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75+ Things to Do on a PD Day in Alberta

Clifford E Lee Nature Sanctuary boardwalk in winter

The kids have the day off. You don’t. Or maybe you do, but you have absolutely no idea what to do with them, and don’t want them free ranging in the house all day.

PD Days can be a great excuse for a family adventure, local outing, or simply a day to do something you don’t normally have time for.

Here are some options, whether you want to go somewhere, stay home, spend money, spend nothing, tire them out, teach them something, or just survive the day while you work.

Note: PD Days vary by school and school divisions. Always check the attraction’s current hours and availability before heading out.

Land Acknowledgement

This land has welcomed First Nations from across Turtle Island, and settlers and visitors from around the world. Alberta lands are part of Treaties 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10, and the homeland of the Métis.

Alberta Mamas respects and celebrates the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit nations. We are striving to better listen, understand, and learn from the Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.

We are all Treaty people.

Make a Day of It

Interior of Pipestone Park Museum.

Go big! I certainly would go this route for every PD Day, but one or two a year as a big event can be a huge memory maker for the kids and you (don’t forget that we only get one motherhood, and deserve some great memories, too!).

Check out our tips for a technology-free road trip!

Burn Off Some Energy (Indoors)

Climbing Wall at Elevation Place.

Sometimes the best way to keep your sanity is to get the kids moving. Head somewhere the kids can run, jump, climb, and play!

  • Go to an indoor play space
  • Hop around a trampoline park
  • Swim at your favourite waterpark
  • Climb the walls at an indoor gym
  • Play a round of laser tag
  • Go skating at an indoor rink and don’t worry about the cold!

Some lower-key options could also be:

  • Go bowling
  • Play a round of mini golf
  • Try an escape room

Get Outside

Two kids ice skating on the pond in Hawrelak Park, Edmonton.

There’s no reason a day off school has to mean a day indoors. Get some fresh air, explore somewhere new, and let the kids burn off some of that extra energy.

Learn Something

Vehicles and Starlight Drive-In at Reynolds-Alberta Museum

Teachers aren’t the only ones who can do some “development” on PD Days. Why not try to learn something new?

  • Visit a museum
  • Go to a science centre
  • Explore a historic site
  • Take in an Indigenous cultural experience
  • Check out a local art gallery
  • Try a hands-on workshop or class (in person or online)
  • Do a research project

Go Somewhere to Eat

Krispy Kreme Donut box

Make an ordinary day extraordinary by adding a meal out, or just a trip to your local cafe!

  • Try a new restaurant
  • Go out for breakfast
  • Find the best hot chocolate or donuts (this could be a recurring PD Day activity)
  • Get ice cream
  • Try bubble tea
  • Take a food tour/food crawl

Stay Close to Home

Discovery Wildlife Park Playground - fire truck

You don’t have to travel far to make a PD Day feel special. Look at your community with fresh eyes and try something you don’t normally have time for.

  • Visit a local playground
  • Try a new-to-you park
  • Go for a bike ride or go tobogganing
  • Have a picnic (outside or in the living room)
  • Go to a movie
  • Visit a local attraction you’ve never tried
  • Explore your own community like a tourist
  • Try some of these indoor activities or activities that will actually give you a break
  • Let the kids plan the day!

Do Something Free

Children's Area at Jasper Place Public Library

You don’t need to spend money to have a great PD Day. These free options are available to help make the day go by a little easier.

  • Visit a library – there’s more to them than just books
  • Go to a park (here are some of our favourite parks in Calgary)
  • Check out local events
  • Check your local recreation and community centre for events
  • Explore a museum with free admission
  • If you’re in a position to, offer to host a classmate for the day (bonus: take their siblings, too!) and let the kids entertain each other!

When the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate

Stack of board games for Family Game Night.

Sometimes it’s a snow day as much as a PD Day and no one is leaving the house. Whether you’re snowed in, frozen in place, or a sugar cube avoiding the rain, some days even the dog will “Nope!” at the threshold, and we have to find a way to stay amused indoors.

Have a Teenager at Home?

Girl writing with a pink pen in a pink notebook.

Sure, they’re pretty independent and may just heave a giant sigh when you try to do something with them on a PD Day, but there are things to do with them, too (besides locking them in front of a screen all day!).

  • Go shopping or thrifting
  • See a movie
  • Try an escape room
  • Go climbing
  • Visit a cafe
  • Take a photo walk
  • Let them plan the day
  • Volunteer together (or take them and friends to volunteer)

Make PD Days Easier

Backs of kids sitting at a picnic bench

You don’t always need to find an attraction to visit or even get out of the house on a PD Day. Sometimes you just need to survive, or help a friend or family member get through the day.

If you need to work and aren’t putting the kids in daycare or camp for the day, these ideas are for you:

One Final Option

Teens working on their stories in group at a school table.

Keep things simple. Sign them up for day camp at your local community centre, day care, rec centre, or other organization that offers school-break programs.

Drop them off in the morning, pick them up (worn out) at the end of the day, and you are golden.

While these lists are targeted at summer camps, many of them also offer PD day camps:

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