Looking for some fun things to do in Edmonton this summer? This guide is for you!
As someone who lived in Edmonton Alberta for over 15 years, I really didn’t come to appreciate what the city had to offer until after I moved.
Edmonton, especially during the summertime, is actually such a vibrant city with so much to offer.
I created this list of some of the most fun things to do in Edmonton this summer in hopes it would inspire you to get out and explore more.
After another long Alberta winter, I think we owe it to ourselves to make the most of this summer!
By the way, before we get started if you plan on exploring more of Alberta this summer you might enjoy these posts:
- 50 Best Things to do in Banff National Park
- Best Restaurants in Banff – Banff Dining Guide
- 19 Best Hikes in Banff National Park
- 23 Best Things to do in Jasper National Park
- 11 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park
And be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. I share a lot of travel content on those that never make it to the blog!
Now onto the list of fun things to do in Edmonton this summer!
Fun Things to do in Edmonton this Summer (Paid)
Go raspberry picking at Horse Hill Berry Farm
Location: 3203 211 Ave NE, Edmonton
Cost: U-pick price of $12/kg
Last summer was the first time I went berry picking in YEARS and I was quickly reminded what a fun summer activity it is.
We picked raspberries at Horse Hill Berry Farm and made our own raspberry jam which just might be the tastiest raspberry jam I’ve ever tasted.
Not only are you going to get some great jam (or even just delicious snacks) out of this, but picking raspberries really is such a fun summer activity.
The farm is open for berry picking as of mid-July, but you can check their website to make sure they’re open before heading out.
We loved picking berries at Horse Hill Berry farm and definitely plan to go back to do this fun summer activity this year.
Visit the newly updated Fort Edmonton Park
Location: 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton
Cost: Approx. Family rate of $95.00, Adult rate of $26.20, Children and seniors are $20.90
Growing up in Edmonton one of the activities my family and I did almost every summer was visiting Fort Edmonton Park.
In fact, I even volunteered there one summer and got to spend my days running around the fort and camp pretending to be a métis girl.
I made bannock, beaded with the elders, and just had an overall blast (although let’s be honest, as a blonde I might not have been the most authentic fit).
Although Fort Edmonton Park was closed for renovations last year, it’s now reopened and there’s a ton of new interactive exhibits for you to enjoy!
If you think this is the same old Fort Edmonton you’ve visited in the past, prepare to be proved wrong.
Enjoy your time exploring the grounds and finding all the new things there are to explore!
Do a day trip to Elk Island National Park
Location: 54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $16 per family/group
You might be shocked to hear that although I lived in Edmonton for over 15 years, I didn’t visit Elk Island National Park till this past year. What a mistake!
Located about an hour drive outside of Edmonton, visiting Elk Island National Park is definitely the perfect summer day trip that’s fun for the whole family!
Pack yourself a picnic and get ready to enjoy a day of hiking and adventures.
Keep your eyes peeled because changes are you just might see some bison while you’re there!
Spend the afternoon at the Devonian Botanical Gardens
Location: 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove
Cost: Adults are $18.75, Children are $5.00, Youth and students are $9.50
Located just outside of Edmonton are the beautiful Devonian Botanical Gardens.
These gardens are not only award winning, but also happen to be Edmonton (and area)’s largest botanical gardens.
At the Devonian Botanic Gardens you’ll find all sorts of different gardens, displays and greenhouses.
My favourite is definitely the rose garden (pictured above) and the beautiful Kurimoto Japanese garden.
They also run all sorts of events (like twilight picnics!) so keep an eye on their website to see what sort of things are coming up this summer.
Go for drinks on a patio
How could I write a guide to some of the best things to do in Edmonton this summer without including summer patios?
With such a short summer season there’s no surprise we native Albertans just love spending every waking second we can on a restaurant or bar patio, sipping summery cocktails and enjoying incredible food.
In my opinion the best patio (hands down) to experience in Edmonton is the terrace at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.
The stunning terrace of their Confederation Lounge is surrounded by gardens and features an incredible view of the river valley below.
I highly recommend you plan to visit the terrace at the Hotel Macdonald at least once this summer. It truly is a fabulous spot.
Fun fact: I was one of the attendees at the 100 year anniversary party for the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald and we took a group photo on the patio. If you browse the hallways you’ll eventually see the photo from that celebration – see if you can spot me!
Visit the sunflower fields at the Edmonton Corn Maze
Location: Garden Valley Dr, Stony Plain
Cost: General admission is $13
Did you know that the Edmonton area has an incredible sunflower field you can visit?
And you better believe it’s very instagrammable!
Starting mid-August you can visit the sunflower field at the Edmonton Corn Maze and frolic amongst the sunflowers yourself.
Get some photos for your gram, buy some sunflowers to take home, pet the animals, and just enjoy an afternoon spent on the farm.
While you’re there you’ll definitely want to partake in the fun corn maze too. Because, why not?
Cool down at the West Edmonton Mall waterpark
Location: 8882 170 St NW #1338, Edmonton
Cost: General admission is $42 with an additional fee for tubes, lockers and other add-ons
If the summer days are as hot as they have been you’re definitely going to want to do something that will cool you down.
Why not spend the day splashing around West Edmonton Mall’s World Waterpark?
Ride the waves at the largest indoor wave pool and try out the 17 unique water slides for a day of family friendly fun.
Visit the Muttart Conservatory
Location: 9626 96a St NW, Edmonton
Cost: $12.95 – $14.95 per person
Featuring over 700 species of plants from all over the world, the Muttart Conservatory is a great place to visit if you want to immerse yourself in lush greenery and experience plant life in different climates.
The 4 glass pyramids each that make up the Muttart Conservatory each have thier own regulated climate (arid, temperate and tropical – and a feature biome) so there’s lots to explore here.
The ground here are also beautiful so pack yourself a picnic and make a day of it!
Please note that admission is not being sold in person at the Muttart right now. Tickets can be purchased online here.
Spend the day at the zoo
Location: 13315 Buena Vista Rd NW, Edmonton
Cost: $10.50-$14.95 per person
Although I am not pro locking animals up in cages and keeping them in climates they don’t belong in, I can’t deny that zoo’s are a great way for children to be exposed to and learn about different animals and their habitats.
The Edmonton Valley Zoo is home to over 350 different species and focuses its efforts on conservation.
A day at the zoo is a great way to not only entertain your kids, but help them Iearn about all the different animals so that they can grow up to be passionate and caring about animals and our planet.
Ride the rides at Galaxyland
Go for a paddleboat ride at Hawrelak Park
Location: 9330 Groat Rd NW, Edmonton
Cost: Under $100
The great thing about paddleboats is they really are easy enough to manoeuver for (almost) the whole family.
Unlike a canoe or a kayak (good luck getting your 6 year old to help you move that!) kids can join in the fun and will surely enjoy an hour out on the lake.
At Hawrelak park you can rent paddleboats and hydrobikes in 20, 40, and 60 minute intervals.
Bring a picnic for after and have fun working up an appetite before sitting down for a meal at one of the park’s many picnic tables.
Free Things to do in Edmonton this Summer
It’s pretty easy to assume that everything costs money, but I’m here to de-bunk that myth for you!
Here are some great free things to do in Edmonton this summer.
Visit the St. Albert Botanic Park
Location: 265 Sturgeon Rd, St. Albert
The St. Albert Botanic Park is a beautiful garden that (unlike the Devonian Botanic Gardens) is completely free to visit!
Located only 30 mins outside of the city, it’s definitely worth the drive to spend the afternoon exploring these beautiful gardens.
I found out about the St. Albert Botanic Park last summer when I was looking for pretty places to shoot around Edmonton.
I ended up loving it so much I’ve been back a few times since!
If you love exploring pretty gardens like I do, this is definitely an activity you won’t want to miss this summer!
Spend the day sunning and splashing at the Alberta Legislature
Location: 10800 97 Ave NW, Edmonton
Another great free activity to do in Edmonton that’s fun for the whole family is to spend the day at the Alberta Legislature splash pools!
I remember going here as a kid and I always had such a great time splashing around in the water.
For those of us that are a little older, the Legislature grounds have some great spots to spend the day sunning.
The best part? You can cool yourself off in the splash pools whenever you get too hot!
Have a picnic with family and friends
Great weather calls for a picnic with friends (or family) and Edmonton has so many great picnic spots to take advantage of.
Whether you head out to Hawrelak park, the Alberta Legislature grounds, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, or even just a small local park in your neighbourhood, the possibilities are endless!
Pack a cooler with some beverages, snacks, bring along some outdoor games to play, or even books to just spend your time relaxing and reading.
Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray!
Summertime picnics are definitely one of my favourite activities to do in Edmonton.
Go for a hike at one of the nearby hiking trails
Although Edmonton has some trails of it’s own, the best trails in the area are found just outside of the city.
If you check All Trails (a hiking app I highly recommend for finding all the best and most scenic hikes by skill level!) there are tons of great hikes in the surrounding area.
One of my favourite hikes to do near Edmonton is the Bunchberry Meadows loop.
This hike will take you through beautiful prairie grasslands, along a boardwalk, through marshes, and into the forest.
It’s a beautiful hike that’s not busy at all, even on the weekend!
Float down the North Saskatchewan River
Location: 100 Saskatchewan Ave W, Devon
Did you know you can float down the North Saskatchewan river on a tube?
I had no idea until recently! The North Saskatchewan river float starts in Devon at Voyageur park and ends at Devon Lions Campground.
This fun float takes about an hour and is great for kids, families, or just adults looking for a fun day floating down the river!
We saw people using everything from inner tubes to floating islands that old 8+ people!
This activity is completely free to do if you own your own tubes/floaties.
If you don’t own your own tubes or floaties you can do the experience through River Lifestyle Co.
Rent your tubes through them and you’ll get to use the shuttle as well to get back to your vehicle.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, whether you’re looking for paid or free activities there are lots of fun things to do in Edmonton this summer!
I hope this list helps you keep busy and make the most of your summer this year.
Which activity are you most looking forward to trying?
If you plan on exploring more of Alberta this summer you might also enjoy these posts:
- 50 Best Things to do in Banff National Park
- Best Restaurants in Banff – Banff Dining Guide
- 19 Best Hikes in Banff National Park
- 23 Best Things to do in Jasper National Park
- 11 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park
Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook if you aren’t already!
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