15 tips for doing West Ed with your littles
Ah, West Edmonton Mall: a rite of passage roadtrip for Saskatoon kids and one quick-trip destination the whole fam can agree on. And honestly, if you just GO, you’ll have a good time. But if you’ve never been and don’t plan ahead, I mean, you’re bound to miss something fun or not take advantage of every family-friendly tip (because there’s just so much) and that’s why, as a seasoned vet, I’m going to share what I’ve learned along the way. Here are 15 tips on doing WEM with your littles (although everyone should pay attention to the first three).
This article was updated July 24, 2021
Take advantage of MyWEM Loyalty Points. Sign up before you arrive, then scan your receipts from stores, restaurants, attractions, and/or Fantasyland Hotel to earn points you can spend on future passes, stays at Fantasyland, and more. Not spending much and can’t imagine you’ll earn enough points to get rewards? Still worth it to get the app: there are member deals like restaurant, spa, and shop discounts.
Did you know you can save money and do more with the WEM Multi Play Passes? Explore Galaxyland, World Waterpark, Sea Life Caverns, Sea Lions' Rock, the Ship, Ice Palace, Professor Wem's Adventure Golf, Dragon's Tale, Ed's Bowling and the Crystal Labyrinth Mirror Maze for one family price. Or, purchase Choice Passes for $34/ea with a minimum buy of 15. These are a $15 discount on World Waterpark and Galaxyland admissions so if you’re going on a group trip, that’s major savings.
Keep an eye out for Fantasyland Hotel promotions by following their Instagram. I once nabbed a room for $200 just by keeping an eye out! It was an older Polynesian theme room because charm factor!, but you can nab updated rooms, too— just ask on the phone which the agent thinks is best. My favourite so far? Space! Fantasyland has a bunch of deals going on right now with grazing boxes and attraction passes so it’s also worth visiting their promotions page.
Don’t have a ton of space in your car for luggage and strollers or a big kid who is just OVER WALKING for the day? Rent a stroller at entrances 8, 15, or 2.
No need to pack your child’s lifejacket: World Waterpark offers free PFDs for littles. Swim diapers are also available at no cost.
If your own space and comfy seating appeals to you, renting a private space is worthwhile at World Waterpark, especially if you’ve got a toddler who naps and your family plans to spend the day there. (Non-cabana loungers are hard plastic that don’t recline.) Prices start at $100 for the family hammock and range up from there. Each area comes with locked storage (which is $10-15 without a cabana), access to a semi-private bathroom, and complimentary towels (which you can otherwise rent for $3 each— stay at Fantasyland and your room has beach towels to take). Some spaces even have a table and chairs.
It’s often less busy before closing at the Waterpark and Galaxyland… and it’s less expensive. A twilight pass to either is only $35 and is valid 3 hours before closing so you’ll still get a ton of slides or rides in. Available for a limited time.
There’s lots of toddler-friendly restos along “Bourbon Street” but when I’ve got a baby in tow, Moxie’s is my top pick. I like their veggie protein option but what any new parent will love is the free baby plate. It’s not on the menu. Just ask. ;)
See the Sea Lion show for free (2 & 4PM daily, and a noon show on weekends) by finding a spot against the glass partition. If your little one is like my guy, you’re better off not battening down the hatches on a show anyway.
The big pirate boat has a $2 admission but is worth the change. Kids LOVE that thing and let’s face it, it makes for a cute picture, too. And make sure to bring change for the “remote control” boats your child can operate with a big steering wheel.
Take a look at what’s going on at the Ice Palace. Sometimes there’s a fun event to watch (we’ve caught a national arm wrestling championship and hockey games on previous trips) or if you just want to do a skate, it’s good to know when the ice is available. Skate rental is $6, helmets are free.
There are two mini golfs so if you’ve got a li’l putter, let them choose between the classic Professor WEM’s Adventure Golf and Dragon’s Tale which offers a black light experience.
Going on a Friday night with a kid 4+? Get a date in kid-free by dropping them off at Color Me Mine’s Kids’ Night Out 5:30-8 where they’ll enjoy pizza, painting, a movie, and childcare starting at only $34.
Is your trip planned because of your child’s birthday? Make sure to stop into Build-A-Bear to buy them a pay-your-age bear!
Kids under 2 ride free in Galaxyland. You can take them on rides like the Balloon Ride, Cosmic Express, Carousel, Galactic Rodeo furry animal rides, and to Galaxyland Kids Playpark (the best for very young toddlers).
okay I lied in the title, there’s one more. If you’re staying more than one night at Fantasyland, switch up your themes! The hotel staff will bring your luggage to your next room when it’s ready and you’ll have zero downtime in between. One reader also suggests that the hotel has microwaves available to your room— perfect for heating those restaurant leftovers next day.
And this one is just a personal opinion: the little splurges are worth it. The cute $8 candy floss, those Disney store whims, getting a caricature done at Galaxyland… those are the kind of spends that pack a punch when you’re strolling down memory lane afterward. I hope you enjoy your trip to WEM as much as we’ve enjoyed every one of ours.
Find adorable cotton candy creations like this at Galaxyland. The unicorn is awesome but Petra couldn’t be swayed from the bunny.
Anything to add? I’m always open to more tips! And if you find one of these helpful, please let me know!
xo
