Edmonton’s West Edmonton Mall is not only a shopping complex, it is also a premier place to take kids to have fun at any time of the year. There are amusement parks, adventure parks, water parks, and of course, loads of shopping. If you are active and tired of being indoors, have a wander around Edmonton’s River Valley or perhaps enjoy a round of golf at the Victoria Golf Course in the University District.

Aquatics Entertainment Stage and Sea Life Caverns
Located in the huge West Edmonton Mall, the Aquatics Entertainment Stage and Sea Life Caverns is a major Edmonton tourist attraction for those with kids. There are hundreds of different species here, including sharks and exotic fish, as well as dolphin and penguin shows and an octopus pool. 
Phone: +1 780 444 5300; www.westedmontonmall.com/play/sealifecaverns.asp  

Edmonton Walking and Biking
The best place to go walking and cycling in Edmonton is within the River Valley where there is an extensive network of trails. These trails traverse ravines and go through forested areas and it’s almost as if you’re not even in the city. Cross-country skiing is popular in the River Valley region in the winter months. Bikes can be rented all over the city.

Galaxyland
West Edmonton Mall’s Galaxyland is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, featuring dozens of rides for all age ranges and free admission for kids under the age of four years. Rides include the Mindbender, a large triple-loop rollercoaster; the Galaxy Orbiter; the Haunted House; and the Galaxy Kids Playpark for little ones. 
Phone: +1 780 444 5300; www.westedmontonmall.com/play/galaxyland.asp

Golf
Golf is popular in Alberta as a whole due to the long summers and low prices, and many courses are public to boot. There are many fine courses within an hour’s drive of downtown Edmonton, while the 18-hole Victoria Golf Course in the city’s University District is Canada’s oldest municipal golf course. The par-71 course is located in the River Valley parkland and has reasonably priced green fees. 
Phone: +1 780 496 4900

Odyssium
Formerly the Edmonton Space and Science Centre, the Odyssium on 142nd Street in western Edmonton is a centre of learning for kids with numerous fun interactive exhibits. There is a huge IMAX theatre here that shows regular films, an observatory, and plenty of science galleries. A gift shop and a coffee shop for mums and dads are also onsite. 
Phone: +1 780 452 9100; www.odyssium.com

World Waterpark
World Waterpark is one of West Edmonton Mall’s most fun attractions for kids in the summer. It covers a huge area of the complex (over five acres) and features many exciting waterslides, swimming pools and numerous other fun water-type activities. Refreshments are available onsite. 
Phone: +1 780 444 5310; www.westedmall.com/play/waterpark.asp  

Edmonton has a good spread of cultural and historically significant attractions, of which the Royal Alberta Museum is one of the best, teaching visitors about the original inhabitants of Alberta, the First Nations. The Art Gallery of Alberta shows off Canadian art while Elk Island National Park is great fun for all the family.

Alberta Aviation Museum
Located on Kingsway in north Edmonton, not far from the airport, the Alberta Aviation Museum features a fine collection of restored aircraft and plenty of interesting aviation exhibits. Chief among the aircraft on display is the Fairchild 71C, while plane engines, model planes, and restored aircraft are also on display. Guided tours are available. 
Phone: +1 780 451 1175; www.albertaaviationmuseum.com

Alberta Legislature Building
Beautifully lit during December but fine to visit at any time of year, the stately 1912 Edwardian Legislature Building has a fine setting over the river. Forty-minute long tours take in the interpretive centre which explains Canadian and Alberta politics. Kids will enjoy the paddling pools and fountains within the grounds during the summer. 
Phone: +1 780 427 7362; www.assembly.ab.ca  

Art Gallery of Alberta
Formerly the Edmonton Art Gallery, the Art Gallery of Alberta lies in downtown Edmonton within a stately building that features a modern interior. Those interested in looking at Canadian art will find many fine contemporary works and international artwork from around the world on display. The gallery shop features many items for sale, including artwork and books to locally produced crafts. 
Phone: +1 780 422 6223; www.artgalleryalberta.com  

Elk Island National Park
Established in 1906 as Canada's first national wildlife sanctuary, Elk Island, east of Edmonton, features an array of interesting animals and great hiking. Hundreds of elk roam the 75 square-mile park, along with bison, moose, and white-tailed deer. Bird lovers can see 230 species of birds, while 50 miles of hiking and cross-country-skiing trails are also featured. 
Phone: +1 780 922 5790; www.pc.gc.ca/elkisland   

Royal Alberta Museum
This massive modern museum features the history of Alberta across three permanent galleries: Wild Alberta, Gallery of Aboriginal Culture, and Natural History Gallery. Wild Alberta has incredible dioramas and hands-on displays, the Gallery of Aboriginal Culture covers Alberta's First Nations inhabitants, and the Natural History Gallery features a live-bug room and fossils. 
Phone: +1 780 453 9100; www.royalalbertamuseum.ca  

Edmonton has a richly diverse dining scene with a huge variety of restaurants and cuisines ranging from Indian to Tex-Mex and English and American. There are modern, snazzy snack bars and traditional steak joints as well as some of the best seafood restaurants in the province.

The best of Edmonton’s eating can be had downtown and on High Street, while Old Strathcona, to the south of the river, is a somewhat trendy and less expensive alternative with its cafés and bistros. For drinking, Canadian-style taverns and a myriad of British and Irish pubs line 82nd Avenue.

The shopping capital of Canada owes much of its reputation to the West Edmonton Mall, although there is far more here than just this single, huge complex. The action is in downtown Edmonton where an array of shops and shopping malls congregate. There are more shops per head here than any other city in Canada with everything from high fashion to antiques and souvenirs.

The enormous West Edmonton Mall deserves a special mention owing to its 1,000-plus stores and collection of theme parks. The world’s largest indoor shopping mall is a year-round attraction and a major reason for visits to this out-of-the-way city. Kids will love Galaxyland, the Sea Life Caverns, and especially the World Waterpark in the summer. Europa Boulevard is vast.