Fun Road trips from Edmonton don’t have to be hard to find, whether you want to drive a little, or a lot, we’ve got some exciting road trip inspiration to leave you counting down to those summer weekends and week days where you can take the day off and make fun your business. Here are some of our favorite Edmonton Day Trips:
Red Deer Discovery Canyon
It’s the kid-friendly version of tubing. The short tubing course on the golf course property in Red Deer Discovery Canyon is perfect for younger children, with shallow water tubing course, a place to play in the water and of course, sand to build castles. There’s a playground close by and a canteen if you don’t want to bring your own food, or stop on the way in. Tube rentals are $7 but it’s easier to bring your own as busy days can leave all of the tubes rented. It’s free to visit if you have your own tube, making it a popular way to spend a budget friendly morning or afternoon out.
Road trip time: 1.5 hours from Edmonton
Whitecourt Rotary Park
Similar to discovery Canyon, Whitecourt Rotary Park hosts a playground and tubing course created to service a crowd through the summer season. It’s a fun way to get wet and the playground is one of the kids favorite. Bring your own tube and floating device for an easy way to spend an afternoon of fun, somewhere new. A few things to keep in mind, the river slides open at 16 degree weather, and are closed for maintenance on Wednesdays between ten and noon.
Road trip time: 1 hour from Edmonton
Vegreville Fair
Mark your calender for August 6-8 for one of our favorite small town Midways surrounding Edmonton. The Vegreville Fair is perfect for children, as you can bring them to the midway without the crowds, the line ups, and often for less than you would in the city. It’s a great time to bring along some snacks to make it a more budget friendly activity, but there’s lots of great food and activities to check out too.
Road trip time: 1 hour from Edmonton
Pembina River Tubing
Best suited for older children (or for adults that want to take a day date), Pembina River tubing is a great way to get out there and join the crowds for a fun few hour long adventure down the river. You can take advantage of the shuttle service, or drive yourself and get everything from tubes to life jackets rented as you make your way down the river. Tubes for children are available, with cushioned bottoms, so if you’ve got an adventurous crew, it might be the perfect time to explore. With the shuttle, tube and life jacket rental prices are upwards of $40/person.
Road trip time: 1 hour from Edmonton
Jurassic Forest
Walking trails amidst dinosaurs and a fun playground where kids can pretend to dig up fossils is a must-take trip for parents with young children this summer. Dinosaur obsessed children will be in their idea of the best day ever, and parents can enjoy the trails. Just remember to bring mosquito repellent, as the bugs can be quite bad on those hot summer days. Bring a picnic for when you’ve finished seeing all 50+ displays.
Road trip time: under an hour from Edmonton
Sand Sculpture Competition at Devonshire Beach
Handsdown the best beach in Alberta, the clear water that’s shallow out far enough for the kids to have a lot of spae to play is going to make your weekend. It’s worth the drive – go during the week to avoid the crowds. Devonshire Beach at Lesser Slave Lake is a fantastic beach, but also hosts one of the coolest things to go on during the Alberta Summer, the sand sculpture competition, on a weekend during the last week in July. If you do plan on staying overnight, there are some great campgrounds, or you can stay at the Super 8 on the cheap.
Road trip time: 2.5 hours from Edmonton