Summer is a fun season for everyone after a long winter. Many festivals, events, and activities are happening throughout the summer, making it the perfect time to get outside and explore. Best of all, there are tons of FREE activities for kids and families in Edmonton and the surrounding area. We’ve put together a list of FREE summer activities to check out before the season ends.
🎳 1. Kids Bowl Free
All summer long, kids can bowl for FREE at participating bowling centres across Canada! Simply register your children online, and a confirmation email will be sent to you.
This program allows registered kids to bowl 2 FREE games every day during the summer. Please note that shoe rentals are available for an additional fee. Adults can also bowl with their kids by purchasing an optional Family Pass.
Participating bowling centres in Edmonton and the surrounding area include:
- Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes
- K-J Bowl
- Sherwood Bowl
- St. Albert Bowling & Recreation Centre
🦬 2. FREE Bison Backstage Tour at Elk Island National Park
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Elk Island National Park?
The Plains Bison Handling Facility offers a FREE one-hour guided Bison Backstage Tour, where visitors can learn about bison conservation, wildlife management, and the history of Elk Island National Park.
The tour is available on weekends and long weekends until September. During the Canada Strong Pass period, admission to Parks Canada sites is also FREE, making it the perfect time to visit.
🚌 3. FREE Shuttle to Elk Island National Park
Getting to Elk Island National Park is even easier this summer!
Parkbus is offering a FREE shuttle from downtown Edmonton as part of the Canada Strong Pass initiative. Once you arrive, you can join the FREE Bison Backstage Tour, explore Astotin Lake, enjoy the playground, hike the trails, or simply spend the day surrounded by nature.
Reservations are required, so make sure to reserve your spot at least two weeks in advance.
🎭 4. Green Shack Program
The City of Edmonton’s Green Shack Program returns on June 29, 2026! This FREE drop-in summer program is designed for children ages 6–12, but everyone is welcome to participate.
Children under six years old are encouraged to attend with a parent or guardian. Please note that Green Shack is not a childcare program, and parents are responsible for deciding whether their child can attend independently.
Activities vary by location and may include:
🎨 Arts and crafts
⚽ Sports and outdoor games
🎵 Music and movement
🎭 Drama and imaginative play
🤝 Team challenges
🎉 Special themed events
📚 5. Edmonton Public Library Programs
The Edmonton Public Library offers FREE programs for all ages throughout the summer.
Aside from borrowing books, families can enjoy storytimes, STEM workshops, crafts, reading programs, and family events every week. With 21 branches across Edmonton, there’s always something fun happening nearby.
Visit the EPL website to see upcoming programs and activities.
🚒 6. Fire Station Open Houses
Several Edmonton Fire Rescue Services stations host FREE open houses throughout the summer.
Families can tour the fire station, explore fire trucks, meet local firefighters, and learn important fire safety tips. These events are a fun and educational way for kids to learn more about the people who help keep our community safe.
🐦 7. FREE Nature Walks & Guided Programs
Love spending time outdoors? Edmonton and the surrounding area offer several FREE guided nature programs throughout the summer.
Nature Alberta and the Edmonton Nature Club regularly organize FREE family-friendly nature walks led by local naturalists. These guided walks are a great way to learn about local wildlife, birds, plants, wetlands, and Edmonton’s unique ecosystems. Programs may include bird walks, nature hikes, pollinator walks, and wetland tours.
You can also check their websites for upcoming activities and schedules.
Another great program is Garden Explorers at the Strathcona County Museum & Archives. This FREE drop-in program takes place every Friday morning and is designed for children ages 4 and up. Young explorers help care for the museum garden while learning about plants, insects, and nature through fun hands-on activities. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join.
Nature Alberta also hosts FREE Family Nature Nights across Alberta every Wednesday evening during July and August. These family-friendly evenings feature guided nature walks, wildlife activities, and interactive learning with local naturalists.
🏛️ 8. Alberta Legislature Building Tours
Have you ever been inside the Alberta Legislature Building?
Join a FREE guided tour and learn about Alberta’s history, government, and the beautiful architecture of one of Edmonton’s most iconic landmarks. Tours are available year-round and are suitable for all ages.
Advance registration is required.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun this summer. Edmonton has so many FREE activities where families can play, learn, and explore together. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, an educational experience, or simply a fun day out with the kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Did we miss one of your favourite FREE summer activities? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to add it to our list and help other families discover more fun things to do around Edmonton.
Have a fun and safe summer break! 💙