It’s back to school, or back to routine, for many families in the city – but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! There’s plenty to do, explore and discover this month in Edmonton and so much of it won’t cost you a thing. If you’re taking part in No-Spend-September, we’ve got you covered – here’s what you can do with your family this month for free.
Drop into the Green Shack | All Month
Green Shack Programs are back for the fall. The Drop-in programs are for local kids at parks and playgrounds around the city. Programs and games are led by the staff at the parks, meant to encourage kids to take part get active, and build community. The best part? They’re completely free. There are programs daily through September and October.
Check out the Latest at the Art Gallery | Thursday Nights
Your AGA has new hours for 2019. We will be open 11-5 six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, and Free All Access Evenings will be every Thursday from 5-8 pm. our full hours are listed below, and more information about visiting your AGA can be found on our hours and admissions page.
Free Chapters Indigo Drop in Playdate | Saturday Mornings
Every Saturday, there are free playdates with a new theme every week at Chapters Indigo stores throughout the province. Though these events are free of charge, parents must register ahead of time.
Watch ‘Up’ Under the Stars | September 6
We welcome Edmonton Public Library and Weasel Tale Digital Storytelling during this hour to demonstrate their involvement with the production of our previews. Gates open at 7pm, Previews start: 8PM, featuring digital stories from new Canadian students at JD Bracco. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair to watch a movie under the stars with an outdoor screening of Up! Family friendly for all ages. The space will accommodate 250 guests and will be open on a first come, first served basis.
Family Outdoor Movie: A Dog’s Life | September 7
Bring the kids to see a free outdoor movie! There’s a bouncy house, cash concession on site or you can bring your own snacks and everyone is welcome. If there is inclement weather, the movie will be shown indoors at 7:30 pm for the first 250 people.
Cardio for a Cause | September 7
Cardio for a Cause will happen rain or shine in the covered courtyard of the shopping centre (entrance near Callingwood Safeway and DQ). Take part in a fun, energizing ‘cardio-fusion’ class led by local fitness instructors from Generate Fitness West Edmonton! The cardio fitness class will start at 11am and run for one hour. Guests are invited to stay after the class to refuel with light refreshments and also enjoy a mini-health fair. The only cost to attend is an item for the food bank!
NOW End of Summer Carnival | September 7
Come on down to this fun and child-friendly event to celebrate the end of Summer and kick off to the school year! We’ll have bouncy castles, treats, a food truck, popsicles (of course), station tours and more!
Festival in a Box Arts Day | September 7
Edmonton’s favourite summer arts event is back with a new name – Festival in a Box (formerly known as the Community Arts Picnics). Join the Edmonton Arts Council for a late summer afternoon full of art-making, giant games, live performances, and of course, summer snacks!
Maple Crest Dream Day | September 7
Join us Saturday, September 7, from Noon To 4:00 pm in Maple Crest for Dream Development’s DREAM DAY celebrations. This fun family event offers many exciting activities including: Free Family Barbecue & Refreshments, Bouncy Castle & Body Paint Art, Balloon Twister, Incredible Show Home Draw Prizes, Amazing giveaways and gifts for all in attendance!
Manning Village Party in the Park | September 7
September 8th from Noon to 4pm at the Manning Village park for a Party in the Park event! FOOD + FAMILY FUN + DOG FRIENDLY Petting Zoo, Bouncy Castles, Face Painter, Balloon Artist, Mini Donuts, Popcorn, Dog Treats AND Dog Demos & Agility Show.
Kaleido Family Arts Fest | September 13-15
Kaleido Family Arts Festival is held on historic Alberta Avenue (118 Ave between 90-95 Street). For two and a half days every September, Alberta Avenue comes alive as an environment of creative exploration and performances on rooftops, sides of buildings, back alleys, parks, old spaces and new spaces. Not only is it a wonder to behold, it is FREE! You have to see it to believe it!
Get Free Corn at Cornfest 2019 | September 14
There will be FREE corn-on-the-cob, as well as music, games and activities for kids. City of Edmonton will be on hand for your feedback on child-friendly art in Churchill Square. The community garden will also be open for folks to explore.
Woodhaven Grand Opening Fall Festival | September 14
West Edmonton’s Newest Ravine Community, Surrounded on three sides by Multi-use trails along Wedgewood Creek, with no home is more than 100m from Nature! Join us for the Grand Opening of 5 stunning state-of-the-art new Showhomes from Dolce Vita Homes, Blackstone Homes, Rohit Communities, and Park Royal Homes! There will be a Radio Remote from SONiC, Carnival Games, Pony Rides, Family Photo Sessions, and two Food Trucks serving up sweet treats!
Make a Scarecrow Planter | September 14
If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, we’ve got a great workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own scarecrow planter. This monthly Home Depot workshop is free, but you must register beforehand using the link above.
Harvest Gathering at Greenland Garden
An afternoon filled with old fashioned fun for the whole family! Hayrides, corn on the cob, marshmallow roast, kid’s activities, Strathcona Raptor Shelter, pumpkin/vegetable carving demonstrations and more!
Spruce Grove Harvest Fair | September 21
Once again, we are proud to celebrate our agricultural heritage and harvest with this annual celebration. The Grain Elevator Site is transformed into a farm and a playground. Test your skills at several competitions that will bring back memories of days gone past. There will be a vintage tractor display, hayrides, and stooks filled with surprises. Discover Grain Elevator history by taking the Memory Lane tour; learn about the origins of the community, and research family trees at the Spruce Grove Archives. This is a great way to bring the Grain Elevator season to a close! All games and rides are free.
Free Events at Alberta Culture Days | September 27-29
Experience Alberta’s largest celebration of arts, heritage, diversity and community spirit. There are free events through the city, and through the province for families to learn, explore and discover.
Take Part in Free Admission Day | September 29
Enjoy Free Admission to 20+ local places around the city and outside of the city as part of Free Admission Day. It’s a great time to explore places that usually have larger admission prices, especially for larger families.
What are some of the things topping your list to do in September with the kids? Pop over and let us know on Facebook and Instagram.