Fun family things to do in edmonton a year‑round, family‑friendly guide

Edmonton doesn’t tiptoe; it bursts with festivals, river‑valley adventures, and creative indoor spaces that make long winters surprisingly fun. Whether you’re new to the city, scouting neighborhoods, or planning weekend plans with kids, this guide collects the best things to do, by season and by vibe, so you can fall in love with Alberta’s capital.

The river valley - Edmonton’s outdoor superpower

Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley is the largest contiguous urban parkland in North America, with 160+ km of maintained trails. That means you can switch from city streets to spruce and poplar in minutes.

Don’t miss:

• Kinsmen Park & High Level Bridge views – Playgrounds, picnic spots, and a front‑row seat to the High Level Bridge Streetcar in summer.

• Hawrelak Park – Paddle in summer; in winter, it hosts festivals and skating (check seasonal closures/renovations).

• Terwillegar Park – Dog‑friendly trails and a dramatic pedestrian bridge that’s a favorite for sunset photos.

Pro tip: Rent a family cargo bike or a chariot and cruise the paved multi‑use paths with little legs aboard.

West Edmonton Mall - a rain‑or‑shine mega‑playground

More than a mall, it’s a weather‑proof theme park:

• World Waterpark – Tropical temperatures, wave pool, toddler splash zones, and slides for every bravery level.

• Galaxyland – One of the world’s largest indoor amusement parks; perfect when it’s ‑25°C outside.

• Marine Life & Ice Palace – Feedings, sea‑life exhibits, and an NHL‑size rink in the middle of the mall.

Plan a full day and pack swimsuits, socks for rides, and layers—the kids will ping‑pong between water, rides, and ice.

Science, history & big‑time curiosity

• TELUS World of Science – Hands‑on exhibits, IMAX, maker spaces, and rotating galleries that keep toddlers and teens equally glued.

• Royal Alberta Museum – Fossils, bugs (yes, a live bug room), and Indigenous histories told with care.

• Fort Edmonton Park – Time‑travel through four historical eras on a working streetcar. Seasonal openings; check dates.

Turn museum days into “mission days”—give kids a checklist (find the bison skull, test the wind tunnel, ride the streetcar). It transforms learning into a scavenger hunt.

Festivals - why they call it “Festival City”

Edmonton’s calendar pops year‑round:

• Summer: Edmonton International Fringe Festival (theatre everywhere), Heritage Festival (global food & culture), K‑Days (midway fun), and countless music festivals in the river valley.

• Fall: Edmonton International Film Festival and harvest markets.

• Winter: Ice on Whyte, Silver Skate Festival, and sparkling light experiences like Luminaria at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden and Zoominescence at the Zoo.

• Spring: Prairie skies + park picnics; it’s trail‑opening season.

Bundle up, embrace layers, and treat festivals like outdoor classrooms—culture, art, and community in one outing.

Day trips that feel worlds away

• Elk Island National Park (35–45 minutes east): Roaming bison, stargazing in a designated dark‑sky preserve, short family hikes, and calm lakeside picnics.

• U of A Botanic Garden (Devon area): A Japanese Garden that’s meditative even with a stroller, and seasonal light shows in winter.

Bring binoculars and a thermos. Animals tend to show up when snacks do.

Playgrounds, parks & adrenaline

• Borden Park – Artful playground and shaded lawns near downtown.

• Rundle Park – Mini‑golf, toboggan hills, and ponds (rentals vary by season).

• Snow Valley Aerial Park – A climbing structure with beginner to advanced routes; kids feel like movie stunt doubles.

• Victoria Park Oval – Glide through the trees at one of the city’s prettiest outdoor skating loops.

Whyte Avenue & Old Strathcona - stroll, snack, explore

Whyte Ave mixes indie shops, cafes, buskers, and pop‑up art. Pair a stroll with the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market on Saturdays for local produce, breads, and kid‑approved treats. In summer, patios spill onto sidewalks; in winter, twinkle lights make it cozy.

Winter is a feature, not a bug

Edmontonians don’t hide from winter—they design around it. Try:

• River Valley skiing at Snow Valley or Rabbit Hill (both beginner‑friendly).

• Skating at City Hall Plaza or Hawrelak/Victoria (check seasonal availability).

• Tobogganing at Gallagher Park—with hot chocolate as your victory lap.

Make a “winter basket” by the door: mitts, neck warmers, toe warmers, and a dedicated thermos. You’ll get out the door faster and stay out longer.

Rainy‑day & deep‑freeze options

• Indoor play cafes and climbing gyms (Clip ‘n Climb, Factory‑style trampoline parks).

• Public libraries with maker labs and story times—free, warm, and surprisingly fun.

• Community pools with shallow teach pools and slides.

Keep a small “go‑bag” in the car: socks (required for many play places), a swimsuit, and a snack box.

Where childcare meets community

If you’re setting down roots in southwest Edmonton, there’s great news for families: Active Start Childcare is opening a brand‑new centre in December 2025 in Harvest Hills (SW Edmonton).

Save your spot

Learn more and pre‑register here: Active Start Childcare — Harvest Hills (Edmonton SW)

Active Start focuses on warm, play‑based learning with a strong emphasis on social‑emotional growth—and plenty of outdoor time when the weather cooperates. If you’ll be living or working near Harvest Hills, securing a spot early is smart; high‑quality centres in family‑dense neighbourhoods fill quickly.

Sample weekend itinerary (kid‑approved)

SaturdayMorning: Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market → Whyte Ave playground hop.Afternoon: TELUS World of Science (IMAX if attention spans allow).Evening: Pizza + a sunset walk across the Walterdale Bridge.

SundayMorning: River‑valley bike ride (Terwillegar or Kinsmen) and a playground picnic.Afternoon: West Edmonton Mall—pick either Waterpark or Galaxyland and do it well.Evening (winter): Skating at Victoria Park Oval with cocoa rewards.

Quick tips for newcomers

• Dress the Edmonton way: Base layer, warm mid‑layer, windproof outer. Mitts beat gloves for little hands.

• fun-things-to-do-in-edmonton-a-year‑round-family‑friendly-guide

  Book ahead: Popular attractions and festivals time‑slot tickets on peak days.

• Parking & transit: ETS LRT and buses connect well to major spots; downtown & Whyte have paid street/lot parking.

• Respect the weather: ‑20°C with wind can be harsh; indoor days are part of the rhythm.