Never run out of things to do! Kids are learning and growing all the time. Help them discover new things (and discover a few new things yourself!) as you explore the Red Deer and surrounding area together. Whether you are looking for fun spring break ideas or things to do on a rainy day, you will find something in this list!
Galleries, Museums, Libraries
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Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
See a real Olympic torch up close, or browse over 15 000 different artifacts from many different sports. Your little hockey players or soccer fans will have the chance to learn about the history of sports up close at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame .
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Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery
Drop in on Saturdays to take part in art making sessions for the whole family! Kids 5 and under can take part in Wednesday morning drop in art classes. The Red Deer Museum and Gallery has kid’s areas, dress up clothes, toys, and play equipment out front!
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Red Deer Public Library
3 to 5 year olds can visit for stories and games as part of the Preschool Fun program at the Red Deer Public Library , and bigger kids can join the reading club. Drop in for parent and tot time, puppet shows, plays and more!
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Fort Normandeau
Learn to make bannock, check out a teepee, and explore the historical rebuilt Fort Normandeau , staffed with costumed interpreters and immersive experiences for the whole family!
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Cronquist House
Visit the stunning, 8 bedroom restored farmhouse. The Cronquist House was built in 1911 and is an iconic fixture in Red Deer, and houses a teahouse as well. Drop in for tea and lunch or visit during one of the many special events!
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Norwegian Laft Hus
Visit the Norwegian Laft Hus , a beautiful wooden cabin with a real sod roof. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available, and interpreters in traditional Norwegian costumes will be happy to show you around!
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Sylvan Lake Municipal Library
Kids can join the Hogwarts Reading Club or drop in for an after school program at the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library .
Parks
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Rotary Recreation Park
The Rotary Recreation Park is the go to spot for outdoor recreation in Red Deer. Splash around in the massive splash park , climb at the playground, play tennis or horseshoes, and have a family picnic.
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City Hall Park
Visit the City Hall Park and take a walk around the beautiful, landscaped ornamental gardens that surround City Hall. The City Hall park is specially designated as a pollinator park, specifically designed with bees in mind. There are no pesticides used and the grass is left a little bit longer!
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Great Chief Park
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The Abbey Center – Blackfields
The outdoor aquatic center at The Abbey Center will keep your kids busy all day long with two huge waterslides, a rock climbing wall, hot tub, leisure pool, spray area and lane swimming Inside, you’ll find a three story indoor playground, grill, exercise facilities and child minding services!
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Discovery Canyon
Float down the outdoor, natural lazy river on a tube at Discovery Canyon , and end up in the beach area, where you can splash around in the sunshine and build sandcastles on the shore. Have lunch at the concession stand, and play at the playground. Washrooms are available on site.
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Bower Ponds
Rent a paddle boat and float around at Bower Ponds , or bring a fishing line to cast off the dock. There are playgrounds, fountains, and inside the pavilion you’ll find a games room and café. Snack on poutine, hot dogs, coffee and beer before heading back outside!
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Three Mile Bend Recreation Area
For those people who are looking for a more “natural” outdoor experience, close to the city, Three mile Bend offers 55 hectars of wooded areas and fields next to the Red Deer River. Let your dog run in the off leash area, explore the many trails, or bring your canoes and kayaks!
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Maskepetoon Park
Pack a backpack full of snacks and head to the trails in beautiful Maskepetoon Park . After spending the day hiking and exploring the paths and marshland, stop for a picnic under a tree!
Outdoors, Farms and Markets
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Kerry Wood Nature Center
The Kerry Wood Nature Center offers a variety of nature programs for preschoolers as well as bigger kids. Outdoors, there are trails, a natural garden and music garden. Indoors, there are exhibits, drop in programs, day camps, classes and more!
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Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary
Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary is a park and federal bird sanctuary, located beside the Kerry Wood Nature Center . Bring your binoculars and a bird guide book to identify the many species of birds that call the park home. The sanctuary is almost 300 acres of natural areas and hiking trails.
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Slack Slough
Bring binoculars to catch a glimpse of shore birds, ducks, snakes, and small wetland animals. There are many species that call the 96 acre Slack Slough their home!
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Heritage Ranch
Kids can learn how to ride a horse at Horse Day Camp . After learning the basics and stopping for lunch, they’ll go on a trail ride with the instructor. Younger kids can try pony or carriage rides, and the whole family can have supper at Westlake Grill .
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Sunnybrook Farm Museum
Kids can try feeding the chickens, or go on an old fashioned wagon ride at the Sunnybrook Farm Museum . This beautifully restored heritage farm is a stunning example of early Alberta farm life. Let the costumed guides show you and your family what life was really like, 100 years ago.
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Ellis Bird Farm
Tour the butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, water gardens and hummingbird gardens at Ellis Bird Farm , and then head into the Ellis Café for coffee and an ice cream.
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Kraay Family Farm
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Red Deer Market
Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, handcrafted local art and fashion at the Red Deer Market , while mingling with the community of Red Deer. The vibrant, thriving farmers market is the weekly gathering place for friends, family and local vendors.
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The Jungle Farm
Pick strawberries and pumpkins at The Jungle Farm , navigate through the corn maze or labyrinth, go for a wagon ride, or slide down the two 60 foot slides at strawberry mountain.
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Waskasoo Creek Trail
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Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions
Hop aboard the train in Stettler, Alberta and take a six hour adventure on a steam train. Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions offers live theater, a full course buffet meal, and maybe even a train robbery!
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Lakes
Red Deer is centrally located close to Sylvan Lake , Gull Lake , and Buffalo Lake , perfect for day trips to the beach. Head to the water with towels, sand toys, snacks, and prepare to relax!
- Canyon Ski Resort
As Alberta’s largest non-mountain ski resort, Canyon Ski Resort offers plenty of fun for the entire family. Not only can patrons ski and snowboard at Canyon Ski Resort, but they can also take advantage of the snow tube park, terrain park, super pipe, and rustic lodge.
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Camping (Lions Campground, Westerner Park)
You don’t have to travel far for a great family camping experience. Head to the Lions Campground , Buffalo Lake Provincial Recreation Area , or Westerner Campground (RV’s only) for full service campsites located close to all city amenities.
Interesting Activities
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Outdoor Movie
Visit Kin Kanyon Park Tuesdays in August for the Sunset Cinema series shown on 3 story inflatable movie screen, complete with fresh popped corn and mini donuts. August 7, 14, 21, 2018 | 09:00 PM
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Festivals
Carnival rides, candy apples, wagon races, a live music. Red Deer has a number of exciting family friendly events and festivals! Check out Westerner Days , Centre Fest , Fort Normandeau Days , and Pioneer Days .
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Sports game
Catch a Red Deer Rebels game, event or concert at the Enmax Centrium .
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Cafes
Café Sip on a latte and mingle with the cats who live at the Alley Cat Cafe . All of the cats are available for adoption through Alley Cat rescue. Visit Chill out Café and Bakery for a homemade Tuna on Rye sandwich or visit Café O’Play , where kids 6 and under can run around on the indoor play equipment and parents can enjoy a coffee in the coffeehouse!
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Clay
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Kids Programs
Culture Services offers a variety of kids programs in theater, sculpture art and music at the Corridor Community Gallery and the Viewpoint Gallery .
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Laser Tag
Chase family and friends through the glowing black light reflective rooms while playing laser tag at Lazerforce .
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Leisure Centers
Race down the huge blue waterslides or splash in the indoor pools at the Dawe Center , or climb the rock wall, splash in the pool, or skate on the indoor arena at the Collicut Centre .
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Indoor Playground
Kids can play in the arcade at Treehouse , climb all over the state of the art indoor playground, or slide down the slides in the toddler zone. Grab lunch or a coffee in the cafeteria.
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Trampoline
Jump 360
Kids can jump higher than ever before on the trampolines at Jump 360 , or try trampoline basketball. -
Skatepark
Kids can practice their ollies, kick flips, and ramp tricks at the Red Deer Skatepark or the new Glendale Skatepark.
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Rollerskate
Bring your skates for free public skating in the winter and roller skating during the summer at the Servus Arena .
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Art Walk Red Deer Art Walk
Head over to Spring into Fabulous and browse unique, locally made artwork at this free, family friendly event.
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Movie
Catch a movie (and share a bucket of popcorn!) at Galaxy Cinemas or Carnival Cinemas .
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Theater
Is there a budding actor in your family? The Cornerstone Youth Theater offers after school programs, family friendly theater productions, and acting and dance classes for kids aged 6-18.
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Ice cream
Treat your little ones to a few scoops of ice cream from the Cone Castle Café . Try an ice cream sundae loaded with whipped cream, or a delicious lunch or dinner. Visit the Little Ice cream and Soda Shop, or set out on an adventure to find Peppermint Andy’s roving ice cream wagon!
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