Looking for the best things to do in Red Deer with kids this summer? Located just an hour and a half from both Edmonton and Calgary along Highway 2, Red Deer is the perfect Central Alberta day trip destination. From natural water parks and thrilling rides to interactive museums, wildlife encounters, and unique outdoor adventures, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to explore.
Best Things to Do in Red Deer with Kids This Summer
Photo Credit visitreddeer.com
💦 Discovery Canyon
When the temperature rises, Discovery Canyon is one of Central Alberta’s top places to cool off. Located just outside Red Deer, this unique natural river-fed water park features a gentle flowing river where you can float downstream on an inner tube before splashing into bubbling pools below. At the bottom, families can enjoy a sandy beach area, wading pool, playground, picnic tables, washrooms, and concession. Rent a tube on-site or bring your own to enjoy a FREE day of summer fun.
Location: 3800 River Bend Drive, Red Deer County
Website: rbgra.ca
Photo Credit visitreddeer.com
🧗 Canyon Ski Resort Summer Adventures
Canyon Ski Resort is one of the best summer attractions near Red Deer for families looking for outdoor adventure. Home to Alberta’s only Alpine Coaster, the resort also features Western Canada’s longest Summer Tube Park, a multi-level aerial Adventure Park, dual ziplines soaring over the river valley, the family-friendly Net Park, Crystal Canyon Mining, and the all-new Canyon Bungee. Whether you’re chasing thrills or looking for activities younger adventurers will love, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring everything the resort has to offer.
Pre-booking is recommended during the busy summer season.
Location: 38433 Range Road 264A, Red Deer County
Website: canyonski.ca
Photo Credit Bower Ponds Recreation
🚣 Bower Ponds Recreation
Bower Ponds is one of Red Deer’s most beloved parks and a wonderful place to spend a relaxing summer afternoon. Rent a paddle boat, kayak, canoe, or surrey bike to explore the scenic ponds and paved pathways, or simply enjoy the playground, fishing dock, pollinator garden, picnic areas, and wildlife. Don’t forget to stop by the on-site café for one of their many flavours of soft serve ice cream!
Location: 4715 Fountain Drive, Red Deer
Website: bowerponds.ca
Photo Credit: Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
🏆 Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
Celebrate Alberta’s rich sporting history through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and inspiring stories at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. Families can test their skills with interactive displays, explore fascinating memorabilia, and learn about the athletes and builders who helped shape sports in our province. It’s a fun and engaging stop for sports fans and curious kids alike.
Location: 4200 Queen Elizabeth II Highway, Red Deer
Website: albertasportshall.ca
Photo Credit: Kerry Wood Nature Centre
🌳 Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Located within beautiful Waskasoo Park, the Kerry Wood Nature Centre is a fantastic destination for families who love spending time outdoors. Explore interactive exhibits inside the nature centre before heading outside to discover the surrounding trails and the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary. Kids will especially enjoy the natural playground, where logs, rocks, and tree stumps encourage imaginative play while connecting with nature. Birdwatchers will also love spotting some of the many species that call this area home.
Location: 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer
Website: waskasoopark.ca
Photo Credit: Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery
🖼️ Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery
Discover the stories of Central Alberta at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery, where rotating exhibits explore local history, art, and culture in an engaging, family-friendly setting. The museum regularly offers interactive displays and activities that appeal to visitors of all ages.
After your visit, head over to nearby Rotary Park, home to one of Red Deer’s largest playgrounds. With expansive play structures, picnic areas, and beautiful walking trails through Waskasoo Park, it’s the perfect place to let the kids burn off some energy or enjoy a picnic meal.
Museum Location: 4525 47A Avenue, Red Deer
Rotary Park Location: 4715 Fountain Drive, Red Deer
Website: reddeermuseum.com
Photo Credit: Sunnybrook Farm Museum
🌾 Sunnybrook Farm Museum
Step back in time and experience life on a Central Alberta farm in the early 1900s at Sunnybrook Farm Museum. Located on part of the original homestead of pioneer farmer James Bower, families can explore historic buildings, antique farm equipment, and thousands of artifacts while learning about Alberta’s agricultural roots. During the summer, visitors can enjoy farm animals, wagon rides, demonstrations, and a playground featuring a wooden locomotive perfect for imaginative play.
Location: 2879 Botterill Crescent, Red Deer
Website: sunnybrookfarmmuseum.ca
Photo Credit reddeer.ca
🏊 Collicutt Centre Aquatic Centre
Need a break from the summer heat or looking for a rainy-day activity? The Collicutt Centre is one of Central Alberta’s premier recreation facilities. Families can splash in the wave pool, float the lazy river, race down the waterslides, or explore the interactive children’s play area. Beyond the aquatic centre, you’ll also find climbing walls, a fitness centre, indoor walking track, batting cages, and more.
Location: 3031 – 30 Avenue, Red Deer
Website: visitreddeer.com
Bonus Family Fun Near Red Deer
🦁 Discovery Wildlife Park
Get up close with incredible animals from around the world at Discovery Wildlife Park. Home to bears, big cats, reptiles, primates, birds, and more, this family favourite offers unforgettable wildlife encounters just a short drive south of Red Deer. Don’t miss the daily animal presentations and opportunities to learn about conservation efforts.
Location: 5400 42 Avenue, Innisfail
Website: discoverywildlifepark.com
🌊 Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash
Turn your beach day into an adventure at Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash! This giant inflatable water park features climbing walls, slides, trampolines, balance beams, and obstacle challenges floating right on the lake. Pair your visit with a relaxing afternoon on Sylvan Lake’s sandy beach, nearby playgrounds, and lakeside restaurants for the perfect summer outing.
Location: 5104 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake, AB
Website: sylvanlakeaquasplash.ca
🌽 Kraay Family Farm
One of Central Alberta’s favourite family attractions, Kraay Family Farm offers a full day of outdoor fun. Bounce on giant jumping pillows, race pedal carts, ride the barrel train, meet friendly farm animals, and explore countless play areas designed for all ages. Later in the season, the farm’s famous corn maze becomes one of Alberta’s must-visit fall attractions, making this a destination worth returning to.
Location: 40314 Range Road 273, Lacombe
Website: kraayfamilyfarm.com
🦋 Ellis Nature Centre
Nestled in the countryside east of Lacombe, Ellis Nature Centre is a peaceful place to explore wetlands, walking trails, and beautiful gardens while learning about Alberta’s native wildlife. Families can visit the historic bluebird nesting program, discover interactive nature displays, walk a goat, and enjoy a slower-paced outdoor adventure.
Location: 39502 Range Rd 260, Lacombe County
Website: ellisnaturecentre.ca
Make the most of your summer with more ideas for Family Fun
on our Summer Fun Bucket List!
