Central Alberta 
Photo Credit: Red Deer Tourism
Red Deer, Alberta is located right off Highway 2, and is the midpoint between the cities of Edmonton and Calgary. As Alberta’s third largest city, not only is it ideally and centrally located, but it also boasts all the amenities one would expect and more. There is plenty to do in Red Deer, from skiing at Canyon Ski Resort, to exploring nature at Waskasoo Park, or enjoying a hockey game or concert at ENMAX Centrium. No matter what you enjoy, there is always something to do in this thriving Alberta city.
NATURE and OUTDOORS
Canyon Ski Resort
Seasonal: December through March, weather dependent
Lift Tickets: $43.00/day, Snow Tube Park: $30.00/day
Waskasoo Park
Located right in Red Deer, Waskasoo Park is so much more than just an open area with trees and water. It is home to the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, Allen Bungalow, and the Historic Fort Normandeau. Each which showcases a different piece of Red Deer’s history and nature. Website
Open year round, individual attraction varies.
Varies
Bower Ponds
More than just a place to skate or paddle boat, Bower Ponds has many attractions year round. Wildlife, fountains, a playground, Pollinator Park, a pavillion, trails, Cronquist House, a fishing dock, and an amphitheatre are just some of the amazing sights you will see at Bower Ponds. Website
Photo Credit: Red Deer Tourism
Year round
Free to get in, events vary
Discovery Canyon
Featuring a natural river-fed water pool and playground area, Discovery Canyon Park is a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon. The main attraction in the tubing, and participants who bring their own tubes can enjoy it for free! Website
Seasonal; June through September, weather permitting
Free admission, tube rentals are $5.00
River Bend Golf and Recreation Area
420 acres of forested parkland plus the Red Deer River surround this par 72 championship golf course located right in Red Deer. This beautiful golf course is connected right to Discovery Canyon Park, and is part of the Waskasoo Park System. Website
Seasonal: Winter-cross country skiing, Summer-golfing
Adult green fees start at $40.00 for 9 holes, cross country skiing:free
Great Chief Park
Year round
Free (there is a cost to book the facilities for games, etc.)
Three Mile Bend
An amazing recreational area featuring over 130 acres of natural beauty. Adjacent to the Red Deer River, this recreational park includes canoeing ponds, a boardwalk, a picnic area, a remote control car track, a freestyle ski jump, an off leash dog area, and many trails. Website
Year round
Free
Heritage Ranch
Located right in Red Deer, Heritage Ranch is over 200 acres of awesomeness. With an onsite restaurant as well as venues for weddings and other special events, patrons can have a uniquely personalized experience. For those just looking for something fun to do for a date or family activity, there are plenty of equine related experiences to choose, from trail rides, to pony rides, to their fun “Ranch Tracker Game,” and more! More Details
Year round
Varies
Gaetz Lakes Bird Sanctuary
Gaetz Lakes Bird Sanctuary is Alberta’s very first bird sanctuary. With almost 300 acres of protected land, this is a place as free from human interference as possible. There are trails and bird blinds within the sanctuary, however no dogs, bikes, or even joggers are permitted in an effort to protect the plant and wildlife living within the sanctuary. Website
Year round
Free
MUSEUMS
Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery
Year round, closed on select holidays
Free, suggested donation of $2.00/person
Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum provides an interactive experience to discovering famous Alberta sports celebrities. Play virtual sports, climb the treadwall, or take a putt or two on the golf green. There is even a wheelchair race, as well as board games. Of course, participants call also check out the Art Gallery, the Hall of Fame Gallery, the Ice and Snow Gallery, the Alberta Hockey Gallery, and all of the other exhibits. Website
Year round, closed on certain holidays
3 & under free, youth $3.00, adult $5.00, family $12.00
Sunnybrook Farm Museum
Red Deer’s oldest farm also happens to be a place to take the entire family. Check out the early days of Alberta farming; chat with the men at work, visit the log house, meet the animals, and even go on a wagon ride. Website
Seasonal: May 1 through August 30, daily Off season: by appointment only
Donation
Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Learn about natural history, explore exhibits, and even enjoy the outdoor music garden, Kiwanis Harmony Garden. More Details
Year round
Donation/ varies with events and activities
Norwegian Laft Hus
Learn all about the Norwegian culture and heritage in this sod roof farmhouse.There are many artifacts as well as traditional handmade crafts in the museum. There are many workshops and classes offered throughout the year, and during the summer, people can get guided tours with the opportunity to ask questions and learn even more. There is also a small shop to purchase handmade items and yummy Norwegian treats! More Details
Year round
Donations accepted
Allen Bungalow
One of the oldest “grand” houses in Red Deer, this pre-WWI house has been completely restored and has been designated as historically significant. The beauty of this 3300 square foot building and its surrounding gardens make it an ideal location for a wedding or other event.
Historic Fort Normandeau
The Fort, The Crossing, and the Interpretive Centre combine to create the Historic Fort Normandeau. Pack a picnic lunch, learn about the history of Red Deer and about the beginnings of modern central Alberta.
Weekends Year Round, Seasonal: May through September more is available to see and do
Free
AMUSEMENT PARKS/INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS
Jump 360 Trampoline Park
Trampolines, slides, air bags, battle beams, dodgeball, basketball, a rope swing, and plenty of other fun activities to entertain the entire family. Plus, comfy couches and free wifi for those content to just watch the action. Website
Year round, closed Tuesdays
$10.00 to $16.00 an hour
Treehouse Indoor Playground
A unique indoor playground for kids under 13 years of age. Safe, clean, and open, this 11, 000 square foot space features play structures, air inflatables, rock climbing, games and prizes and more. Website
Year round
Adults and under 1: free, otherwise $5.95 and up
Blue Grass Sod Farm Central Spray and Play
Blue Grass Sod Farm Central Spray and Play is a unique splash park with railway and river themed spray, splash, and play equipment. The themes were chosen to symbolize Red Deer’s landmarks and history.
Seasonal: June through September
Free
LaZerforce Inc
LaZerforce is a fun and family friendly place to play laser tag. This interactive laser tag adventure will be sure to please all who participate. Website
Year round, closed on certain holidays
$8.50/player/game
LIVE THEATRE & CONCERT VENUES
Red Deer Memorial Centre
Concerts, shows, special events and more are to be had at the Red Deer Memorial Centre, which is also the location of Central Alberta Theatre. Dinner theatre, improv comedy, and other performances abound at the Central Alberta Theatre in Red Deer, also known as C.A.T. Website
ENMAX Centrium
The ENMAX Centrium is a two-tier, multipurpose arena that seats over 7000. Home of the Red Deer Rebels hockey team, it is also a great location for concerts, with Hedley, Johnny Reid, and Jeff Dunham among the performers scheduled to perform there this year. Website
ANNUAL FESTIVALS
Photo Credit: Red Deer Tourism
Central Alberta Children’s Festival
This festival strives to bring the children of central Alberta fun ways to play, learn, and be active. This festival isn’t just about the performances, but about involving children in the arts in an affordable way. There are over 40 activity stations in addition to the live performances. Website
CentreFest Street Performer Festival
Alberta Culture Days
Culture Days is an annual 3-day festival celebrated in many different cities all across Canada. During the festival, free family friendly activities take place throughout Red Deer in a celebrative experience of the arts. Website
Westerner Days
Concerts, a fairground, fireworks, delicious food, Pony Steeplechase and chuckwagon races and more are in store for all who attend Central Alberta’s largest summer celebration, Westerner Days! Website