Hello everyone! If you’re local to me or planning on visiting the Edmonton region this summer, this post is for you! Following up on my post about exploring your local region, I’ve come up with a post of the top 4 summer must-dos for our family!
1. Jurassic Forest – Gibbons Alberta
Located roughly 40 minutes north of Edmonton in Gibbons, AB, this is a great outing for dinosaur obsessed kiddos. Open May to October, head to Jurassic Forest and enjoy animatronic dinosaurs, information centre, mini golf, playground/sand box, concession and more!
Our top tip: the bugs can get INTENSE out there, don’t forget your favourite bug repellent!
Check out their website for more info!
2. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village – Lamont County Alberta
Located about 25 minutes east of Edmonton along Highway 16, open mid-May to early September (dates vary year to year, please consult website before you visit). Travel back in time and learn about the history of Ukrainian settlers here in Alberta, with historical buildings that you can explore through, actors who can answer any questions and farm animals to see, there is a lot to experience at the heritage village. They also have themed weekends and kid’s camps, so check the website for more info!
Our top tip: the village kindly asks that you don’t eat food on the village side of the bridge as well as no drinks inside any of the buildings. Take a peak at the map and try and schedule a break mid visit, there is an on-site restaurant with plenty of picnic tables and places for the kids to run around near the entrance.
Check out their website for more info!
3. Fort Edmonton Park
Located in the river valley area right inside of Edmonton, near the Quesnell Bridge, Fort Edmonton Park is a historical experience you won’t want to miss. Will their iconic train, midway rides and games, the Indigenous Peoples Experience and more, you’ll get a full day and tired out kids! Open Mid-May – Mid-September (as well as events around Halloween and Christmas) there is plenty of opportunities to experience the Fort.
Our top tip: there are animal rides a few places in the park and refreshment and ice cream throughout, Wagon Rides (pulled by horses) are $8 a person and Pony Rides (for children 10 and under) are also $8 *as per website May 2024* – if your children would be excited by that, I would plan to budget for that.
Check out their website for more information!
4. Exploring Edmonton’s River Valley
One of the things that the City of Edmonton has done really well is preserve the green space inside the city. There are plenty of trails inside the city for you and your family to explore (or decide to go off trail and explore in nature. Whether you go straight to the river valley or one of Edmonton’s other green spaces, your family can explore in nature without travelling to far from home.
Our top tip: before choosing an area, check out the landscape on google maps or the reviews of the area on Google or AllTrails, you may discover features that aren’t a good fit for your family or some hidden gems in the area!
Check out this AllTrails list for some ideas!
What are YOUR favourite summer things to do in the Edmonton area? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time,
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