Edmonton Corn Maze:

Corn maze, jumping pillows, games, farm animals, potato canons & more

Location: 26171 Garden Valley Road, Spruce Grove

More info

Prairie Garden and Adventure Farm:

Find a kids size maze, train rides, Halloween themed events in the fall, pumpkin canon, outdoor play & more

Location: 56311 Lily Lake Road Bon Accord

More info

K3 Corn Maze:

Corn maze, peddle cars, pumpkin patch, zip lines, walking trails & more

Location: 19425 Township Road 512 (East of Sherwood Park)

More info

Kray Family Farm:

Bouncing pad, multiple play areas, animals and a giant corn maze

Location: Range Road 27-3, Lacombe *map & directions can be found on their website*

More info

Tip: it’s a MUST to visit the location’s social sites, website or call ahead to confirm operational hours and days before heading out! Note that the above events are seasonal and close for the year on various dates.

Follow us on Instagram for more fun things to do with the family in & around Edmonton

Did we miss one? Email us over the info to: familyfriendlyedmonton@gmail.com and we can add it to the list!

The post Fall Family Fun: 4 Best Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes Around Edmonton appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

When: Friday, October 25, 2024 – 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Where: West Edmonton Mall World Waterpark – 8882-170 Street, Edmonton

Good to know:

• Regular general admission to the Waterpark is $64+gst; we have tickets available for $35 – note that kids aged 2 and under don’t need tickets and get in for free!
• There are 17 different slides, including tubing slides to enjoy
• There is a toddler section with a dolphin slide and warmer water
• There is a spray area/huge climbing structure in the back
• Concession for food and drinks will be available
• Cabanas are available to rent
• There are tons of lounge chairs poolside
• There are hot tubs, the wave pool and so much more to enjoy
• The event on this day is private and exclusive and not open to walk-ins on event day. You need pre-purchased tickets to be able to attend this event
• This is a super-low capacity event and will be kept that way – tickets are very limited to keep the lines short for the slides and to avoid a large crowd – so once tickets are sold out, there will be no more available! Get yours sooner than later, as these events do tend to sell out completely.

Buying tickets:

Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis for this discounted day. To see more information on the event or to purchase tickets online, see our Eventbrite website here.

Contact for questions or to ask about optional alternative purchase via e-transfer, which will skip the website fees, email: michellee13@hotmail.com

Follow us on Facebook to get updates on more upcoming discounted events!

Photo credit: @officialwem | Instagram

The post How to Get West Edmonton Mall World Waterpark Tickets for HALF Price in Fall, 2024 appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

When: July 19 to July 28, 2024; Open daily from Noon to midnight.

Where:  Edmonton Expo Centre – 7515-118 Avenue

Admission/passes

Admission: Everyone entering the grounds aged 7+ needs to have an admission pass to come in

• Kids 6 and under are free
• Youth 7-17 and seniors – $12
•  Adults – $18

*Prices may be subject to fees, gst and are sometimes higher on site than online*

Ride-all-day passes: Ride all day passes include unlimited rides for the single day of your choice and include admission to the grounds

• Get ride-all-day passes in advance for in person at Costco, Save-on-Foods or message Family Friendly Edmonton on IG to purchase ride-all-day passes or admission passes at a discount + have them sent over to you digitally *while supplies last, must be purchased by July 20 to get this price*
• Ride-all-day passes and “fast passes” that allow you to jump the line are available on site for which ever day you come to K-Days

Ways to get in for FREE

• Opening day: Friday, July 19 – check those backpacks! Most school-aged kids received a free admission pass for this day only from their school
• FREE admission on Sunday, July 21 with your Edmonton Public Library Card! Kids 6 & under always get in free at K-Days – and this day only, everyone aged 6+ who has their own EPL card gets in free too! Just show your card at the gate to get in free of charge
• Sign up for Summer at EPL and receive 2 K-Days admission passes upon sign up (while supplies last!)

Family friendly things to do

• The Kidway: located in the North Plaza, this area is full of rides and games made especially for younger kids
• The Midway – rides, games and food galore!
• Visit the Klondike Park – train rides, games and more
• Discovery Hall: Located in Hall C in the  Expo Centre – Sing along with some of your favourite characters on the Stage, get up-close with real life farm friends, bask in the twinkling lights of the Glow Zone and more
• Super Dogs: Located in Hall D in the Expo Centre, this show is entertaining and fun for everyone
• Inside the Expo Centre – Check out the Market Hall, Indigenous experience, Innovation zone, game discovery and more
• EAT – although we love the classics like mini donuts, don’t forget to check out some of the new foods competing to be the best on site this year! Lookin’ good: Sweet Chili Chicken Perogies, tiramisu pineapple ice cream, coconut little donuts, Korean BBQ fries and fried Oreo ice cream sandwiches.
• Fireworks: Nightly at 11 pm

Plan your trip: Find the full schedule of events going on and things to do each day here.

Ways to save

• Bring your own refillable water bottles – Epcor has set up FREE water refill stations on the grounds
• Purchase your ride and admission tickets in advance to save!
• Ride-all-day passes will stretch your dollar further than single tickets
• Use public transport or get a ride to avoid paying parking fees on site (parking starts at $20, no free re-entry allowed once you’ve left the lot)

Good to know/Tips on going with the kids

• All ride-all-day passes INCLUDE general admission – you need both to get in + ride
• Fast Passes are available daily onsite only
• Parking on site is $20 per vehicle
• The Kidway and inside the  Expo Centre (across from Ballroom 106) both have designated quiet areas for breastfeeding, changing kids, etc
• Save on the ATM fees by bringing some cash – a lot of vendors take card payments, but there are a select few things that are cash only
• Some shows are paid and some require tickets to be purchased in advance – see the K-Days website before coming to see show times and plan your day accordingly!
• Bring those refillable water bottles to save on the cost of drinks
• Wear comfy shoes and bring layers in case the weather turns suddenly

Be safe & have fun!

The post Your Guide to K-Days 2024 & Tips to Save Cash This Year appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

Summer playground play in Edmonton just got a whole lot more exciting! The beloved Green Shack programs are here again, bringing free, fun-filled activities to various parks across the city from Monday to Friday, all summer long.

When: Weekdays, July 2 to August 22, 2024

What the Green Shacks Offer:

Kid-led fun! Program leaders are all set to host games and make sure every kid who wants to join in is having a blast. Here’s a taste of what’s in store:

• Group games that get everyone moving
• Sports for all skill levels
• Creative crafts
• *New this year* – Green Shack shows

You’ll find Green Shacks at various playgrounds throughout the city, running Monday to Friday, from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, usually either morning OR afternoon with an hour break between. To find out which parks are participating and their specific times, check out the City of Edmonton website here.

Good to Know:

• All Green Shack leaders have undergone a security clearance process, are trained in first aid, and are certified specialists in fun!
• They make sure everyone plays safely, but parents need to be around and available in case of an emergency.

For more fun ideas and activities to do with your kids in and around Edmonton this summer, be sure to follow us on Instagram. Let’s make this summer unforgettable!

The post FREE Guided Park Play All Over Edmonton This Summer – Green Shack Programs, 2024 appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

How it works:

Every Saturday at 11 am (or 11:30 am), participating Cineplex locations host a Family Favorite movie. The movie is different every week and tickets are just $3.99 each!

Participating Edmonton Locations:

• Cineplex Cinemas North – 14231-137th Avenue, Edmonton
• Cineplex Odeon South – 1525-99th Street NW, Edmonton
• Cineplex Odeon Windermere – 6151 Currents Drive NW, Edmonton
• Cineplex Cinemas Sherwood Park – 2020 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park

May, 2024 line up:

• Saturday, June 1 – Butterfly Tale
• Saturday, June 8 – Spider-Man Into the Spider Verse
• Saturday, June 15 – Autumn and the Black Jaguar
• Saturday, June 22 – Spider-Man Into the Spider Verse

Visit the Cineplex website for updates, or to purchase your tickets in advance. Remember to book tickets early to get the best seats

The post See a Family Friendly Movie for Just $3.99 Every Saturday in June at Cineplex Theatres appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

How to Register:

• Go to the Kids Bowl Free website
• Enter your province and bowling alley location your kid would be playing at
• Enter your info – that’s it! You will be emailed all of the details!

Optional: purchase a family pass along with the kids bowl free program so adults can play too! Contact the your location of choice for details and prices

Participating locations/program dates

K-J Bowl

• Location: 12143-54 Street, Edmonton
• Kids Bowl Free dates: June 27 to August 27, 2024
• Who can bowl free: Kids aged 2-15

Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes

• Location: B101 8330-82 Ave, Edmonton
• Kids Bowl Free dates: April 30 to August 25, 2024
• Who can bowl free: Kids aged 2-17

Sherwood Bowl:

• Location: #301-975 Fir Street, Sherwood Park
• Kids Bowl Free dates: April 30 to September 2, 2024
• Who can bowl free: Kids aged 2-15

St. Albert Bowling & Rec Centre:

• Location: 14 Inglewood Drive, St. Albert
• Kids Bowl Free dates: April 30 to August 30, 2024
• Who can bowl free: Kids aged 2-15

For more information on the Kids Bowl Free program, visit their website here.

Photo credit: TimeOut.com

The post When & Where Your Kids Can Bowl For FREE All Summer Around Edmonton appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

Photo credit: Kim Wigley | Google

The post Places You Can Take the Kids River Tubing / Floating Close to Edmonton, 2024 appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

FireSmoke.ca

And check the current (and predicted) air quality in the Edmonton area here:

Weather.gc.ca

Stay safe, everyone!

Photo credit: Calgary Herold

The post Smoke Map for Edmonton and surrounding areas + Up to the Minute Air Quality Index appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

Federal-Provincial Childcare Agreement

Accessible, affordable childcare for kids 0 to kindergarten age. Parent cost can be as low as $10 per day, but depend on your income. Applications are now open and reduced fees have already started in some spaces, but grant-receiving providers have up to 5 years to reach the $10/day cost.

More info/apply here

Child Health Benefit

Who qualifies: children of low income families who do not have any other form of government health benefits. Children need to be under 18 years of age or between 18 & 20 but still living at home + attending high school to qualify.

What is covered: prescription drugs, dental services, optical services, diabetic supplies and ambulance services.

More info/how to apply

Adult Health Benefit

Who qualifies: adults who are low income + leaving income support (but have income), have high ongoing prescription needs or are pregnant

What is covered: prescription drugs, dental services, optical services, diabetic supplies and emergency ambulance costs

More info/How to apply

Child Care Subsidy

Subsidy to offset the cost of childcare for lower income families.

To qualify:

• Child must be enrolled in a licensed child care program, daycare or dayhome
• Children must be under the age of 12 and not yet in grade 7
• Parents need to be currently working, looking for work, attending school or have special needs

More info/apply here

Income Support/Alberta Works

What it covers:

• Basic needs like food, clothing and shelter
• This monthly benefit is adjusted based on the applicants needs, financial resources, ability to work, and size of family
• Help with looking for work
• Assistance in obtaining child support (in applicable situations)

Who qualifies:

• Someone who cannot work due to chronic health problems or other barriers to full employment
• An individual looking for work, is temporarily not able to work, or is working but is not making enough to cover basic needs
• Those who need training in order to get a job

More info/apply here

Help Receiving Child Support

Child support services are free to single parents and blended families who do not have an existing support order and meet the income guidelines.

What they help with:

• Helping to locate the other parent, if needed
• Determine paternity through DNA testing, if needed
• Negotiating child support
• Obtaining court order if negotiating fails
• Can register agreements/orders with the Maintenance Enforcement Program (The MEP enforces, collects and distributes child support on behalf of the parents)

Usually only a couple of meetings with each parent is required.

More info/apply here

Alberta Student Aid

Student loans and grants for Albertans who want to attend eligible programs at a post secondary institution. (Grants do not ever need to be repaid!)

More info/apply here

Emergency Financial Assistance

Financial assistance for unexpected emergencies helps when: there is an unforeseen circumstance beyond your control that presents a severe health risk and you cannot access other resources or wait for your next pay cheque or income support payment.

What is covered:

• Food & clothing
• Childcare
• Transportation
• Damage deposit
• Temporary accommodation
• Utility arrears/eviction payments (proof must be provided and this amount needs to be repaid if you need help with this more than once)

Who qualifies:

• Current income support clients
• A working Albertan who is earning income but does not have enough money to cover this one-time, short-term emergency that will not last longer than one month
• You meet the eligibility requirements

More info/apply here

Leisure Access Program

Allows low income families to access City of Edmonton recreation, leisure and attraction facilities with a free annual pass or subsidized monthly pass. It also provides pass holders with a discount for classes/lessons offered through the movelearnplay website.

More info/apply here

Jump Start

This is a private fund for children aged 4 to 18 who need financial support in order to be able to participate in a sport or physical activity. Proof of financial need is required.

More info/apply here

KidSport Edmonton

KidSport provides grants for kids of families facing financial barriers so they can participate in registered sports programs. Funds up to 50% of the cost of the registration; limits apply. Proof of financial need is required.

More info/apply here

YMCA Financial Assistance

YMCA membership and program experiences are available to lower income families at a reduced cost. Includes discounted access to childcare, fitness & aquatics, and camps

More info/how to apply

Ride Transit Program

Gives qualifying individuals access to a transit pass that can be used on Edmonton buses and LRTs at a subsidised rate

More info/How to apply

Note that most programs require the applicant to have up to date tax returns filed.

Escaping Abuse Benefit

There is a program in Alberta for family violence costs. This is a 24/7 service available to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. The weekday phone number has over 150 language options for communication.

More info here

Programs families are automatically considered for when filing their taxes:

• Canada Child Benefit
• CCB Young Child Benefit
• Canada Child Benefit
• Alberta Child and Family Benefit
• GST/HST Credit

Anyone struggling to purchase food can access grocery hampers at your local Food Bank. Note that some locations do first come, first serve and there may be a waiting period. See all Food Bank locations in Alberta with contact info here.

It’s important to note that most programs require an up to date Notice of Assessment and valid ID to process – so make sure you have filed your taxes for the most recent tax year and have an updated ID available just in case!

Feel free to follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more resources for local families.

The post Benefits And Subsidies for Lower Income Families, Edmonton, Alberta appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

Edmonton locations:

• Northwest Edmonton: 14245-137 Avenue NW
• South Edmonton: 9863-19 Avenue NW

Options for play:

• Play by points – take your time playing, you have x amount of points to use
• Play by time – choose the minute package you’d like and play unlimited games until the time runs out

Prices:

Admission is free! (Adults need to be with a child to enter)

• 45 points or 30 minutes: $16
• 70 points or 45 minutes: $21
• 90 points or 60 minutes: $26
• 160 points or 120 minutes: $41
• 200 points or 150 minutes: $50

You can activate your play for an extra $1-$3 either on a card, a card with wristband, or a rechargeable play band.

Current deals:

• Visit a Chuck E Cheese on a Wednesday, buy 1 hour or more of play and get 30% off
• Unlimited visits for 2 months for $44.99 – includes up to 250 games per day and up to 50% off food and drink. Buy online for the best price
• Everyday gaming deal – get 10% off any games package with the purchase of a food/drink combo
• Get a coupon from the Chuck E Cheese website for 30 minutes of FREE game play – see the website here for details

Contact your local Chuck E Cheese or visit their website for current deals on food, points, details on any limitations to deals and to get more info here.

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more fun things to do withe your family!

Photo credit: Jesus Aranguren/AP Images for CEC Entertainment

The post Chuck E Cheese is All About Fun Games: Best Deals on Play Time, 2024 appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.