27 FUN Things to Do in Calgary With Kids

Planning a visit to Alberta and looking for all the fun things to do in Calgary with kids?

Calgary is a great city with lots of fun places for kids. And the city will surprise you with how much nature it has to offer.

Of course, you’ll find plenty of museums and indoor playgrounds, but Calgary also has a lot of urban trails and parks. It’s easy to feel away from the city within the city. Plus, if you’re looking (and at the right location), you might even get a glimpse of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

There’s always something exciting to do in Calgary for kids, from climbing walls to indoor playgrounds. 

So, if you’re looking for the best spots to take your kids for a fun day out, you’re in the right place. We’ve been living in Alberta for almost 3 years now and we still love to explore the province and find the most fun and unique things to do with the kids.

Let’s check out some of the top fun things to do with kids in Calgary.

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The BEST Calgary Attractions for Families

1. Calgary Tower

The Calgary Tower may be one of the City of Calgary’s most iconic and representative images. The tower is 626 ft (190.8 m) high, and you’ll see the mesmerizing Rocky Mountains to the west and the prairies to the east. 

Like the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario, the Calgary Tower has a glass floor where you can bravely look down at the 9th avenue and its surroundings. 

Buying your tickets online will save you a few bucks!

There is a beautiful revolving restaurant, Sky 360, that you can enjoy for brunch, lunch, or dinner with your family. This restaurant turns 360° over an hour, so you can look at everything around the tower.

The menu includes sandwiches, steak and chicken dishes, salads, and exquisite wine options. There is also a kids’ menu with all their favorites!

🎟️ Find tickets for the Calgary Tower 🎟️

2. Heritage Park Historical Village

When visiting Heritage Park Historic Village, you will step into the past. In this museum, there are over 150 exhibits built over 127 acres. There are historical buildings like the Banff Royal North West Mounted Police Barracks, kid’s attractions, a steam train, and a boat, the S.S. Moyie Historical Paddlewheeler, to enjoy a tour of the Glenmore Reservoir.

Several festivals and programs are running throughout the year. One of the kids’ favorites is probably Ghouls’ Night Out, which runs right before Halloween. There are several activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy, such as haunted houses, theater performances, ghostbusting, crafts, carnival games, and monster meet-and-greets. 

Do not worry! This is a family-friendly event, so it’s not too scary for young kids!

Finally, several restaurants and concessions at the park allow you to enjoy all-day breakfast, candies, and ice cream in an authentic Western style. Heritage Park Historical Village is in my opinion of the best Calgary attractions for families.

🎟️ Find tickets for the Heritage Park Historical Village 🎟️

3. Calgary self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt

This adventurous 4.2 km (2.6 miles) Calgary Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt will take you to over 25 locations in Calgary City Centre. You and your family will learn about history and enjoy the surrounding attractions while completing the quest!

You will see places such as the City Hall, the Olympic Plaza, the beautiful Devonian Gardens, and the Calgary Tower.

You can go as fast or as slow as you’d like! This is a family-friendly, pet-friendly, and wheelchair/stroller-accessible activity. 

It should take you 3 hours to complete. Remember your water bottle, a Calgary map, and your phone with data to access this hunt’s details!

🎟️ Download the self-guided tour app now! 🎟️

Fun Things to Do in Calgary With Kids

4. Telus Spark Science Center

As a total science nerd, science centers are one of my favorite things to visit with kids – they’re indoors, hands-on, and full of learning opportunities. An excellent science center turns learning into play.

Opened in 2011, the TELUS Spark Science Centre is a huge improvement over the 1967-built Calgary Science Centre I grew up visiting. Located just north of the Calgary Zoo, spending 4+ hours at the LEED Gold building and surrounding land is easy. 

PRO-TIP
Don’t try to cram both destinations into a single day – you won’t have the time to enjoy either one!)

Fill your day with science, creativity, and educational (or not so educational) play with Spark VR, the Infinity Dome planetarium, and six permanent galleries (including the incredible Brainasium playground outside and Creative Kids Museum on the main floor) included in admission. 

Plan with these tips for visiting Calgary’s TELUS Spark and check if the rotating feature exhibits and events have an additional charge – and if it’s something you want to see. If this is your first visit to TELUS Spark, you should skip the feature exhibit.

TELUS Spark has worked to integrate Indigenous Science into the science center. Be sure to take some time to discover the Moss Bag Project in the Creative Kids Museum, listen to the stories and teachings of Elders and Knowledge Keepers in the Atrium, or watch an Indigenous-themed show.

5. Canada Olympic Park

Open year-round, the Canada Olympic Park, also known as COP, welcomed the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Locals and visitors enjoyed watching sports like ski jumping, speed skating, and figure skating.

WinSport Canada operates COP and offers a wide variety of summer and winter activities for families, making this a great attraction in the city. So you don’t have to worry about driving for too long!

During summer, families can enjoy activities such as mountain biking, downhill karting, ziplining, riding bobsleighs, and playing mini golf.

During winter, families gather to either learn or practice skiing or snowboarding. There are several options if you’re interested in learning these sports.

You can also enjoy some adrenaline by visiting the tube park!

Finally, this wouldn’t be a family attraction if it didn’t offer summer or winter events! Some upcoming events are:

• Pumpkins After Dark,
• 2023 World Ringette Championship,
• Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland,
• Snow Rodeo,
• Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2024

6. Fort Calgary

Fort Calgary was a North-West Mounted Police outpost located at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. 

Nowadays, this National Historic Site is a museum and interpretative center with over 30 acres of land for families to visit and learn fascinating facts about the North West Mounted Police and Treaty 7.

There are exhibits, walking tours, films, and workshops to learn about several cultures and history.

This is a great Calgary attraction for families!

7. Calgary Zoo

The Calgary Zoo is a wildlife wonderland in the heart of Calgary. Spanning 120 acres, it’s home to over 1,000 animals from all over the world!

Begin your journey in the  Penguin Plunge and watch these adorable birds waddle and dive. There is an indoor and outdoor section where you can see the cute little penguins. There are more than 40 of them. 

Next, walk on the Canadian Wilds section. You’ll meet local animals like bears, wolves, and moose here. My boys love the slide next to the wolves’ habitat.

The Savannah exhibit will transport you to Africa. Walk alongside giraffes, zebras, and lions. Can you hear the lion’s roar? For a tropical twist, the Rainforest area is a must-visit. Colorful birds fly overhead, and curious monkeys swing from tree to tree.

The Prehistoric Park is a blast from the past! Walk among life-sized dinosaur statues and imagine a world from millions of years ago. It recreates the Alberta Badlands.

With so much to see and do, the Calgary Zoo promises a wild and fun family activity in Calgary. We have our annual memberships and love visiting a few times per year.

8. Gasoline Alley Museum

Located in Heritage Park, the Gasoline Alley is a museum that displays one-of-a-kind vintage cars and oil and gas-related items.

This two-story museum is open year-round, and you can visit it at Heritage Park. Here, you will see restored vehicles and artifacts from the 20th century. It’s such a treat to see in person what cars and other objects looked like in the past.

Most of the vehicles cannot be accessed, only looked at; however, there are a few you can get on to take a picture and look at up close!

Whether or not you’re a car enthusiast, your family and you will surely enjoy this museum!

🎟️ Find tickets for the Gasoline Alley Museum 🎟️

FREE Things to Do in Calgary

9. Island Park

Prince’s Island Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the City of Calgary. This 20-hectare park features lovely picnic areas and flower gardens. 

This family-friendly attraction in Calgary allows you to enjoy both summer and winter. In summer, you can enjoy festivals like the Calgary Folk Music Festival or Shakespeare by the Bow and celebrate Canada Day or Heritage Day. You can also walk, run, bike, or skate in the park!

You can cross-country ski or ice skate in the frozen lagoon in winter.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy with your family, and the best part is that there is no additional cost besides the paid parking or the train/bus fare if you choose to use public transit. 

10. Bowness Park

Located about 20 minutes northwest of Prince Island’s Park, Bowness Park is another stunning recreational area in Calgary. 

In summer, this 30-hectare park offers water activities such as canoeing or paddle boating in the shallow lagoon. For your convenience, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats to enjoy with your family. 

In addition, there is a mini-train that you and your family can ride and either do a complete loop of the east end of the park or get off at the wading pool, which is excellent to use on a hot summer day. Please note that for 2023, the wading pool is closed. Check back for updates on the City of Calgary’s website.

Furthermore, there are several playgrounds for kids to have fun at and picnic areas with firepits. This is a great family-friendly attraction!

Finally, in winter, you can cross-country ski, ice skate, or ice bike on the several paths built by the city. You can rent skates or skis if you have none. 

If you get chilly, warm up in the several firepits available or at the Seasons of Bowness tea house nearby. 

11. Fish Creek Provincial Park

Calgary gem discovered by Deirdre from Build & Board Travel

While Calgary may be well known for its proximity to Kananaskis country and the Rocky Mountains, Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the best natural green spaces for families to enjoy within the city. 

With over 100 km of walking trails, pathways, and manmade lakes, there is never a dull moment within Calgary’s largest urban park! 

The southeastern section of Fish Creek is popular for smaller children and families, as it is home to the manmade Sikome Lake. This lake is a popular cool-down spot during hot summer days as there are changing rooms a snack bar, and children 5 and under are free admission. 

Fish Creek’s southeastern side also has flatter paved paths, allowing for children and families to practice their cycling on easier paved trails. Annie’s, a quaint little café offering snacks and ice cream, is a hidden gem in Fish Creek’s heart and very popular with children. 

For those looking for more adventure, the southwest quadrant of Fish Creek offers more wilderness. Children can enjoy getting in the thick of the woods and exploring naturally! 

The park is home to many different types of flora and fauna, including birds, snakes, deer, and some particularly destructive beavers. The southwest corner of Fish Creek also has many quiet hidden trails in the forests, perfect for those children who love getting off the beaten path. 

Wading in the water of Fish Creek is also a popular pastime for families. The shallow creek provides a safe and friendly environment for children to play and explore. 

12. Waterfall Valley

Calgary gem discovered by Jessica from NextUpAdventure.com

If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do with kids in Calgary, look no further! 

Waterfall Valley is an easy urban hike in the city of Calgary. It is a big hit for kids and adults, too. 

Bonus: this trail is great year-round. 

If you visit Waterfall Valley in the warmer months, you can splash in the gentle waterfalls. In the winter, the waterfalls freeze and create a magical winter wonderland.

Where is Waterfall Valley Trail in Calgary? Waterfall Valley Trail is part of a larger trail network along the Bow River in Bowmont Park in Calgary. For a short 1km trail park in the community of Scenic Acres. If you would like to walk further through the hills alongside the river park at Bowmont Park.

Hiking Waterfall Trail in Calgary with Kids

• Distance: 1km trail
• Terrain: Boardwalks and a dirt path
• Highlights: Small waterfalls that are spring-fed and run down the valley, birds, small animals, lots of variety
• Location: start at the corner of 54th Avenue and Silver Springs Blvd NW.

If you are heading out with kids, you know that spending hours taking in the little things is possible. With this, even though this route is short, you might spend the entire day exploring! 

You will find this a worthy addition to your list of things to do with kids in Calgary. It’s a great way to spend a day in Calgary.

13. Core and the Devonian Gardens

Calgary gem discovered by Kristin of Global Travel Escapades

Whether you are visiting Calgary for a limited amount of time or are spending several days in Calgary, a must-visit spot that’s both fun for kids and adults is wandering around the CORE Shopping Center. 

Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, this multi-level shopping center offers visitors over 100 shops and places to check out. And unlike other shopping centers, the CORE Shopping center caters to everyone’s budget. There are luxury branded stores like HERMES and Chanel and your every day, more affordable shops like GAP and H&M.

Plus, when you or your kids get hungry, you can find something to eat at one of the many fast food chains or restaurants, such as KFC and Jugo Juice. 

That said, what makes the CORE especially kid-friendly is the Devonian Gardens. The Devonian Gardens is a small botanical garden with little ponds filled with koi fish and lush tropical plants. 

There are even a few playgrounds for little ones to have fun at!

Thus, whether it’s sunny out or the middle of winter, and you’re looking for a place to retreat to, a great place to visit with your kids is the CORE shopping center!

14. Calgary Central Library

You don’t need to be a bookworm to visit the Calgary Central Library. I love going to the library with my kids because there are so many books to read and choose from (obviously), and they also have events and programs for all the family!

Activities are often drop-in, so you can go over any time that suits you. Other times, you do need to register, but they’re free!

The Calgary Central Library is close to City Hall, in the SE of Calgary, and it has over 240,000 sqft of magnificent space storing close to 500,000 books! The library has an oval shape, and the exterior is covered in glass panels, which makes the building quite shiny!

You can read books, play board games or video games, or visit the vintage media lab. There is no shortage of activities for every member of the family! It’s one of the best free family activities in Calgary.

15. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

With over 30 hectares and 80 years of conservation, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is home to more than 250 species of birds.

This is a great family attraction in the city, where kids can spot birds and other mammals and learn about their ecosystem while walking on the trails.

The Sanctuary offers different services and amenities, such as :

• School and summer programs,
• Events, 
• Picnic tables,
• An outdoor learning centre,
• Washrooms

Because you will walk through open grasslands and forests, we recommend bringing bug spray during summer. 

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Only assistance dogs are permitted.

16. Plus 15 Calgary Skywalk 

The Plus 15 Skywalk is like a secret highway in the sky, right in downtown Calgary! Stretching over 18 kilometers, it’s a network of enclosed walkways connecting buildings, making exploring the city without stepping outside easy.

Start your adventure by looking for the “Plus 15” signs. They’ll guide you to the entrance of this sky-high maze.

You’ll be 15 feet above the ground as you walk, giving you a unique view of the streets below. It’s especially magical when snow covers the city during winter, but you’re cozy and warm inside the Skywalk!

You’ll pass by shops, cafes, and art installations along the way. It’s like a mini-city up in the air! Grab a hot chocolate or a snack as you wander.

The Skywalk also connects to major attractions like the Calgary Tower and The CORE Shopping Centre. So, you can shop, dine, and sightsee without needing a coat. It’s one of our favorite way of exploring downtown Calgary in the wintertime or simply when it’s cold outside.

The Plus 15 Calgary Skywalk is not just a way to get around; it’s an experience that offers a different perspective of the city. 

So, take a walk in the sky next time you’re in Calgary!

Indoor Family Activities in Calgary

Whenever the weather is less than ideal to be outside, Calgary offers a lot of indoor family attractions to have a few (or several) hours of fun!

17. The Big Box

Big Box indoor playground and inflatable park will sure keep the kids entertained. There are so many slides and tunnels for kids to enjoy.

You can purchase water, other drinks, food, and grip socks here! Families can enjoy VR games, aerial courses, arcade games, and bumper cars for an additional fee. 

18. Big Fun Inflatable Park

Known as one of Canada’s largest indoor inflatable parks, Big Fun Inflatable Park is a great option for a rainy or glacial cold day. There are over 20 huge inflatables where kids can spend countless hours playing and jumping!

Like Big Box, you can purchase grip socks, food, and drinks here. My kids loved the ice creams that are very generous in size, and the pizza is delicious too! 

19. Calgary Climbing Centre Rocky Mountain

Looking for a fun and active adventure in Calgary? Check out the Calgary Climbing Centre Rocky Mountain! It’s a place where kids and adults can try rock climbing in a safe and friendly environment.

The center has walls of different heights and difficulties. So, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a climb for you. And don’t worry if it’s your first time; there are helpful staff who can teach you the basics.

Climbing is not only fun but also a great way to exercise. It helps build strength, balance, and confidence. Plus, reaching the top of a wall feels like a big achievement!

There’s also a special area for younger kids to play and climb. So, the whole family can join in the fun.

Next time you’re in Calgary, visit the Calgary Climbing Centre Rocky Mountain. It’s a fun way to challenge yourself and have a great time!

20. Flying Squirrel

Th Flying Squirrel trampoline park is conveniently situated both in the north and south of Calgary. Adults and kids alike will enjoy jumping from trampoline to trampoline, spinning and twirling in the air! 

They have climbing walls, foam pits, and rope swings. There’s a café to enjoy a snack or a drink while the kids have fun. You should know that you pay per hour, which can become expensive quickly unless you stay for an hour. Honestly, after one hour, our kids were exhausted enough to leave.

21. Creative Kids Museum

The Creative Kids Museum, inside TELUS Spark, could be considered an indoor playground.  However, here, kids can learn about science and art besides playing. 

There’s a water play area where kids can play with boats and blocks, experimental stations where kids can learn about gravity, a climbing structure, a theatre, a creative space, and a toddler zone for younger kids. 

22. B Line Indoor Bike Park Calgary

If you feel like exercising while having fun, the B Line Bike Park indoor bike park is the place to go. They welcome people of all ages and skills, so you don’t need to be a pro to try it. 

The facility is 60,000 sqft, so there’s enough space for everyone to amuse themselves. You can bring or rent a bike, helmet, and pads here. 

23. Indoor Pools

When you think of an indoor pool, you can imagine just swimming lanes. However, several indoor pools in Calgary are great family-friendly attractions because they have play structures IN the pool!

Southland Leisure Centre in the SW has a water park, a wave pool, a toddlers’ pool, and water slides perfect for a snowy or rainy day.

Another great option is Village Square Leisure Centre in the NE. Some amenities that are great for families are the water park, wave pool, safari splash zone, kiddie pool, and hot tub. 

Be sure to check both these options out!

24. Hide N Seek Playground

If you’re looking for a place where kids can have endless fun, the Hide N Seek Playground in Calgary is the spot! It’s a colorful indoor playground with slides, tunnels, and climbing areas.

The playground is big and has different sections for kids of all ages. Little ones can play in the toddler area, which is safe and right for them. Older kids can explore the bigger slides and mazes.

Parents can relax too! There’s a cafe where you can grab a coffee or snack while watching your kids have a blast.

Hide N Seek Playground is great for birthdays or a fun day out. My kids are begging me to host their next birthday there. 

So, if you’re in Calgary with kids, stop by and play!

Other Things to Do With Kids Near Calgary

25. Granary Road

Granary Road is an Outdoor Active Learning Park located just outside of Calgary. On its 37 acres, you’ll find 6 themed playgrounds, exhibits, and a petting zoo that kids will love!

You can choose to go clockwise or counterclockwise to every themed playground. There are several picnic areas where you can stop to have a snack.

You’ll find some trampolines and small slides in the Frog Pond Fun Pad. Here, it’s all about jumping like a frog!

You’ll have a vast web to climb up at the Arachnid Web playground! Do you dare? 

Right next to it, there’s the Ant Farm Adventure, the kids’ favorite because there are so many ways to go up and down!

In addition to the petting zoo, where you can see goats and sheep up close, you can also watch other farm animals, such as alpacas, donkeys, pigs, and bunnies. 

Finally, there’s a maze and several ziplines that everyone will enjoy doing several times!

26. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary (Ages 6+)

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is a non-profit sanctuary located a few minutes west of Cochrane. It offers a captivating experience for families with kids 6 years and older. Their goal is to bring awareness and educate people about these magnificent creatures. 

Here, you will learn the differences between a wolf and a wolfdog and appreciate these creatures and their enclosures from a close and safe distance. 

You can choose from 3 different tours:

• Sanctuary Walk. This is a self-guided tour around the sanctuary.
• Intro Tour. This is a guided tour to access a viewing platform in the Engadine enclosure. A guide will provide a 30-minute presentation about wolfdogs.
• Interactive Tour. This tour will allow you to be up-close with the Yamnuska and Cascade Packs, and learn more about these majestic creatures. 

🎟️ Check out the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary 🎟️

27. Hangar Flight Museum

At the Hangar Flight Museum, you will discover flight history in Western Canada. 

There are over 20 aircraft displays; in some, you can get inside to look at them and “fly.” There is no restaurant or café here so bring your food and drinks! 

Although this activity may only be for some (you know, only some people like history or planes), it is interesting to learn about aviation history: how planes were built and how they used to look and compare them to what they look like now. 

F.A.Q Things to Do With Kids in Calgary

Is Calgary Child Friendly?

The short answer is yes. As you can probably notice from this article, there are so many places to visit and activities to do with children in Calgary. From anything as calm as a library visit to something as exciting as a bike ride in an indoor park, there’s something for everyone in the family!

Is it Very Cold or Hot in Calgary To Do Activities Outside With My Kids?

This will vary from year to year. However, Calgary’s average temperature in summer is between 25 °C and 30 °C, and in winter is between -10 °C and -25 °C. You can choose your activities based on the weather (playing outside or inside) and dress accordingly! We never think there’s bad weather, only bad clothing!

Final Thoughts: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Calgary

Calgary is a great place for families to have fun. There are so many things for kids to see and do. 

From the zoo to the skywalk, there’s something for everyone. It’s a city where kids can learn, play, and have fun. 

So, if you’re looking for a fun trip with your family, come to Calgary. You won’t be disappointed!