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20 Amazing Things to do in Drumheller with Kids
- andrewsco3
- Sep 17, 2024
- 12 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Drumheller is a distinctive town in Southern Alberta’s Badlands, celebrated for its rich dinosaur heritage and home to the impressive Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the leading paleontology museums in the world.
But Drumheller offers more than just dinosaurs.
However, Drumheller offers much more than just dinosaurs. Families can explore dramatic landscapes, hike through deep canyons, visit historic coal mines, the iconic hoodoos, and a dose of classic small-town Alberta charm.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Drumheller, this blog post highlights all the must-see sights and family-friendly attractions to help you plan a fun and memorable visit to Drumheller with kids.
Updated for 2025 - This post has been updated to provide the latest information, tips, and pricing to help you plan your trip with confidence.
Why you Should Visit Drumheller
Since moving to Alberta in 2012, Drumheller has become one of our favorite places to visit in Alberta. We’ve camped there, taken friends and family on day trips, and taken the kids to the Royal Tyrrell Museum multiple times.
It still amazes me how Drumheller's landscape differs so much from the prairies and mountain scenery we are used to seeing, especially considering that it is only a 90-minute drive East from Calgary. It makes for a really easy day trip or weekend getaway.
Drawing from our personal experience living and traveling throughout Alberta, we’ve put together this guide to the best things to do in Drumheller with kids.
For more detailed planning, check out our day trip itinerary: How to make the most of a Day Trip to Drumheller, and our two-day guide: 2 Days in Drumheller: The Perfect Itinerary for your first visit. Both are packed with tips to help you create a memorable family adventure.
Table of Contents
If you would like to jump ahead, simply click on a topic to jump directly to the information you’re interested in!
Map of Things to do in Drumheller
Whenever we plan a trip, we always start with Google Maps. It helps us visualize locations and create efficient itineraries. We’ve added all the sights and attractions to the map below to help you see where everything is and plan your own itinerary.
To use this map, click the tab in the top left corner to toggle between layers and for more details about each attraction. To save the map to your Google Maps account, click the star next to the title. To access it later, open Google Maps, go to “Your Places,” and find it under “Maps.”
The Best Things to do in Drumheller with Kids
The Royal Tyrrell Museum
Undoubtedly the Royal Tyrrell Museum is Drumheller’s most famous attraction and one of the world’s leading paleontology museums.
If you only do one thing during your visit to Drumheller, this should be it.
The museum houses a vast collection of over 130,000 fossils, including full-size dinosaur skeletons, making it a must-see destination for anyone fascinated by dinosaurs. We’ve visited the museum several times with our kids, from toddlers to older children, and it has always been a hit.
The museum also offers educational programs and talks. On our last visit, there was an educational talk about the 'Big Bang' theory, which our kids really enjoyed and still remember facts from.
There are also some extra activities you can try for an additional fee, like a simulated outdoor dig, fossil casting, and guided tours of the Badlands Interpretive Trail. Plus, there's a large outdoor playground that the kids always have to get pulled away from!
2025 Pricing:
Adult tickets: $21 CAD
Children (ages 7-17): $10 CAD
Kids under 6: Free
Family day pass (2 adults + 2 children): $50 CAD
Yearly pass (unlimited entry):
Adults: $60 CAD
Children (ages 7-17): $30 CAD
Horseshoe Canyon
Horseshoe Canyon is a stunning natural landmark located just a short drive from Drumheller, making it a must-visit for families exploring Alberta’s Badlands. The canyon is named for its distinctive horseshoe-shaped rock formations that showcase the rugged and dramatic landscape the region is known for.
You can either take in the views from the observation deck or hike down into the canyon using wooden steps. If you’re up for some exploration, there are several hiking trails within the canyon to enjoy.
If you do decide to hike inside the canyon, you'll find a desert-like terrain that kids seem to love exploring. We saw several groundhogs and even some cacti, which was quite a surprise in Alberta!
The Hoodoos
The Hoodoos are striking geological formations and are some of the most iconic features of the Badlands.
The Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that have been shaped by centuries of erosion into fascinating 'top-heavy' structures that are really interesting to see up close and in person. Best yet, it's a free activity in Drumheller!
While climbing on the Hoodoos themselves is prohibited to preserve their integrity, the rocky hillside behind is a fantastic area for kids to explore and climb. If climbing on the rocks isn’t your thing, there's a short boardwalk that loops around the Hoodoos so you can get a closer look.
Atlas Coal Mine Tour
Before Drumheller was known for its dinosaurs, coal mining was the main industry in town. The Atlas Coal Mine offers a fascinating look into this era, and gives an insight into what the old mine was like and learn about the lives of the miners. The mine tipple, which was used for sorting and preparing coal is particularly impressive!
To fully explore the Atlas Coal Mine, you should consider booking a guided tour, as the underground part of the mine and tipple areas are only accessible this way.
2025 Pricing:
Regular admission:
Adults: $15.95 CAD
Children: $12.65 CAD
Available Tours:
Train Ride Tour ($8.55 per person)
Ride a historic 90-year-old locomotive circling the site
Lasts about 30 minutes
Minimal walking — ideal for young children
Processing Plant Tour ($16.25 per person)
1.5-hour tour of the mine’s wooden tipple
Learn how coal was sorted, stored, and shipped
Mine Portal Hike ($18.45 per person)
75-minute hike exploring underground and upper mine areas
Includes heights, enclosed spaces, and rugged stairs
Not suitable for everyone
Check availability and make reservations through the Atlas Coal Mine's official website.
Climb the World’s Largest Dinosaur
No visit to Drumheller is complete without stopping by the World’s Largest Dinosaur, affectionately known as "Tera," located in the heart of town.
While it may seem a bit tacky, climbing to the top for is always a hit with kids.
The staircase up the 106 steps to the dinosaur’s mouth is filled with dinosaur-themed murals to keep the little ones engaged. Once at the top, there are some great view of the town from the observation deck.
2025 Pricing:
$5 per person
Children 5 and under: Free
Family rate: $15
Includes 1–2 adults and children aged 6–17
Maximum of 8 people
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the gift shop for some dino-themed souvenirs!
11 Bridges of Wayne and the Last Chance Saloon
If you’re looking for a unique side trip from Drumheller, consider the short and scenic drive to Wayne. Just 6 km from Rosedale, the route crosses 11 narrow bridges - a stretch that once earned a Guinness World Record for the most bridges in such a short distance.
Wayne is quiet these days, almost a ghost town, but it’s home to one lasting piece of its mining history: the Last Chance Saloon, built in 1913. This historic spot is known for its burgers and smoked meats, and it even has a dog-friendly patio.
Rotary Splash Park
The Rotary Splash Park is situated right next to the World's Largest Dinosaur, and is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summers day. The Splash Park is operational from Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day weekend, and opens from 9am to 9pm. Don’t forget your sunscreen and water shoes, and be prepared to stick around for an hour or two.... the little ones won't want to leave!
Orkney Viewpoint
The Orkney Viewpoint offers stunning views of the Red Deer River Valley, and is a great place to take a moment to appreciate the region's vast landscape - photos don’t quite do it justice. There are some benches up there too where you can sit and take it all in.
It can get really windy up there so make sure you hold onto your hats! There has recently been a toilet built in the parking lot which is a nice addition, as we often head straight to the viewpoint from Calgary if we are doing the Northern loop around Drumheller.
Eat a Dino Sized Burger at Bernie and the Boys!
If you are looking for a place to eat in Drumheller, I HIGHLY recommend eating at Bernie and the Boys, Drumheller's renowned restaurant that was featured on the Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here”, for a tyrannosaurus rex sized burger!
They have loads of milkshake flavours and pretty much all of the food there is kid friendly. It's not the healthiest establishment in town, but hey, you're on holiday!
Drumheller Valley Golf Course
This one is definitely on my to do list! If you play golf, the Drumheller Valley Golf Course looks to be a completely different experience to most golf courses! It has a one-of-a-kind backdrop, and it doesn't exactly look like a forgiving course with all the rocky 'rough'. I have a feeling I might need to take a few extra balls with me!
A round with cart is $70, which is pretty reasonable to experience such a unique round of golf.
Enjoy a pint at Valley Brewing
At the end of a hot summers day spent exploring Drumheller, calling for a quick drink on the patio at Valley Brewing is one of the best things to do in Drumheller for adults looking to unwind (kids can't have all the fun after all)!
Valley Brewing is Drumheller’s first and only microbrewery, and it has a great selection of craft beers, including some interesting sour beers which are a pretty unique taste if you haven't tried them before.
If you don't have chance to pop in, you should still be able to pick up some cans at the local liquor store.
Cross the Red Deer River on the Bleriot Ferry
For a fun and memorable experience in Drumheller, take a ride across the Red Deer River on the historic Bleriot Ferry.
This historic cable ferry has been in operation since the 1920s, and is a short but enjoyable river crossing. Even though it's only a few minutes long, we got out the car and had a great time chatting with the friendly ferry operator.
It also happens to be really convenient (presumably why it was built!!) for creating a 'loop' itinerary around Drumheller, making it easy to access nearby attractions like Orkney Viewpoint and Horsethief Canyon. Plus, it’s free to use and usually only requires a short wait.
Horsethief Canyon
Whenever we visit Drumheller, we always make sure to stop by Horsethief Canyon, which is just a short drive to the north end of town.
In my opinion it has some of the most stunning views in the Badlands and is even more impressive than Horseshoe canyon.
There is a viewing area that is easily accessible by car, so you can enjoy the expansive views of the canyon without having to hike down.
Alternatively, you can scramble down the unmarked paths to a small hill near the canyon’s start or explore the canyon floor on your own.
There’s also a bit of local legend behind the name “Horsethief.” It’s said that outlaws once hid stolen horses in the canyon’s hidden valleys! Whether you’re intrigued by the history or just want to take in the views, Horsethief Canyon is definitely worth a visit.
Barney's Adventure Park
Barney's Adventure Park is a great stop when the kids need to burn off some energy during your time in Drumheller.
The park includes a playground with a zip line, a massive tube slide, and a small pedal-kart track. There’s also a petting zoo and dinosaur-themed attractions, making it an especially fun spot for younger children (particularly those under 10).
2025 Pricing:
Ages 0–3: Free
Adults (18–64):
Day Pass: $26.62
Annual Pass: $57.09
Seniors (65+):
Day Pass: $26.62
Annual Pass: $57.09
Cactus Coulee Fun Park
Cactus Coulee Park is a another park designed for kids, although aimed at slightly older children. The park has a go kart track, euro bungee and a dinosaur-themed mini-golf course. Our kids are getting to the age where they really want to try the go-karting now (we've promised them that they can give it a try on our next visit).
The mini golf course and euro bungy costs $10 per person, and the karting ranges from $25-50 per person, depending on the type of kart and duration.
Star Mine Suspension Bridge
The Star Mine Suspension Bridge is actually located in the nearby town of Rosedale, but its just a 5-10 minute drive away from Drumheller.
The bridge was originally used by miners back in the days when Drumheller was a coal-producing community. Now the bridge is a fun, and completely free, tourist attraction and provides access to some short hiking trails on the other side.
Our kids enjoyed trying to 'scare Daddy' by jumping up and down on the bridge (though I’m not sure everyone on the bridge was too impressed)!
Fossil World Dinosaur Museum
Have you been to the Royal Tyrrell Museum and still can’t get enough dinosaurs?
If that sounds like you, then a much smaller option you can also try is the Fossil World Dinosaur Museum. We haven't visited this museum, and admittedly it does has mixed reviews online.
That said, it does sound like there are some fun hands on activities for kids, including a dinosaur dig and a mineral mining program. It might be worth checking out.
Badlands Amphitheatre
The Badlands Amphitheatre is one of the largest outdoor venues in Canada, with a capacity of around 2,500 people. It hosts performances throughout the year, including the Badlands Passion Play and various music festivals.
While we haven’t seen a show there ourselves, we’ve visited the amphitheater and could tell how incredible it would be. If there's a live show during your visit, it’s definitely worth trying to get a ticket to enjoy a concert under the stars!
You can check out the upcoming events here.
East Coulee School Museum
The East Coulee School Museum is a great place to learn some local history and see what school was like in the 1930's. The museum is located in a former school building, and has plenty of old-school artifacts from the early 20th century, including many that you can touch and feel.
It’s a fun way to show the kids just how much things have changed; and maybe they will appreciate that school isn’t so bad after all!
20. The Little Church
The Little Church in Drumheller is a tiny church, located just around the corner from the Royal Tyrrell Museum on the Dinosaur trail.
It's still an active church, and is left permanently open for people to go inside and use. But it's so tiny! It only has enough seats inside for 6 people!
It’s a fun little photo op or, if you’re lucky, you might catch one of the multiple weddings they host each year. Our kids loved it, and Evelyn (of course) took center stage to hold a mini service for us!
The Best Places to Stay in Drumheller
Drumheller is a relatively small town, so accommodation options are somewhat limited, and since we often visit just for the day, we don’t always stay overnight. That said, when we do spend the night in Drumheller, there are a few places we’ve stayed at and returned to more than once.
Hotels in Drumheller
The hotel we visit the most often is the Surestay Plus Best Western. The hotel itself isn't flashy, but they do offer a free breakfast and it has a swimming pool with water slide.
Hotel pool + water slide = happy kids!
We've stayed once at the Ramada as well which also has a pool and is similarly priced.
Camping in Drumheller
Our favourite campground is River Grove Campground, as there is a pretty good play area in the campground, and it is just a short walk away from the Rotary Spray Park and the World's Largest Dinosaur.
When to Visit
Drumheller is a fantastic destination to visit from late spring through early fall, when the weather is generally dry and suited to exploring its unique landscape.
However, summer temperatures often reach the high 20s, 30s and sometimes even 40s Celsius, and many of the attractions like the hoodoos are quite exposed. Don't get caught out - bring plenty of water and apply sunscreen regularly.
Winter in Drumheller is much quieter, with the trade off being that temperatures often fall to -30°C, and some outdoor activities are off-limits. That said, winter is a wonderful time to visit the museum, and the canyons and hoodoos look stunning with a light dusting of snow, provided you time it right.
How to Get There
Hiring a Car
If you don't have a car, hiring one is a great option for exploring Drumheller and its beautiful surroundings.
A rental car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace, access the more remote attractions, and easily navigate the scenic routes in the area.
We tend to stick with the big guys when it comes to car hire, so tend to use one of either Avis, Enterprise or Hertz. I've heard great things about Turo which is a peer to peer rental company where you rent directly from a local, but haven't used the service myself.
Other Methods of Transport
There really aren't many great options to get there other than by car, as there is no train service and the buses would take a long time to get there, with a number of changes required.
More Travel Ideas from Calgary
We hope you enjoyed this list of family friendly activities in Drumheller!
If you’re starting your trip from Calgary or looking for more ideas nearby, be sure to check out our guides to the city. We cover the best things to do in Calgary, great indoor activities for all seasons, and a detailed 2-day Calgary itinerary packed with family-friendly highlights.
Just a few hours south, Waterton Lakes National Park is an underrated gem known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Explore our top tips for things to do in Waterton, and get inspired by our Waterton 1-3 day itinerary.
For those heading further south and east, we’ve got a complete guide to the drive to Fernie and our most popular resource: a comprehensive 2-week Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary that covers Waterton, Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and more.
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