Yes, winters in Edmonton can be cold. But don’t let the cold weather discourage you from exploring everything that Edmonton has to offer young families! Many of Edmonton’s attractions feature activities for children as well as family-friendly seasonal events.
Here is a list of 10 ways to keep your little ones entertained this winter:
1) Art Gallery of Alberta – Features “Tours for Tots” (ages three through five) on Wednesdays from 10 – 11am and “All Day Sundays” (all ages) on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 12 – 4pm.
2) Telus World of Science – Features child-friendly exhibits, “Kids Discovery Zone” and the newly renovated Discoveryland Gallery.
3) Child-friendly Coffeehouses – Enjoy your specialty coffees and snacks while your children play in specially designed indoor playgrounds and play areas. Some of the local café’s include:
4) Gymboree – Let your child develop and learn while playing. Enrol your children in classes or drop-in and play. Membership required.
5) Kidz Quarterz – While the indoor playground is designed for children up to the age of 12, there is a toddler area that includes large foam blocks and room to climb and play. Enjoy a coffee, snacks or lunch while you’re there.
6) Your Local Library – Be sure to check out everything your local library has to offer. Often there are classes that include singing and reading with your little ones as well as other thematic classes.
7) Recreation Centres – There are quite a few recreation centres that feature fabulous indoor playgrounds and activities for children. Some include:
- Terwillegar’s Children’s Wing – features an Indoor Playground for Ages 0-10
- Mill Woods – features an Indoor Playground and Wave Pool
- O’Leary Fitness and Leisure Centre - features a waterslide and teach pool
- Millennium Place – features a water playground, leisure ice rink and more
8) John Janzen Nature Centre’s Tegler Discovery Zone – An indoor play space that allows children to explore nature and climb play structures. This play area is not staffed and is for children ages 10 years and younger so younger children will have to be monitored as it is a common play space.
9) Your Local Swimming Pool – Be sure to check out both lessons and family swim times at your local swimming pool. Take advantage of special rates on days when your school aged children have early dismissal or no school.
10) Old-Fashioned Play Dates – Take time to connect with other moms whether it is through organized mom-groups or by connecting with another person individually. Make a date to have coffee, let your little ones play together and get to know each other.
By: Kjristen White
