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Family Weekend Activities in Edmonton

MC Family

July 28, 2021

Make Métis Crossing Part of Your Family Weekend

Located just 1.5 hours northeast of the city, Métis Crossing offers family activities that Edmonton visitors can enjoy year-round. It’s a family-friendly destination grounded in Métis culture, history, and connection to the land. Whether you’re planning a day trip or looking for weekend activities Edmonton families can enjoy beyond the River Valley and city attractions, Métis Crossing offers meaningful experiences for all ages.

Connect to the Land

Learn how Métis families lived and travelled through the Métis Crossing Land. This interpretive space explores land use, survival, and migration, giving families a hands-on way to understand the landscapes and rivers that shaped Métis culture. If you’re looking for meaningful things to do in Edmonton this weekend with family, a day trip to Métis Crossing offers something beyond the usual city attractions.

Stay at the Métis Crossing Lodge

The Lodge at Métis Crossing offers modern, comfortable rooms with views of the North Saskatchewan River. It’s ideal for families planning a cultural weekend and also suits adults looking for a relaxing alternative to typical Edmonton activities for adults. Staying overnight puts you close to year-round programming, workshops, and riverside views.

Sleep Under the Stars in a Sky-Watching Dome

Experience a unique overnight stay in one of our Sky Watching Domes. These insulated domes offer panoramic sky views, perfect for stargazing and watching the northern lights, an ideal option if you’re looking for things to do in Edmonton, Alberta, this weekend that go beyond city limits.

Family Camping Options

If you’re looking for a more traditional stay, camping at Métis Crossing includes tent sites with fire pits, picnic tables, and access to clean washrooms. Sites are reservable and perfect for weekend trips. It’s a peaceful outdoor alternative to the busy pace of family fun in Edmonton, usually offers, ideal for relaxing and reconnecting.

Indigenous-Inspired Dining

Enjoy meals made with locally sourced ingredients and Métis recipes at The Bistro. A family weekend trip can include a stop for bannock, stew, or bison dishes that reflect generations of food knowledge, an authentic and family-friendly dining option not found in typical Edmonton’s best restaurant lists..

Join Daily Family Activities

Daily programming includes archery, traditional games, guided interpretive tours, and cultural storytelling. These are great for things to do with kids on weekends and offer a meaningful alternative to indoor amusement or crowded amusement park outings.

Take Part in Cultural Workshops

Families can register for Métis workshops like finger weaving, beading, and traditional art. These year-round sessions give families a hands-on way to engage with Indigenous heritage, perfect for your summer fun bucket or a creative break from typical weekend events.

These offerings make Métis Crossing an ideal addition to your list of family activities near Edmonton. Whether you’re planning to stay for the day or the weekend, it’s a meaningful way to connect with Alberta’s Indigenous heritage in a setting that welcomes all ages. Be sure to check the events calendar for seasonal programs, cultural workshops, and family-friendly activities happening throughout the year.

Other Things To Do in Edmonton With Family

Wase Saba Experiences

Sissy Thiessen invites you to join her in the Powwow Circle for a culturally immersive experience to learn more about Indigenous history, awareness, dance, storytelling and more. Sissy Thiessen is a Treaty 6 Nakota Sioux, Cree & German Indigenous cultural facilitator, Powwow dancer, crafter, beader, spoken word poet and creative writer with family roots in Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. Join Sissy as she celebrates her culture through this one of a kind Indigenous Powwow Dance Experience in which guests can experience an authentic dance performance, Powwow education & stories of origin, handle real beadwork and partake in a group round dance!

Learn more about this Indigenous experience in Edmonton that is sure to be fun for the whole family by visiting: http://wasesabaexperiences.ca/

Talking Rock Tours

Talking Rock Tours is Alberta’s a geo-educational hiking and sightseeing adventure company. Offering geo-educational small group experiences while exploring Alberta’s geological wonders. Talking Rock shares natural and cultural history, as well as indigenous storytelling to create a truly unique holistic experience. Talking Rock offers customizable, smaller group, knowledge-sharing that will provide the perfect weekend family adventure for your entire family!

Learn more about Talking Rock Tours by visiting: https://www.talkingrocktours.com/

ReSkilled Life

Located just 1 hour North of Edmonton, Reskilled Life is worth the drive, but they also offer online experiences! ReSkilled Life training provider in Alberta’s boreal forest. Located on 25 acres of wild paradise, the school is dedicated to preserving and sharing traditional skills so that students can reconnect with their roots and get to know the lives of their ancestors in the modern day. This 100% Indigenous run traditional skills school offers guided tours. Join them to learn how to forage for edible and medicinal plants, traditionally brain tan a hide, make moccasins, or create beautiful Metis style bead work in their Indigenous Arts Classes.

Learn more about Reskilled Life and how you can join them for a family friendly weekend adventure by visiting: http://www.reskilledlife.com/

Looking for more family-friendly weekend adventures grounded in Indigenous culture and history? Visit https://indigenoustourismalberta.ca/ for a complete listing of Indigenous destination in Alberta!

Plan Your Visit to Métis Crossing

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities near Edmonton or a weekend rooted in culture and nature, Métis Crossing offers something meaningful for every generation. From immersive workshops to sky watching and seasonal events, it’s a destination worth the short drive. Contact us today for any more questions.

Weekend Family Fun FAQs

What are the best family fun options near Edmonton in 2025?

In 2025, families looking for meaningful experiences near Edmonton can head to Métis Crossing for cultural workshops, sky watching domes, and family-friendly camping. It’s a unique alternative to traditional city spots like the Edmonton Valley Zoo or indoor amusement parks, offering a mix of heritage and hands-on activities just 1.5 hours away.

Is Métis Crossing a good place for summer fun with kids?

Yes. Métis Crossing offers plenty of summer fun for kids, including traditional games, guided nature walks, and arts-based workshops. If you’re searching for things to do with kids beyond typical amusement or pool outings, it’s a great addition to your summer fun bucket list.

How does Métis Crossing compare to events around Sherwood Park or Taste of Edmonton?

Unlike events in Sherwood Park or food-focused festivals like Taste of Edmonton, Métis Crossing centers on Indigenous culture and land-based learning. Visitors can engage in seasonal family events, make bannock, or learn Métis beadwork, making it a rich and educational weekend option for all ages.

Are there family adventure options near Edmonton with free admission or low cost?

While Métis Crossing has entry fees for some programs, many family adventure activities are affordable, and several events include free admission days or community programming. It’s a great place to spend the day for those seeking a mix of learning and outdoor fun just beyond the festival city.

Why include Métis Crossing in your events calendar this summer?

With its rotating lineup of workshops, storytelling, and nature-based activities, Métis Crossing belongs on every event’s calendar for Edmonton in July and beyond. It offers something different from art walks, amusement parks, or even the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, ideal for those looking to explore Edmonton through Indigenous experiences.