Whether you are a tourist, resident or newcomer to Calgary, you will find it a great city for families!
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Calgary is a fabulous city for kids & families. Whether you are a visitor or a resident, explore some of the places and adventures listed below and experience some Calgary fun.
Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Calgary
1. The Calgary Zoo
1300 Zoo Road NE (accessible by C-Train)
403-232-9300 www.calgaryzoo.com
This world-class facility home to more than 1000 animals is a great spot for a walk with the kids. Check out the zoo’s ongoing program of special events, including a regular Safari Sunday Brunch and behind the scenes aimed at both adults and children. Entry to the zoo costs $16 for an adult, $8 for a child, under 3s are free. Summer pricing is in effect from May 1 to September 1 (add $2 to the prices). Consider purchasing an annual pass if you plan on three or more visits.
2. The Telus World of Science and the Creative Kids Museum
701 - 11 Street SW (accessible by C-Train)
403-268-8300 www.calgaryscience.ca
Two fascinating museums for the price of one and a great place to head to when the weather is icky. Take in a movie in the giant Discovery Dome, enjoy some hands-on fun in the Discovery Hall, climb the rope ladder in WOWTown, or check out the free stargazing every Friday night (weather permitting). The hours are Tues– Thurs 10am–4pm, Fri– Sun 10am–5pm; Tickets are children and youths $9.50, adults $13.50, children under 3 are free. A Discovery Dome show is an additional $3.
3. The Calgary Tower
101 - 9th Avenue SW (accessible by C-Train)
403-266-7171 www.calgarytower.com
The most distinctive building in the city also offers one of the biggest thrills – stepping out onto a glass floor hundreds of feet above street level. Get your money’s worth by choosing a clear, sunny day to ride to the top. The tower is open May to September from 7 am to 10:30 pm and from October to April from 9 am to 9:30pm. A family pass for two adults with two children is $37. Children under 3 are free.
4. Enjoy one of Calgary’s fabulous parks
www.calgary.ca (City of Calgary)
Prince’s Island Park is an excellent spot for a summer picnic and some fun at the kid’s playground. Riley Park’s wading pool, open from mid-June to early September, is free to use and is a great place to meet friends and wile away a summer afternoon. At Bowness Park you can skate on the frozen lagoon in the winter or rent a canoe or a paddle boat in the summer. From Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day, there’s a miniature train that’s a big hits with the little ones. Calgary has lots of child-friendly parks, many of them connected by the extensive urban pathway system that runs through the centre of the city. The best thing: it’s all free!
5. Calaway Park
245033 Range Road 33 (off Highway #1)
(403) 240-3822 www.calawaypark.com
Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park is just 10 km west of the city limits on the TransCanada Highway. The fun park is home to 133 rides and is open daily 10 am to 7 pm from June 27 to August 26 and open at weekends during the shoulder season. Entry for a family of four costs around $80. Children under 2 years are free. Expect something for everyone over the age of around 5.
6. Heritage Park
1900 Heritage Drive SW (accessible by C-Train)
403-268-8500 www.heritagepark.ca
Go back in time and have fun pioneer-style! You’ll find something for everyone in the park, which will take a full day to explore during the summer months. There are antique stores, a farm, an old-fashioned midway, an antique car collection and even a paddlewheeler that offers excursions on the reservoir. New for March 2009, is a recreated 1930s/1940s urban streetscape. Canada's largest living history museum is open from May 16 to September 7 and weekends only until October 12, 2009. It is also open for special events year round: check the website for details A summer family pass to the historical village and museum is $70. Rides are an additional $4 each.
7. The Glenbow Museum
130 - 9 Avenue SE (accessible by C-Train)
403-268-4100 www.glenbow.org
Learn cool facts about some of the icons of Alberta’s past and connect with more than 1 million extraordinary art and artifacts from around the world. Take part in Family Fun Sundays and get the kids excited about art and culture. The museum is open Mon-Sun 9 am to 5 pm, Thursdays 9 am to 9 pm. Family Fun Sundays runs during summer months from 1 - 4 pm. Tickets cost $28 for a family; children under 6 are free.
8. Canada Olympic Park
88 Canada Olympic Road SW - 403-247-5452 - www.winsportcanada.ca
In winter, take some skiing or snowboarding lessons at COP or catch some air in the terrain park. In summer, enjoy the knarly mountain bike trails or enroll in lessons and camps. Year-round, visit the largest Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum in North America. Check out the website for information on hours and prices.
9. The Loose Moose Theatre Company
Crossroads Market, 1235 26th Ave. SE
403-265-5682 www.loosemoose.com
Nothing beats the buzz from watching a live performance. The Loose Moose cast are skilled at entertaining kids aged 4 to 10. The theatre is located on the second floor of the Crossroads Market (close to Inglewood). Tickets are $10 and seats are usually pre-assigned.
10. Take in a Sports Game
403-777-0000 (Ticketmaster) www.ticketmaster.ca
There are lots of professional sports teams in Calgary: consider the Calgary Stampeders (Canadian Football League), the Calgary Flames (National Hockey League), the Calgary Roughnecks (National Lacrosse League) or the Calgary Vipers (Golden Baseball League). And don’t forget speed skating or cycling at the Olympic Oval or show jumping at Spruce Meadows. The amateur Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League also make for a great evening’s entertainment. Keep an eye on the local listings for free sporting events around the city.
Enjoy Calgary!
Written by:
Kara Turner - owner of Little Traveller baby equipment rentals (www.littletraveller.ca) in Calgary. She rents car seats, strollers, high chairs and other essentials to families travelling to the city. She is the mom of two little adventurers.
Calgary is a fabulous city for kids & families. Whether you are a visitor or a resident, explore some of the places and adventures listed below and experience some Calgary fun.