Welcome to the water world of Kelowna

For family summer fun, why not try Kelowna? As the largest city on the 110-km-long

Okanagan Lake, it's no surprise that Kelowna is all about summer at the beach! With over 30 public beaches to choose from, it's easy to spend some time at the lake. Have a water fight, a refreshing swim, float on your air mattress or simply relax by the shore. Kids will love playing in the sand and building sand castles. Even the main street ends at a beach. Slip on your sandals and spend hours leisurely strolling and window-shopping, checking out the local artisan-busker stands, sitting in the grass and watching the boats pass by or listening to a free concert in the park. For the adrenalin seekers, go for a jet ski or parasail.... rent a boat to explore the lake and take the gang out for a tube or a ski.

Free stuff:

Sand castle building on the beach -free

Sand between your toes -free

Outdoor concerts in the park (Jul/Aug) -free

Loads of sunshine -free

Children's Water Park downtown Kelowna -free

Zip lining at Gyro Beach -free

Bike riding at Myra Canyon Trestles (bring your bike) -free

Team beach volleyball -free

Hiking/walking in Okanagan Mountain Park -free

KnoxMountainLookout -free

Mission Creek Park & EECO Centre -free

Admiring the Koi Fish in Kasugai Gardens -free

Mom & Dad teaching you to swim in Okanagan Lake -free

Rock collecting at Mission Creek Greenway -free

Exploring the Kelowna Farmer's and Crafter's Market -free

Gallery exploring -free

The sound of your kids laughing and splashing in the lake -priceless

The taste of fresh fruit from a local road-side fruit stand -priceless

The sound of mom sighing while she sips her favourite Kelowna wine -priceless

Life-long memories of summer holidays in Kelowna -priceless

Happy family vacations make happy families ...

Don't forget the links, mom and dad! With 17 to choose from, you can fine tune your game on some stunning golf courses in the valley. Wine lovers can hit some of the award winning wineries for a tour and tastings; bring the kids along too for juice tastings at many of the local wineries.

Claire Newell is the official Travel Consultant for Global BC and has appeared on The Today Show, Fox & Friends, and other US media.

She recently launched the CN Travel Collection. She is a bestselling author of Travel Best Bets -- An Insider's Guide to Taking Your Best Trip, Ever.

PBS has contracted Claire for a six -part series on VolunTourism. Visit www.clairenewell.com

Things for families to do in Kelowna:

- Kid-friendly Restaurants

- Manteo Resort Kids' Check-in and "Kidz Klub"

- Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan (EECO at Mission Creek Greenway)

- Parrot Island Sanctuary

- Croc Talk

- Ice Cream Downtown

- Energyplex

- H20 Adventure & Fitness Centre

- Scandia Golf & Games

- Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan Inc

- Falcon Ridge Farms

- Hiking/Biking

- Knox Mountain Lookout

- Free Concerts in the City Parks (July/Aug)

- 19 Greens Putt & Play Zone

- Safari Ridge Adventure Park; Paintball & Laser Tag

- Grand Prix Kelowna

- Fruit Stands

- Museums

- Galleries

- City Park Children's Water Park & Skateboard Park

- Ben Lee Children's Water Park & Skateboard Park

Little-known tips:

- Manteo Waterfront Hotel & Villas has a "Kids Check-in" and "Kidz Klub".

- Many of Kelowna wineries offer kids juice tastings!

(prepared by Claire Newell/Vancouver Sun)