Calgary is For Kids

Alberta’s capital of cowboy culture also offers plenty of family-friendly attractions

by Mark Sissons

*The world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum.* Credit: Anisha Anand

Famous as the home of the Calgary Stampede, also known as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, Alberta’s largest city draws visitors from around the world, lured by its cowboy charm, wild west heritage and proximity to Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountain Parks. Not a country and western or high alpine fan? Calgary still offers plenty of reasons to visit, especially for families. Here are the top kid-friendly attractions that don’t involve broncos, chuck wagons or hiking boots.

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
What animal-loving kid doesn’t want to hang out with bears, tigers, gorillas, giraffes, penguins, bears, tigers, gorillas, lions and lemurs? The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is not only home to nearly a thousand critters and exhibits of all shapes and sizes, but Canada’s most popular zoo is also a leading conservation organization, internationally recognized for its world-class animal care and habitat design practices. Regular animal feedings and free keeper and interpreter talks are offered throughout the day. And for an absolute blast from the past, the kids can explore the Zoo’s latest attraction, “Dinosaurs: Awakened”, featuring 26 life-size animatronic dinosaurs within Prehistoric Park. It’s even better than Jurassic World in 3-D!

*Calgary Zoo is Canada’s most popular zoo.* Credit: Kelly Hofer

TELUS Spark Science Centre
Nearby the Calgary Zoo is another top family-friendly Calgary attraction, TELUS Spark Science Centre, a popular science museum featuring all manner of interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations and educational demonstrations. Let the little ones loose in the Brainasium Outdoor Park or the Creative Kids Museum, where they can play, build and explore using all five senses. Packed with developmental activities and unique areas like the three-dimensional adventure space, TELUS Spark was intentionally designed to build children’s brains through creativity, play and kinetics. It’s also guaranteed to spark your imagination, no matter your age.

Studio Bell
The whole family can Explore the sights, sounds, and music stories in Canada at Studio Bell.

Featuring a fascinating collection of artifacts, instruments and music memorabilia, its interactive exhibits will bring out the musician in every family member. Older music buffs will especially enjoy exploring the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, all contained within Studio Bell’s five fascinating floors that celebrate music in all its forms.

*Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.* Credit: Brandon Wallis

Calgary Tower

Perched nearly two hundred metres above the downtown core, the Calgary Tower’s 360-degree observation deck offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding geography. Multimedia audio tours in several languages highlight iconic Calgary landmarks, while you’ll have fun daring one another to step out onto the glass-bottomed floor. For the whole experience, check out the interactive theatre and then dine at the Tower’s Sky360 fine dining restaurant.

Calaway Park
Just off the Trans-Canada Highway, a few minutes west of the city, you’ll find Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park. Featuring popular midway rides, a 3D theatre experience, live stage shows and games galore, Calaway Park makes for a great family-friendly outing. Make sure you bring an appetite for your favourite classic amusement park treats.

Granary Road
Also a short drive from the city centre is another outdoor attraction for kids of all ages. At Granary Road, you can slide, swing, and climb through the 36-acre Active Learning Park while exploring imaginative animal, insect, and agricultural play areas. And then explore the nearby public market selling everything from fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to charcuterie and fine wines.

Downhill Karting
Gravity-fueled adventure junkies of all ages will want to head to Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park to try the latest adrenaline-pumping rage. Downhill Karting by Skyline Luge Calgary is a fun, fast-paced family activity that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy. Featuring over 50 twists and turns and 1,800 metres of high-speed fun on a continuous downhill trajectory, this wheeled gravity ride gives riders complete control over their descent on a purpose-built track.

*Kids love downhill karting at WinSport.* Credit: Dave Holland

If You Go

Getting there
New Calgary-based, low-cost airline Lynx Air offers ultra-affordable fares and a la carte pricing on daily flights between Vancouver and Calgary.

Where to stay
An affordable upscale option for families visiting Calgary is the Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown, located just across from the city’s impressive new public library, down the street from Studio Bell, and within easy walking distance of many downtown attractions, dining and shopping.

Suggested day trip
Dinosaur fans in the family will love visiting the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, the world-renowned museum and research facility in Drumheller, about a ninety-minute drive east of Calgary. The only museum in Canada devoted exclusively to the science of paleontology, the Royal Tyrrell has been named among the world’s top dinosaur museums by National Geographic, CNN and Smithsonian Magazine.