Every parent knows that hiking with kids can be a bit of a crapshoot. You can plan an amazing day outdoors as a family, but it’s always a gamble how they’ll react. Choose a path that’s too long, and you might be carrying them back to the car. Pick a hike that is too boring, and they might never want to go hiking again. Forget to pack snacks? Well, forget about it.
No fear. We have suggestions for tried-and-true, kid-friendly hikes in Edmonton and the surrounding areas that kids (generally) love! We’re fortunate to live in a city that boasts the largest urban wilderness in North America, and within that parkland, there are plenty of nature trails to choose from.
In this article, we’ll share five family-friendly trails that have been proven fun for kids (most of the time). They offer the perfect mix of wilderness, wonder, and kid-friendly terrain.
As we explore the wild areas of Amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (Edmonton), we acknowledge that these paths run through Treaty 6 Territory. The river valley, forests, and hills in this region have served as a home, gathering space, and place for ceremony for Indigenous people thousands of years. It is the traditional land of the nêhiyaw (Cree), Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Isga (Nakota Sioux), and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) peoples. It is also home to the Otipemisiwak Métis (Metis Nation of Alberta).
We thank them for their stewardship of the land, so we can enjoy it today, and commit to walking softly, respecting the land and honouring the shared history of all treaty people.
Whitemud Park Trail – Alfred H. Savage Centre
Distance: As far as you want, up to 6km return.
The Whitemud Ravine is one of the city’s best areas for bird and wildlife watching. It has massive biodiversity, and you’ll see a variety of birds, squirrels, ducks, and even nesting owls in the spring! Sometimes, beavers are active in the creek, making dams. Bring a little bird seed, and you’ll have cute little chickadees landing right in your hand.
The easiest part of the park for family hikes is the north end, starting at the Alfred H. Savage Centre near the river. You can walk up the path as far as you want, then turn around. Walking to Snow Valley (3 km) feels like a good turnaround point, but it might be a bit long for little legs. There are a few benches and grassy areas along the way if you need a rest.
The path is packed gravel, but wide and level enough for strollers. This section has no steep sections or stairs, making it more accessible for families. Keep in mind that bikes are not permitted in this section of the ravine, as it is a sensitive wildlife habitat.
Directions:
Park in the free lot at the Alfred H. Savage Centre along Fox Dr. NW. The centre has clean public washrooms and water fountains to use before hitting the trail.
Head south along the trail that runs parallel to Whitemud Creek. This section is in thick forest, so you’ll soon be away from the city noise.
You can walk up the trail to the Snow Valley Ski Hill and turn around, or turn around whenever suits you and head back to the Alfred H. Savage Centre.
Mill Creek Ravine – Trestle Bridge Loop
Distance: 2–3 KM
The Mill Creek Ravine is popular for hikers, cyclists and dog walkers. It has a mix of paved, multi-use trails and a network of gravel and single-track trails that zigzag through the ravine. Kids love this park because the shallow creek edges are a fun spot to look for bugs and skip rocks. This loop in particular features a wooden trestle bridge and several bright red footbridges that add to the adventure. Plus, you can park in the heart of the Ritchie Community and grab an ice cream at Kind Ice Cream after your walk.
The paved trails are stroller-friendly, but might not make it on the dirt tracks near the ravine. Plan accordingly!
Note: The historic trestle bridge (1902) was being replaced in the summer of 2026. Construction is estimated to be complete in the fall of 2026, but please check the City of Edmonton website for updates, as it is closed at the time of writing and this will impact your route.
Directions
Park on a residential street on 77th Avenue, east of 96th Street as shown on the map.
Follow the wide, paved trail north on the west side of the creek. This section of the trail is built on the old Edmonton, Yukon and Pacific Railway bed!
Go under the 82 Ave underpass and continue to the Mill Creek Swimming Pool. Get back on the trail on the east side of the creek near the pool and head south.
A few unpaved paths follow the creek’s edge as you head south. This is where your kids will love to explore.
Follow the trail to the 76th Ave wood trestle bridge. Don’t cross 76th Ave; instead, keep following the paved path on the west side of the creek back to where you parked on 77th Ave.
River Loop Trail – Fort Edmonton Footbridge & Wolf Willow Beach
Distance: 4.6 KM loop
The River Loop Trail to the Fort Edmonton Footbridge and nearby Wolf Willow Beach is one of our favourite family hikes. The trail follows alongside the river and past Fort Edmonton, with interpretive signage posted along the way. Sometimes the Fort Edmonton steam train comes chugging along just on the other side of the fence!
The riverside trail is not always suitable for all strollers. Roots and mud make it tricky, so an all-terrain or jogging stroller works better.
You’ll reach the footbridge, which offers amazing lookout points, benches, and plenty of photo opportunities of the wide-open river valley. On the left of the bridge, on the north side of the river, you’ll see Wolf Willow’s sandy beach. It’s a fantastic spot to stop for a picnic, build sand castles or skip rocks on the water. If you’re walking in the winter, you can skip the beach and turn around after enjoying the new suspension bridge.
Note: The North Saskatchewan River has a strong undercurrent. Splashing along the water’s edge is fine, but swimming out into the river is not safe. Please keep a close eye on children.
Directions
Park in the free parking lot at Fort Edmonton Park, near the John Janzen Centre, and choose a direction to start the loop.
The southern part of the loop goes into the forest, behind Fort Edmonton Park, and is paved. If you have a stroller, you can do an in-and-out to the footbridge on this trail.
The north half of the loop is along the river and is a mix of packed gravel and dirt
About halfway along the loop, you’ll come to the Fort Edmonton Foodbridge.
Just off the west bank of the bridge, a small dirt trail leads down to a wide, sandy beach area. You can’t miss it.
After your beach break, head back across the bridge and follow the loop back to the parking lot.
Northeast River Valley Park to amisk wâciw âsokan (Beaver Hills Bridge)
Distance: 3-4 KM return, depending on how much you explore the park
Both Northeast River Valley Park and the amisk wâciw âsokan Bridge are relatively new additions to the Edmonton River Valley park system. The entire stretch follows a wide, paved trail that is great for strollers, bikes, rollerblading, and scooters! It offers expansive river views, forest wilderness, a unique footbridge with scenic viewpoints, a man-made lake and a fun playground at Northeast River Valley Park. This is one of our favourite kid-friendly hikes in Edmonton.
Northeast River Valley Park has modern washrooms, grassy areas, and picnic sites. However, along the trail there is virtually no shade as there is little tree canopy overhead. If you’re doing this trail in the summer, be sure to pack hats, sunscreen and water.
This family-friendly trail starts (or finishes) at a massive, modern playground. You can use the playground as a ‘reward’ after they finish the trek to the bridge and back. The park also has man-made “Big Island” lakes. Kids love watching the ducks, people paddling on the water and exploring the docks.
Directions
You can start on the Strathcona County side near the bridge (Township Rd 540), but we prefer to start at the Northeast River Valley Park (903 – 153 Ave NE).
Park near the main buildings and follow the paved multi-use path north along the river’s edge.
After a kilometre or more, you’ll see the bridge! Enjoy the 230-metre walk on the curved bridge, take a break and enjoy the views!
Head back to Northeast River Valley Park on the same trail you hiked in on.
Sherwood Park Natural Area
Distance: 2.7 km loop
The Sherwood Park Natural Area is a small park just outside of Sherwood Park that offers an easy 2.7 km single-track loop through a mature mixed forest teeming with birds and wildlife. It also has a wetlands section with boardwalks that go over the marsh. It offers a completely different vibe than the Edmonton River Valley and is a great spot to explore nature for the afternoon.
This natural area is home to the friendliest chickadees we’ve ever seen, so bring a few handfuls of raw, unsalted sunflower seeds. They’ll land right in your hand, and kids love it!
Because it’s a protected sanctuary, you might see other wildlife like squirrels, snowshoe hares, porcupines and white-tailed deer.
The loop also includes a section of the Old Edmonton Trail, a historic wagon track early settlers used to travel between Edmonton and Cooking Lake. Keep an eye out for historical plaques and imagine horse-drawn wagons clopping through the forest.
This is a true wilderness trail with a dirt track, exposed tree roots, rocks and rolling hills. It is not suitable for strollers. There are no washrooms or garbage cans on site, so come prepared!
Directions
Park in the small gravel parking lot on Range Road 231, just south of Sherwood Park.
A few minutes down the trail, you’ll reach the intersection. Start the loop in whichever direction you choose!
Along the way, you can take a short side trail to the Olive Grey Viewpoint. Rest on a bench that is carved right from a tree trunk.
Return to the parking lot.
