Turn Edmonton’s streets into your summer playground with these free, interactive adventures for couples, families, and friends.
Summer in Edmonton is short — so make it unforgettable. If you’re searching for free things to do in Edmonton, whether it’s a romantic date night, a fun family day out, or you’re searching for fresh date ideas Edmonton locals love, these nine self-guided adventures turn downtown into your personal playground. Using the free Story City app, you’ll follow GPS-triggered chapters that reveal local art, hidden gems, and fascinating history. Along the way, you might solve a mystery, uncover a ghost story, or capture Instagram-worthy moments — all while soaking up the best of Edmonton summer.
From playful treasure hunts to heart-racing survival quests, each story is a ready-made outing. Every chapter unfolds at real Edmonton landmarks, meaning you can pause to enjoy a coffee, grab ice cream, or explore a park between chapters. Whether you want a date with a twist, a memorable afternoon with the kids, or family activities Edmonton parents swear by, these adventures are designed to be flexible, fun, and — best of all — completely free.
Ready to go? Here are 9 Story-Powered Adventures Across Downtown Edmonton:
🔍 FAMILY HEIRLOOM Rating: M 16+
Your cousin is missing—and the clues lie in his journal, your childhood memories, and the streets of Chinatown. Unravel a personal mystery that touches on culture, expectations, and the journey of first-generation identity.
📍 Your Adventure starts at the Edmonton Chinatown Multi-cultural Centre.
Written by: Kevin Douangmany • Art by: Luce Hua • Music by: Jyn-Ting Ying • Voiceover by: Michael Vetsch • Funded by: City of Edmonton Downtown Vibrancy Fund
🧩 THE TONTINE Rating: G
Family feuds don’t get much fancier than this. Step into the shoes of a Smith or Jenkins and compete for control of high society. Every puzzle, every choice brings you closer to victory—or total family disgrace—in this wild, twisty murder-mystery challenge.
📍 Your Adventure starts at Violet King Henry Plaza at the Alberta Legislature Grounds.
Written by: Nerissa McNaughton • Art by: Teddy Edwards • Music by: Will Scott • Voiceover by: Daniela Fernandez • Funded by: City of Edmonton Downtown Vibrancy Fund
🏒 POWER PLAY Rating: PG 14+
What starts as brunch turns into a time-bending race to save a hockey legend. When David McWayne’s murder threatens the future of the Stanley Cup playoffs, only you and Detective Timely can restore the timeline. Can you make the winning play?
📍 Your Adventure starts at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald.
Art by: Teddy Edwards • Music by: Lindsey Walker • Voiceover by: Ali Gohar • Funded by: City of Edmonton Downtown Vibrancy Fund
🏒 🐉 ZODIAC GUARDIANS Rating: M 16+
In a solarpunk future, your home is crumbling. As your biodome’s leader, you must partner with your Zodiac Guardian and journey into the unknown to find what you need to save your people. With danger at every turn, will you survive?
📍 Your Adventure starts at Citadel Theatre.
Written by: Alyx Bui • Art by: Diomel Chaves • Music by: Jyn-Ting Ying • Voiceover by: Michael Vetsch and Shyanne Duquette Indigenous Consultation by: Ambrose Cardinal • Funded by: City of Edmonton Downtown Vibrancy Fund
🎵 …AND THE CITY FELL SILENT Rating: M 16+
Live music is disappearing from Edmonton—and only you can stop it. Track down the fading soundscape through riddles, strange venues, and lyrical mysteries before the beat vanishes forever. A love letter to the city’s music scene with a supernatural twist.
📍 Your Adventure starts at the Freemason’s Hall of Edmonton on 100 Ave.
Written & Music by: Lindsey Walker • Art by: Ambrose Cardinal • Voiceover by: Erin Pettifor • Funded by: City of Edmonton Downtown Vibrancy Fund
⛏ COAL CALL Rating: M 16+
A ghostly voice interrupts your phone—and suddenly you’re caught in a treasure hunt through the bones of Edmonton’s past. Uncover a buried map and help a forgotten soul find peace in this atmospheric journey through memory and mystery.
📍 Your Adventure starts at McKay Ave School.
Written by: Nathaniel Scott • Art by: Diomel Chaves • Music by: Will Scott • Voiceover by: Ali Gohar • Funded by: City of Edmonton Downtown Vibrancy Fund
🕰 Boring Old Edmonton Rating: PG 12+
Edmonton’s reputation is on the line. When your cousin from Toronto won’t stop roasting the city, a strange twist of fate launches you into the past. Solve puzzles through different eras of Edmonton’s history and prove that ‘Boring Old Edmonton’ is anything but.
📍 Your Adventure starts at Audrey’s Books on Jasper Ave.
Written by: Hayley Moorhouse • Voiceover by: Daniela Fernandez • Art by: Teddy Edwards • Music by: Tamarack Cunningham • Funded by: City of Edmonton Downtown Vibrancy Fund
📸 INSTAGRAMMABLE TOUR OF DOWNTOWN YEG Rating: G
Follow local legend Linda Hoang as she guides you through some of the most photogenic murals, eats, and hidden gems in Downtown YEG. Choose your route, strike a pose, and snap your way through art, food, and city stories.
📍 Your Adventure starts at Alex Decoteau Park.
Created by: Linda Hoang (@lindork) • Funded by: City of Edmonton Downtown Vibrancy Fund
🌀 SEEING BEYOND Rating: PG 12+
A mysterious voice calls out from a sculpture—and your help is its only hope. Journey through Edmonton’s downtown art scene solving clues and navigating a hazy tale of memory, color, and captivity. Can you set them free before it’s too late?
📍 Your Adventure starts at Michael Phair Park.
Written by: Cassandra Weir • Art by: Diomel Chaves • Music by: Will Scott • Voiceover by: Erin Pettifor • Funded by: City of Edmonton Downtown Vibrancy Fund
Whether you’re planning a Saturday date, keeping the kids busy, or rediscovering your own city, these nine interactive adventures are free Edmonton summer activities you can enjoy all season long. All you need is your phone, the Story City app, and a sense of curiosity.
The streets are waiting — are you ready to explore? 📲 Download the Story City App
💡 Not in Edmonton? You Can Still Join the Story
If you’re not in Edmonton, you can still experience every chapter using Spoiler Mode—a special setting in the Story City app that lets you explore from anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re planning a future trip or just want a taste of the city’s creative spirit, Spoiler Mode is a great way to preview and support the stories remotely. Watch how it works here 👇
Want to Help Shape What’s Next?
We’re building Universal Adventures—interactive stories that work in any city around the globe. And we’re inviting you to help us test them.
If you’re the kind of person who loves a good plot twist and wants early access to new stories, sign up to become one of our Play Testers. No tech skills required. Just curiosity and a love for getting outside.
As a member of our Play Testers team, you’ll:
- Shape, twist, and test the stories before they go live
- Get early access to new interactive adventures before anyone else
- Unlock exclusive perks like discounts on stories, special badges, and testers-only merch
- Earn the chance to become a ‘Mayor’ of your city—an honorary title and reward for our most active players
- Help us spot bugs and shape stories before they launch
- Get a sneak peek at what’s coming next—before anyone else
Ready to be part of the inner circle? 👉 Sign up here to become a Play Tester!
Grab your phone, pick your adventure, and explore! There’s already a story waiting for you.
