73+ FREE Things to do in Edmonton with Kids in May 2026
May in Edmonton just hits different—longer days, a bit of sunshine (finally), and kids with way too much energy to keep indoors. If you’re trying to keep them busy without spending a fortune, guajillo’s got you covered. Here are 73 free things to do around the city this May that’ll get everyone out of the house, having fun, and maybe even a little tired by the end of the day.
UFest Ukrainian Festival
May 29-30, 2026
Spend two days Borden Park - May 29 and 30, 2026 exploring Ukrainian culture, arts and food. Don’t skip the kids zone - or the main stage for dance performances, live music and more.
Here is your guide to 73+ FREE Things to do in Edmonton with kids in May 2026
FREE Admission during ACT Centre at Rundle Park OPEN HOUSE
May 31, 2026
The City of Edmonton will be hosting a series of free open houses at select recreation centres, so Edmontonians can experience the amenities found in their neighbourhood. This month, you can get free admission to ACT in Edmonton.Drop in for FREE City of Edmonton Play Rangers: GPS Geocaching and Orienteering
May 30, 2026Learn about Backyard Gardening and Permaculture
May 30, 2026
A permaculture method using compostable materials in hills to reduce the need for water, improve soil structure, and extend the growing season. German for ‘hill culture’. Joan Ramler will share her extensive experience of this permaculture method of gardening. We will build this bed during the program!Take a Bookbinding Workshop at EPL
May 30, 2026
Attention authors! Are you ready to turn your digital files into a physical book? This class is ideal for authors who have completed their manuscripts and wish to use EPL’s bookbinding equipment to make a perfect bound softcover book.Rowdy Robots Makerspace Drop In
May 29, 2026
What do the words Root, Ozobot, Dash and Sphero have in common? They are all bored robots waiting for someone to code them for fun!Free Admission to Art Gallery of Alberta on the Last Thursday of the Month
May 28, 2026Free Parent & Child Dance Class
May 25, 2026
Dance games and activities also nurture our co-regulation and executive function, important building blocks to future success for the little ones.Drop in for FREE City of Edmonton Play Rangers: GPS Geocaching and Orienteering
May 23, 2026Check out the Free Petting Zoo at Callingwood Farmer’s Market
May 23, 2026
Find a free afternoon of family fun! Enjoy a petting zoo, bouncy castle, and face painting, plus roving entertainment with Spandy Andy, live music, and food trucks.Teen Movie Night at the Library
May 22, 2026
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a Teen Movie Night! Come check out the newest Superman movie at the library. Pizza and snacks will be provided. For grades 7 - 12.Take a Teen Photography Skills Class
May 20, 2026
Explore your creative side in this two-part Studio Lab class! In the first session you will develop your photography skills in the Makerspace Studio Lab; experimenting with studio lighting, different cameras, lenses, and accessories, to capture stunning raw images. The second session will offer a space to learn and practice a variety of editing techniques in Adobe Lightroom that will take your raw images to a polished final product. Whether you’re a beginner or building on your skills, this series offers hands-on guidance and the chance to create something uniquely yours.Bad Art Afternoon at Strathcona County Library
May 20, 2026
Leave your good taste at home and let your creativity run free! We’ll provide the wacky materials, you make the bad art. At the end of the program, vote for the “best” bad art and the artist will go home with a tremendously tacky award!Take a Hip Hop Workshop for Teens
May 19, 2026
Calling all emerging artists and musicians! Join us for a 6 week Hip Hop workshop for teens. Learn the ins and outs of the industry from a local recording artist and writer and collaborate with other musicians.World Migratory Bird Day at Lois Hole Centennial Park
May 19, 2026
Nature Alberta is thrilled to partner with the Big Lake Environmental Support Society again to co-host World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The annual event continues to grow in popularity and promises to be a memorable celebration of migratory birds.Free Parent & Child Dance Class
May 18, 2026
Dance games and activities also nurture our co-regulation and executive function, important building blocks to future success for the little ones.Catch the 2026 Edmonton Elks Fan Day
May 18, 2026
Edmonton Elks Fan Day is a free, family-friendly event that gives fans of all ages a chance to connect with the team before the season begins. Held during training camp, the event features a live team scrimmage where fans can watch players in action, followed by opportunities to meet athletes and coaches, collect autographs, and interact with alumni and the cheer team.City of Edmonton Splash Day - Kick off to Summer!
May 16, 2026
Mark your calendars for the opening of the wading fountains at Churchill Square. Opening day is filled with fun activities, for the whole family to celebrate the kick off to cooling off in Edmonton this summer.Drop in for FREE City of Edmonton Play Rangers: GPS Geocaching and Orienteering
May 16, 2026Learn about the Snakes of Albert at Miquelon Lake
May 16, 2026
It’s a tough life being a noodle, but Alberta’s snakes have amazing super-powers to live in extreme places and face big dangers. In this indoor family presentation, we will explore the amazing diversity of Alberta’s snake species, snake myth-busting and how to stay safe when being near them. Our park animal ambassadors Puzzle and/or Riddle might even make an appearance!Peek in a Pond Program at Miquelon Lake
May 16, 2026
Ever wonder what lies beneath the surface? Dive in to this fun and interactive program to discover for yourself what kind of critters call Grebe pond home. Get down on your bellies and dip into the reeds to see what you will catch!Springfest at Manning Town Centre
May 16, 2026
Join Manning Town Centre for our SpringFest celebration on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 12–3 PM! Taking place in the central parking lot north of The Canadian Brewhouse, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to welcome the season!Catch a Free Classical Music Performance
May 16, 2026
Curious about classical music? The professional musicians of the Alberta String Association are here to be your guide. In each session, our musicians will introduce you to a variety of composers, styles, instruments, and pieces intended to connect listeners to the wide world of classical music. This performance is free and open to listeners of all ages.Take a Teen Craft Learn to Knit
May 15, 2026
Come learn the basics of knitting with other teens. We'll show you how to hold your needles, cast on stitches, and how to create knit stitches. If you already know how to knit, come join us and bring your project to work on.Season Opening Weekend at Spruce Grove Grain Elevator
May 15-17, 2026
Experience St. Albert’s Historic River Lots + Grain Elevators as we reconnect with our community and reopen for the summer season! Explore our historic buildings to discover St. Albert’s rich Métis, Francophone and agricultural histories. Try the scavenger hunt, make a simple craft and help us plant a garden to grow vegetables for the St. Albert Food Bank.Drop in Pajama Storytime at Strathcona County Library
May 14, 2026
Wear your favourite pajamas and curl up for a cozy storytime at the library. Each month features a new theme—come to one or come to all! For ages birth - 5 with an adult, siblings of other ages welcome.Drop in Children’s Makerspace Open Hours at Stanley Milner Library
May 14, 2026
Come discover all that the Children's Makerspace has to offer! Come and tinker with our loose parts wall, take a photo with our green screen, make music at our DIY DJ booth, learn how to code a robot, get help with a 3D design, and more.Try a FREEE Orienteering Session at Kids Run Wild: Hodgson Park
May 14, 2026
Throughout the year, Kids Run Wild offers free try-it events designed to help families discover if our program is the right fit for them. It’s a great way to get outside and try something new and see if this is the right activity for your family!Take a FREE Teen Crochet Workshop
May 13, 2026
Join our Community Expert to learn more about crochet, a textile art that involves turning loops into fabric using a hook. In this class, participants will learn the basic skills of the craft and get hands-on experience.Try a FREE Orienteering Session at Kids Run Wild: Mill Woods Park
May 12, 2026
Throughout the year, Kids Run Wild offers free try-it events designed to help families discover if our program is the right fit for them. It’s a great way to get outside and try something new and see if this is the right activity for your family!Take a Hip Hop Workshop for Teens
May 12, 2026
Calling all emerging artists and musicians! Join us for a 6 week Hip Hop workshop for teens. Learn the ins and outs of the industry from a local recording artist and writer and collaborate with other musicians.Free Parent & Child Dance Class
May 11, 2026
Dance games and activities also nurture our co-regulation and executive function, important building blocks to future success for the little ones.Take an Introduction to 3D Printing for Kids
May 10, 2026
Want to cruise down Edmonton’s streets with a 100% personalized name plate for your bike? How about making a palm sized model of your dream house? Maybe you’re interested in mars bases, game tokens, or a trophy to tell the world how awesome you are… the sky is the limit with 3D printing!Get Ready in the Park
May 9, 2026
Learn how emergency responders work together on the frontlines during an emergency. See the inside of a fire truck and other emergency vehicles and have lunch at one of the food trucks!Drop in for FREE City of Edmonton Play Rangers: GPS Geocaching and Orienteering
May 9, 2026Spend the Day at the RCMP Bike Rodeo
May 9, 2026
Join Strathcona County RCMP and Enforcement Services for a FREE afternoon of fun! There will be helmet and bike checks, a kids bike safety obstacle course, safety information stations, free hot dogs and snacks, bounce houses and much more.Register for a FREE Home Depot Kids Workshop
May 9, 2026
If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, we’ve got a great workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own Keepsake Box.Catch a Short Film at the NAIT Student Film Festival
May 7, 2026
Explore what's new and exciting in the world of local filmmaking! Join us at the library as we showcase short films produced by NAIT Narrative Cinema Film Students. After the viewing, audience members will vote to choose a winner.Check out the Children’s Makerspace Open Hours at Stanley Milner
May 7, 2026
Come discover all that the Children's Makerspace has to offer! Come and tinker with our loose parts wall, take a photo with our green screen, make music at our DIY DJ booth, learn how to code a robot, get help with a 3D design, and more.FREE A Cup of LOVE Staples Drop in Craft Time
May 6, 2026
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a colourful, imaginative craft inspired by the Crayola Mother’s Day Tea Pot activity! In this hands-on session, kids will design and decorate a paper teapot card using vibrant colours, floral patterns, and creative details. This fun and engaging project lets kids create a heartfelt, handmade keepsake to gift to someone special.Take a Hip Hop Workshop for Teens
May 5, 2026
Calling all emerging artists and musicians! Join us for a 6 week Hip Hop workshop for teens. Learn the ins and outs of the industry from a local recording artist and writer and collaborate with other musicians.Free Parent & Child Dance Class
May 4, 2026
Dance games and activities also nurture our co-regulation and executive function, important building blocks to future success for the little ones.Take a Cricut Class for Kids
May 3, 2026
Want to learn how to design your own vinyl stickers, greeting cards, t-shirt graphics and more? Then this is the class for you! We will start with a template and go through the basics of using the digital Cricut Design space to transform it.Watch The Jungle Book at CO*LAB – Community Arts Laboratory
May 3, 2026FREE Lego Star Wars Make & Take at the LEGO Store
May 3, 2026
Visit a participating LEGO® Store on 5/03 from 12-2 PM to build this LEGO Star Wars™ N-1 Starfighter™ Mini build and take it homeDrop in for FREE City of Edmonton Play Rangers: GPS Geocaching and Orienteering
May 2, 2026FREE Hockey Playoffs Party
May 2, 2026
Bring the whole family to Don Wheaton Family YMCA for an afternoon of activities to celebrate playoff season! Come enjoy floor hockey shinny, hockey skill development activities, public swim water, hockey, crafts and games.FREE Scavenger Hunt, Face Painting and Food While you Tour Showhomes
May 2, 2026
Tour four stunning show homes while enjoying live music, fresh florals, coffee, and sweet treats along the way. It’s a relaxed, come-and-go afternoon designed to help you slow down, explore, and imagine life in WestView at Chappelle Gardens.Stop by a Comic Shop for FREE Comic Book Day
May 2, 2026
Expeirence the biggest celebration in the comic book world, and you’re invited! On this special day, comic shops across North America and around the globe open their doors and give away FREEcomics to everyone who walks in. Yes, totally free.FREE LEGO Make & Take at Indigo Kids: Make a Peace Lily
May 2, 2026Touch a Truck at Firehouse Subs
May 2, 2026
In celebration of International Firefighters' Day, participating Firehouse Subs restaurants will host Touch-The-Truck events on Saturday, May 2.Kick off the Month with a FREE Drop-in After School Swim
May 1, 2026
FREE Recreational swims are back for the spring, and moved to Fridays. Enjoy the slides, rope swing, diving board and toys in the pool. No registration required, and there is no cost to join! Get there early!
Ongoing FREE Things to do in Edmonton in May 2026
The Art Cart Returns to Churchill Square
Saturdays
Like artists before you, take your practice outdoors and create a watercolour sketch of Churchill Square. Use watercolours to explore different techniques and capture your own colourful view of downtown YEG.Visit Big Al’s Aquarium Store
Visit for the weekly shark feeding, to view the fish and to find a fun outing for the youngest members of your crew without breaking the bank! It’s like a trip to the aquarium! You’ll even find reptiles and amphibians to view!Drop-in LEGO at the Library
Calling all LEGO lovers! Come to the library to design and build a LEGO creation. Share your building tips and tricks with others.Drop-in Coding Workshops at The Apple Store
From learning how to code your first app, to making an emoji or comic based on kindnessTry Geocaching in Edmonton
Not sure where to start? Try one of our favourite trails, here.
