit even more special is that their grandparents truly keep up with them. There was no sitting on the sidelines, they were right in the middle of everything. Running, skating, exploring, and laughing with the kids all weekend long.
We packed the visit with some classic Kamloops family activities, and it reminded me how much there is to do here, even in early spring.
One of the highlights was skating at the rink at Riverside Park. The kids were determined (and a little wobbly), while their grandparents skated alongside them helping them stay upright and cheering them on the whole time.
Living in Kamloops means you’re never far from something fun to do with kids, even during that in-between season when winter is ending but spring hasn’t fully arrived yet.
Which got me thinking… if you’re wondering what to do in Kamloops in March, there are actually plenty of great options.
Things to Do in Kamloops in March
March in Kamloops is that interesting transition between winter and spring. Some days still feel like winter, while others hint at warmer weather ahead. But it’s actually a great time to get outside and enjoy the city before the busy summer season.
Here are a few family-friendly things to do in Kamloops in March.
⛸ Go Skating at Riverside Park
The outdoor skating rink and loop at Riverside Park is such a fun winter activity in Kamloops, especially for families. It’s actually brand new and just opened this winter, making it an exciting new addition to the downtown park.
If you don’t have your own skates, rentals are available right at the rink, which makes it really easy to join in. They also have popcorn, hot chocolate, and other snacks available, which is perfect for warming up after a skate.
The rink is open seasonally through the winter and into early spring, and this year it’s scheduled to stay open until March 22, making March a great time to sneak in one last skate before the warmer weather arrives.
🌊 Walk the Rivers Trail
Kamloops actually has many different sections of the Rivers Trail that run along the North and South Thompson rivers, which makes it easy to hop on for a short walk or a longer adventure.
If you’re already heading downtown for a skate at Riverside Park, a really nice stretch to walk is between Riverside and Pioneer Park. It’s an easy, scenic route along the river and perfect for families with kids, strollers, or scooters.
It’s a great way to extend your outing: skate for a bit, then take a stroll along the river before heading home or stopping for a warm drink nearby.
☕ STOP FOR COFFEE OR A BITE TO EAT
If you’re already downtown skating or walking along the river, it’s the perfect excuse to stop somewhere warm for coffee or a bite to eat. Caffè Motivo is a great stop for a quick coffee and pastry before heading back out to explore.
If you’re looking for a delicious dinner spot to end the day, Peter's Pasta is one of those places that’s well worth the wait. It is almost always busy, but once you sit down you quickly understand why. The pasta is incredible, honestly some of the best pasta I’ve ever had.
The service is just as memorable as the food. The staff are welcoming, attentive, and make the whole experience feels special. It’s the kind of place where you can tell people genuinely care about what they’re doing. If you’re planning a weekend in Kamloops, it’s definitely a restaurant that should be on the list.
🦌 Visit the Wildlife Park
The BC Wildlife Park is always a favourite outing for families in Kamloops. It’s a fun place to spend a few hours walking around, seeing the animals, and letting kids explore. Every year my family gets a season pass, and it’s honestly one of our favourite things to do throughout the year. It makes it so easy to pop in for a short visit, even just for a couple hours. The kids never seem to get tired of seeing the animals.
March is actually a really nice time to go because it’s usually quieter than the busy summer months, which makes it a relaxed outing for families.
🏒 Catch a Blazers Game
If you’re looking for something fun to do in the evening, going to a Blazers game is such a great local experience, especially for families with kids.
The atmosphere is incredibly energetic and welcoming. There are so many families in the crowd, and the excitement is contagious from the moment the game starts. Kids love joining in with everyone chanting “Let’s Go Blazers!” and cheering along with the crowd.
At the game we went to on Saturday, my kids were thrilled because they ended up on the big screen several times, which of course made the whole experience even more exciting for them.
Between the hockey, the crowd energy, and all the little entertainment moments throughout the game, it makes for such a fun night out. Even if you’re not a huge hockey fan, it’s one of those classic Kamloops experiences that’s worth doing and it’s something kids tend to remember long after the game ends.
- Why We Love Weekends at Home -
Weekends like this remind me that sometimes the best memories come from the simplest things: a surprise visit, fresh air, and time spent together exploring the place we call home. Kamloops may be between seasons in March, but there’s still plenty of adventure waiting if you go looking for it.
