Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is the capital city of the province of Alberta and the sixth-largest city in Canada. Edmonton metro area is home to more than 1 million people.

Known as "Canada's Festival City," Edmonton is host to more than 30 annual festivals, celebrating music, dance, visual arts, performing arts, sports, and film.

With a city this size there a lot of attractions, cultural facilities, events, recreation areas and parks that cater to all ages, so plan a trip with your children or use this site to have your children plan the trip with you.

Edmonton has four distinct seasons. Summer can be sunny and warm, and winter, well we can’t hide it, we get snow! It can get cold sometimes, but that’s why we have indoor malls, indoor attractions, indoor pools etc.

There are lots of great days in winter so activities can include downhill skiing and snowboarding, tobogganing, walking, skating etc. Spring and fall also have lots to offer.

There are so many exciting things to do and see so plan to spend a couple of days in the Edmonton area.

Alberta Legislature

Alberta’s architectural treasure. Take the free guided tours of the building and learn about Alberta’s political heritage.

Enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds with fountains, pools to splash around in summer, and a skating rink in winter.

The Alberta Legislature is a must-see attraction during the holiday season when it is all lit up with lights. Check for special events.

10800-97Avenue Get Directions (Google Maps)
(780)427-7362
assembly.ab.ca

Fort Edmonton Park

Fort Edmonton

It’s living history at its best at Canada’s largest living history park! Four eras are featured: 1846 fur trade, 1885, 1905, and 1920’s.

Ride the carousel and Ferris wheel at the 1920’s midway, ride the steam train and streetcars, help make bannock and learn about fur trading. Activities for all ages.

Fort Edmonton Park has lots of special events so check website for details for events for Easter, Canada Day, Christmas and so much more.

Hotel on site during summer months. Children’s Day Camps available for children during holidays such as Christmas, Spring Break and summer. Wheel chair accessible, washrooms, first aid, food services, shops and souvenirs, ATM. Located in the river valley.

Seasonal and open for special events.
Corner of Fox Dr. & Whitemud Drive Get Directions (Google Maps) Map of Park
(780)496-8787
www.fortedmontonpark.ca

John Janzen Nature Centre

Discover nature in the city at John Janzen Nature Centre. Located next to Fort Edmonton Park. Exhibit room and live wildlife exhibits such as salamanders, garter snakes, frogs and toads. Take a self guided hike on 4km of natural trails through the river valley. Themed weekends. Programming for small children, family and adults.

Fox Drive and Whitemud Drive
(780)496-8787
www.edmonton.ca/johnjanzen

John Walter Museum

John Walter was one of Edmonton’s early entrepreneurs and played an important role in the development of Edmonton. The John Walter Museum displays the three original homes of John Walter. Drop-in programs most Sundays. Located in Kinsmen Park, which has a wading pool in summer, picnic areas and children’s playground.

10627 – 93 Avenue in Kinsmen Park
(780)496-8787
www.edmonton.ca/johnwalter

Muttart Conservatory

Four glass pyramids showcasing natural beauty. A great place in winter and rainy days. The Muttart Conservatory will reopen in spring 2009 after renovations with a new cafe and retail shop. A perfect stop on a river valley walk or bike ride.

9626 - 96A St.
(780)442-5311
www.muttartconservatory.ca

Old Strathcona Historic Area

82nd Ave or Whyte Avenue area is near the University of Alberta, just south of downtown. Old Strathcona has lots of cool shopping places. Several stores cater to the younger crowd, including the college and University crowd.

Lots of independent funky fashion stores, shoes, accessories, sunglasses and watches, books, sporting goods, skateboards and snowboards, gifts, art shops and galleries.

There are also a number of music stores selling items from cd’s to musical instruments like guitars and drums. Probably the largest concentration of music shops in the city.

There are over 60 restaurants, and 30 pubs and clubs (for those 18 and over only). Also a great farmer’s market year-round on Saturdays. There are a number of theatres and festivals in this area.

www.oldstrathcona.ca

Royal Alberta Museum

One of Canada's most popular museums. There is a full range of exhibitions and activities for all ages. Some of the galleries include Wild Alberta, the Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture, and the Natural History Gallery, which includes the Bug Room, usually a hit for this age group.

This museum is scheduled for expansion in the next couple of years so check for special exhibitions during your visit.

During the summer of 2008 until September 14 the museum hosts Dragons: Between Science and Fiction which explores the many myths and peculiarities associated with the dragon. Special family friendly presentations during this exhibit. Summer Day Camps available, some with a Dragon theme.

12845-102 Avenue, Edmonton Get Directions (Google Maps)
(780)453-9100
royalalbertamuseum.ca

Rutherford House

Rutherford House, Edmonton © EK

The former home of Alberta’s first premier, Alexander C. Rutherford. This restored beautiful brick mansion, near the University of Alberta, recaptures the spirit of Edmonton in 1915. Restaurant and gift shop.

In 1911, A.C. Rutherford and his wife Mattie moved into this beautiful brick mansion near the university campus.

Today, this restored and furnished post Edwardian home maintains the Rutherford tradition of hospitality and offers visitors a glimpse into the past with costumed interpreters, guided tours and special events.

11153 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta

(780) 427-3995 or 422-2697 to book

http://www.culture.alberta.ca/museums/historicsiteslisting/rutherfordhouse/default.aspx

www.tprc.alberta.ca/rh

TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Edmonton’s space and science center features five interactive mind-boggling galleries. Discoveryland is an interactive gallery designed for children 2-8 years old. Play in the construction zone and build, construct and learn or play with water and sand, and more.

There is Green’s House, Body Fantastic, Mystery Avenue and Space Place and science demonstrations. Camps for kids in computers, robotics and other science available throughout the year with shorter courses offered spring break and summer.

Also check out the Star Theatre and Imax shows. Families can play and explore together.

11211 – 142 Street, Edmonton Get Directions (Google Maps)
(780)451-3344
telusworldofscience.com/edmonton

Valley Zoo

Home to more than 100 exotic, endangered and native species. The Valley Zoo offers several interpretive programs and special events throughout the year to enhance your visit.

Tigers, elephants, zebras, red pandas and more. Little ones can ride the small train to the children’s zoo, hop-on the carousel or ride the paddleboats around the pond.

The zoo offers several day camps and courses during the year particularly geared towards children during school breaks.

Open year round. Lots of hands-on activities for children. Check for special events. Stroller rentals available in the summer.

Valley Zoo, Edmonton © EK

13315 Buena Vista Road, Edmonton
Get Directions (Google Maps)
(780)496-8787
www.valleyzoo.ca

West Edmonton Mall

Galaxyland, West Edmonton Mall © EK

One of the World’s largest shopping and entertainment complexes. Galaxyland Amusement Park has Galaxy Kid’s Playpark, a large play area with slides, caves, ball crawl, roller coasters, swings and thrilling rides. A new spinning coaster was added in 2007.

There is also the "Little Caribbean", an interactive play area for toddlers in the World Waterpark, an NHL sized skating rink, and Sea Lion’s Rock, the home to three California sea lions.

The World Waterpark is huge and has slides for all types from beginners to advanced. The extreme slides are steeper and faster. The mix of slides is great if you have friends or family of different age groups.

The good news is the Waterpark is totally indoors and kept at a nice warm temperature so it doesn’t matter what the weather is like. They have palm trees so you feel like you are in a warm tropical spot even when it is snowing outside!

Bourbon Street, West Edmonton Mall

Did we mention West Edmonton Mall has stores? Cosmetic stores and more cosmetics stores, shoes, purses, cool clothes, jeans, hair salons, sporting goods, electronics, music stores, children’s clothing, accessories, furniture, toys, bears, and way more. Lots of the regular stores, but for some this is their only location in Edmonton.

You can come to watch the latest movies and of course many restaurants and food kiosks to choose from. There have been a lot of new stores and services opening up in the last couple of months. A very popular spot for both locals and visitors!

West Edmonton Mall hosts some tournaments such as hockey, ringette, and cheerleading so you may be coming as a participant or come to watch athletes in action. If you bring the rest of the family, there is a lot for them to do in between your games, etc. Of course make sure they make it back in time to cheer for you!

Plan to spend at least one day here probably two to three days if you want to visit the attractions. Stroller rentals are available. West Edmonton Mall is open year round.

87^th Ave and 170 Street, Edmonton Directions to West Edmonton Mall (Google Maps) West Edmonton Mall Directions (Bing Maps)
(780) 444-5300
West Edmonton Mall

Devonian Botanic Garden

Beautiful outdoor gardens and indoor display of succulents, tropical butterflies, and orchids. Authentic Japanese Garden. Children and family courses. Garden/Plant oriented gift-shop.

Located 30 minutes from downtown Edmonton. Hwy 60, 5 km north of Devon
(780)987-3054
www.discoveredmonton.com/devonian

Prairie Gardens and Greenhouses

Wagon rides, petting farm, old-fashioned farm fun, campfire hot dog roast, Great Prairie Corn Maze in fall. Located near Bon Accord, 25 km north of Edmonton.

Country BBQ, Campfires and Hot-dog Roasts

www.prairiegardens.org

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village provides interactive and authentic historical experiences depicting early settlement of Ukrainian immigrants in east central Alberta.

Themes include Prairie Lifestyle and Great Achievements, Citizenship and Identities, Celebration and more.

Award winning outdoor living museum tells the story of the settlement of Ukrainian immigrants to east central Alberta from 1892-1930. Costumed role players in historic buildings including one room schoolhouse, general store, churches, houses, etc.

Wagon rides. Several special events and activities during the summer season. Summer day camps available for children.

25 minutes east of Edmonton on Hwy 16 (near Elk Island National Park)
(780)662-3640
www.tprc.alberta.ca/uchv

Contents and pictures courtesy of Edmonton Kids - Edmonton and surrounding area things to do, family events.

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