Though there are many things to do and see in Edmonton, many of them can go right out the window as soon as the weather turns bad. And when you've got your kids cooped up in the house for a day or two, it's no fun for anyone. Luckily, there are many things you can do both at home and out and about, to keep everyone entertained and having fun in a downpour.

Enjoy some shopping and swimming

The West Edmonton Mall is the ideal place to head out to if the weather is bad. This massive shopping centre has something for everyone. Not only are there lots of shops here, but also tons of restaurants making it easy for everyone to get fed. It's not just a day of shopping though. The Mall also has a shooting range, skating rink, swimming pool and more, which means that everyone can find something to keep themselves entertained and active.

If you want to avoid the shopping, but keep the swimming, then there is the World Waterpark to enjoy. You can simply sit on the sidelines and watch the kids play or join in the fun. There are numerous slides from beginner to expert increasing the thrill and speed of the ride each time. Better still, there's also a wave pool that can provide hours of fun too.

Discover sports

If you are looking for something free to do that doesn't involve going out, then turning on the sports channel might be a good idea. Depending on the time of the year, you're likely to be able to find some hockey or Canadian football to watch. However, these are sports your kids have likely grown up with all their lives. It can be fun to learn about something a little different.

With that in mind, it could be a fun idea to try out other sports such as rugby, tennis or even Formula 1 racing. Of course, soccer is one of the most popular options, plus it's easy to learn the rules as there aren't many to remember. Better still, there's always some soccer going on in the world. From international competitions like the UEFA Cup and World Cup to national leagues like the German Bundesliga, Spanish LALIGA and more, you'll have many top teams to choose from. Watch out for some exciting old-school rivalry in fixtures like the Inter vs Milan Derby from Italy's Serie A competition and the battle for the Community Shield between English Premier League teams Manchester United and Manchester City. 

Staying educated

If you want the kids to actually learn something while the rain pours down then Edmonton has a number of top attractions that cater to that as well. First, you can try the Muttart Conservatory. This is a botanical garden that is contained within four pyramids. Here you can find one feature pyramid with regularly changing displays and three different biomes - temperate, tropical, arid - discovering rare and unusual plants in a relaxing way. Not only that, but you can even grab some plants for sale on your way out.

Alternatively, you can take the kids to TELUS World of Science. This is a great way to get interactive with science as the museum has a wealth of stunning galleries and exhibitions. The complex contains the largest IMAX Theatre in Alberta and plays documentaries and Hollywood films, so it's well worth checking out the schedule before arriving. There are many exhibitions during the year, with many being related to big movies such as Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and Star Wars. TELUS also has a science stage and planetarium to visit, making this a great full day out. There is also the Alberta Aviation Museum for those who have an interest in planes.

Whatever you end up choosing, Edmonton has a wealth of things to do no matter the weather.