Cool Things to Do in Prince George with Kids | Nest & Sprout

Every now and then, we'll get a heat wave and if like me, you don't have in home air conditioning then you'll find yourself wondering, where can I go to find some relief? and if you've ever tried to wrangle a sweaty toddler through a heat wave, you know the struggle is real. Whether you need to cool off outside or find some indoor respite, here are six family-friendly spots to make the most of summer in the city.

For more Prince George family guides, check out our Northern BC family blog — including our full guide to family-friendly lakes near Prince George for longer day trips.

1. Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park Spray Park

The spray park at Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park is operated by the City of Prince George and typically opens around the May Long Weekend each year. It's a classic — wave your hand to activate the water jets and let the chaos begin. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of newer water parks in Vanderhoof or Quesnel, but it gets the job done on a hot afternoon and is free to use. Our favourite move: park at Exploration Place and walk over so the kids burn off some energy before they even hit the water. It opens 10am to 7pm.

2. Moores Meadow

Moores Meadow is one of Prince George's quieter gems — a shaded, cooler-feeling green space in the heart of the city that most visitors drive right past. The dips in the landscape are called kettles (a geological leftover from the last ice age), and they naturally hold cooler air, making it feel like a different microclimate on a hot day. Walk the shaded trails, let little ones explore the terrain, and enjoy the kind of slow, unstructured outdoor time that kids genuinely need. You'll find similar kettle formations out at Eskers Provincial Park if you want to explore further.

3. West Lake

Just 30 minutes west of downtown, West Lake is one of the best quick escapes for families on a hot day. There's a proper beach, the lake is swimable, and — crucially — there's real shade, which is harder to find than you'd think at most Prince George area beaches. Pack a BBQ, a pop-up tent for extra coverage, and your best beach towels. There's also a designated dog beach if the family dog is making the trip.

Looking for more options? Here's our full list of family-friendly lakes near Prince George — including distances, facilities, and toddler tips.

4. Cottonwood Park River Access

This one's a bit of a local secret. The entrance near River Rock Supply gives you access to a stretch of the river with a mix of shaded and open spots — great for setting up wherever your family needs. When the water is low (which it often is by mid-to-late summer), the rocky riverbed opens up into a really fun exploration zone for kids: rocks to scramble, shallow pools to wade in, and enough space that everyone can spread out. It's very rocky, so this is one spot where water-friendly sandals are genuinely worth packing — bare feet on river rock gets uncomfortable fast. A great low-key alternative to a busy beach day.

5. Bubbles Indoor Playground

When the heat is just too much and you need to get out of the house, Bubbles Indoor Playground is right here in the same complex as Nest & Sprout in College Heights — which makes it a very easy double stop. It's designed for kids 0–5 and has that contained, manageable energy that makes it actually enjoyable for parents as well as kids. If your crew is a bit older or needs something bigger, PG City Fun Park is a larger indoor play facility in the city — more overwhelming, but genuinely fun for kids who are ready for it.

6. Eskers Provincial Park Trails

For families who want to get outside without roasting in direct sun, Eskers Provincial Park is worth the trip. The forested trails stay noticeably cooler than open areas, and the kettle lakes scattered through the park make for great stopping points along the way. It's not a beach day, but it's a genuinely beautiful way to spend a summer morning before the heat peaks. Stick to the shorter loops with little ones — there's plenty to explore without committing to a full hike.

What to Pack for a Summer Day Out in Prince George

A few things worth having in the bag regardless of where you end up:

• Sun protection — UV swimwear and rash guards cut down on how often you're reapplying sunscreen on a moving target
• Water sandals — especially for Cottonwood Park and any rocky beach; bare feet and river rock are a tough combination
• A pop-up shade tent — most of these spots have limited or no shade infrastructure; bringing your own is the move for babies and younger toddlers
• Snacks for the drive home — this one goes without saying

We carry kids' swimwear and sun protection in-store and online at Nest & Sprout in College Heights, Prince George — new and preloved, shipped across Canada.

Updated 2026. More family guides for Northern BC: Nest & Sprout Prince George Blog →