Edmonton Travel with Kids
Things to Do With Kids Under 13TELUS World of Science Edmonton
Budding young scientists can spend hours at TELUS World of Science—Edmonton (11211 142 St. N.W.), where interactive exhibits encourage both learning and fun. Kids can discover the solar system and test their skills at a rocket launch in the S.P.A.C.E. Gallery, or learn all about the human body with hands-on activities in Health Zone. CuriousCITY lets children ages 6 and under crawl through treehouses designed to look like Edmonton landmarks.
AAA/Katie Broome
On hot summer days, join throngs of Edmontonians for a splash in the public fountains and wading pools outside the Alberta Legislature Building (10800 97 Ave. N.W.). The building and its grounds are an entertainment destination in winter, too, with ice-skating, holiday light displays and other fun things to do with kids offered from mid- to late December.
Fort Edmonton Park
Ride the rails on an authentic steam train or streetcar at Fort Edmonton Park (7000 143 St. N.W.), one of the top things to do in Edmonton with kids. You can easily spend a whole day at this living-history park, where re-created buildings and old-time demonstrations transport visitors back to various periods in Edmonton’s history. Midway games, a petting zoo and pony rides guarantee a memorable day.
Next to Fort Edmonton Park is another attraction packed with fun activities for kids—the John Janzen Nature Centre (7000 143 St. N.W.), where hands-on displays encourage an appreciation of nature. Search for nature items on an outdoor scavenger hunt, get face-to-face with salamanders and frogs, or crawl around from the perspective of an animal at the Tegler Discovery Zone’s indoor playground.
Things to Do With TeensWikimedia Commons/Bzuk
Aviation enthusiasts in search of a cool Instagram shot will find one at the Alberta Aviation Museum (11410 Kingsway Ave. N.W.). Housed in one of the last remaining World War II-era airplane hangars, the museum showcases more than 30 restored aircraft including all-season bush planes, Cold War-era fighter jets and a replica of the plane that delivered the first airmail in Western Canada. A restoration area allows visitors to watch as volunteers work on various aircraft.
AAA/Katie Broome
Boutiques, music stores and funky shops line the streets of Old Strathcona, a historic district centered on Whyte Avenue (82 Avenue N.W.) between 99 and 109 streets. There are more opportunities to browse local goods at the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market held each Saturday.
What to Do for All AgesAAA/Katie Broome
A fun way to travel between downtown and the Old Strathcona district is via the High Level Bridge Streetcar (10340 84 Ave. N.W.), a historic 1900s trolley system that runs late May to mid-October. Have your camera ready as you cross the North Saskatchewan River on what is reputedly the world's highest streetcar bridge.
AAA/Katie Broome
Have a laid-back brunch or lunch at Highlevel Diner (10912 88 Ave. N.W.), at the top of the hill just off the High Level Bridge. Sample local favorites like classic eggs Benedict, chicken and cheddar sandwiches and cinnamon buns so big they’re served with a steak knife.
AAA/Katie Broome
Make a game plan before tackling the massive West Edmonton Mall (8882 170 St. N.W.). Opportunities for family-friendly activities are seemingly endless, with an amusement park, water park, IMAX theater, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, escape room and more than 800 stores under one gigantic roof.
iStockphoto.com/Alex Potemkin
Family events in Edmonton are plentiful, and one of most popular summer celebrations is the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival (8331 104 St. N.W.). Magicians, jugglers, clowns and acrobats from around the world host outdoor performances during this multiday festival.
iStockphoto.com/shcherbak volodymyr
Reward well-behaved travelers with a sweet treat from Duchess Bake Shop (10718 124 St.), a small French-inspired bakery that serves up made-from-scratch macarons, meringues, croissants and other delicacies. The popular shop draws crowds from far and wide; among its most renowned patrons is Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Edmonton, AB
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West10011 184th St. Edmonton, AB T5S 0C7
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Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton - Edmonton West18304 100th Ave. Edmonton, AB T5S 2V2
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Hyatt Place Edmonton-West18004 100th Ave NW. Edmonton, AB T5S 2T6
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DoubleTree by Hilton Edmonton Downtown9576 Jasper Ave NW. Edmonton, AB T5H 4H7
Book NowCity Population
812,201
Elevation
670 m/2,198 ft.
Sales Tax
The federal Goods and Service Tax is 5 percent and applies to most goods, food/beverages and services, including lodgings. Alberta does not have a provincial sales tax but does impose a 3 percent Destination Marketing Fee (DMF) as well as a 4 percent Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT).
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(780) 423-4567
Fire (non-emergency)
311
Temperature
(780) 468-4940
Hospitals
Grey Nuns Community Hospital, (780) 735-7000; Misericordia Community Hospital, (780) 735-2000; Royal Alexandra Hospital, (780) 735-4111; University of Alberta Hospital, (780) 407-8822.
Visitor Information
9990 Jasper Ave. N.W. West Shaw Building Edmonton, AB T5J 1P7. Phone:(780)401-7696
Air Travel
Edmonton International Airport
Rental Cars
Hertz, with offices at the airport and downtown (inside Edmonton House, 10205 100 Ave. N.W.), offers discounts to CAA and AAA members; phone (780) 890-4435 at the airport, (780) 423-3431 downtown, (800) 654-3131 in North America or (800) 654-3001 outside of North America. Contact a travel advisor at your local AAA club office to add rental cars to your travel packages.
Rail Service
The VIA Rail station is at 12360 121 St. N.W.; phone (888) 842-7245.
Buses
Red Arrow Express offers luxury motor coach service between Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray and Red Deer; phone (403) 531-0350 or (800) 232-1958.
Taxis
Taxi companies include Co-Op Taxi Line, (780) 425-2525; Barrel Taxi (780) 489-7777; and Yellow Cab, (780) 462-3456. Taxi rates start at $3.60, plus $0.20 is charged for each additional 135 metres (about 1/12 mile) or a portion thereof. Taxis can be hailed, but phoning is recommended.
Public Transportation
Edmonton has both bus and light-rail transit (LRT) service. Edmonton Transit System’s Customer Service Centre, on the second floor of Edmonton Tower at 10111 104 Ave., sells ETS passes and is open Mon.-Fri. 8-4:30; phone 331 within Edmonton or (780) 442-5311. Buses operate Mon.-Fri. 5:20 a.m.-1:30 a.m., Sat.-Sun. 6:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m. On holidays hours may be extended for special events. Light-rail transit operates on a similar schedule; check the website for full schedule. Fare is $3.50; free (ages 0-12). A 1-day pass is $9.75.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.