Summer for Alberta residents means we have just a couple of months to enjoy the hot weather! There are so many beautiful places to take the family within just a couple of hours drive, we might as well make the most out of day trips (or weekend trips!) that are nice and close to home. Keep this list of the 10 best day trip destinations for water fun on hand!
Sticking around the Edmonton area? Check out our favorite local splash parks and the Ultimate list of spray parks all over Edmonton here. Want more of a get away? Check out these places that are all within a 2 hour drive of Edmonton:
Best places to drive for water family fun
Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash:
Sylvan Lake itself is a great family destination – known for clear waters, lots of beach space, shops with food & ice cream just across the street, showers, water fountains, change rooms, bathrooms & more. But have you seen the Aqua Splash?? It’s located on the west end of Lakeshore Drive by the lighthouse. The huge launchpad has many obstacles, including a 15FT tower. Children must be at least 6 years old and 3’6 to participate. Prices are $12-$17 per child, or get a family pass for 4 for $50 an hour. Drive time: approx 1.5 hours from Edmonton
Aspen Beach at Gull Lake
This beach has free parking, a stroller-friendly boardwalk, and lots of room for building sandcastles on the beach. This is a great destination for families with younger kids – the water doesn’t get deep for quite a ways in, so there’s lots of room for little ones to splash and play. There is a playground on site with a cash-only concession that sells hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and more. Other amenities include washrooms, change rooms, water fountains, and you can purchase lumber on site if you want to use one of the many available fire pits. Drive time: approx 1.5 hours from Edmonton
Long Lake Provincial Park:
Long Lake has a campground beach and a beach for day use ($5 per vehicle to get in). The water known to be warm and clear. Barriers mark where the shallow water gets deep, which is great for parents watching the kids from the beach. Amenities include change rooms, washrooms, water fountain, and there is a playground on site. There are also cooking shelters with barbecues for day use available. Fish cleaning stations are also on site, so fish, clean & bbq here! There are also fire pits and a concession to purchase munches. Drive time: approx 1.5 hours from Edmonton
Ma-Me-O Beach at Pigeon Lake
This beach is known for it’s white-sand shores. (Ma Me O means white pigeon in Cree) The lake is clear and the water is shallow, which means it is a great place to take younger kids to explore in the water. Picnic tables and a playground are on site, as well as water fountains, change rooms & washrooms. Drive time: just over 1 hour from Edmonton
Ol’ MacDonalds Resort at Buffalo Lake
This resort on Buffalo lake has lots of things for the family to do. Sandy beaches, water fun, hayrides, merry-go-round, petting zoo, mini golf, train rides, and an arcade. This place is known for delicious cinnamon buns, has a concession to purchase ice cream and other snacks, and has a playground for the kids as well. Other amenities on site include picnic shelters, water fountains, showers, and washrooms. Cost: $3 per adult, $2 child, or $10 per carload. Drive time: just under 2 hours from Edmonton
Wabamun Lake Provincial Park
Wabamun is a popular destination for families, as it is close to the city, has a wide beach, and is perfect for picnicking. Both grassy and sandy areas are all across the public space. Kid-friendly shallow waters are great for the little ones, and life jackets are available for renting if the older kids (or adults) want to venture into deeper waters. There is a playground and pier on site, as well as several washrooms and water fountains. Tip: get here early to find parking and a spot on the beach – it gets busy! Drive time: under an hour from Edmonton
Discovery Canon, Red Deer
One of the most talked-about water fun destinations in Alberta – Discovery Canon is located in Red Deer. Great for kids of all ages, as the water is never deeper than 18″ – made for water tubes, bring your own, or rent one (get there early to guaruntee your rental!) Cost to rent a tube: $5 with a $15 deposit. Open 7 days a week 9am-9pm for the season. Drive time: Just under 2 hours from Edmonton
Whitecourt Rotary Park
Fun for all ages, Whitecourt Rotary Park is known for its river slides – bring your own tubes and flotation devices though, as there are none on site available for rent. They are open 10am to 9pm – there is a playground, splash park and washrooms on site. Drive time: Just under 2 hours from Edmonton
Blackfalds Ourdoor Aquatic Centre
The Aquatic Centre located in Blackfalds in known for it’s kid friendly slides! There is also a 4 lane olympic pool on site, tipping buckets, a rock wall, pool with tots area, and 26 person hot tub. A family pass is $19.50 and includes admission to the indoor play place on site as well. Children 7 and under need to be within arms reach of an adult at all times. Drive time: approx 1.5 hours from Edmonton
Pembina River
Recommended for kids 5 and up, the Pembina River has an amazing view, and is so much fun. Bring your own tubes, or rent them on site (life jackets also available to rent!) – price depends on size of the tubes & jackets. Shuttle service is available from the parking lot to the river, and key holding services at the main office mean you wont lose your keys in the river. Parking is $5, open 10-4 on weekdays, and 11-4 on weekends – everyone needs to be out of the river by 4pm, so they cut off entry times before that – best to come earlier. Minors need to be with parents or guardians, and waivers need to be signed. Drive time: just over 1 hour from Edmonton
Don’t forget, the City of Edmonton pools are free to get in all Summer and through September until they close for the season. See more info on them here.
Photo: espaces.ca