12 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day in Edmonton

It’s been a rainy weekend in Edmonton and we’ve been spending the days indoors, cooking up a storm for the freezer and having movie-dates with the kids. With hopes to venture out later this afternoon, and tomorrow, we wanted to share what to do on a rainy day in Edmonton with the kids.

Bring the Play Indoors
There are many great indoor playgrounds for kids in Edmonton. You can check out the newest Allstars Indoor Playland, or head out to one of our favourites, John Janzen and take part in programming that’s indoor/outdoors.

Explore the River Valley in the Rain 
The River Valley looks shinier in the rain, so throw on the rain jackets and head out to your favourite spot in the River Valley. Our favourite spot to explore is by Wolf Willow stairs, or at Kinnaird Ravine, with the new murals. The kids might get stir-crazy this weekend, so it’s the perfect time to head outside.

Drop in Art at Creation Space
Creation Space is one of the newest places for children to drop-in, attend registered classes and have an incredible art experiences. The stations set up are incredible, and have me swooning. They’re just so creative, and encompass everything incredibly creative about childhood art exploration. Open Studio, Art Play and Drop in classes are just the start when it comes to the studio at Creation Space, you’ve got to check this one out.

Family Favourites at Cineplex (Saturdays)
Every Saturday at Cineplex, there’s a family movie (The Lego Movie) is this week’s screening. Movies are only $2.99, and it’s a cheap morning out for the entire family. You can check out the schedule for a matinee at the movie theatre, and it’s likely not to be crowded.

Bring the Kids to a Board Game Cafe 
Spend a few hour at one of the local Board Game Cafes, where you can find fun board games for adults, and kids. Some of our favourite ones to play with the kids are the traditional: Sorry, and the non-traditional – Sushi Go card game. With plenty of games to choose from (and candy for the kids) you’re going to have a great time playing games together. (We tried Gamer’s Lodge on 124 street this rainy weekend and they had a great selection of games)

Hit up the Indoor Pool
Wondering which pool is the best for your kids, check out the best pools for toddlers in Edmonton and the best pools for adventurous, older kids. Finding an indoor pool with fun things to occupy the kids is a must, and family admission to most pools hovers around the $20 mark. Choose pools with an indoor playground to multiply the fun.

Explore the Science Garage
Spend a bit of time at Telus World of Science, where the kids can explore the installations an exhibits. Our favourite way to spend a rainy afternoon for little kids is spending it exploring at the indoor playground at the Telus World of Science – and using our annual pass (probably one of our most used annual passes we have)

Ride the High Level Streetcar (Weekend)
Riding the streetcar is the perfect way to spend a rainy summer day, and it’s only $20 for the family for the must-do experience on rainy days for Edmonton kids, and it’s a great way to end a fun day out at the Farmer’s Market, too.

Explore a Pirate Ship 
All aboard! Climbing on a pirate ship at West Edmonton Mall is only $2 and it’s a fun way to spend a quick outing, getting rid of some of that rainy day energy. Bonus points if you bring along an eye patch and sword for some fantastic pretend play.

Jump on Trampolines
Head over to Jump Park and take part in jumping time. Children can jump, or play at the indoor playground and parents can watch from the convenient lounge above. There are also couches, with views of the trampolines, for work-at-home-parents that are searching for a place to work while the kids are occupied.

Head to the Farmer’s Market (Weekend) 
Strathcona Farmer’s Market is an indoor oasis on a rainy day – just come early to find a parking lot that’s close, if you don’t want to walk far in the rain. Kids can get a treat, and get their face painted, and you can shop for some fresh ingredients for dinner or a delicious treat.