Family
10 great locations for memorable family photos around Edmonton this summer
Not sure where to go for fun family photos around Edmonton this summer? Here are 10 great locations to explore or rediscover for a great family experience—with a few unconventional spots!
1. Your backyard
I bet you weren’t expecting that one! Think about all the fun things that happen in your backyard during the summer: jumping on the trampoline, drinking from the sprinkler, sliding on a slip n’ slide, splashing in the swimming pool, warming up in the hot tub, playing in the sandbox, throwing balls, eating popsicles, having a BBQ, roasting marshmallows on a fire… So many possibilities worth photographing!
2. Edmonton and area Spray parks
Water makes great photos! The movement, water drops and light shining through the mist are all interesting to photograph. Add people to the equation and you’ll get memorable photographs! Visit one of the many spray parks around Edmonton and photograph the way your kids interact with the water and react when they touch it. Focus on their facial expressions, the movement, the emotions. And for an even more fun experience, get in the water with them and ask someone to take photos of you enjoying your time with your children!
3. Ice cream shops and trucks
For photos full of personality, head to one of Edmonton’s many ice cream shops and trucks to enjoy a cold treat. You can photograph the anticipation, the excitement and the messiness that come with deliciously melting and refreshing ice cream! Here’s a list of great ice cream shops to try.
4. Edmonton’s River Valley parks
The River Valley boasts numerous parks where you can enjoy a picnic with family and friends, play games, relax, and soak up the sun. It’s the perfect occasion to take meaningful and fun family photos!
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
- William Hawrelak Park
- Emily Murphy Park
- Government House Park
- Victoria Park
- Constable Ezio Faraone Park
- Alberta Legislature Grounds
- Kinsmen Park
- Borden Park
- Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
- Capilano Park
- Gold Bar Park
- Rundle Park
- Hermitage Park
Visit Explore Edmonton for a list of Edmonton’s best picnic spots or the City of Edmonton for a more extensive list of picnic sites.
5. Fort Edmonton Park
With historic sites and buildings, the Midway with games and rides, the Capitol Theatre, a train, streetcar, wagon and pony rides, you’ll run out of space on your camera or phone in no time at Fort Edmonton Park!
6. Edmonton Valley Zoo
From May 7 to September 4, 2022, encounter gigantic LEGO-made animals alongside the many live animals that make the Edmonton Valley Zoo so interesting and unique. The award-winning Nature Connects Exhibit presents amazing and enormous art made with LEGO pieces. You’re bound to find many photography opportunities during your visit!
7. High Level Bridge Streetcar
Get a little taste of Edmonton’s history aboard Edmonton Streetcar #33, fully restored to its original 1912 condition. The High Level Bridge Streetcar will take you through the only tunnel ever built on a Canadian Pacific Railway mainline in Alberta and across the High Level Bridge above the North Saskatchewan River.
8. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is an open-air museum that transports you to the time of early settlers in east central Alberta. Interesting buildings and stories await you, along with numerous family photography opportunities!
9. Edmonton festivals
Edmonton is known for its many festivals, from the International Street Performers Festival to the Fringe Festival, Heritage Festival, K-Days, The Works Art & Design Festival, Taste of Edmonton, Folk Music Festival and many more. With over 50 festivals throughout the year, there’s something for every taste, and many memories to photograph!
10. Berry farms
Strawberries, raspberries, saskatoons, dirty fingers, smudged mouths… Picking berries with kids is a fun family experience! Make sure to photograph the messiness and full range of emotions! Visit Family Fun Edmonton’s website to find U-Pick berry farms in the Edmonton area or do a Google search.
A combination of locations for family photos around Edmonton
Combine some of these experiences for a fun-filled family day. You could ride the High Level Bridge Streetcar and have a picnic at the Alberta Legislature Grounds, or head to a festival and enjoy a cold treat on your way. While you’re at it, if you want everyone to be in your photos and don’t want to worry about taking the photos yourself, hire a documentary family photographer like myself to capture all the memorable moments.
Why not? It’s my specialty!
I'm Marie-Pierre, an easygoing mother of two and a documentary family photographer. I believe we can all learn and grow from other people's experiences. Real life stories help us relate to each other, open our minds and feel better about ourselves.
this blog is a collection of featured client stories, tips, and articles on various family related topics. I hope you will find some inspiration!