Has the blazing summer sun got you down? Do you find yourself searching for a sliver of shade? Hopelessly fanning yourself with whatever you can get your hands on? We hear you. Cool off at one of these Edmonton attractions.
Spray Parks
Connect with your community, soak up some summer fun, and stay cool all at once: spray parks really are the perfect solution to any hot-weather hardships. These free family-oriented playgrounds are filled with fun opportunities to exercise, play, and make unforgettable memories. With over 50 spray parks in Edmonton & the surrounding area, there’s tons of options to explore, no matter where you are located!
Some favourites include Kinsmen Spray Park (9170 Walterdale Hill) for its large play area and its dreamy location, Callingwood Spray Park (17740–69 Ave) with its charming ‘river life’ theme, and Jackie Parker Spray Park (4540–50 St.) with a separate toddler-only area. Find even more spray park options here.
Outdoor Pools
Who needs a beach when you can enjoy a watery outdoor oasis right in the middle of Edmonton? Our city is studded with outdoor pools that are always bustling with fun, including Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool (9170 Walterdale Hill), Oliver Outdoor Pool (10315–119 St.), and Fred Broadstock Swimming Pool (15720–105 Ave.). Plus, Edmonton is also home to Canada’s first public, man-made natural swimming pool! The Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool (7615 Borden Park Rd.) uses natural occurring filtration systems to keep the water clean and safe for swimming. So grab your flip flops and your sunblock—this is one summer attraction that simply can’t be missed.
Movie Theatres
Slipping into an air-conditioned afternoon film screening to escape the sun is a tale as old as time. And, thanks to some unique features at Edmonton’s cinemas, there’s fun to be found for the whole family! The Clubhouse at Cineplex Odeon’s South Edmonton location (cineplex.com/
experiences/ clubhouse) offers kids the opportunity to play, climb, and explore—with a playground directly in the movie theatre that opens 30 minutes before the film starts. Let the kids expel that high energy before settling to watch the latest family-friendly flick.
You can also check out Edmonton’s indie movie theatre, Metro Cinema (metrocinema.org), for their Reel Family Cinema series, which offers classic and contemporary movies on Saturday afternoons. Plus, admission for children 12 and under is free!
Ice Cream Shops
Cool off with delicious scoops from one of Edmonton’s many ice cream spots. Check out local legends Kind Ice Cream (kindicecream.ca) for a selection of seasonal and permanent flavours, plus several vegan options. Or, if you are planning to hit one of the many summer festivals, watch out for Sosyal Scoops (sosyal.ca), an ice cream truck filled with Filipino-inspired flavours. And this is only the tip of the ice(cream)berg! Check out our comprehensive list of local shops here.
