Looking to plan your next mountain adventure with the family? Check out our list of fun kid-friendly things to do with the family in the Jasper, Alberta area.
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 🙂
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