7 Awesome Things to do in Edmonton (and only in the summer)

Despite being a “winter city”, Edmonton is a great place to be during the warmest days of the year. But, as all good things must come to an end eventually, we know it won’t last forever. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of summertime in the capital region, we have a few suggestions!

1. Relive History at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village 

The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is an open-air museum that gives visitors the chance to experience early settler life on the prairies. Home to 35 historic buildings including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and three Easter Byzantine Rite churches, visitors will hear amazing tales of strength, survival and adversity – all brought to life by the museum’s talented costumed interpreters. 

Open until September 2, 2019 

Admission

• Adults $15
• Seniors (aged 65+) $13
• Youth (aged 7-17) $10
• Child (0-7) Free

2. Get Lost! (In the Edmonton Corn Maze) 

This is the most fun you’ll ever have getting lost, guaranteed. Located a few minutes west of the city, the Edmonton Corn Maze features over 5km of twisting, turning trails and a remarkable 85 decision points (when in doubt, always go left).  When you’re not stalking through the corny labyrinth, you and your family can hop on the corn cob express or practice your potato launching skills on one of the farm’s air powered spud guns. Other activities include pedal carts, farmcade games, a giant jumping pillow, petting zoo and farmer’s market. 

Open until October 20^th 

Admission

• General $13
• Youth (aged 4-11) $10
• Child (under 4) free

3. Got Toe to Toe With a T-Rex in the Jurassic Forest

The Jurassic Forest is an awe-inspiring prehistoric preserve located along Highway 28, just north of Gibbons. A jaw-droppingly realistic interpretation of what life was like over 250 million years ago, the park is home to over 40 animatronic dinosaurs – each living and breathing in their natural habitat. Other park amenities include a paleontological dig site, scavenger hunts, mini golf and even dinosaur rides! 

Open until mid-October 

Admission

• Child (3-12) $10
• Youth (13-17) $12
• Senior (60+) $12
• Adult $15
• Family (2 adults & 2 children) $45
• Family (2 adults & 3 children) $55

4. Cool Off at a Pool or Spray Park 

Back to make a splash this summer is the City of Edmonton’s outdoor pool initiative. From now until September, you and the family can enjoy any one of the city’s five outdoor pools completely free! Or, if you’d prefer to get wet elsewhere, you can find numerous spray parks scattered throughout the Edmonton area (with so many to choose from, there’s sure to be one near you). 

Open until September 

• Free!

5. Climb High at the Snow Valley Ariel Park 

Look out below! The Snow Valley Ariel Park is now open for business! The first of its kind to ever be built in Canada, the park is a free-standing, high-rope trekking tower offering a variety of challenges, obstacles and, of course, fun. Completely safe and family-friendly, visitors receive a thorough orientation as well as supervision, guidance and helpful hints from park staff. 

Open until September 1, 2019

Admission

• Individuals over 140CM (+ 4' 7") tall $42 or $37 online
• Individuals under 140CM (- 4' 7") tall $29 or $24 online
• Families up to 5 people $134 or $119 online

6. Seek Adventure at Prairie Gardens 

Fun, affordable and full of great activities Prairie Gardens is no everyday farm. Located a few minutes north of Gibbons off Highway 28, visitors here can test their directional skills in the giant corn maze or their bravery in the haunted farmhouse. But that’s not all! Tractor and wagon rides, petting zoos, pumpkin canons, pirate ships and many more great adventures await you on this family-friendly homestead. 

Open until October 31^st, 2019

Admission 

• Toddler (0-2 years old): FREE
• Youth $15
• Adult $19 
• Family 4-pack (2 adults & 2 children): $65

Family 5-pack (2 adults & 3 children): $75 + GST

Family 5-pack extra child: $10.00 + GST

7. Bask in Nature’s Beauty at the Botanical Gardens 

The capital region is home to not one but TWO beautiful botanic garden sites. The U of A Botanic Garden is located southwest of the city along Devonian Way. With over 80 acres of display gardens, the site is home to a Butterfly Greenhouse, Indigenous Garden, a five-acre Japanese Garden and much more! Or, if you prefer, you can head north of Edmonton to St. Albert. A great place to stop and smell the roses the St. Albert Botanic Park features a wide array of flower beds and features. Best of all it’s completely free (though donations to help maintain the park are always appreciated). 

Open until mid-October 

U of A Admission

• Adult $18.00
• Senior (age 65+) $12.25
• Youth (age 13-17) $9
• Student (with ID) $9
• Child (age 3-12) $4.75
• Child (age 2 & under) Free
• Family (2 adults & accompanying children 17 & under) $40.75

Looking for more summer fun? Check out our previous blog on Edmonton Best Family-Friendly Patios!

Photo credits: freepik.com