East Hill With Kids: Parks, Schools and Things to Do
Quick answer: East Hill works well for families because schools, parks and downtown are close together. Vernon Secondary School is near the centre of the neighbourhood, Lakeview Park's free Peanut Pool and spray park are right in it, and the aquatic centre, library, science centre and Polson Park are all a short trip down the hill.
Families often ask us what East Hill is like for kids: where they'd go to school, where they'd play, and what there is to do on a rainy Saturday. Here's our family-focused guide.
Schools near East Hill
East Hill is in School District 22 (Vernon). Several district schools are in or near the neighbourhood:
- Vernon Secondary School (VSS), 2100 15th Street, grades 8–12, near the centre of East Hill.
- École Beairsto, 3302 27th Street, a French immersion elementary (grades 1–7) in the 1909 brick building that was once Vernon's Central School.
- Silver Star Elementary, 1404 35th Avenue, K–7.
- Harwood Elementary, 4320 20th Street, K–7.
Catchment areas follow the district's maps, not neighbourhood names, so a home "on East Hill" won't automatically be in a particular school's catchment. Always check a specific address with SD22's online school locator, and contact the district about programs of choice such as French immersion.
Parks and outdoor play
Lakeview Park and the Peanut Pool
Lakeview Park, at 3001 18th Street, is East Hill's family hub. It has a playground, three ball diamonds, washrooms and the "Peanut Pool", a free, supervised wading pool where young children can get used to the water. The renovated pool reopened in June 2024 with a new basin designed for access for all abilities and a new change-room building.
The wading pool normally runs from the May long weekend to mid-September, weather permitting. The splash pad can close during water restrictions, so check the City of Vernon's Lakeview Pool page before you pack the towels.
Polson Park
Down the hill on Highway 6, Polson Park has a wheelchair-accessible playground, a skateboard park, tennis courts, a running track, walking paths, the Floral Clock and the Japanese Garden. Canada Day celebrations are held here too.
Things to do when the weather turns
- Vernon Aquatic Centre (3310 37th Avenue): a 25-metre, eight-lane lap pool plus a separate leisure pool with a waterslide and rope swing. Children under 7 must stay within arm's reach of a supervising adult.
- Okanagan Science Centre (in Polson Park): hands-on science exhibits, camps and workshops, open Tuesday to Sunday.
- Okanagan Regional Library, Vernon branch (2800 30th Avenue): books, programs and a warm place to spend an afternoon.
- Centennial Outdoor Rink (3409 35th Avenue): free public skating, parent-and-tot sessions and shinny in winter, when the weather allows. Bring your own skates, since the City doesn't rent them at any of its facilities.
Seasonal family favourites
- February: the Vernon Winter Carnival runs for ten days with more than 100 events, including parades and family activities. The 2027 carnival is scheduled for February 5–14.
- July 1: Canada Day in Polson Park, with bouncy castles, live music and a market in 2026.
- Fall: Davison Orchards on Davison Road offers U-pick apples and pumpkins, an animal barn and a kids' play area. Admission to the farm is free; orchard tours are extra.
- Summer: Kalamalka Lake's beaches are about 10–15 minutes away by car. Kirkland Beach has a playground and shade, which helps with little ones.
Getting kids around
BC Transit's Vernon system includes a Route 4 East Hill bus. Children 12 and under already ride free. As of October 1, 2026, youth aged 13 to 18 can also ride free on local routes with a valid Youth Pass through the Umo app (the Route 90 to UBC Okanagan is excluded). Check bctransit.com/vernon for current details.
For more on the neighbourhood, see our East Hill neighbourhood guide. If you're house-hunting with school catchments in mind, our buying in East Hill page covers what to check before you make an offer.
FAQ
Which high school serves East Hill?
Vernon Secondary School is near the centre of East Hill, but catchments depend on the exact address. Use SD22's school locator to confirm.
Is the Peanut Pool free?
Yes. The City of Vernon lists free public swim admission at Lakeview Pool. It's usually open from the May long weekend to mid-September, weather permitting.
Do kids ride the bus free in Vernon?
Children 12 and under ride free. From October 1, 2026, youth 13 to 18 can ride free on local routes with a valid Youth Pass. Check BC Transit for the current rules.
Looking for a family home on East Hill? Call or text Sean at 778-363-0542, or call the Sarah AI info hotline any time at 604-227-4810. You can also browse current East Hill listings.
Featured photo: stock image from Unsplash, for illustration.
