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.

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.

Pigeon Lake

Ma-Me-O beach at Pigeon lake has white sand, shallow water and is fairly warm compared to other lakes in Alberta

Location: Approx 1 hour south of Edmonton

Half Moon Lake

Half Moon lake is a smaller lake with a sandy beach, fire pits, picnic areas and washrooms on site. There is a cost to get in here. Kids are $6, adults are $12.50 and families are $30 for the day. Double check that the beach pavilion is open before heading out.

Alberta Beach

Located right in town, Alberta Beach has many amenities, warm and shallow water and a nice beach area. Occasionally there are water advisories, so just double check that before making the trip

Location: Lac St. Anne, about an hour from Edmonton

Sylvan Lake Beach

Right in the town of Sylvan Lake, this is one of Alberta’s most popular destinations for family beach days. Get there early to secure your spot!

Location: Sylvan Lake

Hastings Lake

A more quiet area with a rock & sand beach, playground and picnic bench, but less available amenities. It is great place to watch wildlife. This lake is fed by an underground stream and was named Kawatikh by the Cree which means “lake that does not freeze.”

Loctation: 40km Southeast of Edmonton

Ebling Beach

The water here stays shallow for quite a while, making it great for families with younger kids. The beach has a playground, picnic bench and occasionally a (cash-only) concession stand for food & snacks

Location: Gull Lake

Wabamun Lake

Another popular destination for Edmontonians, this is clearly a favorite for a reason. Lots of space to picnic, a playground, sandy beach and of course: the water. Grab a mini grill and some food and make a day of your stay! The parking lots are big but fill up fast on hot days, so get there early to secure your spot!

Location: Wabamun Lake, less than an hour West of Edmonton

Long Lake Provincial Park Beach

This lake has a campground beach and a beach for day use with a playground, change rooms, washrooms, cooking shelters, concession stands and a fountain. Shallow areas are clearly marked in the water for family safety.

Location: Approximately 1.5 hours from Edmonton

Aspen Beach

This one is great for young families. Stroller-friendly boardwalk, sandy beach, fire pits and shallow water. Approx 1.5 hours from Edmonton

Location: Gull Lake

Allan Beach Resort

Now open for day use. Large sandy beach, grassy area with fire pits, on-site store and porta potties. There is a charge to get in here. Adults are $12, kids 6+ up are $6 and kids 5 and under are free. Cost includes your parking pass. (no pets allowed)

Location: Hubbles Lake

Beaches in Edmonton just off the river

Note: These beaches and scenic spots are just off of the North Saskatchewan River; exercise caution as rivers can be dangerous for water play.

• Fort Edmonton Footbridge Sandbar – just upstream from the Fort Edmonton Footbridge
• Terwillegar Park – rocky beach with great views – located on the South bank of the North Saskatchewan River
• Beauna Vista Park
• Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
• Cotton Tail Corner
• Wolf Willow Beach
• Keillor Point

Remember to pack SPF, water bottles, towels & have fun!

Did we miss one? Send me an email with details so I can add it to the list: familyfriendlyedmonton@gmail.com

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

Photo credit: Road Trip Alberta

The post Family Friendly Beaches in & Around Edmonton appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

Sassy G’s Adventure Farm

51009B Range Road 273, Spruce Grove

Jon’s Funny Farm

58423 Range Road 11, Westlock

Edmonton Valley Zoo

11315 Buena Vista Road & 87 Ave NW

Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm

56311 Lily Lake Road, Bon Accord

FARRM Rescue

RR2 Gwynne, AB T0C1L0

Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy

53044 Range Road 213, Ardrossan

Always check each venue’s website for operating hours, prices and booking options. Follow us on Instagram for more fun things to do with the kids this Summer: @yeg.family

The post Adventure Farms Around Edmonton Where You Can See Baby Animals appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

St. Albert Fair

When: May 10-12, 2024

Where: St. Albert Centre – 375 St. Albert Trail

Millwoods Carnival

When: May 17-20, 2024

Where: Millwoods Towne Centre – 2331-66 Street

Londonderry Mall Fair

When: May 24-26, 2024

Where: Londonderry Mall, Edmonton

St. Albert Rainmaker Rodeo

When: May 24-26, 2024

Where: Kinsmen Club of St. Albert; various locations depending on activity

Beaumont Carnival

When: May 24-26, 2024

Where: Beaumont Sport and Recreation Centre

Black Gold Rodeo

When: May 30 – June 2, 2024

Where: Leduc

Farmers’ Days

When: May 31 – June 2, 2024

Where: Stony Plain – 5100-41 Avenue

Sustainival

When: June 8-11, 2024

Where: Ice District Fan Park

Devon Days

When: June 7-9, 2024

Where: 27 Athabasca Ave, Devon

Kingsway Carnival

When: June 14-16, 2024

Where: CCT Golf Centre – 11925 Kingsway NW

Millwoods Town Centre Mall

When: June 28 – July 1, 2024

Where: Millwoods Town Centre – 2331-66 Street

Sherwood Park Mall Carnival

When: July 5-7, 2024

Where: Sherwood Park Mall

K-Days

When: July 19-28, 2024

Where: Edmonton Expo grounds

Vegreville County Fair

When: August 7-11, 2024

Where: Vegreville Agricultural Centre

Follow us on Instagram for more fun events in the Edmonton area: @yeg.family

The post Edmonton & Area Midways & Carnivals, 2024 appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

Ready for Summer adventures? Us too! There are tons of options for kid-friendly day trips within just a couple hours’ drive from Edmonton. Check out our list of potential mini vaycays; pack up the car & the kids and have some fun

Always check your destination’s website/social sites before heading out for hours/sudden closure information, especially at times when Alberta has active wildfires

Edmonton Corn Maze

Petting zoo, picnic/fire pit tables, corn maze, outdoor games & more

Drive time: Less than 10 minutes from the Southwest corner of the Anthony Henday

River Float in Devon

Book online before heading out; find the River Lifestyle Co set up, grab your life jackets & tubes, tether straps, safety run down and hit the River!

Drive time: 20 minutes from South Edmonton

Jurassic Forest

All outdoors – Life size anamatronic dinosaurs, a playground & concession.

Drive time: 30 minutes North of Edmonton

Family Fun Day in Wetaskiwin

Visit Wetaskiwin: Take a scenic plane tour, ride in a race car, go swimming, visit the museums & more.

Drive time: 35 minutes south of the Edmonton International Airport

Day at the University of Alberta Botanic Gardens

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a quiet half day at one of the most beautiful gardens around. Take pictures, look for fish in the stream and learn a bit about the botanic world

Drive time: 40 minutes

Elk Island National Park

Go for a walk, take bikes, or just go for a scenic drive through Elk Island National Park

Drive time: 45 minutes

Visit the Clifford E. Nature Sanctuary or Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Take a peaceful walk through nature!

Drive time: both locations are within 45 minutes of Edmonton

Wabamun Lake or Alberta Beach

Spend the day at the beach! Both locations are family friendly, have sand and water to play/swim in

Drive time: Both locations are under an hour drive from Edmonton

Pembina River

Bring your own tubes or reserve one through Pembina River tubing relax & enjoy the sights!

Drive time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Blackfalds Outdoor Aquatic Centre

Fun outdoor leisure pool with zero-depth entrance, tot area and three fun water slides.

Drive time: 1 hour & 15 minutes from South Edmonton

Beach Day in Sylvan Lake

Bring sunscreen, sand toys, a floatie and snacks and spend the day on the beach!

Drive time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Tip: get there early (especially on warm days) to secure your spot on the beach 

Hard Luck Canyon Loop

Just outside of Whitecourt; take a kid-friendly hike, bird watch & enjoy nature

Drive time: 2 hours

Discovery Wildlife Park

Check out all kinds of wildlife at the Discovery Wildlife park, just outside of Innisfail

Drive time: 2 hours

Discovery Canyon

Have a picnic and/or grab your tube and head into the water!

Drive time: less than 2 hours

Did we miss something close to Edmonton that is super fun for families? Email us with info so we can add it to the list: familyfriendlyedmonton@gmail.com

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

The post Kid Friendly Day Trips To Take This Summer That are Less Than 3 Hours From Edmonton appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.