New Library in YEG – Calder Branch
Yes, I admit I’m a bit of a book nerd. New and used book stores and libraries are some of my favorite places to visit. When I heard the new Calder branch opened up at the end of January, I was itching to try it out. But with trip prep and packing and being away for two weeks, I never had a chance yet. Until today. As homeschoolers, we try not to go anywhere on a PD day to avoid the crowds but we braved it anyway to check out something new. Located at 12710 131 Ave, Edmonton, the bright and open concept is very inviting. There’s a tv and…
YEG Fun With a Ride on the Funicular
Edmonton’s latest project, the Mechanized River Valley Project, is complete and open to the public. Consisting of several components including a new staircase, 100 Street Funicular, Promenade, bridge over Grierson Hill Road, the Frederick G. Todd Lookout, and elevator, this project promotes accessibility to Edmonton’s River Valley and offers gorgeous views. Able to accommodate strollers, bikes, wheelchairs, scooters, etc. the Funicular (which accommodates up to 20 people) and elevator (holds up to 10 people), allow people of all ages and abilities to have quick access from downtown to the river valley. You can access it a block south of the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, or we parked in Louise McKinney Riverfront…
Light Walk and A Blue Christmas at the Muttart
Visiting the Muttart Conservatory at night is a magical experience that isn’t offered too often. The last time we were able to visit at night was during the bloom of Putrella the Corpse Flower earlier this year. For the remainder of December however, the Muttart is open until 9pm on Thursday evenings. Showcasing a feature called Light Walk (6-9pm), you can take an illuminated stroll through the Temperate Pyramid. Also part of the Thursday evening line up are visits with Santa on December 7 from 5-8pm (free with regular admission, take pictures with your own phone or camera), and Concert Series: Holiday Cheer with Amati Musicians December 14 and 21…
YEG’s Favorite Summer Festivals
Edmonton is nicknamed the Festival City and for good reason. Summertime in Edmonton means non-stop festivals and fun. Here’s a list of some of the great festivals and cultural experiences YEG has to offer. June 20-July 16 – Freewill Shakespeare Festival June 30-July 9 – Sand on Whyte July 7-9 – Whyte Avenue’s Art Walk July 7-16 – Edmonton International Street Performers Festival July 20-29 – Taste of Edmonton July 21-23 – Interstellar Rodeo July 21-30 – K-Days August 5-7 – Servus Heritage Festival August 10-13 – Edmonton Folk Music Festival August 11-13 – Cariwest August 12-13 – Edmonton Latin Festival August 17-27 – Edmonton International Fringe™ Theatre Festival…
PJ Masks LIVE! Time To Be A Hero
PJ Masks has been a favorite in our house since they debuted almost 2 years ago. The stories of young superheros Catboy, Gecko and Owlette have been replayed over and over and then carried over into pretend play. It was so popular in our house last year that it was the theme of Kai’s 4th birthday. Masks (thanks to the talented Cold Lipstick’s Garden), superhero training complete with an obstacle course, and a completion certificate rounded out the activities. Just posted today was the announcement of the PJ Masks LIVE! tour coming to Edmonton on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 6pm. According to the Facebook event, presale begins Thursday…
Children’s Educational Classes, Drop-in Programs, Events & Festivals – June 2017 + Canada Day
Edmonton does not have a shortage of fun family activities. But sometimes it’s nice to pass on the bouncy house and food truck events for something a bit more educational. As homeschoolerss / unschoolers, we use many of the great attractions, events and festivals in Edmonton and beyond as our classroom. Here’s a list of some of the great learning opportunities going on in and around Edmonton for June. Some of the activities require pre-registration and / or are additional costs, so check the event link or attraction website for full information (links provided). Alberta Aviation Museum Weekly drop-in programs, Wednesdays 10:30-11:30, Ages 2-6 June 24 – Blatchford Field 90th Anniversary…
Fort Edmonton Park 150 Summer Pass + Special International Children’s Festival of the Arts Offer
I have lived in Edmonton just over 12 years, and last summer was the first time I experienced Fort Edmonton Park. The girls and I enjoyed a full day there, learning about the first settlers to Edmonton, the growth of the city and way of life in a different time. We explored the old fort, town buildings, learned about different modes of transportation, and had fun at the carnival. It was an excellent learning experience for them and myself and I can wait to go back this summer! Fort Edmonton Park is opening for the year this weekend, starting May 20. Many families opt for the membership that gives you…
Get Back To Nature: Upper Mill Creek Ravine
Mill Creek Ravine North and South (north and south trail off of 82 Ave) are fairly well know Edmonton trails, but do you know of the lesser know Upper Mill Creek Ravine tucked away in the Minchau neighbourhood, in the Mill Woods area of Edmonton? Adjacent to Minchau Park, a large green space and playground, and Barbara Danelesko Park, Upper Mill Creek Ravine is a granular trail that runs from about 34 Street and 34B Ave to around 40 Ave and 50 Street and also doubles as an off leash dog park. I parked in a mini cul de sac at the SE corner of the trail. Full Google Maps…
Edmonton + Area Craft Shows, Spring Markets & More! March – June 2017
I support local home based and handmade businesses as much as I can and Edmonton and surrounding area has a great market following. You can always find one of a kind gifts or treasures to treat yourself at one of the markets or shows across the city. Now that the slow of post Christmas is coming […]
Four Ways to Enjoy Winter in YEG
We’re crawling out of the deep freeze and temperatures are on the rise, maybe only briefly, but I’ll take it for now! Working from home and homeschooling means we have the luxury of staying inside on the coldest of days, but after a few days in, the kids are climbing the walls and cabin fever is setting in. Getting outside and soaking up the Vitamin D is the best thing you can do when the winter blues start to take hold. Here are four fun, family oriented ways to be more active this winter. Traditional Winter Fun Skating and sledding are my family’s favorite winter activities. I’ve never been a…
