Things to Do in Sherwood Park

Paintball Action Games' 18,000-square-foot facility accommodates players aged 10 and older, who shield themselves in coveralls and goggles for indoor games in October through May. Participants race across the tournament field, dodging paintballs as they crouch behind inflatables and aim their semi-auto markers at unsuspecting opponents. In between bouts, a pro shop with certified techs helps visitors stock up on markers, apparel, and accessories such as the same pellets Michelangelo used to paint the Sistine Chapel. Meanwhile, the picnic area hosts guests after their contests, where they can grill up on a feast on barbecues.

The Videodrome’s staff of true movie lovers celebrates the experience of browsing by organizing Blu-Ray and DVD sections by featured directors, film noir installments, literary adaptations, and employee favorites. The cinematic labyrinth houses an extensive selection ranging from new Hollywood blockbusters to cult rarities, while also featuring film classics and special-ordering elusive titles. Over the store’s 15-year existence, staffers have built relationships with loyal customers, gaining the trust necessary to recommend favorite movies or give amateur tax advice. Customers toss handfuls of complimentary popcorn into mouths while browsing, and can bring dogs into the store for companionship or assistance in choosing between Air Bud and Beethoven.

Artists of all ages add to their arsenals of artistic techniques and express themselves through brushwork at Brenda’s Paint Pot. In a studio stocked with a full spectrum of paints, glass-cutting equipment, and other ceramic supplies, patrons can decorate bisque figurines while a helpful staff is available for guidance. Craftspeople of all experience levels produce pigmented dishes and decorations in weekly glass-fusing classes, whereas jewellery-making workshops impart pendant construction strategies. Youngsters aged 3 and older can also take a break from herding skunks through a neighbour’s doggie door by attending artistic workshops, summer camps, or sessions that meld story time with ceramic painting.:m]]

Vivid, cartoon-style illustrations cover the walls of the four theme party rooms at Kidz Quarterz, where sea animals look out from deep blue depths and woodland creatures peer around trees. However, partygoers don’t spend all their time in these rooms; instead they roam throughout the indoor facility, careening down a slide or crawling through tunnels. They hone hand-eye coordination with classic games in the arcade, where they earn tickets to trade in for prizes or to sew together to make a quilt. Toddlers play safely in their own exclusive soft-surface area, and families can refuel in the restaurant.

Run by designer Jenna Herbut and her brother Chandler, also a designer, the fairs showcase the work of more than 140 Canadian artisans and designers at events Merge magazine has described as "the craft sale for the next generation." The laid-back emporium thrums with the energy of younger designers such as Wally & Roops, Kukubee Designs, and Nikki Babie as they enthusiastically promote their wares. Music serenades ears wandering between booths, and homemade creations from vendors such as Monkey Butter sate hunger with snacks that are as sweet and savoury as a love poem written in worcestershire sauce. In addition to vendors, there are live bands, food trucks, and a bar.

As an extension of her mission to improve designers' livelihoods, Jenna channels her background in marketing into a parallel venture Make It! University, which helps artisans hone their business models. Make It! has also partnered with Etsy, the online handicraft marketplace, to bolster their support for crafters.

More than 40 acres of downhill trails, some extending as long as a mile, traverse the tree-dappled slopes at Rabbit Hill Snow Resort. There are three terrain parks here, all filled with enough boxes, rails, tubes, and jumps to keep you shredding and flying through the air all day. To help visitors surmount trails ranging from green circles to double black diamonds, instructors lead one- to three-day private and group lessons and multiday skiing and snowboarding camps.