13 Activities That Will Make Your Kids Fall in Love with Edmonton Winters

In Edmonton, to say that winter feels long would be an understatement. Finding activities to get your kids to like being outside can be tricky – but festivals, and activities through the city help parents to teach kids, in short bursts filled with activity, at a time, to get out there and begin to embrace the cold weather in Edmonton.

ICE SCULPTURES

Ice on Whyte is filled with whimsy, when Ice Sculptures take over Whyte Ave for the festival that’s bound to create excitement on the day out. Affordable, it’s easy to take the entire family out, bundle up and see what’s new this year.

ICE CASTLES

This year’s Ice Castle at Hawrelak Park is going to be even bigger than before, and it’s going to be one of those things you’ve got to see to believe. Ice Castles opens when the weather gets cold, before the silver skate festival. 

SNOW TUBING AT SUNRIDGE

Snow tubing is the best thing to happen to winter and Sunridge has the only Snow Tubing Park around. With a dedicated tubing lift (so you don’t have to walk up the hill), three groomed chutes down one of our main hills, and special tubes provided by us, you won’t find a better outdoor winter activity. Kids have to be 7+ to go down the hill on tubes, but it’s worth the wait – older kids are going to love it. If you’re willing to travel outside of the city, so ski hills in the mountain, you can find hills with a lower age requirement. 

SKATING ON THE FREEZEWAY

The freezeway opens soon and is a great way to spend an afternoon or an evening (with the magical lights), skating. Bundle up and bring the skates, and a thermos full of hot cocoa for a fun experience.

EXPLORING WINTER TRAILS

Sherwood Park Natural Area or the Mactaggart Sanctuary offer up some new scenery for exploration during the winter in Edmonton.

FLYING CANOE FESTIVAL

This Mill Creek Ravine festival is hosting the flying canoe race, this winter. Coming in 2017, you can create a flag and sign up for the race, racing a canoe down the hill at Edmonton Ski Club.

RIDE IN A DEEP FREEZE! 

Kids can participate in the Deep Freeze Festival’s Deep Freezer race where you can race as part of a team – now that’s something to remember! It’s a race you’ve got to plan and register ahead for, but it’s worth the effort! Our kids still talk about it and we haven’t done it for a couple of years! 

SNOWBALL FIGHT

Let’s hope that the white stuff fills the ground for an epic snow and snowball fight, forts and slides this year – and maybe some less than subarctic temperatures to enjoy it in. Get outside and plan a snowball fight with the kids, make your fort, prep those snowballs and get down to it!

FIRE SCULPTURE 

Every year at Silver Skate festival there’s an incredible fire sculpture created. It’s one of those activities that leaves the kids wowed, and is a great way to warm up if you’ve spent the afternoon at the Silver Skate Festival or enjoying a skate on Hawrelak. 

WINTER PICNIC AND CABAN A SUCRE

Check out the many winter festivals in Edmonton for this experience that will bring you back to your childhood. Maple Syrup is boiled, and placed over snow and then rolled over a stick for a delicious, maple treat.

EXPLORE ON SHOWSHOES

Try snowshoeing. There are plenty of recommended trails around the city perfect for exploring on shoes, and rental shops if you don’t want to commit to buying a pair of snowshoes.

GET OUTSIDE AT JOHN JANZEN

Get outside and experience the plants and animals of the River Valley through games, explorations and hands on activities. Topics change frequently, so please check when you arrive.

TAKE A FREE SKATING LESSON

Edmonton’s Greenshack is back during the winter months to provide local children with the opportunity to learn some of those skills important to getting on the ice. Daily drop-in skating sessions to build up skills and confidence, take place at community rinks across Edmonton.

How are you getting your kids outside this winter?