May Long Weekend In Edmonton 2013 | What To Do With Kids

  

Goodbye snowpants. Goodbye mittens. Goodbye Touques and Boots. Goodbye snow. And Goodbye cold.

Welcome warm coat-free weather!

May long weekend marks the start of gardening, camping and other outdoor pursuits. We can't wait to get our hands dirty with our veggie garden this weekend.

May long weekend also marks the opening of our favourite summer attractions and activities. Like riding the High Level Bridge Streetcar, splashing in the spray parks (our community one is on already), outdoor farmers markets and warm-weather festivals.

Here is your round up of family-friendly events happening this weekend.

See you out-and-about Edmonton!

Outdoor Farmers Market

City Market
What:  You know it’s truly spring in Edmonton when the City Market returns to 104^th Street after wintering in City Hall.  Bedding plants, farm-fresh produce, locally raised meat, sweet treats, jewelry, clothing and live music make this urban farmer’s market a favourite.
Where:  Downtown – 104^th Street from Jasper Avenue to 102 Avenue
When: Saturdays, May 18 – October 12, 2013. 9am – 3pm

Favourite Attraction

Fort Edmonton Park: Opening Weekend
What: The 2013 season kicks off with additional entertainment and activities. Get photographed at the old-time photo booth. Visit the animals in the petting zoo. Be amazed by a juggling contortionist at the Midway. Watch the 4D (yes 4D!) short film at the Capital Theatre. Delight the kids with a train ride. And more!
Where: Fort Edmonton Park
When: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19, 2013
Tip: Take the ETS Bus (#595) from the South Campus LRT/ bus station. It’s door-to-door service. No jostling in the parking lot and the kids will love the bus ride. {details}

Get Down to the Funky Sound

Hip Hop in the Park
What: This 6^th Annual festival will fill your senses with all things Hip Hop -- music, DJs, dance, graffiti and more. Bring the kids and enjoy this family-friendly jam.
Where: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. 9529 Grierson Hill. (Parking is limited.)
When: Saturday, May 18 , 2013 12pm – 8pm.
*Please note that the date is actually Saturday, May 25, 2013.

Family Movie Treat

The Tale of Despereaux
What: Cineplex is also continuing their Saturday morning Family Favourites program. This week’s show features that adorable mouse Despereaux. Rated G. Common Sense Media suggests this movie is best for kids aged 5.

Where: Cineplex North, Cineplex South and Galaxy Sherwood Park  only. Films are $2.50. 

When: Saturday, May 11, 2013. 11am.

Sweet Fun Run

Run For Your Pie
What: Walk or run through the beautiful river valley and you’ll be rewarded with a slice of pie at the finish line. Proceeds from this race will benefit KidSport Edmonton. Register in advance online.
Where: Kinsmen Park , 9100 Walterdale Hill
When: Saturday, May 18, 2013. 10:00am

Ukranian Love

Celebration of Dance
What: The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village opens for the season with their annual dance extravaganza. Families will also enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, sheep sheering, butter churning, face painting, jumpy castle and costumed interpreters. Go early for the pancake breakfast at 11:30 am.
Where: Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, (map)
When: Monday, May 20, 2013. 10am – 5pm. Dancing starts at 12pm.

What To Do This Weekend in Edmonton with Kids | May 3 - 5

Photograph by Sean Dreilinger

Books 2 Buy
What: Edmonton Public Library’s famous book, DVD and CD sale is back this weekend. Hardcover books and DVDs are $2. Paperbacks, kids' books and CDs are $1. On Sunday, a box is only $10.

Where: Stanley A. Milner Library - Lower Level, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square 

When: Friday, May 3: 9am - 8pm.
Saturday, May 4: 9am - 5pm. Sunday, May 5: 1pm - 3pm. 

Jane’s Walk
What: Jane’s Walk celebrates the ideas and legacy of urbanist Jane Jacobs by getting people out exploring their neighbourhoods and meeting their neighbours. Free walking tours are led by locals.
Where: Various locations around Edmonton.
When: Friday, May 3 to Monday, May 6, 2013. Various times.

Royal Bison Craft & Art Sale
What: Edmonton’s preeminent crafters and artisans will be at this highly coveted event.
Where: 8426 Gateway Boulevard (north of the Strathcona Farmer’s market).
Admission: $2 admission for adults. Kids are free.

When: Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5, 2013.

Butterdome Spring Craft Sale
What:  The well known Christmas Craft Sale is back with a lighter, fresh spring feel.

Where: Butterdome, University of Alberta

When: Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5, 2013.  

3rd Annual Play 4 Pets
What: Local musicians and students from Edmonton Music Studios come together to raise pledges to perform on stage to benefit Edmonton's animals in need.
Where: McLeod Community Hall, 14715 59th Street
When: Sunday, May 5, 2013.

Callingwood Farmers’ Market Season Opening
What: Over a 100 tables of local goodness. Plus live musical entertainment, a petting zoo, bouncy castle, face painting and balloon artist.
Where: Callingwood Farmer's Market, 6655 178 Street
When: Sunday, May 5, 2013. 10am – 3pm. 

Family Day In Edmonton 2013

Family Day! It's one of our favourite days of the year. A full day to commit to playing with our family. This year, City and Baby is supporting Family Day Unplugged. We encourage you to turn off the screens and connect with family, friends and your community. Aren't the best memories made when we play together?!

Why Unplug?

• 73% of kids would rather play with their parents than watch TV or use the Internet. (Ikea: Play Report, 2010)
• Teens that have more than three family dinners per week are more likely to get better grades. (Casa, 2009)
• By graduation, the average teen will have spent more time watching screens than being in the classroom, playing sports and talking to their parents. (Screensmart.ca)
• Residents in connected neighbourhoods have a greater quality of life. (Shields, 2008)

Many of Edmonton’s Community Leagues are planning Family Day activities. You can find some posted on the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues website. Then log your ‘unplugged’ hours here for community bragging rights.

Family Day Events Happening in Edmonton and Area

Winter Féte
Celebrate Family Day indoors and out at the Legislature. Indoors explore the Legislature Building and pedways with a scavenger hunt and enjoy the kids' carnival including balloons, crafts, face painting, magic, puppetry, storytelling and dancing. Celebrate outside with horse-drawn wagon rides, skating and a snowman making contest. The south grounds will also feature a heated tent where local sports celebrities will be on hand to sign autographs and take photos. (schedule)
Where: Alberta Legislature Grounds and Pedways
When: Monday, February 18. Noon – 4pm.

Silver Skate Festival
A winter extravaganza of art, culture, recreation and sports. Go for the epic ice slide, family snow sculpting, races, figure skating demonstrations, roving performers, horse drawn sleigh rides and more in the free family fun zone.
Where: Hawrelak Park. Take the free ETS Shuttle.
When: Saturday, February 16 to Monday, February 18, 2013. 1 – 5pm

Family Day Rutherford Open House 
Celebrate the Family Day weekend with a visit to the historic home of the first Premier of Alberta, Alexander Cameron Rutherford, and his family. Explore the features of this historic house, take part in traditional family activities, sample cookies baked in the wood-burning stove and make an old-fashioned craft.
Where: Rutherford House, 11153 Saskatchewan Dr.
When: Monday, February 18. Noon – 4pm.

Family Day Fun - Arctic Ambassador Day
Bundle up your family; beat the winter blues and “Get Closer” for some Family Day Fun! Stay warm while you visit the indoor petting zoo, have your face painted or participate in the Animal Families scavenger hunt. Visit our free photo booth to take home a family memory.
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo, 87 Avenue and 133 Street
When: Monday, February 18. Noon – 4pm.

Free Family Fun at EPL
All Edmonton Public Library locations will be open on Family Day and they’re offering an assortment of drop-in activities. Look for puppet shows, storytelling, clowns and other activities at your local library. For some extra fun, take in the interactive screening of Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (rated PG) at the downtown library at 2:15 pm.
Where: Edmonton Public Libraries. (Activities vary by location)
When:  Monday, February 18.  1pm – 4pm

Family Day at the Reuse Centre
Take a tour, learn about reusing materials, create crafts and search for special treasures.
Where: Edmonton Reuse Centre, 10004 103A Avenue
When: Monday, February 18. Noon – 4pm.

Family Day Dinner
Millwoods Family Resource Centre is holding a free dinner for Millwoods families with games, activities and entertainment for the kids, and door prizes
Where: Leefield Community Hall, 7910 – 36 Avenue. To register call 780 413 4521.
When: Monday, February 18, 2013. 5 – 7pm.

Family Fun Day Celebration
Capilano, Fulton and GoldBar are collaborating again this year to bring residents and friends a family community event. Get to you know your neighbours, take a horse and wagon ride, skate, and other family friendly activities. Refuel with a hot dog and beverages. ($1 each)
Where: Fulton Community Hall, 6115 Fulton Road
When: Monday, February 18. Noon – 3pm. 

Family Fun Day
Enjoy an afternoon of special children’s drop-in programs such as bouncing in a jumpy castle, face painting, basketball, parachute games, hoolahooping and pool noodle hockey. Bring your swimsuits too for a dip in the salt water leisure pool
Where: Terwillegar Community Rec Centre. (Regular admission applies.)
When: Monday, February 18. Noon – 4pm. 

Family Day in St. Albert
The City of St. Albert is supporting Family Day Unplugged. They have a long list of unplugged activities that you can do with your family in their city.

Heritage Lakes Family Fun Day
This Family Fun Day event will feature sleigh rides, games and refreshments.
Where: St. Albert. Ecole La Mission 46 Heritage Drive
When: Monday, February 18. 1 – 4pm

Malls

Strawberry Shortcake Live
Meet this sweet lady and join in family activities: petting zoo, face painting, bounce houses and crafts.
Where:  Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre
When: Monday, February 18. Noon – 5pm.

Barney Live
The beloved Barney will be visiting this family day weekend, along with Angelina Ballerina.
Where: Millwoods Town Centre
When: Sunday, February 17 and Monday, February 18. Showtimes 1pm and 3pm.

Animology Tour
Join Safari Jeff and Shannon for their thrilling live show and exhibit. Get up close with exotic animals such as tortoises, snakes, lizards and frogs and gain a deeper appreciation of these animals and the environment.
Where:  Sherwood Park Mall
When: Saturday, February 16 to Monday, February 18. Shows at 1 pm and 3pm.

What events have we missed? Please add them to the comments below.

And did you do it? Did you manage to make it a completely 'unplugged' this year? Let us know!

What To Do This Weekend in Edmonton with Kids | February 9 - 10, 2013

Mercer Collective
What: The hottest pop-up craft show. Enjoy music while shopping for products personally made by local crafters, bakers, artists. Let the Spring craft shows begin!
Where: Mercer Building, 10363 104 Street. (Not stroller friendly)
When: Saturday, February 9, 2013. 10 – 4pm.

Valentine Party
What:  A Valentine Cupcake Decorating party in support of the Edmonton Foodbank. Bring non-perishable food for the Edmonton Foodbank.
Where: Crave Cupcakes, 7929 104 Street
When: Saturday, February 9, 2013. 11am – 2pm.

Winter City Saturdays
What: Head downtown for ice skating, family street hockey, ice sculpting, music and warming tent and fire. Make sure to shop Edmonton’s Downtown Market located in City Hall for the winter. For a special treat, visit Three Banana’s Café for hot chocolate.
Where: City Hall and Churchill Square
When: Saturday, February 9, 2013. 10am – 3pm

Callingwood Winter Fun Festival
What: Another great reason to enjoy Edmonton’s winter. Go early for the pancake breakfast. Take a sleigh ride. Pet the reindeers. And treat yourself to the sugar shack. Then head over to Jamie  Platz YMCA for a free swim (2-7pm)
Where: Callingwood Park, 69 Avenue and 178 Street.
When: Sunday, February 10, 2013. 10am – 2pm

Welcome Wagon Baby Shower
What: Register for this free event and talk with vendors and enjoy presentations. Free gift bags for the first 120 attendees.
Where: West Edmonton Mall, Phase I, Level One, Centre Stage
When: Sunday, February 10, 2013. 1 – 4pm

What To Do This Weekend in Edmonton with Kids | February 1 - 3, 2013

Photograph by Joelle Inge-Messerschmidt

Warmer weather is on it's way. Whether it's sledding, skating, walking, snowman-making or snow-fort building, the whole family will enjoy the warmer temperatures this weekend. Make sure to also check out these great family events happening in Edmonton.

Ice Is Nice

Ice on Whyte Festival
What: A celebration of beautiful ice and winter. Visit the kids tent for crafts, explore the ice maze, learn to make a mini ice sculpture at the L'il Chipper tent, go ice skating and slip down the much loved ice slide. Events schedule.
Where:  New location at Gateway Boulevard and Tommy Banks Way (about 5 blocks North of Whyte Ave). Adults $5, Children 2 - 12 years old $2.50, Under 2 free. Cash only. Save with this 2 for 1 Coupon from Breakfast Television.
When: Friday, January 25 – Sunday, February 3, 2013.

 

Grow Your Imagination

Books 2 Buy
What: Edmonton Public Library’s famous book, DVD and CD sale is back this weekend. Hardcover books and DVDs are $2. Paperbacks, kids' books and CDs are $1. It is a perfect opportunity to stock up your personal library.
Where: Stanley A. Milner Library - Lower Level, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
When: Friday, February 1 9am - 8pm.
Saturday, February 2 9am - 5pm. Sunday, February 3 1pm - 3pm.

 

Leisurely Winter Walk

City of Light and the Flying Canoe Adventure Walk
What: This free French Canadian festival embraces winter. Enjoy a stroll through a magically lit Mill Creek Ravine. Be entertained by Metis Reel dancers, a DJ, light shows and other live entertainment.
Where: Mill Creek Ravine & La Cite Francophone, 8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury. Parking is available at Mill Creek Pool (9555-84 Avenue), La Cité Francophone, and École Maurice-Lavallée School.
When: Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2. 5pm – 12am.

 

I’ve Outgrown It

Mom to Mom Sale
What: A great opportunity to pick up some gently used baby and children’s clothing, toys, baby gear and maternity fashions. Admission by donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. (Cash only)
Where: Southwood Community Hall, 1880 37 Street.
When: Saturday, February 2, 2013. 10am – 2pm.

 

Go Downtown

Winter City Saturdays
What: Head downtown for ice skating, family street hockey, ice sculpting, music and warming tent and fire. Make sure to shop Edmonton’s Downtown Market located in City Hall for the winter. For a special treat, visit Three Banana’s Café for hot chocolate and browse the EPL Books2Buy sale.
Where: City Hall and Churchill Square
When: Saturday, February 2, 2013. 10am – 3pm