Alberta teachers have officially gone on a province-wide strike as of Oct. 6, 2025, disrupting classes for more than 700,000 students across 2,500 schools.
The strike follows months of failed contract negotiations between the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the provincial government. The latest offer was a 12 per cent pay increase over four years and a promise to hire 3,000 more teachers to address classroom sizes; however, nearly 90 per cent of those who voted rejected the deal. It’s unclear how long the strike will last.
With nearly 51,000 teachers on strike and kids suddenly home from school, here are some ways to keep them entertained, active, and learning during the strike.
Visit libraries
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Public libraries across Alberta often host story times, craft sessions, and interactive programs for kids of all ages. Many libraries also offer activity kits, books, and online resources aimed at keeping children engaged in learning while schools are closed.
Check out your local YMCA
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Many YMCAs across Alberta offer drop-in programs, recreational activities, and club sports for school-aged children. These programs can keep kids active, social, and engaged while schools are closed during the strike.
Explore museums and science centres
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Alberta is home to many cool museums and science centres, perfect for a day of learning. From the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller and Studio Bell in Calgary to the Telus World of Science in Edmonton and Telus Spark in Calgary, there are plenty of educational and exciting activities to check out at these locations.
Local recreation centres
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Recreation centres often offer drop-in swimming, skating, or sports programs for kids. They are a great low-cost or free option to give children a chance to stay active and socialize without paying for memberships.
Seasonal fun
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Fall is here, and Alberta is full of seasonal activities for the whole family. From pumpkin patches and fall festivals to Halloween events and scenic fall walks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season while the teachers are on strike.