During the summer, there are certain things that that Edmonton kids should experience, memories they should make – and fun summer ‘bucket list’ items to check off. Here are some of the things that every Edmonton Kids should experience this summer –
Run Through Colored Fountains at Dusk
Last year, we told the kids they didn’t have to get ready for bed, instead we were going to go somewhere new and cool off in the fountains. If you didn’t take the time to run through the colored fountains downtown, last year, you have to try it this year. Changing colors, and perfect for running through, our kids loved to bring buckets to play with the water while we watched from the Sidelines. They’re above the Legislature pools (10800 97 Ave NW)
Watch Ice cream in action at Scoop n Roll
and eat it. There’s magic in how this ice cream is made, from scratch, in front of you. It’s even more magical when it’s turned into rolls, for a new experience in ice cream. You’re going to have to remind the kids to be patient, but the delicious flavours and kind-of mesmerizing watching experience is worth it.
Drink Ice Cold Lemonade at the Farmer’s Market
Pick a Farmer’s Market (like one from our best kid-friendly Farmer’s Market list, here) and grab an ice cold lemonade. The splurge price tag of five bucks is worth it – even if you sometimes get a seed stuck up your straw.
Cool off on a Pirate Ship
The best spray park in the area can be found at Remax Spray Park in Sherwood Park. You can cool off on the spray deck that has a slide, and a soft surface for kids, and a fun pirate ship to climb on. Once you’ve cooled off, you can climb the highest slide at any playground locally.
Climb on ‘Urban Hoodoos’
One of our favourite hikes to do with the brings you over huge trees and gives kids the ability to climb ‘urban hoodoos’ during the hike. For the Kinnaird Ravine hike, park at Sheriff Robertson Park, where you’ll get access to the ravine. New this year, there’s a fantastic billboard art installation along the trail.
Spend a Saturday in a Canoe
Canoe trips down the North Saskatchewan River are easy, with Edmonton Canoe. Parents can choose from a 2-3 hour trip, or a 5-6 hour trip, at the rate of $70 or $80 with one parent and one child in the canoe. It’s a fun way to discover a new vantage point of the River Valley, especially if you haven’t been on the water.
Join an Epic Water Fight
Remember the epic snowball fight from last year? There’s going to be something just as cool to do in the summer season, with an epic water fight to join in on. Details are coming, regarding the ‘where’ and the ‘when’, but strap on your goggles, and get ready for a fun event the kids are going to be talking about. Stay tuned!
A Day at the Outdoor Pool
Spending the day in the outdoor pool should be a requirement during the summer for an Edmonton kid. It’s the perfect way to cool off and if you get there early enough you can score a prime spot by the pool. What’s our top pick for kids in the city? Fred Broadstock Pool. If you plan on going to the pool regularly, check out this annual pool pass for Edmonton.
Get out of Town for the Midway
Surprising the kids and driving out of town for the midway is not only less expensive than many of the options we’ve got in the city, but there is often more to explore, discover and experience. From the fair food, or the ability of the kids to roam wild and free like they wouldn’t be able to in the city – it’s one of those must have experiences for summer. Find our favourite Midways to escape out of Edmonton to, here.
Try Something New at Taste of Edmonton
Taste of Edmonton is the perfect opportunity to try something new. Bringing a picnic blanket so you don’t have to worry about snagging a place to sit at a table, and having parents go and grab the food for the kids to try, going through the menu before hand with the kids to find something that they’ve never tried before, is a great way to spend an evening during the festival.
See Sand Sculptures in the City
Sand on Whyte is a festival that brings the beach to you, so to speak. In the first week of July, you can visit Whyte Ave and see those epic sand castles created in part by the same people creating the fabulous ice sculptures at Ice on Whyte. It’s like going to the beach, inside the city.
Hit the Beach
Whether you’re staying close to the city, at Allen Beach Resort or you want to head out of town to Devonshire Beach, you should hit the beach at least once this year. Head farther away from the city, if you can, as there are already a handful of lakes that have been hit with blue green algae. Want some of our favourite beaches? You can find those right here.
Image: Dave Sutherland on Flickr