Getting outside in the winter months is great - but there are times on those cold days when you just want to head somewhere warm while you can sip a latte, catch up on work and let the kids play with each other, without freezing. Am I right? Plus, last year Violet was barely a year, so getting outside during the winter months means we had to keep it short. (photo credit)
Check out these places to play indoors in Edmonton:
Chapters/Indigo Kids
The kids love playing at Chapters with the train table, reading books and browsing through the toys. As a bonus, there’s a Starbucks right there and the staff are fantastic. This is one of our favorite places to head inside and play around Whyte Ave. Second Choice? indigo Kids in South Edmonton Common. It’s one of the best places for free play. Tip: Many of the stores offer story time on Saturdays. Contact your local store to find out when.
Cafe O Play
Best suited for younger kids (think toddlers) Cafe O Play can be a great Riverbend retreat in the middle of the winter. It’s open until 8 on Thursdays and Fridays and can be quite busy during the weekend mornings (think wait lists) so make sure that you go early to snag yourself one of the best tables.
The Toy Hutch
Bouncy castles, play structures and snacks can be found at the Toy Hutch. It’s $7.25 for admission (infants under 12 months are free) and it’s open 9-3 Tuesday through Friday. Occasionally, there are late evenings available. These are announced through Facebook. Tip: Don’t forget socks for the kids and there is no outside food allowed.
The Fun Dome
At the fun dome you can take advantage of inflatables, mini golf, carnival games and more. It’s $7 for te first child, $3 for the second child and infants under the age of twelve months are free. Get the hours and other information on the Fun Dome website. Perk to the fun dome? You can bring your own nut free snacks with you.
WEM Waterpark - Toddler Time
Toddler time is one of our favorite ways to spend the day playing Hooky from work. Jamie takes the day off because it’s only $12 for a parent + child to go to the waterpark or Galaxy land at West Edmonton Mall. Toddler time admission is available between Monday and Thursdays (not during school holidays) between 12-3. You can enter during 12-3 but you’re allowed to stay as long as you want. I like it because we can bring our own snacks and it’s even more of a cheap day out for the family.
Kinsmen Indoor Playground
The Kinsmen Indoor playground is located on the first floor of the Kinsmen Sports Center and has a great playground for the kids to get rid of some of that winter energy. You can also take advantage of the inflatable playground (all services with admission). You can find the hours and the details of the kids facilities at Kinsmen, here.
Edmonton Public Library
Whether you’re going to take part in the hundreds of free programs that you can sign up for or you’re visiting your local branch to play with the toys and books, there are some great options available at Edmonton Public Library. Find a location or a program to get rid of some of the winter boredom. There’s everything from baby sign classes to lego.
Telus World of Science
The kids could play here for hours, and hours, and hours. With the fun TWOS Discoveryland featuring the water play and the aircraft, along with the soft baby section, they love it. Your best bet is to take advantage of the annual pass if you’re going to make it a common playplace during the winter months and you get the perks that come along with that. Tip: go during the weekdays to avoid the weekend rush.
Terwillegar Children’s Wing
Heading out for the day but don’t want to leave your own Terwillegar? The Children’s wing is a great indoor playground for kids aged 0-10. Regular admission rates for children apply, and socks are required. Get the details of the playground and more.
