Calgary for Families and the Best Kid Friendly Attractions

The Calgary Farmer’s Market is a great family destination for food lovers and those looking to support local vendors. The market features a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and artisanal products. Families can stroll through the aisles, sampling local delicacies, or grab a bite to eat from one of the food vendors. Kids will enjoy the interactive cooking demonstrations and activities designed to teach them about food and farming. The market is also a great place to pick up unique gifts and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Calgary’s local food scene.

The Calgary Stampede is an iconic event that celebrates Western heritage with rodeo events, concerts, and a carnival atmosphere. Families can enjoy the numerous attractions, including the rodeo, chuckwagon races, and live entertainment. The midway features games, rides, and fair food, with something for kids of all ages to enjoy. The Stampede also offers kid-friendly activities such as the Kids’ Day, where young visitors can experience the cowboy lifestyle through interactive exhibits and games. The Calgary Stampede is a thrilling event full of action, fun, and family-friendly entertainment.

Heritage Park Historical Village offers families a chance to step back in time and experience life in Western Canada during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The park features more than 180 historic exhibits, including old-fashioned homes, a steam train, and a working 1910s-style amusement park. Kids can ride the vintage carousel, visit the blacksmith shop, or take a ride on the historic train. Heritage Park is also home to the Gasoline Alley Museum, which showcases classic cars and vintage gas stations. The park hosts seasonal events and interactive programs for children.

Located just outside the city, the Calgary Corn Maze & Fun Farm is a great place for families to enjoy a day of outdoor fun. In the fall, families can explore a large corn maze, perfect for both young children and adults to navigate. The farm also features a petting zoo, hayrides, and various games for kids, making it a perfect spot for families to enjoy together. There are seasonal activities such as pumpkin picking, corn cannons, and a haunted maze during Halloween, ensuring that there's always something fun to do at the farm.

For families looking for a cultural experience, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra offers a range of family-friendly concerts throughout the year. From classical music to family concerts, the orchestra puts on performances that are both entertaining and educational for kids. The CPO often holds interactive programs, where kids can learn about the different instruments in an orchestra and how they work together. These concerts are a great way for children to develop an appreciation for live music while having fun with the whole family.

The Glenbow Museum offers a rich cultural experience for families, featuring exhibits on Canadian history, art, and culture. Families can explore the museum’s diverse galleries, which showcase both historical artifacts and contemporary art. The museum often features hands-on activities for children, including art workshops and guided tours designed for younger visitors. Kids can learn about Canada’s Indigenous history, Western heritage, and more through engaging exhibits and special events. The Glenbow provides a great opportunity for families to explore the arts and culture of the region in a fun and educational way.

Canada Olympic Park is a great place for families looking for an adventure in both summer and winter. In the winter, families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, while in the summer, they can take part in activities such as mountain biking, zip-lining, and bobsleigh rides. The park is home to several attractions, including the WinSport Ice House, where visitors can try skating, and the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum, where families can learn about Canada’s Olympic history. Canada Olympic Park offers year-round family fun and is perfect for active families.

Calgary is known for its extensive pathway system, which offers families a chance to explore the city’s natural beauty. The pathways wind through downtown and out to suburban areas, with over 800 kilometers of trails to explore. Families can walk, bike, or rollerblade along the pathways, which offer stunning views of the Bow River, parks, and urban landscapes. The paths are also accessible in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Whether it’s a stroll along the river, a family bike ride, or a winter adventure, the pathway system is a great way to experience Calgary outdoors.

For families looking for breathtaking views of the city, the Calgary Tower is a must-see. The observation deck offers panoramic views of Calgary, the Bow River, and the distant Rocky Mountains. The glass floor provides a thrilling experience for kids as they can look straight down at the bustling city below. Families can also visit the Tower’s 360-degree revolving restaurant to enjoy a meal while taking in the views. It’s a great way to experience Calgary from above and learn more about the city's history through interactive displays.

TELUS Spark is Calgary’s premier science museum, offering hands-on, interactive exhibits for children of all ages. Families can explore the Science Dome for immersive shows on everything from the universe to the natural world, or engage with exhibits focused on biology, physics, and technology. The Creative Kids Museum provides younger visitors with opportunities to learn through play, with activities like building structures and experimenting with simple machines. The museum also offers special workshops and interactive science demonstrations, making it an ideal place for families to enjoy fun and educational experiences.

Prince Island Park is an urban park located along the Bow River, perfect for families looking to enjoy a day outdoors. The park features beautiful green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it an ideal place to relax and have a family meal. In the summer, the park hosts outdoor festivals, concerts, and cultural events, while in the winter, it becomes a scenic spot for walking or skating along the river. Kids will enjoy exploring the park’s many pathways, playing in the playgrounds, or attending special seasonal events held throughout the year.

Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban parks in Canada, providing families with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The park offers over 80 kilometers of trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Families can enjoy picnicking near the lake or take a stroll through the natural areas, which include wetlands, forests, and meadows. During the summer, visitors can rent paddleboats or go fishing, while in the winter, the park becomes a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. This is a peaceful nature retreat right in Calgary’s backyard.

Though just outside Calgary, Banff National Park is an incredible family-friendly destination worth the short drive. Known for its stunning mountain scenery, Banff offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to swimming in lakes and exploring the charming mountain town. Families can ride the Banff Gondola for spectacular views of the surrounding peaks or visit Lake Louise for a scenic picnic. Banff is ideal for families looking for an outdoor adventure and the chance to explore one of Canada’s most beautiful national parks.

The Calgary Zoo is one of the city's most popular attractions for families, featuring a diverse collection of animals from around the world. Kids can see everything from playful penguins and tigers to massive giraffes and elephants. The zoo is home to the Canadian Wilds exhibit, which showcases native species like bison and wolves. A special attraction is the Penguin Plunge, where families can watch penguins swim and dive. The zoo also offers educational programs, animal encounters, and seasonal events, making it an engaging place for kids to learn about wildlife and conservation.