Updated: October 7, 2024
Is there anything better than fall in Fort McMurray? The leaves changing colours, the weather is a little cooler, but it’s still an amazing time to enjoy yourself outside before the snow arrives.
Here are our top things to do in Fort McMurray with your kids this fall.
This land has welcomed First Nations from across Turtle Island, and settlers and visitors from around the world. Alberta lands are part of Treaties 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10, and the homeland of the Métis. Alberta Mamas respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit nations. We are all Treaty people.
Please Note: We do our best to keep the information Alberta Mamas current and accurate, but all information shared is subject to change. Please check the website and/or social media for the organizations directly (we always try to link to them!) to confirm before travelling.
Table of Contents
Birchwood Trails
Long time residents hold the Birchwood Trails very close to heart and was one of the major battle grounds of the fire in 2016.
There are 130km that make up Birchwood trails and they are maintained for use during the summer and fall months for running, walking and bringing your strollers.
Going for a walk in the trails is a great opportunity to talk to your kids about the different types of trees and plants that grow in the region and get some fresh air. Some of the types of trees that grow in the region include White spruce, trembling aspen, balsam poplar and white birch.
The RMWB has a map of all the trails in the system.
Need a place for an impromptu photoshoot? Head to Birchwood Trails while the leaves are yellow and orange.
Fort McMurray Marathon & Kids Run
If you’re really into running, check out the Fort McMurray Marathon Sunday, September 22, 2024.
If a full marathon seems a little hardcore, there are 3K, 5, 10K, and a half marathon races also. Register online by September 1st to avoid late registration fees.
Vista Ridge Aerial Adventure Park & Mini-Putt Course
Only open until October 1 – get out quick before this outdoor attraction in Fort McMurray is closed for the season! The Vista Ridge Aerial Adventure Park and Mini-Putt Course was even seen on Amazing Race Canada!
The aerial park is for kids ages 7+ and costs between $19-32 depending on the course. Please see their website for detailed instructions.
Heritage Village & Shipyard
Who remembers coming to Heritage Park as a kid? 🙋🏻 I do. It’s not longer Heritage Park because it has so much more to offer than it did in the 90’s, and also… there’s a Heritage Shipyard now!
Heritage Village was closed for 4 years due to the flood, but is open and ready to educate the next generation on Fort McMurray’s history from trappers cabins to Hills Drugs and Wop May.
Fall special events to watch for include Oktober Fest and the Harvest Festival.
Visit an Indoor Play Space
I get it – the weather is unpredictable at this time of year, and you don’t always way to be outside. We’re lucky to have a number of options to get out of the house and play indoors:
- The Alley YMM
- PlayOn Space
- Awesome Khaos
- MacDonald Island Sentinel Storage Indoor Playground & Clubhouse and the Pepsi Climbing Wall
- Avenue Cafe
More Events
Looking for even more ideas? Perhaps some of the Fort McMurray fall events tickle your fancy:
- Alberta Culture Days: Sept 1 – 30th
- Area 63 Motorsport events run most weekends in September and the first weekend in October
- Fall Trade Show & Artisan Market
Find even more things to do on the event calendar maintained by MacDonald Island. Fall is an amazing time to get out and enjoy the amazing outdoors in Fort McMurray with your kids, and hello, the mosquitoes might even be gone soon!
Visiting Fort Mac in the Fall? Here are Some Spots to Stay
While many visitors to Fort McMurray stay with friends or family, here are some other options if you want some of your own space (or are going to see the sites without seeing people – go you!):
- Hotel: Radisson Hotel & Suites Fort McMurray
- I LOVE the super-reasonably priced suites here! Big bonus: a bright orange water slide feeds into the 4’3″ deep pool with a small hot tub beside it – life jackets are available on the pool deck for shorter kids.
- Campground: Gregoire Lake Provincial Park
- Driving in to Gregoire Lake you wonder if there will be any trees – the forest up to the park was razed by The Beast, but the campground and beach were spared! Make your reservations up to 90 days in advance, but sites are usually available.
If you’re enjoying this, check out these related posts!
Can you make this article better?
We’re always looking to improve! Have you noticed a spelling or information error, know of something we left out, or would like to share anything else, reach out to us!
- Email us at hello@albertamamas.com
- Get social on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Pinterest
- Use our Contact Us form
- Write your own post for us!
And be sure to save this post to Pinterest to find it again!