by Lori at Edmontondotfamily
Explore a new Trail
Visit the Strathcona Wilderness Center. Head out to the wilderness centre and get ready to get your nature fix. Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM you’ll find an abundance of trails to explore and discover with the kids. Leave the bikes and the dogs at home, and get ready to explore. Find the Wilderness Centre at 52535 Range Road 212, Ardrossan, AB. When you visit, you can pick up a trail map, or plan your visit using a digital trail map, before you visit.
Other places to visit: the Riverside Nature Trail (home to 100 Geocaches to find) and Sherwood Park Natural area (for those gorgeous fall leaves and colours).
Hit up a Playground
There are plenty of great playgrounds to explore in Strathcona County, like the Musical theme playground in Emerald Hills or the massive slide at the REMAX Playground at Broadmoor Lake. You can find our favourite local playgrounds, right here.
Shop Local
Just in time to hit up those fall fashions, you’ll find plenty of places to shop for kids and teens and Sherwood Park. Stop by Paisley Lane Studio for baby and kids clothes and accessories, Real Spirit Apparel (1995 Brentwood Blvd) for designer styles for women, and Driftwood Designs for a gorgeous collection of curated home accessories.
Escape!
Escape Room entertainment is a fun way to entertain older kids in Strathcona County. You’re locked in a room trying to escape with a series of puzzles. There are two themed rooms at Escape Legends in Sherwood Park: Titanic and DB Cooper – a fun, ransom themed escape room. Though it’s a fun activity, you’re going to want to save this one for the older kids (we think it’s best for the 12+ crowd). It’s a great family activity for older children, encouraging everything to work collaboratively – and the rooms are well done!
Visit a Retro Arcade
For indoor fun through the fall, check out Arcadium Retro Arcade. It’s a fun place to spend an afternoon with the kids and the admission price includes every arcade machine inside, you can leave the quarters at home! No tokens, and one admission price means you can play longer, and get the best bang for your buck!
Don’t Skip the Food
Cafe Haven. The perfect Americano or a tasty latte, baked goods for the kids or a place where you can eat lunch or brunch in an actual vault (Yes! The building used to house a bank) – Café Haven is a must stop to start your day in Strathcona County.
Branches Fresh Food Experience in Greenland Garden centre is a garden oasis. With kid friendly meals on the menu, and delicious bites that you’re actually going to want to eat with them it’s a fantastic option for lunch in Strathcona County. Make some time to walk to the Green House and visit the seasonal displays. We visit regularly to watch fish in the pond. In the mood for dinner?
70 Acre Brew Co. Pretzels fresh from the bakery, brews for adults – the brewery has pizza and $12 flights of beer and it’s all ages until 9PM. It’s your chance to try a new brew, and grab a later-dinner.
Plan Your Next Weekend Adventure
Through the summer and into the fall, you can find unique accommodations at Elk Island Retreat. Family-friendly accommodations include a Yurt, a rustic teepee or a pair of cabins with bunkbeds (a popular option in our house). The popular spot is close enough to city, just a half-hour’s drive, and creates a glamping option for families, with plenty to do on-site, like trails and places to explore.
This content is sponsored by Go East of Edmonton. You can find travel inspiration for Strathcona County, and more locations of East of Edmonton at Trip Ideas Stories.