Snowy peaks above a lake in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis

Foothills Kids Outdoors

Adventure starts in the Foothills!

Trails, rivers, ranches and wild places for the whole family 🏔️

From the Highwood River to the edge of Kananaskis, through ranch country from Longview to Okotoks and High River, find family-friendly trails, fishing, horses, wildlife and winter fun for kids of all ages.

A fresh themed Foothills hunt for kids of all ages, plus weekend outdoor ideas. One email a week, unsubscribe anytime.

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Explore the Directory See the Calendar Print a Scavenger Hunt Family Camping Crown Land Camping Guide

Photo: Evrooyen55, CC BY-SA 4.0

Find an adventure

Troll Falls pouring over a rock cliff in Kananaskis Country — Photo: Stephanie Macleod, CC BY-SA 4.0

🥾 Trails & Hikes

Kid-sized trails and family walks.

The clear Highwood River flowing past forest near Highwood Pass in Kananaskis Country — Photo: Wheateater, Public domain

🎣 Fishing

Family fishing spots and kids' events.

Red historic ranch buildings and old farm machinery at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site — Photo: Traveler100, CC BY-SA 3.0

🐴 Horses & Ranch Life

Historic ranches and western heritage.

The Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society Grounds, a past shoot location — Photo: Jonathan Schilling, CC BY-SA 4.0

🏹 Archery

Try target archery with a local club.

A white tipi beside a path in the grassland at Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area — Photo: davebloggs007 (Flickr), CC BY 2.0

🦌 Wildlife & Nature

Nature centres, programs and wildlife spotting.

Cross-country skiers on a snowy forest trail — Photo: Glenlarson, Public domain

❄️ Winter Fun

Skating, skiing, tobogganing and snow play.

Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Trails & Hikes: Photo: Stephanie Macleod, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Fishing: Photo: Wheateater, Public domain · Horses & Ranch Life: Photo: Traveler100, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Archery: Photo: Jonathan Schilling, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wildlife & Nature: Photo: davebloggs007 (Flickr), CC BY 2.0 · Winter Fun: Photo: Glenlarson, Public domain

Why the Foothills

Mountains meet prairie

Rolling hills, big skies and mountain views make every outing feel like an adventure.

Rivers and creeks

Clear water to explore, watch and learn to fish in.

Ranch country

Open land and a western heritage that kids can see up close.

All four seasons

Hiking in summer, colours in fall, snow play in winter, wildflowers in spring.

⚠️ Foothills Safety

Wildlife & bears: make noise, keep kids close, never approach or feed animals, and know what to do if you meet a bear.
Changing weather: conditions can shift quickly; pack layers, water and rain gear.
River safety: water can be cold and fast; supervise kids closely near the bank.
Tell someone your plan: share where you are going and when you will be back.

This is general guidance only. Check official sources (such as Alberta Parks and local advisories) for current conditions, closures and safety information before you go.