Edmonton With Teenagers
Ahhh teenagers. They get such a bad rap. Sure, they can be moody. Yes, they don't always make the best traveling companions. But appeal to their sensibilities, and that unbridled passion and stubborn idealism that makes you crazy at its worst can become an incredible asset-especially when they're allowed to explore new surroundings with a fresh perspective.
Luckily for you, Edmonton is cosmopolitan city with a small town feel, which means you can rest easy letting the kids roam free (within reason, of course). Some of the best Edmonton attractions for teens are located in malls and shopping districts with activities that will appeal to the whole family.
West Ed, A Teenager's Favourite Mall
A visit to Edmonton is not complete without a trip to West Edmonton Mall, home to more than 800 stores and services including nine world-class attractions, two hotels and 100 dining establishments. Indulge in some retail therapy at stores like Zara, Lulu Lemon, Forever21 and Urban Outfitters. Or you can arrange a meeting time and let the kids burn a few hours riding the Mindbender rollercoaster at Galaxyland. There are movie theatres, skate shops and even an Olympic-sized skating rink, so it might not be a bad idea to make the most of your time by booking a room at the Fantasyland Hotel right in the mall. Even the locals can lose their bearings once inside, so don't forget to arrange a meeting spot where the whole family can congregate at the end of the day.
West Edmonton Mall
1755 8882 - 170 Street
Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2
780-444-5200
www.wem.ca
Get Your Game On
Edmonton is a hockey city, and the city's pride and joy is the local NHL team, the Edmonton Oilers. Purchase your tickets in advance from Ticketmaster and then take the LRT to see them play at Rexall Place (and if you want to start a riot, cheer for the Calgary Flames). The Edmonton Capitals are the city's baseball team. You won't find the pomp and circumstance that you would at American baseball games, but tickets are affordable and parking is cheap. You can also watch the Edmonton Eskimos kick-off during season games at Commonwealth Stadium. Don your green and gold and get ready to shout "Go Eskies!"
Soak up the Sun at Millcreek Pool
When the city really heats up from June until August, you will find the city's teenage population lounging in the sunshine at the Millcreek Outdoor Pool. The pool is nestled in the Mill Creek Ravine, creating a sound chamber that carries the happy squeals of sunbathers across Whyte Ave. Bring lots of sunscreen and ample change for goodies at the concession. Complimentary wallet lockers are provided for valuables.
Millcreek Outdoors Pool
9555 84 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
780-442-5261
www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/sport_recreation/mill-creek-outdoor-pool.aspx
Paddle the North Saskatchewan
If you happen to be in town for Canada Day weekend (July 1), explore the city like a Voyageur by signing up for a canoe trip with Haskin Canoe. The local guides will lead groups down the North Saskatchewan River from Devon to Edmonton's Laurier Dog Park, and they will also book custom trips for you and your teen. Group paddles are $100/person and lunch is included.
Break for a Bite in Old Strathcona
When hunger gets the best of you, book it over to Whyte Ave. in Old Strathcona where the selection of independently-owned cafes and restaurants will appeal to any palette. Your vegetarian teens will love the creative raw food menu available at Refresh Organic Bistro. Carnivore on the loose? Julio's Barrio is a lively Mexican restaurant with huge food portions and complimentary sombreros for guests to wear while chowing down on dinner. Make sure you save room for dessert at Flirt Cupcakes down the street.
Refresh Organic Bistro
10151 82 Ave.
Edmonton, AB
780-722-4740
www.refreshorganic.com
Julio's Barrio
10450 82 Ave.
Edmonton, AB T6E 2A2
780-431-0774
www.juliosbarrio.com
Flirt Cupcakes
10158 82 Ave.
Edmonton, AB
780-757-4899
www.flirtcupcakes.com
Read Full Story
Luckily for you, Edmonton is cosmopolitan city with a small town feel, which means you can rest easy letting the kids roam free (within reason, of course). Some of the best Edmonton attractions for teens are located in malls and shopping districts with activities that will appeal to the whole family.
West Ed, A Teenager's Favourite Mall
A visit to Edmonton is not complete without a trip to West Edmonton Mall, home to more than 800 stores and services including nine world-class attractions, two hotels and 100 dining establishments. Indulge in some retail therapy at stores like Zara, Lulu Lemon, Forever21 and Urban Outfitters. Or you can arrange a meeting time and let the kids burn a few hours riding the Mindbender rollercoaster at Galaxyland. There are movie theatres, skate shops and even an Olympic-sized skating rink, so it might not be a bad idea to make the most of your time by booking a room at the Fantasyland Hotel right in the mall. Even the locals can lose their bearings once inside, so don't forget to arrange a meeting spot where the whole family can congregate at the end of the day.
West Edmonton Mall
1755 8882 - 170 Street
Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2
780-444-5200
www.wem.ca
Get Your Game On
Edmonton is a hockey city, and the city's pride and joy is the local NHL team, the Edmonton Oilers. Purchase your tickets in advance from Ticketmaster and then take the LRT to see them play at Rexall Place (and if you want to start a riot, cheer for the Calgary Flames). The Edmonton Capitals are the city's baseball team. You won't find the pomp and circumstance that you would at American baseball games, but tickets are affordable and parking is cheap. You can also watch the Edmonton Eskimos kick-off during season games at Commonwealth Stadium. Don your green and gold and get ready to shout "Go Eskies!"
Soak up the Sun at Millcreek Pool
When the city really heats up from June until August, you will find the city's teenage population lounging in the sunshine at the Millcreek Outdoor Pool. The pool is nestled in the Mill Creek Ravine, creating a sound chamber that carries the happy squeals of sunbathers across Whyte Ave. Bring lots of sunscreen and ample change for goodies at the concession. Complimentary wallet lockers are provided for valuables.
Millcreek Outdoors Pool
9555 84 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
780-442-5261
www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/sport_recreation/mill-creek-outdoor-pool.aspx
Paddle the North Saskatchewan
If you happen to be in town for Canada Day weekend (July 1), explore the city like a Voyageur by signing up for a canoe trip with Haskin Canoe. The local guides will lead groups down the North Saskatchewan River from Devon to Edmonton's Laurier Dog Park, and they will also book custom trips for you and your teen. Group paddles are $100/person and lunch is included.
Break for a Bite in Old Strathcona
When hunger gets the best of you, book it over to Whyte Ave. in Old Strathcona where the selection of independently-owned cafes and restaurants will appeal to any palette. Your vegetarian teens will love the creative raw food menu available at Refresh Organic Bistro. Carnivore on the loose? Julio's Barrio is a lively Mexican restaurant with huge food portions and complimentary sombreros for guests to wear while chowing down on dinner. Make sure you save room for dessert at Flirt Cupcakes down the street.
Refresh Organic Bistro
10151 82 Ave.
Edmonton, AB
780-722-4740
www.refreshorganic.com
Julio's Barrio
10450 82 Ave.
Edmonton, AB T6E 2A2
780-431-0774
www.juliosbarrio.com
Flirt Cupcakes
10158 82 Ave.
Edmonton, AB
780-757-4899
www.flirtcupcakes.com
