Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, Jasper, Drumheller and Red Deer? Yes! We often overlook Red Deer as a summer destination but we have discovered there is SO much to do in Red Deer and area. From great camping, lakes, rivers, outdoor water attractions, good food, and more; read below why we think adding Red Deer to your Summer Bucket List is a good idea!
Red Deer Summer Bucket List:
- Great camping – By now you know we are all big fans of camping and Red Deer is one of our favourite spots to camp when we don’t want to drive too far. Lions campground right in Red Deer has great access to bike trails, is close to the river, and is very family friendly. RV There Yet is close to Spirit Creek Golf Course, has large sites, free wifi, and free showers.
- There’s a lot of water – Sylvan Lake is minutes away making it a perfect day trip to the beach. They have added on to their Aqua Splash Park (Pictured below. More details about the park here) More and also offer a 25% discount on their rates if you go the first hour they open (11-Noon). Discovery Canyon Park (www.discoverycanyonpark.ca) is sure to wear out the kids (we suggest you try to hit up this popular spot on a weekday and go early to get a good spot) and don’t forget about the Red Deer River! There are lots of bike trails with easy access to the river where you can have a picnic.
- New attractions for families have opened – Bower Ponds (www.bowerponds.ca) has been open for only a couple of seasons but it is already one of the most popular spots in Red Deer to visit! paddle boats, water balls, canoes and kayak rentals means everyone will have something to do plus their gourmet hot dog stand means no packing a lunch!
- Delicious food – We’re not just talking donuts from The Donut Mill either. Although is it even a trip to Red Deer without stopping at the Donut Mill? Red Deer has really stepped up it’s food game lately! From food trucks like Chedda’s Heads (check out their menu here) to new restaurants that focus on local, traditional meals like Messinger Meats (yes the ones that supply both Edmonton and Calgary’s Italian Centre!) you can easily find places that are both Instagram worthy and delicious.
- There are easy day trips to take from Red Deer – A few weeks ago a couple Alberta Mamas checked out the new waterpark in Blackfalds and we had a blast! For around $20 per family you could easily spend the day here. With a spray park, shallow warm water for little ones, large pool with a diving board and climbing wall, and two waterslides; our kids (ages 4-10) we all occupied for hours. We loved that you could pack a lunch which allowed us to stay longer.
Have you been to Red Deer? What’s your favourite thing to do there? 
Deanne Ferguson is the owner of Box Social Event Planning. When she is not planning fun, family, friendly events she is finding the yummiest food for the Edmonton Home and Garden Show Food Stage. She loves her #cocktailsMonday dates with her husband and chasing around her two boys.