Melanie MoralesAh, the toddler years. No longer are you dealing with an infant who is happy to simply be carried around from place to place. Suddenly, your baby is a very, very busy small person. Toddlers want to touch things, move things, hear things, see things, jump on things, push things, break things, and yes, generally exhaust you. But it’s normal! Kids these ages need to explore their surroundings and test their new skills.
If you’re a parent or guardian here in Edmonton, you’ll like this: we’ve rounded up places and activities that will engage toddlers, spark their love for adventure, stimulate their development, and sometimes even tire them out enough to go down for their nap. Here’s hoping, anyway.
1. Meet different animals at Edmonton Valley Zoo
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/edmonton-valley-zoo
Address: 13315 Buena Vista Road &, 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7, Canada
Operating hours: Daily (9 AM-5 PM)
Contact: +1 780-442-5311
Going to the Edmonton Valley Zoo can give little ones the chance to see different animals up close. Watch their eyes light up as they observe the different species, learn the names of animals, and understand what makes each animal different.
We also like that since Edmonton Valley Zoo is a relatively small zoo, it won’t overwhelm your toddler too much.
Pro Tip: You can rent the place out for events like birthday parties. Check out details here.
2. Ride a steam train at Fort Edmonton Park
Website: https://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/
Address: 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 4P3, Canada
Operating hours: Wednesday-Sunday (10 AM-5 PM)
Contact: +1 780-496-7381
If you have a toddler, you know that a lot of them have a deep fascination with different modes of transportation – cars, planes, and of course, trains!
You can take them on a fun ride on a vintage steam train, show them historical buildings, and allow them to engage in different activities related to Edmonton’s history here.
Admittedly, toddlers would probably not understand some of the more intricate details behind the exhibits, but we think it’s still a great place to bring them because of how engaging and immersive the place is.
Pro Tip: Check out the map to the park before you go! You can plan your trip better that way in advance.
3. Enjoy hands-on exhibits at TELUS World of Science
Website: https://telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/
Address: 11211 142 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 4A1, Canada
Operating hours: Daily (10 AM-5 PM)
Contact: +1 780-451-3344
While there is so much to see at TELUS, we highly recommend that you check out specific exhibits designed with young ones in mind.
The CuriousCITY exhibit, for example, allows kids under 6 to develop a sense of place through connected tree houses themed as iconic Edmonton landmarks.
They’ll be able to crawl through sedimentary layers in the River Valley, learn about vegetation at Muttart Conservatory, play with lighting displays at the High Level Bridge, and even direct airplane traffic at the YEG Control Tower. They can engage in pretend play – which is very helpful in their development at this stage.
Other great exhibits suitable for littles in TELUS include S.P.A.C.E. (Stars, Planets, Astronauts, Comets, Etc.) Gallery, The Science Garage, and The Art of the Brick. Whether that’s learning about the universe, skill building, or seeing LEGO creations, TELUS has it all.
Pro Tip: Be on the lookout for fun events that they usually post here!
4. Go crazy at Hide N Seek Indoor Playground & Cafe
Website: https://www.hidenseekplayground.ca/hnsedm/
Address: 10830 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 2H7, Canada
Operating hours: D
- Sunday-Thursday: 10 AM-8 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 10 AM-9 PM
Contact: +1 780-482-7244
This playground is the brainchild of three moms who were looking for a place where kids can play safely while parents get the chance to relax as they watch over them. On days when your kids are bustling with so much energy, this is the perfect place to take them.
With ball pits, slides, and soft mats, this is a toddler’s dream come true! They have an in-house cafe as well so you and your toddler won’t get hangry (hungry+angry) here.
Pro Tip: Socks are required here for both adults and kids, so make sure you’re wearing some.
5. Play their hearts out at Treehouse Indoor Playground North Edmonton
Website: http://treehouseplay.com/edmontonnorth/index.html
Address: 4235 139 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5Y 2W8, Canada
Operating hours: Daily (9 AM-9 PM)
Contact: +1 780-475-6330
Play is one of the most important activities for toddlers – it’s their way to explore and learn more about the world around them. Treehouse Indoor Playground is perfect for when you don’t feel like going out or if the weather doesn’t allow it.
It’s a nice, clean, and safe environment for your kids to play as much as they want to. We highly recommend it!
Pro Tip: They have affordable party packages here that you should check out if you find that your child loves the experience.
6. Be one with nature at John Janzen Nature Centre
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/john-janzen-nature-centre
Address: 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 4P3, Canada
Operating hours: Daily (9 AM-4 PM)
Contact: +1 780-442-5311
Kids can benefit greatly from being in nature, it allows them to breathe fresh air and learn a lot from their environment.
We love John Janzen Nature Centre because they have programs, events, and interactive exhibits that will help your toddler appreciate nature more inside and outside the facility. It helps kids engage with nature even in an urban setting, which we love.
Pro Tip: Check out the age-appropriate programs for your toddler here.
7. Outside play time at Eaux Claires Playground
Address: 16003 95 St, Edmonton, AB T5Z 3N2, Canada
Operating hours: 24/7
Contact: +1 780-265-5355
This is one of our favorite parks for toddlers in Edmonton because of the colorful fixtures – especially the fire truck one! Toddlers love pretend play and this is a great chance for them to practice that.
In our experience, toddlers can spend hours playing here. It’s perfect for when the weather is nice.
Pro Tip: They have a mini “road” painted on around the playground, so you can bring your toddler’s scooters and bikes here.
8. Enjoy the Royal Alberta Museum
Website: https://royalalbertamuseum.ca/
Address: 9810 103a Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0G2, Canada
Operating hours:
- Wednesday, Friday-Saturday: 10 AM-4 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM-8 PM
Contact: +1 825-468-6000
While the Royal Alberta Museum is fun for all ages, there are still a lot of toddler-appropriate activities here. Make sure you visit the Children’s Gallery, which is a fun learning environment for little tots.
You can also find the Alberta Naturally exhibit here – children can enjoy hands-on fun and see exciting and interactive displays such as a functional light table, wind wall, and cave. They’ll learn about history, weather, and their environment here.
There’s also a section for toddlers where you can build towers, climb a mini mountain, or even just enjoy some tummy time!
Pro Tip: Check out this guide so you can get access to sensory maps that will help you discover quiet areas, hands-on exhibits, and movement opportunities for kids.
9. Go on rides at Galaxyland Powered by Hasbro
Website: https://www.wem.ca/play/attractions/galaxyland
Address: 8882 170 St NW #2784, Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday and Saturday: 11 AM-7 PM
- Tuesday-Thursday: 12 PM-5 PM
- Friday: 12 PM-7 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM-7 PM
Contact: +1 780-444-5300
West Edmonton Mall is home to Galaxyland, the only Hasbro theme park in Canada. It’s the biggest indoor amusement park in North America with over 27 rides and different play areas.
For toddlers, we recommend Dizzy Doh-Dohs, Micro Machines Aero, and Flight to Equestria.
Pro Tip: Each ride has a designated height requirement that you can check out on the website beforehand. Make sure to check the guidelines so it can save you more time on your visit.
10. Splash around at Jackie Parker Park
Address: 4540 A 50 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 6B6, Canada
Operating hours: Daily (5 AM-11 PM)
We love their toddler-friendly splash park here! Our family has been going here for a while now during summer – because it’s a fun and cheap way to cool off.
Just bring their swimming gear, and towels, and let them play to their heart’s content here. We also love the other amenities and activities the park has such as picnic tables, a climbing wall, a walking trail, and many more.
Pro Tip: Driving there? Worry not, there’s ample parking here.
11. Have ice cream at Yelo’d Ice Cream & Bake Shoppe
Website: https://www.yelod.ca/
Address: 10324 82 Ave NW Unit 101, Edmonton, AB T6E 1Z8, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday-Friday: 10 AM-11 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 11 AM-11 PM
Contact: +1 780-994-9356
If you’re looking for a sweet treat for the whole family, you can’t go wrong with Yelo’d Ice Cream & Bake Shoppe. They offer Filipino and Asian-inspired flavors in their ice cream, cookies, cakes, and other treats.
They’ve been in the area for over a decade and built a strong reputation because of their unique flavors and excellent service. Despite serving cold goodies, their staff is nothing but warm – it’s a great place for a sweet adventure.
Pro Tip: Their champorado and halo-halo are our favorites! The former is a rich, rice-and-chocolate soup or pudding, while the latter is shaved ice mixed with various sweets and fruits.
12. Ride the High Level Bridge Street Car
Website: https://www.edmontonstreetcars.ca/
Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/rD6VkwtYQK5ZGX6b7
Operating hours: Schedule found here
Contact: 780-437-7721
Toddlers are usually enamored of different types of vehicles and we’re sure they’ll appreciate a nice tour of the city by riding the historic high-level bridge street car here in Edmonton.
The trolley you’ll ride on is refurbished and was made in the early 1900s. It’s not just fun for kids, mind you – even adults will love the views of the river valley and the soft breeze during the ride.
Pro Tip: There’s not a lot of space for your kids’ strollers on the streetcars. Large strollers have to be secured in lockers at the Whyte Ave terminal or the Strathcona Streetcar Bar before the round trip on the street car. Small strollers might be allowed, granted that there aren’t a lot of passengers at the time and the conductor allows it.
13. Bring dinosaur-crazy toddlers to the Jurassic Forest and Learning Centre
Website: https://www.jurassicforest.com/
Address: 23210 Township Road 564 #2, Gibbons, AB T0A 1N0, Canada
Operating hours: Daily 9 AM-7 PM
Contact: +1 780-470-2446
Although not exactly in Edmonton, this is just minutes away from the city and is worth the drive. They have over 40 animatronic dinosaurs that your toddler will love – they look very realistic too!
Plus we love the guides here because they do a good job engaging the kids. It’s a great experience and may ignite your toddler’s interest in paleontology!
Pro Tip: They hold field trips, birthday parties, and even company retreats here, so consider booking it if your little one falls in love with the place. It will make for a memorable event, that’s for certain!
14. Roam around the University of Alberta Botanic Gardens
Website: https://www.ualberta.ca/botanic-garden/index.html
Address: 51227 AB-60, Parkland County, AB T7Y 1C5, Canada
Operating hours: Daily 10 AM-5 PM
Contact: +1 780-492-3050
The Alberta Botanic Gardens is so relaxing to visit and we cannot recommend it enough. We think it provides toddlers the opportunity to roam around, play, and breathe some fresh air.
They have around eight acres that you can explore and beautiful themed collections such as the indoor showhouses, Kurimoto Japanese garden, Aga Khan garden, and so on. Kids will get to learn the different kinds of plants and trees and get the exercise they need.
Pro Tip: Check this out for useful parking information so you don’t end up driving around for ages just trying to find a place to put the car when you go.
15. Explore art at Creation Space
Website: https://www.creationspace.ca/
Address: 8135 102 St NW #209, Edmonton, AB T6E 4A4, Canada
Contact: +1 780-906-8500
If your toddler is interested in arts and crafts, they’ll enjoy going to Creation Space – a family-oriented studio in Edmonton that “combines art education with child-led discovery and family connectivity” that we love.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to expose your little ones to creative experiences that will help their development holistically. It’s a safe space for them to be their naturally curious and imaginative selves.
Oh, and they even have workshops for little kids called Art Play that you can check out here.
Pro Tip: They sell play dough kits and sensory toys on their website! These will keep your kids preoccupied and engaged without the need for electronics.
16. Go to Wiggle Wednesdays at Dance Theme Academy
Website: https://www.dancetheme.com/
Address: 572 Hermitage Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5A 4N2, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 4 AM-8:30 PM
- Friday: 4 PM-7 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM-4 PM
Contact: +1 780-475-5930
Open for kids ages 1-5, Wiggle Wednesdays is a fun dance activity that will engage your young kids! It’s a great way for kids to meet friends, have a guided dance session, and even do some crafts.
Plus, we love that it’s also a great way for parents and guardians socialize! Aside from this event, Dance Theme Academy also offers different short term programs for toddlers that you can check out here.
Pro Tip: You get the best deal if you pay for 5 Wiggle Wednesdays classes in one go since that will only set you back $30 instead of $10 per session.
17. Swim at World Waterpark
Website: https://www.wem.ca/play/attractions/world-waterpark
Address: 8882 170 Street Northwest, Edmonton, AB T5T 4M2, Canada
Contact: +1 780-444-5300
While World Waterpark is known for their extreme water slides, they actually also have a splash pad and a kiddie pool where your toddler can swim as much as they want because they’re open ALL DAY.
Pro Tip: Check out their Toddler Time promo schedule here!
18. Allstars Indoor Playground
Website: https://www.allstarsplayland.com/
Address: 9510 12 Ave SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0J4, Canada
Operating hours: Daily: 9 AM-9 PM
Contact: +1 780-757-0055
Looking for inclusive and safe spaces for your kids? The Allstars Indoor Playground is what you need.
It’s one of the largest indoor playgrounds in the city with a dedicated toddler area filled with soft and sensory toys that will surely test their motor skills. If you have older kids, they also have a zipline, trampolinesm arcade games, and the like, so they won’t get bored easily here!
Pro Tip: It’s also a great place to host a birthday party, from experience. It’s affordable and fun, check out packages here.
19. Join dance and music programs at Intellidance
Website: https://intellidancemethod.com/
Address: 2520 Ellwood Dr SW #201, Edmonton, AB T6X 0A9, Canada
Intellidance offers research-based creative dance and music programs that target kids up to the age of 5. It’s playful, resourceful, and most importantly, backed by the best practices in early childhood development education.
Kids will experience a unique combination of dance, play, and music that will nurture their brains and allow them to have fun along the way.
Pro Tip: Check out their YouTube channel to get a glimpse of their method! It’s really interesting.
20. Attend a preschool gymnastics class at Capital City Gymnastics
Website: http://www.capcitygym.com/
Address: 4130 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 0A5, Canada
Contact: +1 780-469-0662
Looking for something new? You and your toddler can attend a fun gymnastics class here at Capital City Gymnastics.
They have a program for those between 18 months to three years old called Parent & Tot. Here the coach will guide parents and children through different kinds of circuits toward developing skills in gymnastics.
Pro Tip: Wear comfy clothing! Avoid clothes with buttons, zippers, snaps or anything that could catch on equipment.
