There’s something magical about experiencing a new place through the eyes of a child. All the wonder, excitement and adventure comes rushing back! Family fun is what Sylvan Lake is all about especially – when the sun is out!
With experiences for every age, Sylvan Lake has long been a destination for families with little ones in tow. The community has unlimited opportunities for exploration, outdoor experiences, and unique adventures – with a small-town feel.
You can skip the Google search and rest easy! Consider this your quick hit Parent’s Guide to Sylvan Lake with babies and toddlers in tow!
Get outside!
Sylvan Lake has over 26-kilometres of stroller friendly walking trails that connect beautiful parks, the vibrant downtown, and the lakefront. The terrain generally slopes north towards the lake, though most trails are mainly flat and mellow.
Make sure snacks are packed, grab a hot drink for yourself, and hit the trails! You will find a combination of paved and gravel trails through everything from the lakefront to open fields. If you’ve got an adventurous spirit, consider strapping on a hiking carrier and hitting some more rugged trails at nearby Jarvis Bay Provincial Park – just five minutes out of town!
Take a Dip
Sylvan Lake is spring-fed and a great spot for toddlers and babies alike. The sandy beach is amazing for sandcastles and the water is shallow enough for toe dipping and splashes as a family.
Make a splash at the pool! Sylvan Lake’s local swimming pool at the Nexsource Centre boasts a hot tub, wading area for toddlers, lane swim, and two mini waterslides.
Local Excitement
After the swim, The Whitecap Indoor Place Space is a great spot to burn off toddler energy with everything from a tube slide to a monster block activity play panel. Sylvan Lake’s Drop’n’Hop Café also offers endless hours of fun, guaranteed to tire out even the most active little one. Mini golf is also a fun activity with toddlers and babies in tow. Check out the Lakeside Go-Karts and Mini golf for a round or golf or slower moving kiddie carts!
Take a Playground Tour
Sylvan Lake has some of the coolest playgrounds in Central Alberta and there’s no better time to check them out than on a sunny Sylvan day! Make sure to visit the Centennial Park Playground along the lakeshore and spend hours at this huge play centre. It features a whopping eight slides with a variety of ways to climb up and around the main structure. Just steps away, you’ll find the toddler park with another three slides perfect for the little ones!
A favourite stop for parents and babies alike is the new Cooperators Play Zone and Spray Park at Pogadl Park on the south side of town. The space-aged triple tower with everything from slides to monkey bars is spectacular. The spray park includes a splash bucket, a variety of above-ground and in-ground sprayers, a water table area, and more.
Sylvan Lake Public Library
The children’s section of the Sylvan Lake Public Library is large bright and super friendly. If you are lucky, you can catch an event like Preschool Story Time or Infant Sensory Playtime. Or tuck yourself in a corner for a little reading session of your own.
Toddler Friendly Eat and Treats
Sylvan Lake has plenty of spots to grab a kid friendly snack or meal. With over 20 different restaurants to choose from, even the pickiest little eater can find something yummy. If you’re looking for small bites, check out one of Sylvan’s coffee shops!
Whether you spend an afternoon or a whole weekend, your family trip to Sylvan Lake is sure to provide core memories for the whole crew!