‍Windmill Garden Centre and Butterfly House

John’s Butterfly House is located inside Windmill Garden Centre. This tropical paradise has hundreds of butterflies fluttering before your eyes. Relax on the deck and read about the life cycle and habits of the beautiful insects, or stroll on the walkway and observe the red-eared turtles sunning themselves on the bank of the pond, which is home to many large Koi. There are sounds of waterfalls and birds singing in the background. Bring your family and friends to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of John’s Butterfly House in 2022.

Winter: This seasonal garden centre is closed in the winter!

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Echo Dale Regional Park

Echo Dale Regional Park is the perfect day trip to bask in the sun, swim the lake, and make sand castles. This park has a playground in the sand, a large grass field, volleyball courts, and a concession stand. A nearby historic farm has tours and a petting zoo. Picnic tables and firepits invite you to prepare and set up lunch or dinner. There is an accessible spot with a firepit and tables available. Nearby is an off-leash dog trail that invites you to watch mountain bikers. Want to spend the night here? Camping spots are available.

Winter: The park is still open in the winter for those who like to walk the trails!

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Gas City Campground

Looking to spend the weekend in Medicine Hat? Gas City Campground has tons of family activities. There’s a playground in the centre of the campground, an off-leash dog park is nearby, and you can walk around the campground to see all of Marina Cole’s wood carvings — you and the family can track down wood-carved animal tracks with Cole’s scavenger hunt. Hoopla’s Family Entertainment Centre has mini golf and is just down the road — it comes with a beautiful view. Looking for a cabin experience? Check out the newly-built comfort cabins in the campground. 

Winter: The campground is closed for the season, but the dog park is open!

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Strathcona Island Park 

In Canada’s Sunniest City, a waterpark is bound to keep everyone cool during those hot summer days. This park has playgrounds, firepits, and picnic tables. There is a paved trail along the South Saskatchewan River for any walkers or bikers! Strathcona Island Park is very close to Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown, so a bite to eat and sweet dessert aren’t too far away. Roasting dinner on the available firepits isn’t too bad of an idea either.

Winter: Snowshoeing and crokicurl are family-loved activities at this park when the snow falls!

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Kiwanis Central Park

Kiwanis Central Park is nestled on the Southeast Hill with a playground, nature playground, waterpark, and picnic area. The famous whale slide sits in the park, along with many of Marina Cole’s wood art pieces. After spending a day in the sun, head to Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown for some ice cream.

Winter: There is an ice skating rink in this park that is magical when the snow starts to fall. Check the City of Medicine Hat’s website for more ice skating rinks around the city!

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Medicine Hat Public Library

Families can book the Public Library’s Co-op Community Developmental Play Space, Theatre, Big Blue Blocks, and dinosaur bone foam blocks at no cost. Across the street is the oldest brick residence in the province — Ewart-Duggan Residence. Beside the Public Library is a 21-foot-tall chess piece, the World’s Largest Chess Set, and an outdoor ping pong table. Once you’re finished at the Public Library, head a couple blocks down to Moose & Squirrel Bistro for some ice cream!

Winter: The indoor activities are perfect for a winter’s day. Be sure to check their events calendar while you visit!

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Police Point Park

Explore Police Point Park with the MH Interpretive Program. Knowledgeable Interpreters offer fun and informative scheduled programs year-round in the park and elsewhere in Southeastern Alberta. Experience the natural and cultural heritage of the region through hands-on activities and engaging displays. StoryWalks happen occasionally in the park — walk a designated trail to read the entire children’s book.

Winter: Rent cross-country skis or snowshoes in the winter to enjoy the park in a different way!

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Sunshine Trolleys

The Sunshine Trolleys stops at five landmarks in the city, where you and your family can briefly experience the area. Starting from the Visitor Information Centre, you’ll go to Saamis Tepee, Kiwanis Central Park, Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown, Medalta in the Historic Clay District, and Police Point Park. Want to learn the history of each place? Plug in your headphones and listen to the locals tell the stories! The Sunshine Trolley is the perfect way to spend the day to keep your family’s hearts warm and experiencing.

Winter: Follow @sunshine.trollies on Instagram and Facebook for updates on winter events!

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Kin Coulee Park

Here you’ll find a volleyball and basketball court, two playgrounds, two baseball diamonds, and firepits and picnic tables throughout the park. A trail that loops around the park also goes underneath the Trans-Canada Highway, which brings you to a cherished Indigenous space full of history. Walk up the coulee, and you’re at Saamis Tepee. Hungry after this walk? Locally-owned eateries The Whiskey District and The Clubhouse at Paradise Valley are just steps away from the Tepee. Stay in Kin Coulee Park, or venture the path, you’re bound to create a full day of memories. 

Winter: Toboggan the long and steep hill during the winter months. Bring some hot chocolate and slide away!

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Disc Golf

This family-friendly sport has nets in three parks, Kiwanis Central Park, Gilwell Park, and Leinweber Park. Leinweber Park and Gilwell Park are connected to a trail that brings you to a beautiful view of South Railway Street and Strathcona Island Park. Kiwanis Central Park has a playground with a whale slide, features four of Marina Cole’s wood carvings, and is close to seasonal ice cream shop, Swirls.

Winter: Disc golf can be played, and is by many locals, on a warmer winter’s day!

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Elkwater, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Roughly 45 minutes outside of Medicine Hat, you’ll enter Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park and find Elkwater. There is a huge beach area with a large lake to swim, boat, fish, and float to soak in the sunshine. Food trucks, restaurants, and cafes are nearby with food for snacks and meals throughout the day. Check out the hiking trails, rent-a-bike, playgrounds, and the Cypress Hills Visitor Centre. Camping and cabins are available here.

Winter: You can rent cross-country skis or snowshoes at the Cypress Hills Visitor Centre. Book a permit to cut down your favourite looking pine tree for Christmas!

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Downtown Stories

Downtown Stories celebrates our past and present, as well as the spirit of community connection. All you do is walk downtown to find a QR code, and then you and your family are on the site to experience all the historic stories told by the locals. Throw on a sun hat and sunscreen, and delve into what’s made Medicine Hat what it is today while looking at each building with your own eyes.

Winter: On a warm winter's day, this is a beautiful walk with the family!

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Family Festivals:

Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede has a pop-up amusement park, and there is a children’s section full of rides and games. The festival also hosts a “Kiddies Day” where hot dogs, face painting, and other fun activities are planned.

‍Spectrum Festival — Medicine Hat’s Sunshine Festival is full of free entertainment, bouncy castles, face painting, food trucks, balloon animals, and many more activities that will have your children’s hearts racing with pure happiness. The event will celebrate its 30th year anniversary in 2022.

Alive After Five
Every Wednesday night from 5-8p.m. in Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown, this street festival showcases live music, entertainment, family activities, and vendors. The market will happen from June 22 to August 17, 2022.