The first sound I heard at Jurassic Forest was not a dinosaur. It was mosquitoes.
They found me in the parking lot and stayed with me for most of the walk. I am telling you that first because if I had known, I would have packed differently. Now you know. The rest of the day was better than I expected. I walked a wooden boardwalk through real old forest, and every so often something enormous started moving in the trees beside me and roaring.
Here is the first thing I want to clear up. Jurassic Forest is not in Edmonton, even though nearly everyone searches for it that way. I drove out to Gibbons, Alberta, about 30 minutes north of the city on Highway 28. It is one of the easiest day trips from Edmonton I have done, and I did not plan it much at all. I went today, and this is what I would tell a friend who asked me about it.
What Is Jurassic Forest?
I want to set your expectations properly, because I had the wrong idea going in.
Jurassic Forest is an outdoor dinosaur park. It is not a museum with fossils behind glass, and it is not an amusement park with rides. The main thing you do there is walk.
The park has more than 40 life-size animatronic dinosaurs spread along a 2 km boardwalk trail through old forest. Motion sensors set them off as you come near, so they move and make noise when you round a corner.
That is what makes it work, and I did not understand it until I was standing on the trail. The forest is thick and shaded, so I usually heard a dinosaur before I saw it. I was not looking at a statue in an open field. I was walking a path, and the path kept interrupting me.
There is more than the trail. There is also an 18-hole dinosaur mini golf course called Journey to Extinction, an outdoor play area called the Active Learning Park where kids can brush for bones in sand, and two food spots, the Tar Pit Café and the Cretaceous Concession.
My Visit to Jurassic Forest
Getting there was simple. The drive north out of Edmonton is flat farmland and grain bins, and then I turned onto a township road and the trees closed in around me. Parking is free and sits right at the entrance. There was plenty of room when I pulled in.
The mosquitoes started at the car. I am not blaming the park for this. It is an old forest with wet ground in late August, and mosquitoes are simply part of that in this corner of Alberta. I just did not have repellent with me, and I paid for it all afternoon.
Once I stepped onto the boardwalk, the forest seemed to take over. The entire trail is a raised wooden boardwalk, so I never had to worry about mud, and the walk was easy. Sunlight filtered through the trees in patches, and the trail was quiet between the displays. Then, without warning, a sensor would pick up my movement, and a full-size dinosaur would suddenly start moving just a few metres away.
That is also where I learned how my kids felt about the whole idea. My toddler was a little afraid, and my baby was scared outright and refused to stand on the trail at all. We ended up carrying the little one for most of the walk.
The scale is what surprised me most. Photos online don't really capture how large these dinosaurs feel. From the trail, the long-necked dinosaurs looked like they belonged among the trees around them, while the meat-eaters were positioned low and close to the boardwalk, making them feel surprisingly near.
I found information boards along the route. Some are about the dinosaurs, and others explain the forest I was standing in, including the wetland sections the boardwalk crosses. I wanted to read more of them than I did, but I could not because of the bugs and a nervous baby in my arms.
My walk took about 15 minutes, and I was moving faster than I meant to. If you have repellent on and you can stand still without being eaten, you will take much longer than I did, and you should.
Three things I noticed that I think will help you. The boardwalk is smooth and wide, and I watched people push strollers along it without any struggle.
There are benches spaced out along the trail, often right beside an information board with a view into the trees, so you can sit whenever you want instead of pushing through to the end. And the sensors do not all fire at the same moment for every group, so if a dinosaur looks still, wait a second before you walk past it.
What You'll See at Jurassic Forest
The wooden boardwalk winds through the forest and past the dinosaur displays.
The trail is the main event. You will pass a mix of plant eaters and predators. Species you can expect to encounter include Albertosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops and Stegosaurus, plus the very large long-necked dinosaurs that are impossible to miss.
I would not go in with a checklist of species. I got more out of letting the trail surprise me and reading the boards for the ones I liked.
Here is what else I found worth knowing about.
Discovery Trails
The boardwalk loop is 2 km in total, the dinosaurs are motion-activated, and it is all included with general admission. The park also offers printable scavenger hunt sheets in two age levels, one for ages 4 to 7 and one for ages 8 to 12. If you are visiting with older children, the scavenger hunt can be an easy way to keep them engaged throughout the walk. It is a free way to keep them interested for the whole walk.
Journey to Extinction Mini Golf
An outdoor 18-hole course with dinosaur-themed obstacles. It is an add-on rather than part of general admission. I saw the price posted as $8 per person on the admissions board at the gate when I visited, and you can play it on its own without paying full park admission.
Active Learning Park
A dinosaur-themed outdoor playground with climbing and slides, plus a sand pit where kids can brush for bones. I noticed families with younger kids spending extra time here.
Food Options
The Tar Pit Café serves coffee, tea and baked goods, including gluten-free options, and there is also the Cretaceous Concession. You can bring your own food and snacks in, though barbecues, stoves and cooking equipment are not allowed.
How Long Do You Need at Jurassic Forest?
I can tell you the trail goes quickly if you let it. Ours took roughly 15 minutes, but that pace was set by mosquitoes and a scared baby, not by interest. At a normal pace, stopping at the boards and letting each dinosaur finish its cycle, I would give it closer to an hour.
If you add everything else, the time climbs. Mini golf, the play park and a stop at the café can push a visit to two or three hours without much effort. Families with small kids may stay longer, especially if they spend time in the playground, mostly because the playground is hard to leave.
The things that will stretch your visit:
Actually reading the information boards
Waiting for each dinosaur to finish moving
Photography, because the forest light is good
Kids who want to see every display twice
Mini golf and the play area
One handy detail: you get a stamp when you arrive, and re-entry is allowed, so you can go back out to your vehicle for a jacket or a cooler and come straight back in.
Is Jurassic Forest Good for Families?
Yes, and I think the boardwalk is the reason why.
The park lists the Discovery Trails as stroller-friendly and suitable for most mobility levels. Every pathway is a wooden boardwalk; the park says it is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are accessible washrooms on site. I do not see that often at an outdoor attraction, and it means a nap in the stroller does not end your day.
A few things I would want a friend to know before taking their kids:
A few things I would want a friend to know before taking their kids. The biggest one is fear. My toddler was a little afraid and was hurrying me up to finish the trail quickly so she could get out of there, and my baby was scared enough to refuse to stand on the trail for pictures, so we carried the little one through.
The dinosaur displays are loud, and they move suddenly, and that is exactly the point that scared my kids more. Older kids love that. Very small ones may not.
If your child gets nervous easily, walk the first few metres and watch how they react before you commit to the whole loop.
It is fully outdoors. Once you're on the trail, there is nowhere indoors to escape if the weather turns, so check the forecast and dress for the conditions you’re likely to encounter.
If you are visiting with small children, the bugs may be harder for them to ignore than they were for me. Repellent on your kids matters more than repellent on you. I learned that lesson the hard way on my own arms.
Pets are not allowed anywhere in the park, so leave the dog at home rather than in the car.
Jurassic Forest for Adults
I went as an adult, and I enjoyed it, so I do not want to leave you thinking this is only a kids' attraction.
If you like photography, the mix of forest light and enormous dinosaur displays gives you plenty of interesting subjects to photograph. And if you have an interest in paleontology, seeing a full-size Albertosaurus in an Alberta forest feels very different from seeing one in a book.
It also works as a change of pace. If you have already worked through the best tourist attractions in Edmonton and you want something outdoors and a bit unusual, this fits. I think grandparents would do fine here too. The surface is flat and even, and those benches along the trail mean you can rest as often as you need.
Where Is Jurassic Forest?
Jurassic Forest sits near Gibbons, Alberta, north of Edmonton and slightly to the east. The address is 23210 Township Rd 564 #2, Gibbons, AB T0A 1N5.
The town of Gibbons is a few minutes away and has fuel and groceries if you want to stock up before or after. The attraction is in Sturgeon County, and the drive is mostly straightforward farmland highway, and the drive is straight farmland highway the whole way.
Calling it "Jurassic Forest Edmonton" is a habit more than a fact. It is close enough to the city for an easy afternoon, but you are leaving Edmonton to get there.
How to Get to Jurassic Forest from Edmonton
Drive. The park says it is roughly 30 minutes north of Edmonton on Highway 28 north, and there is plenty of on-site parking, including space for school buses. Parking is free, so there is no lot fee to add on top of your tickets.
Coming from north Edmonton, that 30-minute estimate held up for me. If you are starting from the south side or Sherwood Park, give yourself extra time just to cross the city first.
The last turn takes you onto a rural township road. Just type "Jurassic Forest" into Google Maps by name rather than entering the street address. Then watch for the sign once you leave the highway.
There is no practical public transit out there, and the site is rural, so plan on driving.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Jurassic Forest?
Jurassic Forest runs seasonally from May through October, and it stays open in rain, shine or smoke unless conditions are unsafe. Hours are 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily with last admission at 6:00 pm, though they can shorten later in the fall, so confirm before a September or October trip.
What I would tell you about timing:
Mid to late summer is peak mosquito season in a wet forest like this one. That is the single thing I would change about my own visit. Do not treat repellent as optional.
September and early October should give you cooler temperatures, and a late-season visit may also mean fewer mosquitoes than I experienced in late August.
The canopy keeps the trail cooler than open ground on a hot day, which I appreciated. That is a real advantage in July and August.
Weekends and holidays can be busier, so booking online is a good idea to skip the line, though you can still buy at the gate.
What to Bring
Short and practical, based on what I wished I had:
Insect repellent. The one thing I would not leave home without again.
Comfortable walking shoes. The boardwalk is flat, but you are on your feet.
A light jacket or long sleeves. More bug protection, and useful in the shade.
Water bottle. Easier than having to buy drinks on site.
Sunscreen and a hat. The open areas near the entrance and mini golf have no cover.
Rain gear. The park stays open in wet weather.
Camera or phone. The size of these displays is worth capturing.
The park's own suggestion list is close to mine: repellent, sunscreen, a water bottle, a hat and a jacket.
Jurassic Forest Tickets, Hours and Practical Information
The prices below are what I saw posted on the admissions board at the gate on the day I visited, and the rest comes from the park's own visitor pages. Admission, add-on pricing and hours can change, so check jurassicforest.com for current information before you drive out.
Location: 23210 Township Rd 564 #2, Gibbons, AB T0A 1N5
Season: May through October
Hours: Daily 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, last admission 6:00 pm
Admission: Adult (18+) $18, Youth (13 to 17) $15, Senior (55+) $15, Child (3 to 12) $12, Family of Four $60, children 2 and under free
Add-ons: Dino Wagon $6, Mini Golf $8, both priced per person on top of admission
Parking: Free on site, with room for school buses
Accessibility: All pathways are wooden boardwalk; the park states they are fully wheelchair accessible, and accessible washrooms are available
Food: Tar Pit Café and Cretaceous Concession on site; outside food and snacks allowed, no cooking equipment
Booking: Online booking recommended to skip the line, gate tickets available, and online day passes can be used on any day of the season
Rules to know: No pets, no smoking or vaping, no bikes or scooters, stay on the boardwalk, and do not touch the displays or motion sensors
Season memberships are available if you think you will go back more than once.
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Looking for a Place to Stay?
Staying overnight in Edmonton? Find a hotel that puts you within easy reach of Jurassic Forest.
For me, yes, and I would tell a friend to go. I would say go if you have kids roughly between 3 and 12, if you like dinosaurs, or if you want a short outdoor trip from Edmonton that does not eat a whole day in the car.
The boardwalk setting is the best part of it. Walking through real forest and running into a moving Albertosaurus felt different from looking at a skeleton behind glass, and the flat trail makes it work for people who usually get left out of outdoor attractions.
I will be honest about the other side. If you only do the trail, it is a smaller experience than the ticket price suggests, because the walk can be over quickly. If you want to make more of a day of it, add mini golf, the play park and a slower walk along the trail instead of treating it as a quick stop.
You might prefer somewhere else if you want real fossils and museum-grade science. In that case, the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller is the better drive, or the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton for an indoor day. I would also skip it if bugs ruin your mood and you will not spray, because on a warm late-summer afternoon in that forest, they will find you the way they found me.
I am glad I went. I would go back in late September with repellent in my pocket, and I would give myself the time to read every board I walked past today.
Jurassic Forest Photos
Click on each image to expand.
Final Thoughts on Jurassic Forest
Jurassic Forest is one of those Edmonton-area attractions that is easy to enjoy at your own pace. The trail takes you through a natural forest setting, with life-sized dinosaurs appearing among the trees and vegetation along the way. It feels less like walking through a traditional exhibit and more like discovering dinosaurs in their natural environment.
I especially enjoyed the combination of the forest trail, dinosaur displays, and quiet outdoor setting. The boardwalk, resting areas, and educational signs also make it an easy experience for families and visitors who want to take their time.
If you're looking for a fun outdoor attraction near Edmonton that combines dinosaurs, nature, and a little adventure, Jurassic Forest is well worth adding to your Edmonton itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jurassic Forest located?
It is near Gibbons, Alberta, north of Edmonton. The address is 23210 Township Rd 564 #2, Gibbons, AB T0A 1N5. It is not inside Edmonton city limits, though it is close enough to feel like it.
How far is Jurassic Forest from Edmonton?
It is about 30 minutes north of Edmonton on Highway 28 north, and that matched my drive from the north side. Starting from south Edmonton, allow extra time to cross the city.
How much does Jurassic Forest cost?
The board at the gate on the day I visited listed $18 for adults 18 and over, $15 for youth 13 to 17, $15 for seniors 55 and over, $12 for children 3 to 12, and $60 for a family of four. Children 2 and under get in free. Mini golf is $8, and the Dino Wagon is $6 on top of admission, and parking is free. Confirm current pricing on the official site before you go.
How long does it take to visit Jurassic Forest?
My walk took about 15 minutes, but I was hurrying away from mosquitoes. Give the trail closer to an hour at a normal pace, and expect two to three hours once you add mini golf, the play park and food.
Is Jurassic Forest good for young children?
Yes. The trail is stroller-friendly. The one thing I would watch for is noise, since the animatronics move suddenly and roar; it makes my children scared. Yours may be scared too.
What should I wear to Jurassic Forest?
Comfortable walking shoes, clothes for the day's forecast, and long sleeves if the bugs are out. It is fully outdoors, and the park stays open in rain, shine or smoke unless conditions are unsafe.
Is Jurassic Forest open year-round?
No. It runs seasonally from May through October. Fall hours can be shorter than summer hours, so check before a late-season visit.
If you're looking for the best things to do in Edmonton with kids, you've come to the right place. From exciting rides at West Edmonton Mall and hands-on science exhibits to historic streetcars, walkable zoos, and nature trails, Edmonton offers family-friendly attractions for every age and every season.
Having lived in Edmonton since 2011, I've visited every attraction on this list with my own family, many of them several times. This guide is based on those experiences and includes the places I recommend most often to friends and relatives visiting with children.
Inside, you'll find the best family attractions in Edmonton, who they're best suited for, how much time to allow, practical local tips, money-saving advice, an interactive map, and a suggested one-day itinerary. Admission prices and operating hours can change, so it's always worth checking each attraction's official website before your visit.
Cost guide: $ means under $20 per person, $$ means $20–$40, $$$ means $40 and up.
Best Family Attractions in Edmonton by Age
If you're wondering where to take kids in Edmonton, the answer depends on their age and interests. Families with toddlers usually enjoy the Edmonton Valley Zoo and John Janzen Nature Centre, while older children often prefer Galaxyland, World Waterpark, and TELUS World of Science. The attractions below cover a wide range of Edmonton kids activities for every season.
Ages 1–3 (Toddlers)
At this age, simple experiences usually beat long days packed with activities. Toddlers love places where they can move around safely without spending hours waiting in line.
John Janzen Nature Centre – The indoor Tegler Discovery Zone is perfect for climbing, crawling, and exploring.
Edmonton Valley Zoo – Compact enough for little legs, with farm animals, red pandas, and stroller-friendly paths.
West Edmonton Mall – Walk through the mall, watch the sea lions, admire the pirate ship, and enjoy the indoor atmosphere without spending much.
TELUS World of Science – CuriousCITY is designed especially for younger children and offers hands-on play in a safe environment.
Ages 4–7
This is the age when kids are curious about everything and have enough energy to enjoy full days out.
Our favourites are:
Fort Edmonton Park – Unlimited rides on the steam train, streetcars, and midway attractions make history surprisingly exciting.
Galaxyland – Plenty of rides designed for younger children who meet the height requirements.
World Waterpark – Wave pool, splash areas, and family slides provide hours of fun.
Jurassic Forest – Walking through a forest filled with roaring dinosaurs feels magical for dinosaur lovers.
Edmonton Valley Zoo – Still one of the best-value attractions for this age group.
Ages 8–12
Older kids usually want bigger adventures and attractions where they can be more independent.
The best choices include:
Galaxyland – More thrilling rides become available as kids grow taller.
World Waterpark – Bigger slides and surfing attractions are major highlights.
TELUS World of Science – Interactive exhibits, IMAX films, and the planetarium keep older kids engaged for hours.
Fort Edmonton Park – The Indigenous Peoples Experience and historic streets become more meaningful while the midway still keeps things fun.
Clip 'n Climb Edmonton – Colourful climbing challenges provide just the right balance of excitement and physical activity.
Teenagers (13+)
Teenagers usually appreciate attractions that give them freedom, excitement, or somewhere to hang out with friends.
I'd recommend:
Galaxyland for the thrill rides.
World Waterpark for the larger slides and wave pool.
West Edmonton Mall for shopping, restaurants, mini golf, bowling, escape rooms, and entertainment.
Clip 'n Climb Edmonton for an active afternoon that still feels like a challenge.
TELUS World of Science, especially when a new feature exhibition or IMAX movie is showing.
Best Attractions for Parents with Toddlers
If you're travelling with a stroller, nap schedules, and snack breaks, don't try to cram too much into one day. We've found that one major attraction is usually enough before everyone is ready for a break.
These are the easiest attractions to visit with toddlers:
Attraction
Why Parents Love It
Edmonton Valley Zoo
Small, walkable, stroller-friendly, and easy to finish in two to three hours.
John Janzen Nature Centre
Inexpensive, quiet, and ideal for toddlers who love hands-on play.
TELUS World of Science
CuriousCITY provides hours of indoor entertainment on cold or rainy days.
West Edmonton Mall
Plenty of family washrooms, stroller access, restaurants, and free attractions to enjoy between breaks.
If you're visiting Edmonton for the first time with children under five, I'd start with the Edmonton Valley Zoo in the morning and the John Janzen Nature Centre afterwards. They're only a few minutes apart, both easy to navigate with a stroller, and together they make for a relaxed family day without feeling rushed.
I will start with the obvious one, because if you are visiting Edmonton with kids, someone has already told you about West Edmonton Mall. It is one of the largest malls in North America, and calling it a mall undersells it.
There is an amusement park, a waterpark, an aquarium, a skating rink, a pirate ship, mini golf, bowling, a movie theatre, and around 800 stores under one roof.
Who It Suits
Everyone, honestly, but in different ways. Toddlers love the sea lions and the ship. School-age kids want Galaxyland and the waterpark, which I cover separately below. Teenagers disappear into the shops and food courts. Parents appreciate that a -25°C day outside means nothing once you are in the doors.
What It Costs
Walking the mall is free, and there is a surprising amount to see without paying: the Santa Maria pirate ship replica, the skating rink from the railings above, the sea lion habitat viewing areas, the fountains, and the sheer spectacle of the place. Attractions are individually ticketed, which is where budgets go to die if you are not careful.
Day passes to the major attractions are available, so a family hitting multiple attractions should look at the combined pass options at Guest Services, which bundle Galaxyland, World Waterpark, Marine Life, mini golf, bowling, and skating. If you plan to get tickets online, visit the tickets and passes page on their website.
What I Have Learned Over the Years
Go on a weekday if you possibly can. Weekend crowds change the whole experience.
Park at one of the numbered entrances near your first destination and take a photo of the entrance number. The mall is genuinely big enough to lose a car in.
Parking is free, which visitors from other big cities never believe.
Set spending expectations with kids before you walk in. The mall is engineered to generate requests.
Accessibility is strong: elevators everywhere, wheelchair and stroller rentals at Guest Services, and family washrooms throughout.
Plan a minimum of half a day. Many visiting families base their entire Edmonton trip around the mall, and while I think that is a mistake given everything else on this list, it tells you how much is in there.
Planning to spend a full day at West Edmonton Mall? Start with my complete guide to visiting West Edmonton Mall for tips on parking, shopping, dining, and getting around. If Galaxyland is your main destination, don't miss my guide to thebest things to do in Galaxyland. You can also explore my roundup of the best West Edmonton Mall attractions to help you decide what else to include in your visit.
Fort Edmonton Park is Canada's largest living history museum, and it is the attraction I recommend most to visiting families. The park recreates Edmonton across four eras, from the 1846 fur trade fort to a 1920s main street, with costumed interpreters, a working steam train, streetcars, and a vintage midway with rides.
Why Kids Love It More Than You Expect
On paper, a history park sounds like a hard sell for kids. In practice, mine never wanted to leave. Admission includes unlimited rides on the steam train, the streetcar, and the 1920s midway rides, and that changes everything.
Kids ride the small ferris wheel and carousel as many times as they like, then wander into a blacksmith demonstration or a settler's kitchen where an interpreter hands them a task.
The Indigenous Peoples Experience, a permanent exhibit that opened in 2021, is genuinely excellent and worth 45 minutes on its own for older kids and adults.
2026 Season Details
The park runs its full summer season from May 16 to September 20, 2026, Wednesday to Sunday plus holiday Mondays, 10 am to 5 pm. Admission this season is $27.90 for adults, $22.25 for children, youth, and seniors, and $99 for a family of two adults and up to four kids, all plus GST, after a 10% discount the park applied to 2026 rates.
Kids two and under are free. In fall and winter, only the Indigenous Peoples Experience stays open.
Practical Notes From Repeat Visits
Buy tickets online ahead. The park can sell out on nice summer weekends.
Best ages are roughly 4 to 12, though the midway stretches that upward.
Plan 4 to 6 hours. Rushing it in two hours wastes the ticket.
Free parking at the main lot off Fox Drive.
The site is large with gravel and boardwalk surfaces. Strollers manage fine on the main streets; the train and streetcar give tired legs a break, and the park loans wheelchairs at the entrance.
Food inside is decent but adds up. There are picnic areas, and we usually bring our own lunch.
3. TELUS World of Science
Location: 11211 142 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 4A1
The science centre in Edmonton's northwest is our default answer to a cold or rainy day, and it has been since my kids were in preschool. It holds the largest planetarium dome in Canada, an IMAX theatre, and floor after floor of hands-on galleries where touching things is the whole point.
The Galleries Worth Your Time
The Science Garage, where kids build, test, and launch things
Arctic Journey, which is as close as most kids get to the North
The Health Zone, full of body-themed interactive stations
CuriousCity, a dedicated play area for the under-8 crowd that my kids treated as the main event for years
Zeidler Dome planetarium shows, included with general admission, which feel like a bonus attraction inside the attraction
Feature exhibitions rotate through a dedicated gallery and sometimes cost a few dollars extra. In 2026, a small surcharge applies during the featured summer exhibition, so check what is on before you go.
Budget and Timing
Budget roughly $35 per adult and $25 per child for general admission, with IMAX films extra. A family of four is looking at about $110 to $120 before treats. If you live in the region or are staying more than a few days, the annual membership pays for itself in two visits, which is exactly why we always had one.
Weekday afternoons during the school year are quiet; weekend mornings and school breaks are busy. Plan 3 to 5 hours, because kids do not leave the Science Garage willingly.
Parking on site is paid but cheap. The building is fully wheelchair accessible with strollers and wheelchairs available to borrow at the front desk.
The Edmonton Valley Zoo is small, and I mean that as a feature, not a flaw. It sits in the river valley about ten minutes from downtown and holds around 250 animals. You can see the whole thing in two to three hours, which happens to be exactly the attention span of the small children this zoo serves best.
An Honest Local Take
If you have been to the Calgary Zoo or the Toronto Zoo, adjust your expectations. This is a compact, walkable zoo aimed squarely at young families. The red pandas are the stars, the Urban Farm section lets kids get close to goats and farm animals, and the sea otter and snow leopard habitats are the other highlights.
My kids' favourite years for the zoo were ages two through eight. After that, they started asking for the bigger attractions on this list.
The zoo has faced fair criticism over the years about aging enclosures, and the city has been investing in upgrades. The newer habitats, like the red panda and urban farm areas, show where the zoo is heading.
Visiting Details
Open year-round, 364 days a year, with shorter winter hours and some indoor buildings that make even a cold visit workable.
Admission is inexpensive compared to everything else on this list; expect around $15 for adults and $11 for kids, with under-2s free. Timed entry booking online is recommended in summer 2026.
An annual family membership runs about $129, which pays off fast for local families.
Free parking at the zoo lot on Buena Vista Road.
Paved paths throughout make it one of the easiest attractions in the city for strollers and wheelchairs, and the zoo offers sensory bags with noise-cancelling headphones at guest services for kids who find crowds overwhelming.
Watch for the 2-for-1 late-winter promotion with the Muttart Conservatory, which ran February to March in 2026 and is one of the best family deals in the city when it returns.
Go right at opening. The animals are most active in the first hour, and the parking lot is emptiest.
Galaxyland is the amusement park inside West Edmonton Mall, and it earns its own entry because for many kids it is the single most anticipated stop in Edmonton. It is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, now themed around Hasbro brands, with more than 25 rides split across gentle, family, and thrill levels.
How the Rides Break Down
The park works for a wide age range because the rides are clearly tiered. Preschoolers get a full section of small rides they can loop endlessly. Mid-size kids graduate to the family coasters and drop rides.
Teens and brave parents line up for the big coasters and the Space Shot tower, which launches you up a 36-metre tower and drops your stomach somewhere around the third floor of the mall. I ride the middle tier happily and let the kids report back on the big ones, since heights and I have never fully made peace.
What to Budget
An all-day ride pass runs about $60 for general admission, with cheaper rates for kids under 48 inches tall, seniors, and guests with disabilities. Two ways to soften that number:
Twilight passes for the final hours of the day cost roughly half price, and on a weekday evening the lines are short enough that kids ride more in three hours than they would in a full weekend day.
If your family also wants World Waterpark, price out the mall's combined and multi-attraction passes before buying single tickets. During summer promotions, the bundles can save a family real money.
Small Things That Help
Height-check your kids on the chart at the entrance before promising specific rides.
Lockers are available for coats and bags, which matters in winter when everyone arrives in parkas.
The park is indoors, loud, and stimulating. Families with sensory-sensitive kids should aim for weekday mornings right at opening.
Plan 3 to 5 hours, and feed everyone before you go in. Park food is mall-priced and then some.
The other giant inside West Edmonton Mall is World Waterpark, a five-acre indoor waterpark kept at summer temperatures year-round under a glass roof. Locals treat it as Edmonton's beach, especially in February, when swimming under sunlight while snow piles up outside feels slightly illegal.
What Makes It Different
Scale, mostly. The wave pool is one of the largest indoor wave pools in the world, and when the waves switch on, the whole building fills with a roar of kids. Around it are more than a dozen slides ranging from gentle family raft rides to near-vertical drops that I have personally declined every year since 2011.
There is a large splash structure and shallow zone for little kids, hot tubs for parents, and a surf machine for teens.
Ages, Costs, and Timing
The waterpark suits kids from about age four up through teenagers. Toddlers can enjoy the shallow end, but the admission price is harder to justify for a child who only wants the splash pad.
Day passes run around $60, with a lower under-48-inch rate, and the same twilight and bundle discounts I mentioned for Galaxyland apply here. Life jackets and swim diapers are free, which is a small but genuinely family-friendly touch.
Two warnings from experience. First, the park has a no re-entry policy, so once you are in, you are in until you are done. Eat first or budget for the concessions. Second, weekends and school breaks get packed, and slide lines grow long by early afternoon. A weekday visit, or arriving right at opening, doubles how much your kids actually get to do.
Towel rentals and lockers are available, the deck is wheelchair accessible, and a zero-depth entry area helps kids and adults who cannot manage ladders. Plan four hours minimum. Nobody has ever left this place early.
The John Janzen Nature Centre is the quiet, cheap, underrated one on this list, and it might be the best value for families with kids under ten. It sits in the river valley right beside Fort Edmonton Park, which makes the two an easy pairing.
What You Will Find
Inside is a small nature exhibit space built around local Alberta wildlife: an observation beehive behind glass, live amphibians and reptiles, hands-on displays, and the Tegler Discovery Zone, an indoor nature-themed playground where kids crawl through a mock gopher tunnel system.
My kids spent entire toddler afternoons in that tunnel while I drank coffee from the vending area and felt like I had discovered a cheat code, since admission costs less than a fancy latte.
Outside, short interpretive trails loop into the surrounding forest, and the centre runs drop-in programs, school-break day camps, and seasonal events all year. Winter visits are better than you would guess, with snowshoe loans and indoor programming.
The Practical Stuff
Admission is only a few dollars per person, with family rates under $20. It is the cheapest paid attraction in this guide.
Best for ages 2 to 10. Older kids will be done quickly.
Plan 1 to 2 hours, or longer if you add the trails.
Free parking, shared with the Fort Edmonton Park overflow area.
The building is accessible, and the main trails are stroller-friendly in summer.
Hours shift seasonally, and the centre is closed some weekdays outside summer, so check the City of Edmonton site before driving out.
If Fort Edmonton Park is on your list, tack the nature centre onto the same day. If your kids are small and your budget is tight, come here instead and spend the savings on ice cream.
Jurassic Forest is the one attraction on this list outside city limits, and it is worth the drive. About 30 minutes north of Edmonton near Gibbons, it is a 40-acre stretch of old-growth forest filled with dozens of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that move, roar, and spit water at unsuspecting children.
Why the Drive Is Worth It
The setting sells it. Instead of dinosaurs in a parking lot, you walk two kilometres of boardwalk trails through real forest, and the dinosaurs appear around corners among actual trees. For a dinosaur-obsessed five-year-old, this is roughly the best day of their life.
The first time we went, my kids talked about the Albertosaurus, a hometown dinosaur, for the entire drive back. There is also a dinosaur-themed mini golf course, a playground with a fossil dig area, and a concession.
2026 Prices and Details
Admission is $18 for adults, $12 for children 3 to 12, $15 for youth and seniors, and $60 for a family of four, with kids two and under free. Mini golf is an $8 add-on. The park is open daily 9 am to 7 pm through the season, with free parking on site. The boardwalk trails are flat and stroller-friendly, and the whole loop is manageable for small legs.
Two locally famous warnings: bug spray and more bug spray. The forest setting that makes the park great also makes it mosquito country from June through August, and every review that mentions mosquitoes is telling the truth. Bring repellent, water bottles, and sun protection, and go on a weekday morning if crowds bother you.
Best ages are 3 to 10. Teenagers will find it charming for about twenty minutes.
The Alberta Railway Museum sits on the city's northeast edge, and it is the sleeper pick in this guide. It holds one of the largest collections of railway equipment in Alberta: dozens of locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and station buildings spread across a big open site that kids are actually allowed to explore.
What a Visit Looks Like
This is not a polished, big-budget museum, and that is part of its appeal. It is run largely by volunteers who love trains and love talking about them.
Kids climb into cabs, walk through vintage passenger cars, and wander a recreated station. On special event weekends, usually long weekends in summer, the museum runs train and speeder car rides, and those are the days to aim for. A ride on a working diesel locomotive is the memory kids keep.
For a certain kind of child, and you know if you have one, this place beats everything else on this list combined.
Before You Go
The museum is seasonal, generally open weekends and holidays from the May long weekend through early fall. Check dates before driving out, because the location is not on the way to anything.
Admission is modest, typically under $15 for adults and less for kids, with small extra fees for rides on event days.
Plan 1 to 2 hours, longer on event weekends.
Free parking on site.
The site is gravel and grass, so strollers with small wheels struggle, and mobility access is limited compared to the city's bigger attractions.
Bring hats and water in summer. Shade is scarce between the train rows.
Best ages are about 4 to 12, plus any adult who ever owned a model train.
If your family enjoys history and hands-on exhibits, don't stop here. Explore my guide to the best museums in Edmonton to discover more family-friendly museums, art galleries, and historic sites worth adding to your itinerary.
Clip 'n Climb is the newest style of attraction on this list: an indoor climbing gym designed for kids, with about 20 colourful themed climbing walls that look more like a game show set than a rock gym. Auto-belay systems catch climbers automatically, so no experience is needed and parents do not have to hold ropes.
Why It Works for Families
Traditional climbing gyms intimidate kids and bore younger siblings. Clip 'n Climb solves both. The walls are bright, varied, and gamified, with challenges like a vertical drop slide and a leap-of-faith style jump that older kids dare each other onto.
Sessions run about an hour of climbing after a safety briefing, which turns out to be the perfect length: kids leave tired and happy instead of bored and wired.
I put this on the list because it fills the gap the big attractions miss. It is the right size for a two-hour outing, a birthday party, or a winter afternoon when you have already done the library and the science centre this month.
Session Details
Book a session online ahead of time, especially weekends. Walk-ins depend on space.
Expect roughly $20 to $25 per climber per session. Watching is free, so parents who do not climb pay nothing.
Minimum age is around 4, and the sweet spot is 5 to 15.
Closed-toe shoes required. Everything else is provided.
Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours door to door.
Free parking at the facility.
For mixed-age families, this is one of the few places where a six-year-old and a fourteen-year-old are both genuinely challenged in the same room.
Money-Saving Tips for Family Things to Do in Edmonton
Fifteen years of paying for these places has taught me a few things:
Price the bundles at West Edmonton Mall before buying single attraction tickets. Multi-attraction and combined passes almost always beat two separate day passes.
Use twilight pricing. Galaxyland and World Waterpark evening passes cost far less, and kids get more rides per hour with the thinner crowds.
Memberships beat tickets fast. The science centre and Valley Zoo memberships pay for themselves in two visits, and Fort Edmonton's family membership does the same in about two and a half.
Watch for the Valley Zoo and Muttart Conservatory 2-for-1 promotion in late winter.
The Edmonton Attractions Pass and hotel packages sometimes bundle several of these attractions for visitors. Compare the math against what you actually plan to visit.
Bring your own food wherever it is allowed. Fort Edmonton, Jurassic Forest, and the zoo all allow picnics, and concession costs for a family of four can exceed an admission ticket.
City of Edmonton Leisure Access Pass holders get free or reduced admission at city-run attractions, including Fort Edmonton Park and the Valley Zoo.
Kids two and under are free almost everywhere on this list.
A One-Day Family Itinerary in Edmonton
If you're looking for family things to do in Edmonton but only have one day, this itinerary covers several of the city's most popular attractions without feeling rushed. Here is the plan I give visiting relatives with kids aged roughly 4 to 12, tested on my own relatives more than once:
9:00 am – Arrive at the Edmonton Valley Zoo for opening. The animals are active, the lot is empty, and two hours covers it comfortably.
11:30 am – Drive ten minutes to Fort Edmonton Park. Eat a picnic lunch at the tables near the entrance, then spend the afternoon riding the train, the streetcar, and the midway, and walking the historic streets. This is the anchor of the day.
4:30 pm – If anyone still has energy, the John Janzen Nature Centre next door fills the last hour before closing, and the indoor play area gives parents a sit-down.
6:00 pm – Dinner on Whyte Avenue, fifteen minutes away, where the food options beat any attraction concession.
If your day falls outside Fort Edmonton's Wednesday-to-Sunday season, swap the afternoon for TELUS World of Science, and if the weather is ugly, run the whole day inside West Edmonton Mall instead: Galaxyland in the morning, lunch in the mall, waterpark twilight pass in the evening.
Rainy-Day Alternatives
Edmonton summer storms roll in fast, and winter needs no explanation. When the weather turns, these are the fully indoor options from this list, plus two bonus picks:
TELUS World of Science – The best all-day indoor option for curious kids.
West Edmonton Mall, Galaxyland, and World Waterpark – A complete indoor day, or three of them.
Clip 'n Climb – Perfect two-hour energy burn when the park plan dies.
John Janzen Nature Centre – Cheap indoor backup for the under-10 crowd.
Bonus: The Stanley A. Milner Library downtown has a free children's floor with an indoor play structure, while the Muttart Conservatory's iconic glass pyramids stay warm and green year-round, making both excellent rainy-day alternatives.
Accessibility and Parking Quick Reference
Since these two questions come up in every family I help plan a trip for, here is the short version in one place.
Fully accessible with easy parking: West Edmonton Mall (free parking, elevators, rentable wheelchairs and strollers), TELUS World of Science (paid lot, loaner wheelchairs and strollers), Edmonton Valley Zoo (free lot, paved paths, sensory bags available), and World Waterpark (zero-depth entry, accessible change rooms).
Accessible on main routes: Fort Edmonton Park has boardwalks and gravel streets that strollers handle fine, plus the train and streetcar to rest legs, and wheelchairs to borrow at the gate. Jurassic Forest's boardwalk loop is flat and smooth. Clip 'n Climb's viewing areas are accessible, though climbing itself requires mobility. Galaxyland has accessible entry and reduced admission for guests with disabilities, though individual rides have their own restrictions.
Plan ahead: The Alberta Railway Museum's gravel-and-grass site is the hardest on wheels of any kind. The John Janzen Nature Centre building is accessible, but the outdoor trails vary by season.
Every attraction on this list has free parking except TELUS World of Science, where the lot is paid but inexpensive, and West Edmonton Mall's parking is free but enormous, so photograph your entrance number. None of the ten requires street parking or a parkade, which is one of the quiet advantages of doing a family trip in Edmonton instead of a bigger city.
One more timing note: if your family includes a child who struggles with noise and crowds, weekday mornings right at opening are the golden window at every attraction here, and the Valley Zoo's sensory-inclusive designation makes it the safest first stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Edmonton with kids?
Some of the best things to do in Edmonton with kids include West Edmonton Mall, Fort Edmonton Park, TELUS World of Science, the Edmonton Valley Zoo, World Waterpark, Galaxyland, and Jurassic Forest.
What are the best Edmonton attractions for kids?
Whether your children love animals, history, science, water parks, or amusement rides, Edmonton has attractions for every age. Fort Edmonton Park, TELUS World of Science, the Edmonton Valley Zoo, Galaxyland, and World Waterpark are among the most popular Edmonton attractions for kids.
Is West Edmonton Mall worth visiting with kids?
Yes, and it is free to walk through. Budget carefully for the paid attractions inside, use twilight passes or bundle deals, and go on a weekday if you can. Even without spending, kids enjoy the pirate ship, sea lions, and skating rink views.
How much does Fort Edmonton Park cost?
Adult admission is $27.90 plus GST; children and seniors are $22.25, and a family of two adults and up to four kids pays $99 plus GST. Admission includes unlimited train, streetcar, and midway rides. The summer season runs May 16 to September 20, 2026.
What can toddlers do in Edmonton?
The Valley Zoo, the John Janzen Nature Centre's indoor play zone, CuriousCity at the science centre, and the shallow areas of World Waterpark are the toddler winners. All four are gentle, contained, and stroller-friendly.
Which Edmonton attractions are best for teenagers?
Galaxyland's thrill rides, World Waterpark's big slides, and Clip 'n Climb's challenge walls hold teen attention best. West Edmonton Mall's shops and food halls handle the rest of the day.
Is Jurassic Forest worth the drive from Edmonton?
For kids aged roughly 3 to 10, absolutely. It is 30 minutes north, costs $60 for a family of four, and the forest boardwalk full of moving dinosaurs is unlike anything inside the city. Bring bug spray in summer.
What indoor activities are there for kids in Edmonton?
TELUS World of Science, Galaxyland, World Waterpark, Clip 'n Climb, and the nature centre's play zone are the main paid indoor options. The downtown library is the best free one.
How many days do families need in Edmonton?
Two full days cover the highlights: one day for the river valley attractions and one for West Edmonton Mall or the science centre. Three days lets you add Jurassic Forest and slow the pace down, which young kids appreciate.
What is the cheapest family attraction in Edmonton?
The John Janzen Nature Centre, where a whole family gets in for under $20. The Valley Zoo and Jurassic Forest are the next best values, and walking West Edmonton Mall costs nothing at all.
Final Thoughts: Family Attractions in Edmonton
If you're looking for family things to do in Edmonton, you'll quickly discover the city offers far more than just West Edmonton Mall. From hands-on science exhibits and historic streetcars to indoor water parks, walkable zoos, and forest trails filled with roaring dinosaurs, there are family activities in Edmonton to suit every age, season, and budget.
After exploring these attractions with my own family over the years, one piece of advice stands out: don't try to do everything in one trip. Pick one major attraction each day, then balance it with one or two smaller or free activities nearby. You'll spend less time rushing between attractions and more time enjoying the experience together.
Whether you're visiting Edmonton for a weekend or planning your next family outing, these attractions showcase some of the very best the city has to offer. Plan ahead, take advantage of the local money-saving tips in this guide, and you're well on your way to creating unforgettable family memories.
Planning the rest of your trip? Continue exploring with my guides to the best free attractions in Edmonton and Edmonton International Airport, where you'll find practical tips on parking, transportation, hotels, and more.
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