Calgary, Alberta is a fun-filled city with plenty of entertainment. And it’s also one of the top family destinations in Canada. There are all kinds of family-friendly activities available in the city but if you’re looking for some sure-to-please activities, these four Calgary attractions are ones that you have to experience.
Calgary Zoo
School-aged children will love seeing so many animals up close and the Calgary Zoo is home to many different species of animals ranging from elephants to penguins to bison. One of the best things about the zoo is that in addition to the animal exhibits, visitors can explore botanical gardens and a prehistoric park that is currently being upgraded with animatronic dinosaurs. There’s even a large playground for kids to burn off their energy while parents relax and recharge!
Heritage Park Historical Village
This top destination is Canada’s largest historical village and offers a glimpse into the past that adults and children will both find fascinating. Featuring an antique midway, a steam train, an ice cream parlour and period performers, it’s a fun-filled attraction that’s educational too. Visit the fur trading fort and First Nations encampment to see how settlers lived before the railway expansion. And for car lovers, the Gasoline Alley Museum, home to one of the world’s largest public collections of antique cars and trucks from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, is a must.
Southland Leisure Centre
If your family loves the water, this is one attraction that you won’t want to miss! The popular Southland Leisure Centre features a hugely popular waterpark that includes a wave pool and waterslides. And if your kids prefer skating to swimming, the two arenas offer public skating and shinny hockey as well. With tons of special seasonal events and babysitting options for parents that need a break, it’s a family destination that has a little something for everyone.
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
This 40,000 square foot facility at Canada Olympic Park isn’t just a place to learn about sports history. The hall features fifty hands-on exhibits that let both kids and adults try all kinds of different sports and activities for themselves. From wheelchair racing to shadow boxing to 3D hockey, kids will have a great time burning off their energy while parents will appreciate all the great educational content that’s part of the exhibits. Discover sports legends and see what it’s like to play with the pros in an interactive way. Make sure to check the schedule for special exclusive events too!
Calgary does a fabulous job of combining education and entertainment at its attractions, which is one of the reasons it’s such a great place to visit with children. Whether your kids like quiet exploration or active playtime, there are plenty of options in the city that are sure to satisfy. And luckily, the attractions are designed to be plenty of fun for parents too! Check out a few of these fun-filled destinations on your next trip and experience the best family fun Calgary has to offer.
mrdisco says
a trip to calgary isn’t complete without having some locally grown steak. and a quick detour to banff for some hot spring therapy.
Anna Johnson says
I’m hoping to take the family to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and Canada’s Olympic Park. Thanks for the info and helping us plan our trip!
angela m says
I visit Calgary this past summer and loved it. I visit the zoo and heritage park, and loved them both.
Lynda Cook says
Some great places to see if I ever get to Calgary, would love to one of these days!!
Holly Wright says
I have only been to Calgary in the airport, but if I ever back I will check out these places for sure! Thanks
caryn s says
Never been to the sports museum but its on my list!
Erika Belanger says
I’ve never been to the Southland Leisure center or the Sports hall of fame in the 5 years I have lived here, those are good ideas for this winter!!
Erika Letson says
I have always wanted to visit Calgary. My sister went once and loved it!
Wanda Tracey says
I will visit Calgary someday I hope.My son just came back from out there.He was at the West Edmonton mall and he said it’s huge.He lived out in Alberta for three years and he took a lot of beautiful pictures!!!
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
20 plus yrs ago we went to the stampede only time we have been there.
kathy downey says
Thanks for the info maybe someday can visit Calgary
kristy e says
would love to check this out someday with my kids
tammy ta says
I would love to go there
Kimberly B says
We are planning a visit next summer – can’t wait!
Stephanie LaPlante says
Sounds like a great place to visit
Julie G. says
We were just in Calgary this past spring & had a wonderful time.
Kimberlee Pitts says
I would love to travel.
nicolthepickle says
The Zoo sounds nice. I would love to take my kids to a Zoo. They would be in awe.
Amy Lovell says
These look awesome if we ever go again we will have to check them out!
Heidi C. says
I haven’t been to Calgary in forever! Sounds like it is time for a trip there!
loriag says
I would love to visit these next time we are there.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
I do get to go to Calgary quite often as one of my daughters lives there with her family. I love the Calgary Zoo and I’d like to visit the Heritage Park Historical Village sometime too, I always find those kind of things interesting.
Judy Cowan says
Maybe one day we will get to check some of these out, would love to take a trip to Alberta one day!
Anna W says
If we ever get to Calgary we will have to check out the Sports hall of fame for sure.
Jenn Erin says
These are great! My nephew swould love Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame!
Angela Mitchell says
I’ve only been to Calgary once but I hope to go back sometime soon!
Victoria Ess says
I really want to visit the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame!
Fan R says
Looks like nice place to visit.
D.Johnson says
A great place to see.
Elena says
Our first stop would be the zoo if we visited Calgary
Jeannie says
Thanks for the recommendatins! We hope to visit Calgary one day.
Erika E says
Calgary zoo is a great place to visit. I haven’t been to the Sports Hall of Fame yet but I plan to go someday soon.
denise low says
I would love to take a trip there.Kids would love the waterpark and my husband would love the sports hall of fame.
Deb Dorrington says
Having family in Calgary we visit the city every few years or so…All the places you’ve mentioned are great and the Calgary Zoo is a must see. I love Calgary’s Glenbow Museum also, always fit in a day to visit their exhibits.
N says
In the summer a trip to Calaway Park (about 15 minutes out of city limits) is always a good time too.