Family Friendly Things to Do With the Kids in Calgary

Taking a road trip to Calgary? Check out our Ultimate list of fun things to do with the family while in YYC.

Downhill Karting by Skyline Luge

SO. MUCH. FUN. Ride up the chair lift and down in a go-kart down the huge hill in Olympic Park. Kids taller than 110 cm can ride alone; kids shorter than 110 cm can double with an adult aged 20+

You need to pre-book a day & time slot for this one. You choose anywhere from 1 to 5 rides down; helmets are mandatory and provided.

Deal: When you go to purchase your tickets, you should see a limited time deal for the 5-ride package. It’s worth it.

Granary Road

This is a MUST if you have kids and are in the area. Located on the Southwest tip of Calgary, this active learning park is 36 acres with 12+ huge themed exhibits fun for smaller and bigger kids. Plus – zip-lines! Oh, and did we mention? A bunch of animals, including ones you can pet.

Admission is just $13 and you could easily spend the entire day here. There is always something new and fun being added – highly recommend checking this one out.

Calaway Park

The famous outdoor YYC attraction is well worth the trip. Easily spend the entire day here. Admission includes unlimited rides and access to all of the entertainment in the park, including character appearances and timed shows.

Multiple sit-down options for eating including a little restaurant, kids’ rides, bigger kids’ rides, carnival games, snacks and so much more.

Our favorite: check this place out closer to Halloween for super fun themed activity days.

Tip: purchase your pass online here before heading in for a 23% discount on admission. Visiting more than once? Consider a yearly pass to save even more.

Telus Spark

Another half-to-full day of play can be found at Telus Spark in Calgary. Multiple science/learning themed play areas as well as both an indoor and an outdoor playground make this place one of the funnest visit in the city. Don’t forget to check out a scheduled show in the Dome and grab a bite to eat in the huge upstairs cafeteria.

Deal: AMA members get a discount on admission and Telus World of Science members can use their passes here to get in for free!

Paid parking only.

Calgary Zoo/Wilder Institute

The Calgary Zoo has over 1000 creatures to come see and learn about. Walking the whole zoo takes anywhere from 2 hours to the entire day. Both indoor and outdoor areas, places to eat and playgrounds are some of the things you will find on site.

Deals: AMA save 20% on admission. Staying in a hotel while you’re in Calgary? Ask beforehand if they offer deals on attraction admissions! Check here for more ways to save and current deals available.

Paid parking only.

Calgary Tower

See the skyline from a view like no other. The tower is 626 feet tall and has the famous glass-floors for those brave enough to want to stand on them!

You need to pre book your tickets to visit and arrive at your specified time. Also available: make a reservation at one of the Tower’s restaurants.

Float down the Bow River

Float down the Bow river in a Bow Tube, Kayak, or BowYak with Lazy Day Raft Rentals

Bike on one of Calgary’s ten most epic bike pathways

See the full list of awesome locations here.

You can rent bicycles along the Bow River with Pedego Electric Bikes, Bow Cycle E-Bikes, or Joe’s Garage Bicycle Rental and Repair.

Hit up a Playground

Take note of Calgary’s top 15 most popular kids’ playgrounds here

Visit/Relax/Picnic

Check out the 10 best parks/green spaces in Calgary here.

On the Way Home

Cross Iron Mills Mall: This Mall has several outlet stores and is at the very North tip of the city – on the way home! Great place to find some deals or just to stop for lunch.

Discovery Wildlife Park: Take a walk around this wildlife park – which is exactly that. Serving as a rescue for multiple breeds of animals, this park has playgrounds, bears, camels, wolves (and so many more animals!) and even has a campground with cabins available to rent and a fish-able pond. Bonus: You can rent a golf cart to ride around in to explore the park for just $15/hour.

Blackfalds Outdoor Aquatic Centre: Water fun outdoors! Admission is first come, first serve. Always check opening hours before heading that way.

Other things worth checking out:

Don’t forget – always check for deals before booking. This is a great site to check for Calgary attraction deals.

Know about a hidden gem not mentioned here? Send us an email to tell us about it so we can add it to the list: contact@edmontonmama.ca

Find Edmonton Mama on Instagram for more great ideas on things to do with the kids this Summer.

Photo credit: visitcalgary.com