Outdoor Adventures for Families in Edmonton

Edmonton has the largest urban parkland system in the country, boasting the winding North Saskatchewan River, lush forests, beautiful parks, multi-use trails, playgrounds and picnic spots. This vast urban wilderness and access to nature in and outside of the city offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and family fun.

Here are some ways you and your kids can enjoy the great outdoors this summer:

Explore the River Valley

The Edmonton River Valley carves through the heart of the city, providing easy access to its 20 named River Valley parks and over 180 kilometres of maintained trails.

Nature Trails

There are many trails to explore on a nature walk or bike ride, and the paved multi-use trails make your outdoor adventure accessible to strollers!

Some of my favourite kid-friendly trails include the Fort Edmonton Park Loop Trail, Laurier Park Bridge Walk and the Terwillegar Park Loop. You’ll also find great trails in Whitemud Park and Mill Creek Ravine. Plan your adventure using these River Valley Trail Maps.

Picnics and Playgrounds

The Edmonton River Valley has several parks with fun playgrounds, picnic spots, campfire pits, public washrooms and recreational facilities. A visit to one of these allows families to spend time outdoors and build memories, with quick access to amenities. Here are some of my favourite places to picnic and play:

• Northeast River Valley Park: This relatively new park in northeast Edmonton offers a fun playground, picnic spots and walking trails. It also has an old-timey covered bridge and a small pond for those with kayaks and paddle boards.

• Sir Wilfred Laurier Park: This west Edmonton riverside park has a unique natural playground, complete with a howling coyote sculpture and timber tower! There are picnic areas and walking trails, and you can visit the animals with a trip to the Edmonton Valley Zoo nearby.

• Rundle Park: On Edmonton’s east side, this park features a woodland-themed playground for kids, a pond with paddleboat rentals, a disc golf course, picnic areas, sports fields and walking trails. It is also steps away from the ACT Recreation and Aquatic Centre, which offers an indoor swimming pool, cafeteria, and washrooms.

Guided Paddle Adventures on the River

Exploring the North Saskatchewan River Valley by canoe or kayak gives you a unique perspective of its natural beauty. You’ll paddle through the moving waters along towering sandstone cliffs and dense forest, under bridges, and, depending on your location, get views of our beautiful cityscape.

Edmonton Canoe offers full-day, half-day, and evening trips during the summer for people of all abilities. These guided trips include lessons; no paddle experience is required to join the fun. Up to two children can ride in a canoe with two adults.

Experience Indigenous Culture

Edmonton (Amiskwacîwâskahikan) has the second-largest Indigenous population in the country, which gives us many opportunities to experience the richness of Indigenous stories, art, and culture. 

• Talking Rock Tours offers discovery tours in Edmonton that explore the historic and sacred sites within the River Valley. These tours also show the Indigenous perspectives on the area’s history and uncover geological wonders dating back to the times of the dinosaurs!

• Many Indigenous landmarks and spaces in Edmonton provide interactive learning experiences for families. Here are two that your family will enjoy:

• Turtle Rock Effigy Labyrinth via Tawatina Bridge: Take the Tawatina pedestrian bridge from Cloverdale to Riverdale and look up to see over 400 beautiful Indigenous artworks. High above the moving river, kids will love the bridge and the views of downtown Edmonton. On the other side, you and the kids can walk through the Turtle Rock Effigy Labyrinth at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park.

• ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞: You can also visit the six Indigenous art installations at ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ (EE-nu for short) in Queen Elizabeth Park, which is on a historic Métis river lot.

Discover Where the Bison Roam at Elk Island National Park

A 40-minute drive east of the city will take you to Elk Island National Park. Home to two impressive wild bison herds, this park offers a ‘prairie safari’ experience where you might see bison, deer, elk, coyotes, beavers, birds and other wildlife.

Elk Island National Park is also an incredible destination for a day of outdoor adventure and family fun! Head to Astotin Lake for a lakeside picnic before hitting one of the fully accessible trails or taking a stroll on the floating boardwalk through natural wetlands. You’ll also find a fantastic playground, sandy beach, canoe, campfire pits and public washrooms here. Discover more activities at Elk Island National Park.

Note: While the lake is stunning to look at, it can get blue-green algae in the summer, so I would keep your kids and pets out of the water just to be safe. If you want to stay more than a day, book a campsite at the Astotin Lake Campground. Parks Canada offers interpretive programming that is fun for the whole family.