Late summer and early fall is a perfect time to explore Strathcona County. With shopping, trails and restaurants, you’re going to want to add: plan a day trip, to your fall family bucket list.

What to do

Visit the Strathcona Wilderness Center. Head out to the wilderness centre and get ready to get your nature fix. Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM you'll find an abundance of trails to explore and discover with the kids. Leave the bikes and the dogs at home, and get ready to explore.Find the Wilderness Centre at 52535 Range Road 212, Ardrossan, AB. When you visit, you can pick up a trail map, or plan your visit using a digital trail map, before you visit.Hit up a Playground. There are plenty of great playgrounds to explore in Strathcona County, like the Musical theme playground in Emerald Hills or the massive slide at the REMAX Playground at Broadmoor Lake. You can find our favourite local playgrounds, right here.Shop Local. Just in time to hit up those fall fashions, you'll find plenty of places to shop for kids and teens and Sherwood Park. Stop by Paisley Lane Studio for baby and kids clothes and accessories, Real Spirit Apparel (1995 Brentwood Blvd) for designer styles for women, andDriftwood Designs for a gorgeous collection of curated home accessories.Escape! Escape Room entertainment is a fun way to entertain older kids in Strathcona County. You’re locked in a room trying to escape with a series of puzzles. There are two themed rooms at Escape Legends in Sherwood Park: Titanic and DB Cooper - a fun, ransom themed escape room. Though it’s a fun activity, you’re going to want to save this one for the older kids (we think it’s best for the 12+ crowd). It’s a great family activity for older children, encouraging everything to work collaboratively - and the rooms are well done!

Where to Eat

Cafe Haven. The perfect Americano or a tasty latte, baked goods for the kids or a place where you can eat lunch or brunch in an actual vault (Yes! The building used to house a bank) - Café Haven is a must stop to start your day in Strathcona County.Food Truck Fridays. Visit Emerald Hills for Food Truck Friday at the Emerald Hills Sports Pavilion Parking Lot for food truck dinner on the go! Starvin Marvin’s, Curbside, Casa 12 Doce and the Purple Perogy are serving up dinner on the go. It’s a great preview for Savour Strathcona.Savour Strathcona. makes a return on September 12 - 3PM to 7PM. This year you won't need tickets to redeem for food and the food trucks while you enjoy live entertainment and art. You can choose what you want and pay the food truck for your meal. It's a great reason to skip dinner and head out to the park on a Sunday afternoon.Branches Fresh Food Experience in Greenland Garden centre is a garden oasis. With kid friendly meals on the menu, and delicious bites that you're actually going to want to eat with them it's a fantastic option for lunch in Strathcona County. Make some time to walk to the Green House and visit the seasonal displays. We visit regularly to watch fish in the pond.70 Acre Brew Co. Pretzels fresh from the bakery, brews for adults - the brewery has pizza and $12 flights of beer and it’s all ages until 9PM. It’s your chance to try a new brew, and grab a later-dinner.

Where to Stay

Through the summer and into the fall, you can find unique accommodations at Elk Island Retreat. Family-friendly accommodations include a Yurt, a rustic teepee or a pair of cabins with bunkbeds (a popular option in our house). The popular spot is close enough to city, just a half-hour’s drive, and creates a glamping option for families, with plenty to do on-site, like trails and places to explore.This content is sponsored by Go East of Edmonton. You can find travel inspiration for Strathcona County, and more locations of East of Edmonton at www.goeastofedmonton.com