Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you.
Are you planning to visit the Canadian Badlands? The Canadian Badlands are a unique geographical region in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. They stretch from Drumheller in the northwest through Dinosaur Provincial Park near Brooks to the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and Cypress Hills area in Saskatchewan.
A trip to the Canadian Badlands is like stepping into a different world. Today, I’m sharing with you all the fun things you can do in Brooks and Dinosaur Provincial Park with our 3-day family itinerary. Whether searching for dinosaur bones, feeding farm animals, or enjoying beach time, you’ll have a great time in (and around) Brooks.
The Canadian Badlands are known for their lunar-like landscape, which includes dry terrain, deep ravines, towering hoodoos (pillar-like sandstone formations), cacti, and rich deposits of fossils, including dinosaur bones.
It resembles landscapes found in Badlands National Park in South Dakota or Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.
Day 1: Dinosaurs Provincial Park
Start your day with a step back to the prehistoric era at Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Dinosaur Provincial Park is in the heart of the Canadian Badlands and is the perfect place for future paleontologists. It’s located approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Brooks, along the Red Deer River.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a playground for the young and old.
💡 Important: Dinosaur Provincial Park is NOT the same thing as Drumheller. In fact, both are more than 200 km away.
The park holds one of the most extensive dinosaur fossil fields globally. It has over 500 specimens from more than 40 species of dinosaurs. There are many things to do in Dinosaur Provincial Park, but here is what we recommend if you only have one day in the park:
Family Dino Stomp Guided Hike
You can start your visit at Dinosaur Provincial Park with a guided hike. My boys and I did the Family Dino Stomp guided hike, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Because this park is an active paleontologist site, some areas, including the Natural Preserve, are not open to the public unless you’re with a guide.
So, while much of the park’s fossil-rich areas are preserved and inaccessible for general visitors, participating in a guided tour provides an exclusive chance to walk these restricted trails.
On the Family Dino Stomp tour, you’ll follow a guide through the badlands for two hours and discover many dinosaur (and other creatures) fossils. This tour will turn your little ones into junior paleontologists, learning about fossils and ancient ecosystems with some fun exhibits and activities.
The Field Station and Exhibit Gallery
After the guided hike, return to the visitor center and visit the Exhibit Gallery. The gallery includes dinosaur fossils, models, and interactive, hands-on displays about the badlands. It takes 30-45 minutes to see and costs $2.00 per person.
Scenic Loop Road
When ready, hop back in your car and drive on the scenic loop road. It’s a 3.5 km scenic drive through the Badlands. You can also walk or bike the loop, but be careful if you’re with little ones.
Four hiking trails around the loop are worth a stop, including the most popular one: The Badlands Interpretive Trail.
It’s an easy hike suitable for young children. The path has informative panels about the park’s natural history. A little further down the road, you’ll also want to stop at the two outdoor interpretive fossil displays.
Inside the scenic loop, you can climb the hoodoos and explore all areas of the badlands. But please leave any fossil material where you find it.
Dinosaur Provincial Park Campground
End your day at the Dinosaur Provincial Park campground. Kids will love biking around and playing at the dino-themed playground. In the summertime and on the weekend, some activities are organized for families at the campground amphitheater.
The campground offers beautiful views of the prairie sky and the badlands. Plus, you’re within walking distance from the scenic drive and the visitor center.
The campground has outhouse toilets and potable water stations. Showers and toilets are located in the main building, with a laundry room and a small camping convenience store.
Day 2: Farm, Beach & Baseball
Start your day slowly at the Dinosaur Provincial Park campground. If you didn’t visit the John Ware Cabin on your first day, you can do a quick visit.
Then, it’s time to check out and drive to Brooks.
White Barn Fun Farm
Your first stop of the day will be the White Barn Fun Farm. The farm is open by appointment, so book your time online.
The White Barn Fun Farm is about 15 15-minute drive east of Brooks. You’ll be driving for a few kilometers on a dirt road.
The most exciting part of visiting the White Barn Fun Farm is interacting with the various farm animals. The farm hosts a beautiful range of creatures your family will love to meet, including:
- yaks,
- goats,
- bison,
- alpacas,
- emus, and
- even a dromedary.
Here, your kids can pet, feed, and learn about the animals in a safe and friendly environment with the owner.
Kinbrook Island Provincial Park
Next, head to the Kinbrook Island Provincial Park to enjoy the beach and the lake. It’s also where you’ll stay for the night. Kinbrook Island Provincial Park is Alberta’s first provincial park, established around a man-made lake.
This provincial park is located just 13 kilometers south of Brooks and sits on the southern shores of Lake Newell.
The sandy beach and warm waters are perfect for building sandcastles and splashing around. Remember to pack sunscreen and a picnic for a perfect afternoon at the beach.
With its calm and clean waters, Lake Newell is ideal for a range of water-based activities. You can enjoy paddleboarding, canoeing, or kayaking, or enjoy the beach and the playground.
Kinbrook Island Provincial Park Campground
End your day camping at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park campground.
Kinbrook Island Provincial Park campground offers campsites steps away from the lake. The campground is well-equipped with electricity and shaded sites suitable for tenting and RVs. Plus, there’s nothing quite like waking up to a lakeside sunrise!
Note that there are a lot of birds flying around. Always keep an eye on your food, and never feed the birds.
Day 3: Nature, History, and Playgrounds
Start your final day with a scenic walk or bike ride at the Kinbrook Marsh Natural Trail.
Kinbrook Marsh Natural Trail
The Kinbrook Marsh Natural Trail is easy for young children. You can walk or bike on it. My kids used their bikes while I was running behind them.
You can spot local wildlife and explore diverse habitats, including wetlands. This trail is in fact a good one for birdwatching, with over 200 species reported, including herons, pelicans, and even the occasional bald eagle.
The Brooks & District Museum
When you’re done with your hike, it’s time to head back into town. The first stop will be at The Brooks & District Museum. The interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits are a fun way to learn about local history.
The admission fee is on a donation basis.
Don’t forget to ask for the kids’ scavenger hunt at the entrance. It’s a great way to keep them engaged and entertained.
There are many things to do at the Brooks & District Museum, including:
Indoor Exhibits
The main museum building has exhibits about the local history. You’ll find different artifacts and old items. The kids loved the LEGO’s representation of the badlands.
Outdoor Exhibits
The fun is outside with the heritage buildings. You’ll visit an old schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a historic church, a train station, and many more heritage buildings. These structures give you a glimpse into what life might have been like in Brooks during the early 20th century.
Plan for at least one to two hours at The Brooks & District Museum to see everything and for the kids to complete the scavenger hunt.
Duke of Sutherland Park
After the museum, head to the Duke of Sutherland Park for some playground fun and to cool off at the spray pad. You can walk from the Brooks & District Museum to the park. Kids can spend hours there. Make sure to pack a lunch.
Dinner at Piston Broke Brewery
After a long day of adventuring, there’s no better way to unwind than with a refreshing pint of craft beer and a meal. Piston Broke Brewing is the go-to for both. It offers a relaxed environment, friendly service, and a good selection of craft beers.
Plus, it’s family-friendly. They even have freezies (the kids were happy about that). Piston Broke maintains a family-friendly atmosphere, especially on their patio, despite being a brewery.
Final Thoughts: Exploring the Canadian Badlands in Brooks, Alberta
The Canadian Badlands is a unique place to explore when in Alberta, and Brooks is a great home base for exploring some of the highlights of the Badlands.
Brooks has natural beauty, unique activities, and activities that are perfect for a family getaway. We hope this itinerary inspires your family to spend a few days in the area to discover what it has to offer.
