Tips for Traveling with Kids in Calgary, Canada
1. Calgary Zoo
Home to over 1000 animals including pandas, a must-visit for kids. Interactive exhibits and daily shows make learning fun.
- Animal Diversity: Features a wide variety of animals from around the world.
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows children to get up close and personal with some of the exhibits.
- Daily Shows: Educational presentations and feedings are scheduled throughout the day.
2. Heritage Park Historical Village
Step back in time with a collection of historic buildings from Western Canada's settlement era. Kids can learn while having fun on vintage rides and interacting with costumed interpreters.
- Historic Buildings: Offers a unique opportunity to learn about Canada's past.
- Vintage Rides: Includes a working steam train and carousel rides.
- Costumed Interpreters: Bring history to life through stories and demonstrations.
3. Telus Spark Science Centre
Interactive exhibits make learning about science fun. Highlights include a kids' area and an outdoor park.
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows children to learn through hands-on activities.
- Kids' Area: A dedicated space designed for kids to explore and learn at their own pace.
- Outdoor Park: Includes a playground, outdoor exhibits, and a beautiful garden.
4. Calgary Farmers' Market
A year-round market featuring local produce, artisanal foods, and unique crafts. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo and cooking workshops.
- Local Produce: Supports local farmers and offers fresh, seasonal goods.
- Petting Zoo: Gives kids a chance to interact with farm animals up close.
- Cooking Workshops: Teach kids about food preparation and nutrition in a fun way.
5. Calgary Tower
Offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Kids will love the glass floor and the telescopes.
- Panoramic Views: Provides a bird's eye view of Calgary.
- Glass Floor: A thrilling experience for kids as they look down through the city below.
- Telescopes: Allows kids to get a closer look at landmarks and attractions.
6. Calgary Public Library
A modern library with interactive exhibits, storytimes, and a rooftop park. A great place for kids to learn and play.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes technology-focused activities that engage children.
- Storytimes: Offers regular storytime sessions for kids of all ages.
- Rooftop Park: Provides a green space for children to play and relax.
7. Calgary Olympic Park
The site of the 1988 Winter Olympics offers bobsled rides, ski jumps, and an indoor climbing wall. A thrilling experience for kids who love adventure.
- Bobsled Rides: Offers the opportunity to ride in a real Olympic bobsled.
- Ski Jumps: Allows kids to experience the excitement of ski jumping.
- Indoor Climbing Wall: Provides a safe and fun way for kids to practice their climbing skills.
8. The Art Gallery of Calgary
Features contemporary and Indigenous art. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and workshops.
- Contemporary Art: Showcases cutting-edge works that engage children's imagination.
- Interactive Exhibits: Encourages kids to explore art in a hands-on way.
- Workshops: Teach kids about various art forms and techniques.
9. The Hangar Flight Museum
A collection of historic aircraft and interactive exhibits that immerse kids in the history of aviation.
- Historic Aircraft: Features a variety of planes from different eras.
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows kids to explore the world of aviation through hands-on activities.
- Simulator Rides: Offers the chance to experience flight in a simulated environment.
10. TELUS World of Science Edmonton (Day Trip)
A science center located about 3 hours from Calgary offering over 400 interactive exhibits. A great destination for a day trip.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engages children in learning through hands-on activities.
- DinoTrek: A dinosaur-themed outdoor exhibit that brings the Jurassic era to life.
- IMAX Theatre: Offers immersive films that transport kids to amazing destinations.
11. Dinosaur Provincial Park (Day Trip)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 4 hours from Calgary. Kids will love the dinosaur bones and fossils.
- Dinosaur Bones: Features a vast collection of dinosaur fossils.
- Guided Tours: Offers insight into the park's geology, paleontology, and history.
- Nature Trails: Allows kids to explore the beautiful Badlands landscape.
12. Banff National Park (Day Trip)
Located about 1.5 hours from Calgary, this national park offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife spotting.
- Hiking Trails: Offers a range of trails suitable for different skill levels.
- Scenic Drives: Allows kids to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery from the comfort of a car.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to see bears, elk, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
13. Canada Olympic Park Ski Jump Tower (Winter Only)
Offers a unique experience for kids in the winter months with ski jump simulator rides.
- Ski Jump Simulator Rides: Allows kids to experience the thrill of ski jumping in a safe and controlled environment.
- Nordic Skiing: Provides an opportunity for kids to learn cross-country skiing.
- Snow Tubing: Offers a fun and exhilarating slide down a snowy hill.
14. Barroness Park Children's Area
A large, fenced play area with equipment suitable for all ages. A great spot for a picnic and family fun.
- Play Equipment: Features swings, slides, and climbing structures.
- Fenced Play Area: Ensures a safe play environment for younger children.
- Picnic Areas: Provides space for families to enjoy a meal together during their visit.
15. Stanley Park (Day Trip)
Located in Vancouver, about 8 hours from Calgary. Offers a large playground, miniature train ride, and beautiful gardens.
- Large Playground: Features equipment suitable for all ages.
- Miniature Train Ride: Offers a fun and scenic tour of the park.
- Beautiful Gardens: Provides opportunities for kids to learn about different plants and flowers.