River Cree announced that from 29 July 2024 minors would be permitted in all of the resort's non-gaming areas, which it listed as the hockey rinks, the restaurants and community events in The Venue. Its notice explains why: before, minors had to walk outdoors, in all weather conditions, to reach the rinks or community events. The resort thanked the Government of Alberta and Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis for the solution and described the aim as a fully integrated resort experience.
The four conditions
- Anyone under 18 must always be with an adult over 18.
- Minors may not be on the gaming floor or in any gaming area.
- Minors may not loiter in the areas around gaming; the permission covers access to the rinks, restaurants and The Venue only.
- River Cree shows remain 18+.
The resort's notice refers guests to a map of permitted and prohibited zones. Its house rules add that authorities will be contacted if children are left unattended on casino property.
What it changed in practice
For hockey families it turned the Twin Rinks from an outdoor walk into an indoor one, and made a hotel room upstairs an easy choice for a tournament weekend. For everyone else it opened The Kitchen and Tap 25 to children; both publish kids menus. The Night Market in June 2026 was billed as free and open to all ages, with a kids zone of face painting, balloon animals and bouncy castles.
What it did not change
Concerts are still adults-only. Every listing on the current calendar says 18+, and the Venue FAQ says minors are strictly prohibited from shows unless an event says otherwise. Alberta's casino age is 18 and the resort checks ID for anyone who looks under 30.
For parents booking a room
Ask for a room with a route to the pool and restaurants that avoids the casino, and for the Luxury Family Suite or a two-queen room. Put the children's ages in the note on the coupon.
Sources — read on 29 October 2026 unless a date is given: