Geocaching hunt

Described by some as a “game of high-tech hide-and-seek,” geocaching is becoming a popular activity that the whole family can take part in. Participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational device like a smart phone to locate containers, or caches, which can be hidden anywhere. The containers contain notebooks so you can sign off on your find, and sometimes even trinkets left for trade. Beginners can sign out a GPS device at the John Janzen Nature Centre and use it to find the clues for the Robert Bateman Natural Treasures Program, or can simply start off with your own phone, signing into the international geocaching website and following directions from there.
When: Whenever you want, but we recommend daylight hours for safety.
Where: Throughout Edmonton
Admission: Free
Information: geocaching.com/

(courtesy of the EdmontonJournal.com)

Easter bunnies

At this point you likely would have seen an Easter bunny or two hopping around a few shopping malls, but word on the street is that the real one will be at Rutherford House on the day in question for an Easter Eggstravaganza. Celebrate the season in this beautifully maintained historic site, the home of the first premier of Alberta, Alexander Cameron Rutherford, his wife Mattie and their family. Take a tour around this Edwardian-era home to find historically coloured eggs, or just enjoy cookies and spring-themed crafts. Be sure to keep a watchful eye open for the nattily dressed bunny.
When: Sunday, March 31, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Rutherford House, 11153 Saskatchewan Dr.
Admission: $4, adults; $3, seniors and youth; children 6 and under are free.
Information: alison.moir@gov.ab.ca or 780-427-3995

Silver Skate Festival, Feb 15 - 18, 2013

Entering its twenty-third year, the Silver Skate Festival is the longest running winter festival in the City of Edmonton.  The festival is rooted in the Dutch tradition of a love of the outdoors and the pleasure of experiencing the cultural and aesthetic beauty of winter but in recent years the festival has exploded into an extravaganza of art, culture, recreation and sports programming.   This is no small feat and would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and in-kind contributors.  Take the time to visit our sponsor page and support the businesses that support the Silver Skate Festival.  It is amazing what we can accomplish together as a community.   

Festival Programming will include a wide variety of free events and activities to include free programming by River Valley Programming, our epic ice slide, family snow sculpting, figure skating demonstrations, roving performers, horse drawn sleigh rides, the Cessco Snow Sculpture Garden, Night Works in the Park:  a multimedia extravaganza, the Silver Skate Folk Trail, two evenings of fire sculptures and our Heritage Village will feature a rich tapestry of heritage performers.

This year's sporting and recreation events will include the Edmonton Winter Triathlon, long blade skate races and the Kortebaan, a traditional Dutch long blade sprint race.

(courtesy of http://www.silverskatefestival.org/homepage/the-festival)

 

Edmonton Valley Zoo Family Day Fun - Arctic Ambassador Day

Date: Monday February 18, 2013
Time: Noon–4pm
Bundle up your family; beat the winter blues and “Get Closer” for some Family Day Fun! Stay warm while you visit the indoor petting zoo, have your face painted or participate in the Animal Families scavenger hunt. Visit our free photo booth to take home a family memory. Learn why Edmonton Valley Zoo is an Arctic Ambassador Centre for Polar Bears International.

(courtesy of http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/attractions/edmonton_valley_zoo/event-days.aspx)

Family Day Winter Fete at the Legislature - Monday, February 18, 2013 Noon to 4 p.m.

There will be something fun for everyone in your family and free hot chocolate for all to enjoy! Indoors in the pedway, explore the Legislature Building with a scavenger hunt and enjoy the kids' carnival including balloons, crafts, face painting, magic, puppetry, storytelling and dancing. If you would prefer to embrace the Alberta winter, celebrate outside with horse-drawn wagon rides, skating and a snowman making contest! The south grounds will also feature a heated tent where local sports celebrities will be on hand to sign autographs and take photos.

• Family Day Flyer
• Performer Bios
• News Release
• View photos from Family Day

(courtesty of http://www.assembly.ab.ca/visitor/annualEvents.html)

Blue Planet in Concert

A unique theatrical presentation of the most remarkable film sequences from the celebrated BBC/Discovery television series The Blue Planet. The wonders of our underwater world are displayed on a giant screen while the ESO and a 16 voice choir featuring members of Òran perform the dazzling Emmy Award-winning score composed by George Fenton with narration by Tommy Banks.
Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.

Saturday, February 16 at 7pm
Sunday, February 17 at 2pm

(courtesty of the Winspear)

That crazy skating jive

Lace up and get ready to swing and skate! The rink at City Hall will be bumping thanks to free skate rentals and the live music from Don Berner’s Little Big Band. The band’s jazzy sound will be broadcast from inside the building, where the Sugar Swing Dance Club is giving free lessons and dance demos.
When: Sunday, Jan. 27, 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: City Hall
Admission: Free
Information: 780-442-5311 or edmontonarts.ca

(courtesy of The Edmonton Journal:  http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/family/Family+Five+Swing+skate+City+Hall/7839935/story.html)

World Snow Day at Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Sunday, January 20 from 1 – 4 p.m.

Dress warmly, bring a mug and head to the Strathcona Wilderness Centre for an afternoon of winter fun!
Activities will include:

• Snowshoeing and cross country ski on the trails
• Toonie Ski Lessons at 1 pm and 2:30 p.m. (one hour)
• Toonie Snowshoe Walk at 2 p.m. (one hour)
• Campfire with hot chocolate and tasty treats

The Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival is a special guest for World Snow Day 2013.

• Find the Viking skiing on the trails to receive a special golden coin.
• The Birkie Vikings can help you plan to ski “the Birkie” on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013.

 www.strathcona.ca/wildernesscentre 

Deep Freeze Festival

Deep Freeze Byzantine Winter Festival ushers in the Olde New Year in style on Alberta Ave, one of Edmonton’s most historic neighbourhoods, by celebrating winter’s best outdoor activities – skating, curling, snow carving, street hockey and even an outdoor mummers’ play – and the best indoor ones as well in the form of great eating, music and an arts market.

http://deepfreeze.artsontheave.org/ 

Fun in the Snow!

The City of Edmonton has two fantastic events coming up:

Moonlight Snowshoe Lantern Tour - February 1 and 8 - $20

Snowshoe by moonlight from the John Janzen Nature Centre to Fort Edmonton Park. A naturalist will be your guide, helping your family discover the wonders of nature at night along the River Loop Trail. We'll enter through the palisade gates of the Fort and meet a costumed interpreter who will help you explore the Fort at night. Finish the evening around the fire with hot apple cider and a horse-drawn wagon ride to the Train Station entrance. Dress warmly. Children under 7 years are welcome, but use parental discretion: -- snowshoes may not fit children under 7 years, -- 1 km snowshoe walk may not be suitable for all children. One adult is expected to register with the child(ren) registered in the course.

Click the link below to check availability and to register, or call 311.

http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/sport_recreation/animal-nature-awareness-family.aspx

Sweetheart Snowshoe - February 14 - $16

Snowshoeing Thank you for registering in the Snowshoeing program. Enjoy a guided snowshoe walk through the natural beauty of the River Valley followed by hot chocolate and bannock making. An online map is available in PDF format at: www.rivervalleyprograms.ecsd.net/maps

Click the link below to check availability and to register, or call 311.

http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/sport_recreation/snowshoeing-adult.aspx