5 Things to do at Elk Island Park with the Kids During the Winter

Getting out during the colder months is one of the best things you can do to quell winter boredom. Just in the backyard of Edmonton, Elk Island Park is one of our favourite places to visit – and not only during the summer months when we’re kayaking on the lake.

Here’s what to do during the winter at Elk Island Park

Snowshoe and Stargaze
Are you a parent of older children, searching for a fun activity and the chance to try something new? Snowshoe and Stargaze is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Roast Marshmallows in the Cook Shelter 
Bring hot dogs, marshmallows and popcorn and warm up over the fire in one of the cook shelters after a day of outdoor winter activities.

Skate on Astotin Lake 
Sharpen your skates and head down to the lake for a fun afternoon of skating. There you can access a skating track that leads you along the shoreline before whisking you out and around Archer Island. For even more adventure, you can get out the headlamps and enjoy the experience of skating under the moonlight under the dark sky preserve.

Enjoy the Trails 
Bring a sled for younger children and allow them to get in and out of the sled, taking the time to walk a bit, and be pulled along. Using the sled is a great way to increase the time that younger children will spend outdoors exploring during those months of winter, when the snow can be difficult to trudge through.

Winter Geocaching
Geocaching doesn’t have to stay in the summer. Caches range from easy 1/2 hour treks to challenging half day finds. These caches showcase some of our favorite places in the park. To ensure that animals don’t become interested in our geocaches, we kindly ask that you not to leave anything in the caches; sign the log book, take a selfie, and log your find on www.geocaching.com.

Photo: Travel Alberta