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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rafting Tour

This one is a must-do with the family! Our favorite adventure of our trip. Jasper Rafting Tours are planned especially with families in mind. The ride is just over an hour on calm (class 1) water, and kids as young as 2 can join in on the fun. More info:

• There is a meeting point in Jasper, where transportation is provided to the raft launch
• Life jackets are provided
• Your guide does all of the paddling, so you just sit and enjoy the ride!
• Time on the water is just over an hour
• Bathrooms are available before/after the trip
• Boats fit as many as 25 people, so your whole group can go together
• Cancellation is free if done within 24 hours of your booked time
• Dogs are welcome on morning launches!

For more info or to book, visit the Jasper Raft Tour website here.

Horseback Riding

Your family can enjoy a guided horseback tour through the gorgeous landscape surrounding the Jasper area. Typically, riders have to be at least 6 years old. A couple of choices right in Jasper available for booking:

• Jasper Riding Stables (they also do sleigh rides in the Winter!)
• Jasper Park Stables – located at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day at the Beach

If the weather cooperates, don’t skip the beach! You can’t beat sand, fresh, clear water and the gorgeous mountain scenery. Tip: bring sand/water toys and floaties or paddle boards if you have them! Jasper is surrounded by a lot of lakes. Some great suggestions to check out with the family:

• Annette Lake
• Lake Edith
• Horseshoe Lake
• Lac Beauvert
• Jasper Lake

Be sure to read up on permits (usually free) for bringing any sort of water toy/floatie, etc into the lakes – the fines can be hefty if you need one and don’t have one!

Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls is less than a 1 km walk from the car to the falls, making it the most family friendly hike around town. Walk around for a peek at the opposite side of the falls from the parking lot and you might even be able to spot the rainbow   The whole area is gorgeous and you have the option of following a walking path further up the river for even more sight seeing.

Planetarium

Did you know? Jasper is one of the few places with a dark sky preserve, meaning the stars are very visible here at night. The Planetarium and telescope experience are something to check out if you love the stars. The Planetarium show talks about constellations, an indigenous story on how one got up in the sky, and takes you through a really cool journey showing how big the solar system is.

Located on the Jasper Park Lodge property; more info here.

Go hiking

Jasper is surrounded by gorgeous hiking trails! The “Valley of the 5 lakes” loop is very popular with families – but note: just to get to the first lake takes about 45 minutes – so bring good shoes, water bottles and make sure everyone is up for the trip before heading out

More great trail options can be found here.

Window Shopping

Take a stroll in town, visit gift shops, even stop for a snack at the many mom & pop style ice cream shops. The main Street is a great place to start, but don’t forget to take a stroll down Patricia Street as well!

Jasper Skytram

Take a trip up the mountain on the famous Jasper Sky Tram. You can hike further up the Alpine once you’re at the top, enjoy the views from the station, or even grab a bite to eat – just double check the cafe hours before heading up if you are planning to stop there for a snack

Tip: Early bird & sunset “flights” are cheaper

Get more info/tickets here

Whatever your mountain plans, have fun, enjoy the fresh air and stay safe

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do with the kids!

The post Family Friendly Things to do in Jasper, Alberta with the Kids appeared first on Family Friendly Edmonton.