Categories: Things To Do

Looking to escape the cold? Here are six fun things to do in Edmonton

Photo via dodotone/Shutterstock

As Edmonton heads into the winter months, people are looking to stay warm while having fun. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got more than a few things to keep you satisfied while it’s chilly.

Whether you’re looking for a solo date activity or something to explore with the entire family, we’ve rounded up a bunch of indoor activities and events to check out while the weather is less than ideal in the city. From illusion museums to weekly art gatherings, there’s still so much to do in Edmonton despite the weather.

Explore the Museum of Illusions

This museum opened in West Edmonton Mall earlier this year, and it showcases a number of different interactive exhibits ranging from perspective shifts to holograms.

When: Daily
Time: Various times
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Adult admission starting at $40

Breathe in the fresh air at Muttart Conservatory

The Muttart Conservatory is well-known in Edmonton for being a tropical paradise indoors during the autumnal and winter months. According to its website, it holds majestic botanical gardens with over 700 different kinds of plant species for everyone to see year-round.

When: Daily (with the exception of Christmas Day)
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day (with the exception of Thursdays and adults-only from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays); 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays
Where: 9626 96a St. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: $14.95

Play with friends at these board game cafes

Edmonton is home to a number of board game cafes, perfect for those cozy winter evenings. If you’re still looking to have some fun even if the weather isn’t the warmest, you can check out these cafes for a game or two:

When: Varies
Time: Various times
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Varies

Get creative at this weekly Art Hive

Every Thursday, the Art Gallery of Alberta hosts its own Art Hive, a free art-making initiative open to all regardless of training or expertise. During these sessions, participants are invited to drop in and create their own works of art with the tools provided, surrounded by a warm and welcoming community.

When: Every Thursday
Time: Noon to 2 p.m.
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free

Try one of Edmonton Reuse Centre’s free workshops

Once again, taking over Thursdays is the Edmonton Reuse Centre, offering free workshops to folks in the city wanting to cut down on their waste. These DIY Thursdays feature local experts who help build skills, with past workshops teaching things like bike repair, gardening workshops, and sewing.

When: Every Thursday
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: 6835 83rd St. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free

Take a visit to Queen Mary’s Market

Queen Mary’s Market is located in the heart of Edmonton, operating on weekends, mainly with weekly activities and vendors open depending on the day. Here, there are over 130 vendors, as well as five individual restaurants within the building. This market features strong local vendors with a selection of antiques, rare collectibles, local produce, artisanal goods, and services.

When: Every Saturday and Sunday
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays
Where: 12011 111th Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free

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