Not a winter person? Feeling the winter blahs? Had enough of the cold? Beat the elements at their own game! There’s nothing saying we can’t enjoy what we have and what better way than to take your family out for some winter fun on the edge of Edmonton? Outdoor or indoor – here are some of our best options for keeping the kids happy before the spring rolls around.
Outdoor Winter Fun
If you’re looking to indulge in a fabled Canadian past-time, you can’t go wrong with outdoor skating at Spruce Grove’s Central Park. The oval is a beauty – especially at night when the twinkling lights are on. Central Park also sports the Lions Log Cabin concession, a great way to keep the kids happy. Other awesome spots for skating include Wabamun Lake and Stony Plain’s Rotary Park.
That being said, if skating’s not your thing, there are plenty of natural trails and areas to explore! Chickakoo Lake, with its 14 kilometres of scenic trails, is worthy of a hike. Hasse Lake is also another option; the hiking trails are cleared regularly and you’re not too far away from being able to ice fish over on the lake or cross country ski down several trails, making this a potential day trip in the making.
Speaking of cross-country skiing… Stony Plain Golf Course opens up trails during the winter season for skiing, both in traditional and non-traditional cross country format. Over the past few years, the trails have taken on more and more importance during the winter seasons and it’s unlikely you’ll find better cross-country skiing trails.
Lastly, you can never go wrong with tobogganing! It’s the best fun under a tight budget. Jubilee Park, Fuhr Sports Park, Hilldowns Park, Spruce Village Park are all locally regarded as awesome sledding locations. Afterwards, head to Perks for a yummy hot chocolate – the perfect end to a fun wintry day in the Tri-Region.
Indoor Winter Fun
For those seeking to adventure under warm heat and lights, there’s plenty to discover. The Stony Plain and Parkland Museum is one of the region’s long-lasting institutions. There’s plenty of the museum and its massive collection of regional artifacts to check out. Did we mention 2017 is the museum’s 25th anniversary?
Aerials is a great fitness facility in Spruce Grove if you’re looking to do a family drop-in, that is, go nuts on the trampoline, ropes and foam pit.
Alberta winters can be long and arduous but that doesn’t mean you have to drag along with it. Family fun in the wintertime is possible and there’s plenty of it to be found in the Tri-Region. So bundled up and make your way west of Edmonton!