Find the best things to do in Edmonton with Kids
Glow Edmonton
Unleash the Magic of Glow: The Ultimate Holiday Light Spectacle
Glow is a magical indoor holiday experience featuring festive attractions, live entertainment, and a breathtaking light garden illuminated by millions of twinkling bulbs across 90,000 square feet. This year’s theme, Christmas Carnival, brings the magic of the circus to life with never-before-seen elements, including roaming jugglers, improv performers, and a brand-new, first-in-Canada virtual reality ride! Guests can embark on a thrilling virtual journey around the world on Santa’s sleigh—an interactive adventure sure to create lasting memories.
Candy Cane Lane Christmas Lights
Experience the magic of Candy Cane Lane as you drive through the decorated Christmas neighbourhood, filled with lights, or walk or take a sleigh. This free Edmonton Christmas lights drive is a must-do during the holidays - and is a Christmas tradition for families everywhere.
In 2024, there will also be three walk-only nights at Candy Cane Lane.
Walk, bike, sled or ski - Candy Cane Lane will be closed to cars on these nights. The event is dog-friendly. Please keep your pet on a leash, pick up after them, and be sure that your dog is comfortable with large crowds, horses, and other dogs.
Drop in Stand Up Paddleboarding
Extend the season and kick off a fun. family-friendly older drop-in water activity with the launch of weekly drop-in SUP at Kinsmen Leisure Centre in Edmonton.
Drop in Stand Up Paddleboarding
Extend the season and kick off a fun. family-friendly older drop-in water activity with the launch of weekly drop-in SUP at Kinsmen Leisure Centre in Edmonton.
Magic and Madness with Chris Gowen at The Rec Room
Prepare to be amazed by jaw-dropping sleight-of-hand illusions featuring borrowed phones and watches, objects vanishing and reappearing, astonishing card tricks, and even a mind-bending illusion that happens right in your own hands.
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: GPS, Geocaching & Orienteering
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Orienteering and Fire Building. Come enjoy time outside in Edmonton at this fun, free, family-friendly activity.
Rapid Fire Theatre: Kidding Around
This Saturday afternoon show is for you! Rapid Fire Theatre’s hilarious performers create this entire show right off the top of their heads, but in order to pull it off, we’re going to need help from all the kids in the audience.
Drop in Stand Up Paddleboarding
Extend the season and kick off a fun. family-friendly older drop-in water activity with the launch of weekly drop-in SUP at Kinsmen Leisure Centre in Edmonton.
Magic and Madness with Chris Gowen at The Rec Room
Prepare to be amazed by jaw-dropping sleight-of-hand illusions featuring borrowed phones and watches, objects vanishing and reappearing, astonishing card tricks, and even a mind-bending illusion that happens right in your own hands.
Magic and Madness with Chris Gowen at The Rec Room
Prepare to be amazed by jaw-dropping sleight-of-hand illusions featuring borrowed phones and watches, objects vanishing and reappearing, astonishing card tricks, and even a mind-bending illusion that happens right in your own hands.
Drop in Stand Up Paddleboarding
Extend the season and kick off a fun. family-friendly older drop-in water activity with the launch of weekly drop-in SUP at Kinsmen Leisure Centre in Edmonton.
Magic and Madness with Chris Gowen at The Rec Room
Prepare to be amazed by jaw-dropping sleight-of-hand illusions featuring borrowed phones and watches, objects vanishing and reappearing, astonishing card tricks, and even a mind-bending illusion that happens right in your own hands.
Noon Year's Eve at Telus World of Science
Celebrate the 'Noon Year' with a bang! Countdown to 12:00 p.m. on December 31 and January 1 during the explosive Noon Year’s Demonstration on the Syncrude Science Stage.
City of Edmonton New Year's Eve Celebration
Bundle up the family and head to Sir Winston Churchill Square and City Hall Plaza to usher in a new year at the New Year’s Eve Downtown Festival and Fireworks.
Chiseled- Edmonton's International Ice Carving Competition
In January 2025, ice will be fused, sweat rolled, and creativity will be showcased at the ICE District Plaza. The carvers will be hard at work creating their masterpieces and you can take in the art. The pieces will be presented in the plaza for several weeks and you can be part of the judging.
Drop in Stand Up Paddleboarding
Extend the season and kick off a fun. family-friendly older drop-in water activity with the launch of weekly drop-in SUP at Kinsmen Leisure Centre in Edmonton.
Noon Year's Eve at Telus World of Science
Celebrate the 'Noon Year' with a bang! Countdown to 12:00 p.m. on December 31 and January 1 during the explosive Noon Year’s Demonstration on the Syncrude Science Stage.
Free Drop in Learn to Skate at City Hall
Lace up your skates (free rentals are available) at City Hall during Drop-in learn to skate in Edmonton. Want to gain some confidence on the ice? Join the Edmonton Arts Council for free drop-in learn skating lessons. Free skate rentals are available between 12:00 and 9:00, on Saturday and 12:00 and 5:00 pm on Sunday.
Free Drop in Learn to Skate at City Hall
Lace up your skates (free rentals are available) at City Hall during Drop-in learn to skate in Edmonton. Want to gain some confidence on the ice? Join the Edmonton Arts Council for free drop-in learn skating lessons. Free skate rentals are available between 12:00 and 9:00, on Saturday and 12:00 and 5:00 pm on Sunday.
Swing & Skate Sundays at City Hall
Winter City Weekends are returning to City Hall Plaza! With the arrival of frostier temperatures, the Edmonton Arts Council is welcoming back Ice Grooves, Swing n’ Skate and free skate rentals.
Friday Night Snow Tubing at Sunridge Ski Area
Enjoy $20 Friday Night Snow Tubing at Sunridge during Hops on the Hill with brewery samples, live music and tubing!
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Snowshoes, Snowfort Building, Hot Chocolate and Warming Fire
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Orienteering and Fire Building. Come enjoy time outside in Edmonton at this fun, free, family-friendly activity.
Swing & Skate Sundays at City Hall
Winter City Weekends are returning to City Hall Plaza! With the arrival of frostier temperatures, the Edmonton Arts Council is welcoming back Ice Grooves, Swing n’ Skate and free skate rentals.
Friday Night Snow Tubing at Sunridge Ski Area
Enjoy $20 Friday Night Snow Tubing at Sunridge during Hops on the Hill with brewery samples, live music and tubing!
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures that make up the fabric of Alberta Avenue District, including Ukrainian, French Canadian, Franco African, Indigenous (Métis, Inuit, Cree), Latin American, and Asian influences. Wander through the event to discover artistic creations, a homestead village, and musical celebrations that will delight your senses with music, art, and delectable treats.
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Snowshoes, Snowfort Building, Hot Chocolate and Warming Fire
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Orienteering and Fire Building. Come enjoy time outside in Edmonton at this fun, free, family-friendly activity.
Swing & Skate Sundays at City Hall
Winter City Weekends are returning to City Hall Plaza! With the arrival of frostier temperatures, the Edmonton Arts Council is welcoming back Ice Grooves, Swing n’ Skate and free skate rentals.
Friday Night Snow Tubing at Sunridge Ski Area
Enjoy $20 Friday Night Snow Tubing at Sunridge during Hops on the Hill with brewery samples, live music and tubing!
Nerf Wars at Sherbrooke Community League
Bring your NERF gun(s) and be ready to defend yourself! Extra ammo will be provided. There will be extra games set up for a break from the ultimate battle of those lovable and lose-able foam bullets. Enjoy a break from being locked inside your house to being inside the Community Hall, so much room to run, hide and win!
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Snowshoes, Snowfort Building, Hot Chocolate and Warming Fire
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Orienteering and Fire Building. Come enjoy time outside in Edmonton at this fun, free, family-friendly activity.
Swing & Skate Sundays at City Hall
Winter City Weekends are returning to City Hall Plaza! With the arrival of frostier temperatures, the Edmonton Arts Council is welcoming back Ice Grooves, Swing n’ Skate and free skate rentals.
The Flying Canoe Festival
The Flying Canoe Festival is a creative and interactive cultural celebration designed to engage local history and everything that is great on a long winter night. Inspired by the legend of flying canoeing and French Canadian traditions, of the First Nations and the Métis, the Flying Canoe Flying festival embraces the magnificent Ravin Mill Creek of Edmonton and the French-speaking Quarter of Edmonton.
Friday Night Snow Tubing at Sunridge Ski Area
Enjoy $20 Friday Night Snow Tubing at Sunridge during Hops on the Hill with brewery samples, live music and tubing!
Swing & Skate Sundays at City Hall
Winter City Weekends are returning to City Hall Plaza! With the arrival of frostier temperatures, the Edmonton Arts Council is welcoming back Ice Grooves, Swing n’ Skate and free skate rentals.
The Silver Skate Festival
The Silver Skate Festival is a free 10-day family-oriented festival that combines culture, art, education, sport, and recreation. They invite everyone to rediscover the joy of that first childhood snowfall or discover that joy for the first time.
Rad Torque Raceway Speedway Market Family & Kids Zone
The RAD Torque Raceway, Speedway Market, proudly presented by DC Signs, is Western Canada’s Premier High-Performance Automotive Trade Show and Car Show. In addition to showcasing race cars, tuners, fabricators, and more for motorsports enthusiasts, families can explore the Family & Kids Zone for fun, all-day activities.
Family & Kids Zone activities will include: explore the mini dirt bikes and quads on display, Nitro Ratz junior dragsters, free face painting and a fun photo booth. Join for the fun, full-day event for family-friendly activities and prizes!
Last year, the event raised $7,500 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital, and we’re looking forward to continuing this charitable effort.
Swing & Skate Sundays at City Hall
Winter City Weekends are returning to City Hall Plaza! With the arrival of frostier temperatures, the Edmonton Arts Council is welcoming back Ice Grooves, Swing n’ Skate and free skate rentals.
Swing & Skate Sundays at City Hall
Winter City Weekends are returning to City Hall Plaza! With the arrival of frostier temperatures, the Edmonton Arts Council is welcoming back Ice Grooves, Swing n’ Skate and free skate rentals.
Swing & Skate Sundays at City Hall
Winter City Weekends are returning to City Hall Plaza! With the arrival of frostier temperatures, the Edmonton Arts Council is welcoming back Ice Grooves, Swing n’ Skate and free skate rentals.
High Tea with Santa at La Prosciutteria
The high tea includes tea, food, and an enchanted evening with Santa Claus!
Drop in Stand Up Paddleboarding
Extend the season and kick off a fun. family-friendly older drop-in water activity with the launch of weekly drop-in SUP at Kinsmen Leisure Centre in Edmonton.
Race to Save Christmas at Century Mile: See Santa Race the Grinch
Watch Santa race The Grinch at Century Mile and enjoy a cup of free hot cocoa and family fun.
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: GPS, Geocaching & Orienteering
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Orienteering and Fire Building. Come enjoy time outside in Edmonton at this fun, free, family-friendly activity.
Rapid Fire Theatre: Kidding Around
This Saturday afternoon show is for you! Rapid Fire Theatre’s hilarious performers create this entire show right off the top of their heads, but in order to pull it off, we’re going to need help from all the kids in the audience.
Cookie Decorating with Santa
Kick off to Christmas - Cookie Decorating with Santa! Join us for a festive and fun-filled event at Gather Bakery. Get into the holiday spirit as you decorate delicious cookies with the jolliest man himself, Santa Claus! You can capture all the magical moments with photos to treasure forever. Don't miss out on this special opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Each ticket includes 6 cookies to decorate with icing and hoilday sprinkles and seating at our Gather table for one individual at a time. The event will be held at Gather Bakery, located on First Avenue in Spruce Grove, AB. Get ready for a merry and delicious time! Limited avaliblity so get your tickets fast!
Buy Tickets for Cookie Decorating with Santa
Santa Swim at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre
Splash into Christmas with Santa Swim at Emerald Hills Leisure Center in Sherwood Park.
Jingle Jammin' at Eastwood Community League
Bring the family to Jingle Jammin' for winter fun, carolling, and marshmallow roasting! Get into the holiday spirit with this Alberta Avenue tradition and join us for hot cocoa, chilli, a Christmas tale, a visit from Santa, and carolling! Carolling is an Alberta Avenue and Canadian Christmas tradition that spreads joy in our community through the gift of song. Dress for the weather and bring your own flashlight/headlamp.
Enjoy Shinny & Street hockey, Chill dinner, visits with Santa, Horse and Wagon rides, Carolling, Movies and Hot Chocolate.
Unsilent Night Walk at Broadmoor Lake
Participate in a 45-minute electronic swirling sound walk through Broadmoor Park and beyond. Spread joy and light to brighten the long winter night! Deck yourself out with twinkle lights, a cell phone and (optional) amplifier/speaker.
What is Unsilent Night?
Unsilent Night is an original composition by Phil Kline, written specifically to be heard outdoors in the month of December. It takes the form of a street promenade in which the audience becomes the performer. Throughout December each year, people around the world gather to "perform" the work by playing the Unsilent Night music on boomboxes or Bluetooth speakers and walking a chosen path together.
Strathcona County Everybody Gets to Play Day
Join the fun in Strathcona County for the upcoming FREE Winter Play Day on Wednesday, December 18.
Art Buffet: Free Art Drop-in Art Making
Visit the Art Buffet, a free, weekly drop-in art program for everyone, materials included, on Wednesday afternoons at Mitchell Gallery.
Christmas Bird Count for Kids at Gold Bar Park
Come out and connect with other nature-lovers, spread some holiday cheer, and embrace this timeless winter tradition!
A Christmas Past at Rutherford House
Deck the halls and carol with us for a traditional Rutherford House Christmas!
Winter Skate at Ice District Plaza
Join EPCOR, @edmontonfire & @edmoilkings for a FREE and family-friendly event to celebrate safe skating locations as part of EPCOR’s Winter Stormwater Safety Campaign!
Home Alone in Concert
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams charming and delightful score performed live to picture.
FREE Recreational at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre with Inflatables
Drop in for this little-kid friendly swimming event, with the inflatables in the pool at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre. Children that attend lap swim must be able to swim 25 metres and be accompanied in the water by someone 14Y+.
Bright Light Skate Night and Tree Lighting
Bundle up and head to Sir Winston Churchill Square and the City Hall Plaza on December 14, 2024, for Bright Light Skate Night.
City of Edmonton Free Family Adventure Club North: Christmas Bird Count
Family Adventure Club North showcases the City of Edmonton’s new Northeast River Valley Park (903 153 Ave NE) through various outdoor and nature based learning activities. Leaders are excited to share an adventure with you in Edmonton's new North East River Valley Park, during a monthly drop-in play session.
Rapid Fire Theatre: Kidding Around
This Saturday afternoon show is for you! Rapid Fire Theatre’s hilarious performers create this entire show right off the top of their heads, but in order to pull it off, we’re going to need help from all the kids in the audience.
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: GPS, Geocaching & Orienteering
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Orienteering and Fire Building. Come enjoy time outside in Edmonton at this fun, free, family-friendly activity.
Sleigh with Santa Claus in Riverdale
Join in on the holiday fun this weekend for Riverdale’s Annual Christmas Event: Santa Sleigh Ride. During this fun experience, Santa will be visiting Reversal with his very, merry elves, to collect food for the food bank in Edmonton. The Sleigh will depart and end back at Little Brick, in Edmonton.
Sleigh Ride with Santa Claus
FREE Winter Wonderland at The Fort
This free, drop-in event promises something special for everyone: kids can get creative with holiday crafts, enjoy a cookie decorating station, and listen to enchanting holiday season stories.
Christmas at Callingwood Farmer's Market
Get ready for a magical holiday celebration at Christmas at Callingwood! This beloved annual event returns on Saturday, December 14, from 11 AM to 3 PM, offering festive fun for everyone. Whether you're looking to snap a photo with Santa, enjoy live entertainment, or indulge in seasonal treats, there's something for all ages.
2024 IKEA Breakfast with Santa
Stop by the restaurant today to purchase your tickets for the breakfast with Santa at IKEA Edmonton.
Free Teen Night at Art Gallery of Alberta: Pyjama Party
This iteration of Teen Night delves into the realm of dreams inspired by the Surrealists before us. Explore the unexpected magic and strange beauty of our subconscious through storytelling, art activities, snacks and more. Gather in the atrium for a cozy sleepover vibe or wander the Gallery in search of the connection between dreams and creativity.
Art Buffet: Free Art Drop-in Art Making
Visit the Art Buffet, a free, weekly drop-in art program for everyone, materials included, on Wednesday afternoons at Mitchell Gallery.
Free Girls Drop in Sports Session
For Girls by Girls is a free drop in sports program for girls in Edmonton at Clareview Community Recreation Centre and The Meadows Community Rec Centre.
Free Santa Skate in Strathcona County
Join this free Santa skate in Strathcona county and kick off the Christmas season! This skate is for all ages. Helmets are recommended. Skate aids available.
Sticks are not to be used during recreational skate time, but please see ‘Stick & Skate’ for opportunities for hockey/ringette skill practice. Children under 8Y must be accompanied by someone 14Y+ at all times.
Greenland Garden Centre Country Christmas
Celebrate a Country Christmas with Greenland Garden Centre on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop
This popular event provides an opportunity for the whole family to share in some pre- Christmas fun. Register early as spots fill up fast.