When the forecast is 28°C and climbing, it can feel like you have to choose between sweating it out or staying inside with Paw Patrol reruns on loop. But if you’re craving fresh air and the kids (or grandparents) are climbing the walls, don’t worry—there are ways to hit the trails without roasting like a campfire marshmallow.
This list rounds up some of the best family-friendly hikes near Edmonton that offer shade, short distances, and easy terrain. These are the kinds of trails where you can bring toddlers, strollers (in some cases), or even a reluctant teen with the promise of snacks and bug spray. All spots are within about an hour’s drive of Edmonton, making them great for a low-stress day trip.
Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area (Parkland County)
Distance from Edmonton: ~40 minutes
Trail Lengths: 1.5 km to 10 km loops
Shade Factor: High
Good For: All ages, especially families with small kids
Chickakoo is one of those places that’s surprisingly under-the-radar for how peaceful and pretty it is. The main loop around Chickakoo Lake is only about 1.5 km and mostly shaded—perfect for a slow meander with a juice box in hand. There are longer trails if you’re feeling ambitious, but they all weave through a mix of forest and lake views. Bonus: the terrain is mostly flat, and there are benches and picnic spots throughout. Watch for birds, frogs, and the occasional deer if you’re lucky.
More info from Parkland County
Islet Lake Staging Area (Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area)
Distance from Edmonton: ~45 minutes
Trail Lengths: Varies – choose-your-own-adventure style
Shade Factor: Medium to high (depends on the trail)
Good For: Families with older kids, casual hikers
If your crew can handle a little distance, Islet Lake offers a gorgeous mix of woods, wetlands, and wildlife. You can hike out and back for as long or short as you like, and while not every stretch is shaded, there’s enough tree cover to keep things tolerable even on a hot day. The terrain is mostly gentle and wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side—great for hand-holding toddlers or explaining the lore of Minecraft at length.
Make sure you bring water and maybe a small snack picnic—there aren’t many services here, but it’s a lovely spot to hang out for a few hours.
Wagner Natural Area (Spruce Grove area)
Distance from Edmonton: ~25 minutes
Trail Length: 2.5 km loop
Shade Factor: High
Good For: Curious kids, stroller-free families, wildflower nerds
This one’s short, sweet, and scientifically interesting. Wagner Natural Area is an ecological reserve best known for its fens—wetland habitats that are full of unique plants and critters. The loop trail here is easy and shaded, and the area is relatively quiet even on weekends. It’s a good one for kids who like to poke around looking for bugs, moss, or odd-shaped mushrooms.
Just a heads-up: no dogs are allowed, and there aren’t any bathrooms, so plan accordingly.
Details from Wagner Natural Area Society
Devonian Trail (University of Alberta Botanic Garden)
Distance from Edmonton: ~30 minutes
Trail Length: ~1 km loop (trail only; the whole garden is much larger)
Shade Factor: High
Good For: Stroller users, little legs, garden fans
If you’re looking for something a little more manicured but still outdoorsy, the Devonian Trail inside the U of A Botanic Garden is a gentle, mostly shaded loop through natural forest. The whole garden is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, and there are shaded benches around every turn. There’s also a big butterfly house, some open lawns for letting the kids run wild, and plenty of garden paths to explore.
Admission isn’t free, but it’s worth it for a low-effort, beautiful walk.
Check admission and hours here
Strathcona Science Provincial Park
Distance from Edmonton: ~15 minutes
Trail Lengths: 1 km to 5 km
Shade Factor: Moderate
Good For: Short hikes, last-minute outings, urban wildlife watching
It might not be the most glamorous park in Alberta, but Strathcona Science Park is right there and has some nice little trails along the river valley. Several are wooded enough to offer good shade, especially in the morning. There’s also a decent amount of wildlife around—birds, beavers, squirrels—if your kids are into that kind of thing. Terrain is mostly flat or gently rolling. No admission, no pressure, just a solid option for a spontaneous Saturday morning.
Pro Tips for Hot-Weather Hiking with Kids
- Go early. Mornings are cooler, quieter, and usually mosquito-light.
- Bring bug spray. Forest trails are beautiful… and so are you, to a mosquito.
- Pack more water than you think. Little legs need hydration too.
- Dress light but cover up. Long sleeves and hats keep sun and bugs at bay.
- Have a backup plan. Sometimes even the best plans melt down (literally or emotionally).
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