8 Free (And Almost Free) Things To Do In Drumheller
Put your wallet away – we’ve put together the top free (and almost free) activities for you to try in Drumheller. We’re certain the experience will be priceless. Here’s our guide to just some of things to do in Drumheller for under $10:
Midland Provincial Park (free)
This day-use only park is the perfect spot for summer favourites such as geocaching, wildlife viewing, hiking and more. Spend the day hiking among the willows and cottonwoods, or dive into a piece of history with the interpretive display at the old Midland Coal Mine office. However you want to spend a day with nature, you’ll find it right here without the thought of costs dragging you down. Looking for the ideal paleontology attraction? As a bonus, the Royal Tyrell Museum is located right in Midland Provincial Park – meaning mixing in a paid experience with a free one (to make a complete day of it) is totally viable.
World’s Largest Dinosaur ($5/person)
Roar! Climb up into the mouth of the World’s Largest Dinosaur! While not completely free, this only-in-Drumheller experience is worth the $4. Plus, kids 5 years old and younger are free and they have a Family Rate of $15. Once at the top, you can see the whole town and take a unique family photo. As an added bonus, the Rotary Spray Park is just steps away from this giant attraction.
Rotary Spray Park (free)
Pack the bathing suits and plan a picnic – the Rotary Spray Park offers families a refreshing mid-afternoon break from their Drumheller adventures. Public changerooms/washroom, picnic tables, benches and ample greenspace make picnicking a snap and the water canons and fountains will keep the kids busy for a Mesozoic Era (that’s about 180 million years if you were wondering).
Tuesday Nights at the Napier Theatre ($8/person)
While the Napier Theatre is always reasonably priced, Tuesday nights provide an even better deal – take in a show for just $8! Kick back with some popcorn from their concession and enjoy the best new release movies. Dinner and a movie is never a bad way to end a day of Badlands adventuring.
Drumheller Little Church (free)
Take a quiet moment for meditation (and maybe a unique picture or two) at this 6-person church. Religion aside, this unique structure is worth visiting just to see it and say you have. As the local saying goes, “the Little Church holds 10,000 people, but only six at a time.”
11 Bridges to Wayne (free)
Jump in the car and go on an adventure to the tiny ghost town of Wayne. With only 27 residents and a plethora of old-fashioned buildings, it feels like you’re walking into a set of an old Western movie. The scenic route in takes you over 11 bridges and past picturesque views.
Mini Golf at Cactus Coulee Fun Park ($7/person)
Enjoy 9 holes of fun on Cactus Coulee’s Western Course for $7, challenge yourself on their 18-hole Pro Course for $10, or make it a mini golf day by doing both courses (27 holes) for just $12. Add in the fact that kids aged 6 and under are free and you get a lot of entertainment for a reasonable price. For additional costs, you can continue the wild entertainment with Cactus Coulee’s Go Karts and Eurobungy!
The Hoodoos ($2 per vehicle)
Ready to take a spectacular Instagram photo of the Badlands? After forming for millions of years, the Hoodoos are finally ready for their close-up. These sandstone pillars stand from five to seven metres tall, and are exactly the sight you need to complete your outdoor Badlands experience. This stunning site looks like it’s cut straight out of a magazine, but as promised this picturesque paradise won’t cost you a penny. You can check out the protected Hoodoo site for a guaranteed viewing of the Hoodoos, but smaller versions can be found all across the Badlands. Just be cautious, Hoodoos are very fragile and can crumble if their capstone is dislodged, so climbing is not permitted. Take a hike around the Hoodoos and you’ll spot cacti and other unusual to Canada flora.
That’s how far a $10 bill gets you here – there’s so many free (or nearly free) experiences to try in Drumheller! Whether you’re travelling with friends, on a daytrip date or with your whole family, you can enjoy a jampacked day full of fun, even on a budget.