Things to Do With Kids in Calgary: Your Family-Friendly Activity Guide

Calgary is a city that is filled with plenty of fun things for kids and families to enjoy. Whether someone is taking a vacation to this city, or they have recently moved here and want to explore, they will find that there are attractions and activities for kids of all ages. If you want to get out of your new Calgary home or hotel room with your kids and explore the city, these are a few of the best things to do with kids in Calgary.

Calgary Zoo

The Calgary Zoo is a favourite family-friendly attraction among locals and visitors alike. This zoo, which is operated by the Calgary Zoological Society, is one of only five zoos in the country that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Visitors to the zoo are delighted by the fact that there are more than 1,000 animals to visit at the zoo. The zoo is home to about 120 different species of animals, and the biologists and zoologists actively work on conversation efforts at the zoo.

There is so much to see at the Calgary Zoo that it can sometimes take visitors a couple of trips before they have seen it all. The zoo is divided into different habitats, which allows families with children to easily seek out their favourite animals. These destinations include the Canadian Wilds, Eurasia, the Land of Lemurs, Prehistoric Park and more.

In addition to animal exhibits, there are plenty of play areas for children who want to enjoy a hands-on experience at the zoo. One of these innovative play areas is the Nature Play exhibit, which allows children to get down and dirty with nature. The Kinsmen Zooventure Playground is another awesome spot for kids, and it features animal-themed equipment, including slides, climbers, tunnels, and more.

Calgary Tower

The Calgary Tower rises above the city and defines its skyline. Not only is it one of the most iconic sites in the city, but it is also one of the best attractions for kids to enjoy. Families with children and school groups love to visit this tower because they can take a quick elevator ride to the top in order to enjoy the city from a new perspective.

The tower was completed in 1968, and at the time, it was known as the Husky Tower. The name was changed in 1971 to the Calgary Tower in order to honour the residents who called the city home. The building has been modified and updated over the past five decades, and most recently, LED lights were added to the exterior of the tower in 2014 so that everyone in the city could enjoy awe-inspiring light displays after dark.

Anyone who is visiting the tower with kids will enjoy heading to the highest floor in order to take in the panoramic views. In addition, there are tours available for people of all ages to enjoy. These tours highlight some of Calgary's best attractions from the sky, allowing guests to learn more about the city's past, present and future.

Glenbow Museum

The Glenbow Museum is one of the largest museums in Calgary, and its mission is to prove that art is for anyone of any age or stage of life. While adults find this museum to be interesting and exciting, there are actually plenty of spaces and exhibits at this popular Calgary attraction that are specifically designed for its youngest visitors. Parents, teachers, and caregivers have found that this is a great place to visit with children and introduce them to different forms of art.

There are more than 90,000 square feet of space at this museum, and the diverse range of exhibits includes photography galleries, Canadian artwork exhibits, indigenous arts and culture exhibits, and more. Adults who visit the museum with children are encouraged to have their kids view the art and discuss it with them. The museum recommends that adults talk about what the artwork means to them, what they think it was made of and how they think it was made. These conversations can help spark interest in children and keep them feeling curious about art.

One of the permanent exhibits at the museum is the Nitsitapiisinni exhibit, which showcases the way of life of the Blackfoot tribe that has long called Alberta home. Children can explore the homes of this tribe and learn more about the tribe's history through artifacts and photographs.

Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park Historical Village is a museum unlike any other in Calgary. This museum is best described as a living museum because museum workers in period dress walk along the outdoor village streets and introduce guests to the way of life in Calgary during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This is a seasonal attraction that is open from late May until October, and it is a favourite place for local residents to take their kids on the weekends. It's also the perfect place to add to a vacation itinerary because it allows travellers to learn more about what life was like in the Canadian west.

Heritage Park Historical Village is the largest museum of its kind in Canada and a great outdoor activity for children. The historical village includes buildings that have been preserved from Calgary's past, such as a general store, a town hall building, a post office, and a harness shop. Not only do children have the opportunity to interact with costumed interpreters, but they also can take part in hands-on activities and immerse themselves in interactive exhibits. The children who visit this museum often love taking rides on the steam train or at the antique midway.

Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is something that both local residents and visitors to Calgary look forward to each year. This annual week-long event is known as the richest tournament-style rodeo in the world, and it takes place in July each year.

While the highlight of this iconic Calgary festival is always the evening show, which combines two thrilling rodeo events into one stampede spectacular, families will find that there are plenty of other things to do throughout the duration of the festival. In addition to concerts, dog shows and other unique events, there are attractions that are designed with kids in mind.

For families with young children, the agricultural showcases are one of the highlights of the stampede and a great way to get children out of your Calgary townhome to stretch their legs and run around. At these exhibits, children can check out the animals that farmers and rodeo participants have raised. They also can participate in hands-on activities that help them learn more about life on the farm. After children have visited with the animals, they often want to head straight to The Great FUNtier, which is a section of the rodeo that is filled with kid-friendly carnival rides. There are also several shows, concerts, and parades scheduled throughout the week that are perfect for kids of all ages.

Kids Love Calgary

With so many options for things to do with kids in Calgary, parents, family members, and friends will never feel bored in the city. From popular Calgary restaurants to grab a bite to eat to shopping centres full of activities of their own, this city appeals to all ages. Local residents who live in Calgary enjoy heading to these attractions on the weekends, and those who are vacationing in Calgary find that these activities are perfect for making memories during their time away from home.