Happy Official first day of summer vacation! If you’re like us, you’re kicking it off with a long weekend full of fun things to do – but when it comes to the weekdays, you’re hitting up you’re favourite spots – it can get expensive. To try and keep the budget in check during summer break, we’re going to be sharing our favourite free things to do with the kids, events and activities – every week.
Here’s what to do with the kids for free this week –
Head to the Greenshack
These free pop up play programs can be found all around the city – check out this one at Ritchie Community. Join them for games, crafts, sports, outdoor cooking and more
Eat Pancakes and Bounce on Thursday morning
Head downtown and learn more about community and networking at the DECSA pancake breakfast. It’s a delicious way to start your morning (and run off some of that early morning energy that kids have!) Find the fun at 11515 71 Street beginning at 7:30 on July 5th. There’s even a petting zoo!
Drop in for Lego at the Library
Lego at the Library is one of those programs where you can create and create and create, doing the drop in session over and over. Plus, while you’re there you can learn about the many other things to do at the library over the summer.
Catch a Street Performance
Unicyclists, puppeteers, tightrope walkers and acrobats unleash their outlandish street theatre acts during ten lively summer days, at the Edmonton Street Performer’s Festival. The fun starts on July 7th – getting there on the first day helps you to avoid the crowds! Bring a few dollars for the kids to ‘tip’ after the performance and maybe a delicious treat while you’re there.
Pack a Lunch and Head to the River
Constable Chelsey Robinsin Park is just under an hour outside of the city, but you’ll feel like you’ve escaped even further than that. Pack a picnic lunch and bring the kids to wade, tube and play. Don’t forget water shoes though, the river rocks can be tough on your feet if you’re not a kid.
Visit the Nearest City of Edmonton Outdoor Pool
Starting this weekend, it’s free to visit the local City of Edmonton Pools. It’s a great way to cool off and an even greater way to save a bit of money on summer entertainment for the kids.
Head to the Spray Park
Pack the towels, your latest favourite read and let the kids run through the splash park as they mingle with other kids, and play. Bring a cooler with treats and drinks if you don’t want to get tempted with the popsicle and ice cream trucks making their way through the park.
EDHS Open Doors Open Edmonton Festival
From July 1-8 you’ll have over 50 ways to walk through the ‘doors’ to Edmonton’s past and learn more about the history of this incredible city courtesy of the Historic Festival and Doors Open. Presented by the Edmonton and District Historical Society, the festival invites you to get out and explore and learn more about the defining moments in our past
Watch a Magic Show
Brian Lehr’s “Fun and Fantasy Magic Show” is filled with amazing magic, side-splitting laughter, great music, silly puppetry, audience participation, and an emphasis on reading! Kids are guaranteed to be amazed, entertained, and laughing out loud! The show takes place Tuesday, at 1 pm.
Game On at Millwoods Town Centre
Mill Woods Town Centre on Saturday July 8th between 1pm – 4pm as we celebrate Canada’s 150-years birthday with Shoot-To-Score Mini Hockey Game, Bouncy Castle, and so much more fun.
Stay tuned for more details!