Family Friendly Attractions in Calgary

If you’re traveling with kids, Calgary has heaps of attractions to keep them enthralled throughout the visit. From adrenalin-pumping amusement parks to fascinating family museums and exhibits, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to planning a fun-filled day out. When everyone’s in need of refueling, there are also child-friendly eateries aplenty.

 

Education and excitement

 

If you’re looking to sneak a little education into your family getaway, Calgary has far more to offer than stuffy, run-of-the-mill museums. With sprawling historical villages and thrillingly interactive exhibits, the kids will be having too much fun to notice they’re learning at the same time.

 

 

Heritage Park proudly bills itself as Canada’s largest living history museum, and allows visitors to step into a fully immersive recreation of late 19th and early 20th century local life. It’s best enjoyed in the summer, when its historical village bursts into life. Kids will love the chance to visit an authentic 1900s ice cream parlor, and interact with the friendly, authentically-costumed park guides.

 

1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary AB T2V 2X3 .  

 

TELUS Spark

 

Calgary’s state-of-the-art science center does a fantastic job of making learning a genuine adventure. The Brainasium is an incredible outdoor play park packed with mind-bending experiences allowing youngsters to explore physics, simple machines, and sound. Meanwhile, the Creative Kids Museum is home to an hands-on activities for the under-9s, including a water play area and a sensory-rich space for babies and toddlers.

 

220 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary AB T2E 5T2.  

 

Amazing animals

 

There's nothing like cute critters to perk kids up, and you can get up close and personal with all manner of wild beasts in Calgary. Calgary Zoo

 

This beautifully-landscaped zoo is home to critters from every corner of the globe, including cute king penguins and fearsome Komodo dragons. Kids will go wild for the Prehistoric Park, which is packed with awesome life-size dinosaur models, and home to a wealth of incredible ancient fossils. After all that excitement, the whole family can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the enchanting botanical gardens and jungle-like conservatory.

 

1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary AB T2E 7V6.  

 

Thrills and spills

 

Younger kids and older teens alike will love the jolts of adrenaline that good theme parks bring. You don't have to go too far to find the thrill rides either.

 

 

Just west of Calgary, in the shadows of the majestic Rocky Mountains, lies Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park. It’s an absolute must-visit for families, with heaps of kid-friendly rides, and nerve-shredders like the looping Vortex rollercoaster and Timber Falls log flume for those with a strong constitution. You’ll also find colorful carnival games, amazing 3D movie experiences, soft play areas for little ones, and food stalls selling fairground favorites like cotton candy and freshly-fried mini donuts.

 

245033 Range Road 33, Calgary AB T3Z 2E9.  

 

Family dining

 

All the adventures in Calgary can leave your clan feeling a little famished. No need to worry about great grub in family-friendly surroundings, though, as the city has plenty of welcoming pitstops.

 

 

Most kids go crazy for pizza, and the fabulous fire-roasted creations at this lively authentic Italian joint are available as half-size pizzettas for diners with smaller appetites. Toppings range from simple staples like ham and mushrooms, to adventurous alternatives like Korean BBQ pork, so there’s something on the menu to keep everyone happy.

 

2303 4th Street SW, Calgary AB T2S 2S7 .  

 

Smashburger

 

Smashburger offers big fat burgers with a gourmet twist. The patties are made from 100% Certified Angus Beef, and come loaded with moreish toppings like truffle mayo, fresh avocado, and portabella mushrooms. There’s also a separate kids' menu, offering simple favorites like chicken strips and grilled cheese. Every order is fully customizable, so even the fussiest of eaters can get exactly what they want.

 

32nd Avenue, Calgary AB T1Y 5S5 .