Edmonton toddler parents: this one is for you. Today on the blog I’m sharing 3 fun indoor family activities in Edmonton that Elle and I had a blast at this past month: the Muttart Conservatory; the Sea Life Caverns and Sea Lions’ Rock Show; and the John Janzen Nature Centre.

Muttart Conservatory: Indoor Family Activities in Edmonton

This time last April Aaron was golfing… and this year there’s still snow on the ground! I know it’s not just me – our Edmonton winter felt (and is still feeling) especially long.

Thankfully, it’s possible to experience tropical temperatures without leaving the city with a trip to the Muttart Conservatory.

Located in Edmonton’s river valley, the Muttart botanical garden is comprised of four glass pyramids, each with its own climate. The arid, tropical and temperate pyramids can be enjoyed year-round. The fourth is a feature pyramid that changes about six times a year.

My personal favourite was the tropical pyramid. Within seconds of entering, it felt like we were on vacation. The air was humid, the temperature hot and I loved the jungle-like environment, complete with vines, banana and palm trees and a cascading water fall.

Elle also had a blast. After a cold winter, it was great seeing her waddle around in a shirt, stopping to inspect cacti in the arid pyramid and leaning down to feel a shrub in the temperate pyramid.

Each room has broad paths, making them accessible for strollers if you have a little one that isn’t quite walking. And if you have time/a cooperative child, I highly suggest stopping for a bite the eat at the Muttart’s Culina Café. The food is delicious and they have the most amazing lattes, which you can get to-go. Just sayin’: there’s over 700 plants species to check out. You probably want caffeine!

Here’s some pricing info if you’re thinking about checking it out: Adult: $12.50; Ages 2 and under: Free; Ages 2-12: $6.50; Ages 13-17: $10.50; Senior (65+): $10.50; Family: $37.

Sea Life Caverns and Sea Lions’ Rock Show: Indoor Family Activities in Edmonton

Okay, so yes, let me address the penguin in the room: it’s Elle.

Aaron may or may not have found a super cute penguin outfit on clearance that was too big at Halloween… and decided Elle HAD to wear it when we went to see the African penguins at West Edmonton Mall’s Sea Life Caverns.

The Sea Life Caverns is an underground aquarium housing fish, sharks, reptiles, sea turtles, penguins and amphibians. It’s located right next to the Sea Lions’ Rock Show, and doing both activities made for a fun afternoon out at W.E.M.

We started in the aquarium, where Elle loved checking out the purple urchins’ pool and waving at the penguins and sharks.

She was totally mesmerized, though, when we headed to the Sea Lions’ Rock Show. Sorry, I should rephrase that – Aaron was mesmerized. I swear I looked over and they both had the same excited expressions on their faces when the first sea lion appeared.

The staff took special attention to describe how they care for the sea lions. They also shared information about sea lions in the wild, which I found very helpful and interesting. And although the show was fabulous, we weren’t quite able to stay until the end (toddler life) when participants had a chance to get up close and personal with the friendly mammals.

If you’d like to stop by and visit yourself, the shows happen every day at 2 and 4, as well as at noon on weekends. Here’s the cost for entry to one Sea Lion Show and all-day access to the Seal Life Caverns: General: $12; Ages 3 to 10: $8; Ages 2 and under: Free.

John Janzen Nature Centre’s Tegler Discovery Zone: Fun Indoor Family Activities in Edmonton

Looking for a fun place for your little one to let off some steam while learning about nature? The Tegler Discovery Zone at the John Janzen Nature Centre is a safe bet. It’s an interactive play space for kids up to ten-years-old.

At a year and a half, Elle was the perfect age to enjoy it’s many ramps, caves, water tables and the highlight: a big slide. In fact, she loved it there so much we went twice in one week! Which is sayin’ something considering we live in St. Albert and it’s located next to Fort Edmonton Park!

What I liked best about the discovery zone was how CLEAN it is. And all the structures are quite tall, so I was able to join Elle in the caves and other fun play spaces with comfort and ease. This momma ‘aint no spring chicken anymore, okay.

It’s also super affordable – when I took Elle alone, it was only $3 for the both of us! The John Janzen has other nature-themed and outdoor programming that I’m looking forward to having Elle check out on future visits. Here’s some pricing info in case you’d like to head there yourself: each tot and child admission includes one free adult supervisor: Ages 0 to 23 months: $3; Ages 2-12: $8; Additional Parent: $3; Family: $17.

As you can tell, March was quite a fun month for the Hunkas as we checked out these fun indoor family activities in Edmonton. I really do love exploring our city and province – in fact, doing so is one of my resolutions for 2018. I look forward to sharing more with you as the months roll on and would LOVE to hear any suggestions you have on where we should visit!

Xo Holly Hunka

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