Things to do in Edmonton this Weekend with Kids

This weekend Edmonton is packed with festive, family-friendly events. From magical post-holiday attractions and glow-in-the-dark adventures to free workshops, swimming, skating, and larger-than-life indoor play, there’s something here for every age and energy level.

This weekend is the perfect time to see a movie. Get FREE Popcorn at Cineplex January 16-19, 2026 when you see a movie in the theatre. It’s the perfect time to check out the $3.99 Cineplex Family Favourites movies - this weekend you’ll find Madagascar on the big screen!

What to do this Weekend in Edmonton with Kids, January 16-18, 2026

Friday January 16, 2026

  • Introduction to Archeleology: All Ages Talk
    This interactive and approachable introduction is perfect for curious minds of all ages—no experience required! If you have a kid with an interest in archaeology - this is the talk for you!

  • Catch Charlie the Wonderdog on the Big Screen
    A dog gains superpowers after he is abducted by aliens. Together, they battle an evil cat threatening humanity while the dog becomes a famous superhero. It’s a great weekend to catch a movie with the kids - because it’s FREE POPCORN Weekend!

  • Catch Chiseled Festival in ICE District
    From January 15 to 17, ten elite ice carvers from across Canada will transform massive blocks of crystal- clear ice into monumental works of art. Each sculpture is built from 15 large ice blocks, creating international-scale pieces that are only seen in a few places in Canada. Carving will take place daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., weather permitting, and the public is invited to watch the artists use chainsaws, chisels, and other specialized tools to create these magnificent pieces of art.

Saturday January 17, 2026

  • Visit the Edmonton Pet Expo
    The 2026 Edmonton Pet Expo is the city’s largest pet-focused event, bringing animal lovers together for an exciting weekend of family-friendly fun, expert advice, and unforgettable experiences at the Edmonton EXPO Centre on January 17 and 18.

  • Step into the Deep Freeze Festival
    Step into a winter wonderland at Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, Edmonton’s first festival of the year! Experience the magic of winter through breathtaking ice sculptures, vibrant cultural traditions, and activities that bring our community together.

  • Family Winterfest in Rosslyn
    Enjoy an afternoon with family, friends and neighbours at the Rosslyn Community League while you have fun! Roast Marshmallows, sip on warm beverages and eat sweet treats!

  • Winter Wonderland in Hairsine Community
    Join us on January 17th from 1-4 pm and defeat those Winter blues with a fun, festive Winter Wonderland! We'll have activities such as crafts, snow shoeing and sledding, cookie decorating, Bannock on a stick, Maple Sugar Shack, hot cocoa and more!

  • FREE City of Edmonton Play Rangers Drop-in
    Up for an adventure? Come try out a Kicksled or build a snow fort. Maybe try snowshoeing or just come by to stay warm next to the fire. This is a free, no registration required, activity every weekend in Edmonton. Find this fun, lead by community leaders, program, in Edmonton.

  • Meet an Owl at Backyard Birds
    It's FREE to meet Tansi the Great-horned Owl, but donations to the observatory will be accepted and appreciated! No registration required. This is presented in partnership with Beaverhill Bird Observatory.

  • FREE Saturday Swim with Inflatables
    Splash around with a FREE Saturday swim (sponsored by Pasta Pantry & Trattoria) at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre! This inflatable swim is best for the younger crowd - the inflatable is on the smaller scale, and it gets busy - so arrive early!

Sunday January 18, 2026

  • Robert Burns Celebration at Rutherford House
    Celebrate Robert Burns’ birthday with an afternoon of bagpipes, traditional dancing, and, of course, the address to the haggis! 

  • Michaels Makebreak: Make Fabric Bracelets
    Looking for a fun, free way to kick off the new year with your kids? Local Michaels stores in Edmonton are hosting a series of MakeBreak and Kids Club events throughout January 2026 that are perfect for creative families and crafty folks of all ages! This week, make a fabric bracelet.

  • The Great Puzzle Swap at Farmer and Daughter
    Everyone brings in their old puzzles and we will have tables set up so you can check out everybody’s puzzles too. All puzzles are welcomed from 2 pieces to 1000 pieces or more. Everyone who is participating in The Great Puzzle exchange will get a token for 20% off their next puzzle purchase. 10am to 3pm

  • World Snow Day at Snow Valley Ski Club
    Try out various fire-starting techniques with Russ, a Métis survival instructor (Aaroe Survival), snap some selfies with Simon, roast your own s'more marshmallows over the fire, and more. Come out, have fun - and celebrate World Snow Day at Snow Valley Ski Club.

  • FREE Family Concert at Maclab Centre: Robin Layne and the Rhythm Makers
    Over the past decade and a half, Juno nominated percussionist Robin Layne has steeped himself in rhythmic traditions around the world. His search for rhythm and folkloric traditions has led him to Cuba, Guinea, Mali, Mexico, and beyond. He brings these influences to bear in his compositions that are inspired by his travels. Robin believes music has the power to connect and bring people together and has devoted his life to that, both through his performing work and also his educational work with young people. He is the senior percussion instructor at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music and the Artistic Director of the World Rhythms for Youth Society. You can reserve your tickets, here.

Find the best things to do in Edmonton. Visit the full Edmonton.family Event Calendar.