Looking for an easy summer road trip from Calgary? Red Deer is packed with family-friendly attractions and makes the perfect Central Alberta getaway for families. Located just under two hours north of Calgary along Highway 2, this vibrant city offers everything from outdoor adventures and water fun to museums, wildlife encounters, and unique family experiences.
Whether you are planning a day trip or a weekend escape, there are plenty of ways to make summer memories in Red Deer and the surrounding area. Here are some of the best things to do in Red Deer and Central Alberta this summer!
Best Things to Do in Red Deer with Kids This Summer
💦 Discovery Canyon
Location: 3800 River Bend Drive, Red Deer County
Website: rbgra.ca
When summer temperatures rise, Discovery Canyon is one of Central Alberta’s favourite places to cool off. This unique river-fed water park lets families grab an inner tube and float along the gentle current before splashing into the pools below.
With a sandy beach area, wading pool, playground, picnic tables, washrooms, and concession, it is easy to spend a full afternoon enjoying this FREE outdoor adventure.
Photo Credit visitreddeer.com
🧗 Canyon Ski Resort Summer Adventures
Location: 38433 Range Road 264A, Red Deer County
Website: canyonski.ca
Canyon Ski Resort transforms into one of Central Alberta’s top summer adventure destinations. Families can ride Alberta’s only Alpine Coaster, race down Western Canada’s longest Summer Tube Park, explore the Adventure Park, soar over the river valley on ziplines, and discover attractions like Crystal Canyon Mining, the Net Park, and Canyon Bungee.
With activities for a variety of ages, it is easy to spend an entire day chasing adventure.
Pre-booking is recommended during the busy summer season.
Photo Credit visitreddeer.com
🚣 Bower Ponds Recreation
Location: 4715 Fountain Drive, Red Deer
Website: owerponds.ca
Bower Ponds is a peaceful outdoor destination for a relaxing summer afternoon. Families can rent paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, or surrey bikes to explore the scenic ponds and pathways or enjoy the playground, fishing dock, pollinator garden, and picnic areas.
Be sure to stop by the café for a sweet treat before heading home!
Photo Credit Bower Ponds Recreation
🏆 Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
Location: 4200 Queen Elizabeth II Highway, Red Deer
Website: albertasportshall.ca
Discover Alberta’s sporting history through interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, and inspiring stories at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. Families can test their skills, explore sports memorabilia, and learn about the athletes and builders who helped shape sports across the province.
It is a great indoor stop for a hot summer day or when the weather does not cooperate.
Photo Credit: Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
🌳 Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Location: 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer
Website: waskasoopark.ca
Located in Waskasoo Park, the Kerry Wood Nature Centre combines indoor learning with outdoor exploration. Families can explore interactive exhibits before heading outside to discover trails, Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, and the natural playground.
It is a wonderful spot for kids to climb, discover, and connect with nature.
Photo Credit: Kerry Wood Nature Centre
🖼️ Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery
Museum Location: 4525 47A Avenue, Red Deer
Website: reddeermuseum.com
Explore the stories, history, and creativity of Central Alberta at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery. Families can discover rotating exhibits featuring local history, art, and culture in an engaging setting.
After your visit, head to nearby Rotary Park where kids can enjoy one of Red Deer’s largest playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.
Rotary Park Location: 4715 Fountain Drive, Red Deer
Photo Credit: Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery
🌾 Sunnybrook Farm Museum
Location: 2879 Botterill Crescent, Red Deer
Website: sunnybrookfarmmuseum.ca
Step back in time at Sunnybrook Farm Museum and experience life on an early 1900s Central Alberta farm. Families can explore historic buildings, antique equipment, and thousands of artifacts while learning about Alberta’s agricultural roots.
During the summer, kids can enjoy farm animals, wagon rides, demonstrations, and the popular wooden locomotive playground.
Photo Credit: Sunnybrook Farm Museum
🏊 Collicutt Centre Aquatic Centre
Location: 3031 – 30 Avenue, Red Deer
Website: visitreddeer.com
Need a break from the summer heat or a rainy-day activity? The Collicutt Centre offers plenty of indoor family fun. Kids can splash in the wave pool, race down waterslides, float the lazy river, and explore the interactive children’s play area.
Families can also enjoy climbing walls, batting cages, an indoor walking track, and more recreation options.
Photo Credit reddeer.ca
Bonus Family Fun Near Red Deer
🦁 Discovery Wildlife Park
Location: 5400 42 Avenue, Innisfail
Website: discoverywildlifepark.com
Animal lovers can get up close with wildlife from around the world at Discovery Wildlife Park. Families can see bears, big cats, reptiles, birds, and more while learning through daily animal presentations and conservation-focused experiences.
Located just south of Red Deer, it is an easy addition to a Central Alberta road trip.
🌊 Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash
Location: 5104 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake
Website: sylvanlakeaquasplash.ca
Turn a beach day into an unforgettable summer adventure at Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash. This giant inflatable water park features slides, climbing walls, trampolines, balance challenges, and obstacle courses floating right on the lake.
After your Aqua Splash adventure, spend the rest of the day enjoying Sylvan Lake’s sandy beach, playgrounds, and waterfront attractions.
🌽 Kraay Family Farm
Location: 40314 Range Road 273, Lacombe
Website: kraayfamilyfarm.com
Kraay Family Farm is one of Central Alberta’s most popular family attractions and makes a fantastic summer day trip from Calgary. Kids can bounce on giant jumping pillows, race pedal carts, ride the barrel train, visit farm animals, and explore outdoor play areas.
While the famous corn maze arrives later in the season, summer visitors will find plenty of reasons to spend the day at the farm.
Looking for more summer inspiration? Keep the adventure going with our Summer Fun Bucket List, featuring even more family-friendly activities, attractions, and adventures!
