Keeping your family entertained in Calgary all year round? Easier said than done! On the other hand... As a hub for family activities in Calgary, our city offers all kinds of opportunities for family fun and engaging fun activities for children of all ages.
Calgary is a bustling city teeming with excitement and activities that cater to all ages, making it a fantastic destination for the whole family! Feel like exploring the vibrant Downtown Calgary or want to visit the scenic areas of South Calgary? You're guaranteed to have a great day with the family!
Looking for indoor entertainment or an indoor playground?
For those seeking indoor entertainment or a playground, the Southland Leisure Centre is a fantastic venue with facilities for swimming, skating, and various sports activities, making sure that inclement weather doesn’t dampen the fun.
Whether you're looking for family fun in Calgary during the sunny summer months or the chilly winter season, our city always has something to offer! Fun activities at our very own Disovery Center or innovative discoveries at the TELUS Spark Science Centre, there is always something to do in Calgary.
For indoor fun, visit the many indoor playgrounds where kids can climb, slide, and explore in colorful, safe settings. Music enthusiasts of all ages will love the National Music Centre, where Canada's musical past is displayed, and interactive exhibits inspire musical creativity.
Downtown Calgary has loads of activities
Take in the amazing Calgary skyline in the city centre, best seen from the famous Calgary Tower. From there, you can see the whole city and even the majestic Rockies on a clear day. The Calgary Tower also has an exciting glass floor feature that extends over the streets below, how cool is that?
If you want to connect with nature without leaving the city, the Bow and Elbow Rivers offer a peaceful getaway. Families can take easy walks or bike rides along the Bow River Pathway, where the city's natural and built environments blend together. During winter, don't miss the fun at the various ice skating rinks around the city.
Heritage Park and the Calgary Zoo are perfect for family fun Calgary
Heritage Park is one of Canada’s largest living history museums and lets you step back in time with its fully operational historical village. You can enjoy seasonal events, old-fashioned pony rides, and vintage midway rides. The Calgary Zoo takes you on a worldwide safari, showing everything from local wildlife to exotic animals, making each visit both fun and educational.
A summer in Calgary isn't complete without stopping by one of the many splash parks, great for a refreshing break. Kids can enjoy playing in the water, perfect for a sunny day!
Horse lovers shouldn't miss Spruce Meadows, known for its top-notch equestrian facilities. It hosts exciting international horse sports events that are a thrill to watch and join in!
Looking for a national historic site for family fun?
If you're looking for a national historic site in Calgary, the Ranch National Historic Site is a must-visit. This preserved site gives families a glimpse into the late 19th-century ranching lifestyle, showcasing original buildings and artifacts.
Visitors can explore the ranch's history through guided tours, interpretive programs, and various seasonal events. Set against a backdrop of picturesque landscapes, it’s an educational and engaging experience!
More educational family fun activities
History enthusiasts will find the Ranch National Historic Site and the Hangar Flight Museum both enriching and educational. These are perfect outdoor activities. These national historic sites offer a glimpse into Calgary’s rich past, with the Ranch providing insights into the life of early settlers and the Hangar showcasing aviation milestones.
Family friendly activities
On the educational front, the TELUS Spark Science Centre sparks curiosity with its interactive exhibits that blend fun with learning, making it an ideal spot for a day trip. Similarly, the Creative Kids Museum offers a hands-on approach to art and science, where children can express their creativity and engage their senses. There are so many fun things to do in Calgary, ready to make new friends in the city?
Fun activities in Calgary
Going for a family fun activity with the family is not only fun but also vital for health! Calgary provides all kinds of opportunities to combine fitness with enjoyment in the great outdoors. Calgary's landscapes and well-planned city spaces encourage everyone to get active and stay healthy.
With over 800 kilometers of pathways and bikeways, families can bike, walk, or jog while taking in views of the river valleys and urban parks. The extensive Bow River Pathway, in particular, is perfect for a family biking day or a leisurely walk, perfect for both a breath of fresh air and a dose of natural beauty.
Outdoor fitness in Calgary can be as relaxed or as vigorous as you like
From the more laid-back paddle boating in the summer to cross-country skiing in the winter, there's an activity to suit every age and fitness level. The city's numerous parks also feature playgrounds and open spaces ideal for children to run and play, which is great for their physical health and social development.
Being outside is always beneficial, and in Calgary, the options to enjoy it are almost limitless. Engaging in outdoor activities boosts physical fitness and enhances mental well-being as well. So, grab your gear and explore all the active, fun possibilities Calgary has to offer!
Fish Creek Provincial Park
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Fish Creek Provincial Park and Banff National Park have a lot of landscapes perfect for families looking to explore nature. Go hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a picnic by the lake! These parks provide a serene escape from the urban hustle.
Experiencing culture at the National Music Centre, having a relaxed day at Heritage Park, or discovering the lively city center? Calgary has loads of activities to keep the entire family engaged and excited.
Calgary is a city bursting with vibrant activities and surprises around every corner. More than you might think! Are you into mini golf, live music, bouncy castles, or dance performances? There's always something exciting happening in this dynamic city.
Fancy a game of mini golf? Or prefer live music?
Calgary's themed courses offer fun activities and challenges for all ages, set in creatively designed landscapes that might just transport you to another world! And if live music is what gets your heart beating, you'll find plenty of lively venues across the city hosting everything from local bands to international stars.
Time for family fun Calgary!
For families, bouncy castles at community events or festivals are a surefire hit with the kids. And let’s not forget the rich cultural tapestry that comes alive with stunning dance performances. Think of contemporary and traditional dances that tell powerful stories through movement.
Every visit to Calgary reveals new spots to explore and enjoy, even for locals. The city is a treasure trove of fun, tucked away in both well-loved and lesser-known locations. Every outing can be a new adventure. So dive into the excitement that Calgary has to offer, you never know what incredible experiences await you!
Family fun Calgary, what to take into account?
Planning a day out in Calgary with kids of all ages? Buckle up for a whirlwind of excitement and prepare for a day that’s as smooth as it is fun! Calgary is packed with options for all age groups. Choose places where there's something for everyone. Activities like mini-golf or visiting the Calgary Zoo keep different ages engaged with their variety and interactive elements.
Also remember, the right gear can make or break your outing. For sunny days at one of Calgary's beautiful parks or during a visit to St. Patrick's Island, pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. For cooler adventures up at WinSport’s ice arenas, warm clothing and gloves are a must. Always bring snacks, healthy, fuss-free options like granola bars or pre-cut fruits are great for a quick energy boost!
Plan for breaks and make education fun!
Little legs tire quickly and teens need their downtime. While exploring places like the Elbow River Pathway or Prince’s Island Park, schedule some breaks. Find a nice spot for a picnic or just some time to rest and soak in Calgary's stunning natural beauty. These breaks are restorative and give you a moment to enjoy the city’s picturesque settings!
Calgary’s rich history and vibrant culture are showcased in places like Heritage Park and Fort Calgary. Use these outings as an opportunity to mix learning with fun. Many of Calgary’s educational sites are interactive, which means kids can engage with history and science in a hands-on way, making the learning process exciting and memorable.
With kids, it’s always best to have a flexible itinerary
If the kids are loving the time at the Creative Kids Museum more than expected, be ready to adjust your plans. The joy of discovery in their eyes is worth more than a strict schedule.
Lastly, always keep safety in mind. Ensure that the whole family stays together, especially in crowded places, and discuss a meeting point in case anyone gets lost.