Several options for tickets, but these tend to sell out quickly every year – book yours sooner than later! Two location options available.

Note that every train ride in both locations typically sell out completely – so get your tickets sooner than later!

Polar Express Stettler

When: Various dates throughout November & December, 2023

Where: Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions, 47 Avenue, Stettler (approx 2 hours drive from Edmonton)

Ticket prices: Start at $65

More info/Buy Tickets

Good to know: There are no bathrooms aboard this train

Polar Express Aspen Crossing

When: Various dates throughout November & December, 2023

Where: Aspen Crossing, Mossleigh, AB (less than 1 hour Southeast of Calgary – approx 4 hours from Edmonton)

Tickets: Tickets for this train ride vary based on cart and are only sold this year in pairs (2) or in groups of 4

More info/Buy tickets

Tickets sold out? Keep checking back! They sometimes add more times/dates to the schedule due to its popularity

Check out a peek of what to expect during the ride here:

Photo credit: telfordsteamrailway.co.

Follow us on Instagram for more family friendly things to do this season: Yeg.Family | IG

The post Polar Express: Real Train Rides With Santa On Board Themed From the Classic Movie, 2024 appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

Edmonton’s 2024 stop: December 12th from 8:15 pm – 8:45 pm

Where: Just south of the CPKC Station – 7935 Gateway Boulevard.

The magical Holiday Train will be touring across North America, collecting food and monetary donations for local food banks while putting on free live concerts. This year’s lineup includes big-name artists like: American Authors, Magic!, Sofia Camara, and Tyler Shaw.

Full Alberta schedule for the Holiday Train:

• December 8: Medicine Hat, Tilley, Brooks, Gleichen
• December 11: Blackfalds, Lacombe, Ponoka, Wetaskiwin, Millet, Leduc
• December 12: Josephburg, Edmonton
• December 13: Innisfail, Olds, Didsbury, Airdrie
• December 14: Calgary
• December 15: Cochrane, Stoney Nakoda, Canmore, Banff

For more information on the Holiday Train, schedule and more, see the CPKC website here.

As always, dress for the weather and enjoy your time! Follow us on Instagram for more fun things to do with the kids in & around Edmonton.

Photo credit: CP Holiday Train | Facebook

The post CPKC Holiday Train Stops in Alberta for December, 2024 appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

Family friendly things to do in October:

Pumpkins After Dark

Family friendly pumpkin / Halloween themed walkway with thousands of carved pumpkins and themed displays. 3D maze, roving entertainment and more. Tickets are approximately $20 per person

When: Now until October 31, 2024

Where: Borden Park

More info/tickets

See a Family Friendly Movie for just $3.99/ticket!

Cineplex is hosting $3.99 family friendly movies every weekend in October!

When: Saturday mornings, usually 11 am showtimes

Where: Participating Cineplex theatres

More info

Visit a Corn Maze / Adventure Farm

This is the end of the season for most adventure farms & corn mazes and we put together a list of the most fun ones closest to Edmonton!

Details / Full list

Edmonton Elks Game (Spooktacular theme)

Come down dressed up if you’d like – “Spooktacular” is the theme for this game against Toronto

When: Friday, October 25

Where: Commonwealth Stadium

More info/tickets

Play Rangers

FREE drop-in play – all ages welcome, and families can come all together, or kids ages 6-12 are welcome to attend on their own.

When: Every Saturday from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Where: Whitemud Park

More info

Prairie Gardens Haunted Pumpkin Festival

Farm activities, playgrounds, animals, tours and more. Kids get in FREE on Halloween day if they show up in costume!

More info

See the Original Ghostbusters Movie & More Halloween classics on Alberta’s largest screen

Watch the 1984 classic Ghostbusters, Gremlins, The Addams Family and more this month at the IMAX  – see the TWOSE website for showtimes.

When: September 13 to September 15

Where: The IMAX at Telus World of Science

More info/tickets

Half Price Family Friendly Event at the WEM World Waterpark

Family friendly and guaranteed low crowd – tickets to this private event are just $35 each! (Regular price to the WEM Waterpark is $64+gst – so this is a steal!) Kids aged 2 and under get in for FREE! We’re talking slides, wave pool, water-side beach chair seating, hot tubs, spray park, aerial park, kiddie pool, concession & more for half price and little-to-no line ups for slides!

When: October 25, starting at 5:30 pm

Where: West Edmonton Mall World Waterpark

More info/tickets

Check out a Haunted House

Haunted houses are “creeping” up all over Edmonton! We have the Ultimate list of least-to-most scary (list will be updated as more are confirmed!)

More info/full list with details

Follow Family Friendly Edmonton on Instagram for more fun things to do with the kids!

The post Fun Family Friendly Things to do With the Kids in Edmonton in October, 2024 appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.

Following these tips can result in meeting the diploma requirements half a year or even a full year early! (High school is typically a full 3 years)

Take advantage of Summer school

• Each Summer, students can take one 5-credit OR two 3-credit courses OR Gym + CALM (which is 6 credits total)
• GYM + CALM is a popular option so two blocks can be freed in the students’ schedule for other courses.
• Another great option is classes the students want to get over with or don’t particularly enjoy or want to concentrate on fully without taking any other classes at the same time – best part – from start to finish, Summer school is only few weeks long!

Pass the first attempt

Be sure to study, complete assignments and choose classes at the students’ comfortable learning level

Fill the schedule

Don’t take any spares 

Ask your school about

• Self-paced modules they may offer for students to do on their own time
• LearnWrite courses or classes that can be taken during the school year 
• Work credits
• Apprenticeship programs

Current requirements to achieve a high school diploma in Alberta

A minimum of 100 credits in total which must include:

15 credits in English (including English 30-1 or English 30-2)

15 credits in Social Studies (including Social 30-1 or Social 30-2)

10 credits in math (must complete at least one 20-level Math)

3 credits in Physical Education 10

3 credits in CALM (Career and Life Management)

10 credits from option classes

10 credits from any 30-level classes

And here’s a little fact you might not know: Some post secondary institutions don’t even require applicants to have a high school diploma! A lot of the time they are looking for completion of and / or a certain mark in specific classes only to be eligible for acceptance into their programs – this includes med school!  

MUST: sometime before your final year of high school starts, check the pre-requisites for your planned post secondary education before finalizing your high school class schedule

Always ask the student what they would prefer. Faster graduation is an amazing accomplishment, but it takes a lot of commitment and hard work. Some students would be overwhelmed with additional classes, may prefer to have full Summers off of school, or really want to graduate at the same time as their friends. Whatever path you decide is best for you, we wish you the best of luck and a lifetime of success!

Photo credit: University of Alberta | YouTube

The post How to Graduate From High School Early in Alberta 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.

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.

The new policy:

• All youth are welcome to visit the mall, but those under age 16 need an escort with them at all times
• The escort of youth must be aged 18+
• Each escort can supervise to 6 youth
• Anyone asked for proof of age by security must be able to provide a photo ID – acceptable forms of ID are listed on their website
• Student IDs will not be accepted as proof of age
• Anyone younger than 16 or those that cannot prove they are age 16+ when asked by security may be asked to leave the premises
• Those being asked to leave the Mall will be at security’s discretion

For more information and updates on WEM’s policies, including the Youth Escort Policy, visit the safety-security section of their website here.

Photo credit: West Edmonton Mall | Instagram

The post New West Edmonton Mall Youth Policy – Kids Under 16 Must Now be With an Adult Escort appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.