The Ultimate Calgary Pre/Post Itinerary - Family Vacation Edition

Now that family holidays are back on the schedule, why not plan one before or after your business event in Calgary? The city offers perfect family-friendly options. We’ve taken the liberty of organizing a three-day itinerary with year-round options, plus some seasonal favorites.

Have breakfast north of the Bow River at Diner Deluxe in Bridgeland. Huge menu, and fun choices for the youngsters, from a kid-sized pancake stack to breakfast sammies.

Next door is St George’s Island, home to the Calgary Zoo , open year-round and internationally recognized for more than 90 years of exemplary animal care and habitat design. There are more than 1,000 animals (over 270 species) living comfortably in a variety of habitats spread out across 128 acres. Plan to spend at least three hours here. A crowd favourite is Penguin Plunge where you will be delighted by the antics of Humboldt, gentoo, rockhopper, and king penguins.

Time for lunch. Head to the Inglewood Drive-In or Spolumbo’s Deli in Inglewood. 

Make your way over to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre . You’ll be amazed by the sweeping architectural design with five floors of interconnected exhibits showcasing the history of Canadian music, alongside an eclectic collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and musical instruments (some that you can even try out yourself). 

For a truly unique experience, break your fast this morning in the East Village at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery . You’re in for a real treat.

Now it’s time to visit TELUS Spark , Calgary’s interactive science centre with the world of science, technology and innovation for the whole family to discover. Be sure to check out the latest film in the Infinity Dome , the largest dome theatre in western Canada. Learn the indigenous ways of knowing science through the Circle of Light and the teachings of the Treaty 7 nations, the original caretakers of this land. Get outside and play in Brainasium , the year-round outdoor park – healthy bodies mean healthy brains. Grab lunch in the Spark Eatery and be sure to try the Astronaut Ice Cream for dessert – choose from 9 planetary flavours. 

After your busy day, get dinner at the National Beer Hall on 10th Ave downtown. Youngsters are welcome until 9 pm. Have a feast at the pizza bar then go down to the basement’s bowling alley for after-dinner fun.

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to the western edge of the city to WinSport . Also known as Canada Olympic Park, it was built to host the ski events at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games. In summer, head up to the only mountain bike park in Alberta with a high-speed chairlift! Rent bikes and gear on site. Also not to be missed – Downhill Karting ! This is just a some of the fun to be had at this park. In winter, get in a few slides at the Tube Park (inner tubes supplied), great fun for all ages. Then head over to the ski hill for a run with epic city views. Rent skis or boards on site. Private lessons are available.

Enjoy a lunch at Boogie Burgers in Marda Loop, serving amazing burgers for over 50 years. Bonus: arcade games!

Before ending your three-day adventure, head back downtown to the Calgary Tower – take in the panoramic views of the city before dining at Sky 360 , the only revolving restaurant in Calgary. Kids are welcome and can choose from an “elevated” menu.

Winter: If you’re here with the family at the end of January or beginning of February, you are in for a winter wonderland treat with the Chinook Blast festival. Be sure to take part in the Hot Chocolate Fest , where restaurants, cafés, and chocolate makers vie for Best Hot Chocolate awards.

Winter: A must-do experience, head to Olympic Plaza and rent ice skates so the whole family can glide around this beautiful outdoor rink.

Summer: Head to Heritage Park Historical Village and explore more than 200 exhibits and attractions that reflect the history of the west from the 1860s through the 1950s. The site is spread out over 127 acres of beautiful parkland overlooking the Glenmore reservoir. Take a ride on an antique steam train, hop aboard a paddlewheel boat, and visit the old-fashioned amusement park. Then stroll through living history down the street of a 1910 prairie town where many of the houses and shops are original. Hungry? Sidle over to the Wainwright Hotel or the Club Café , then pick up a sweet treat at the Alberta Bakery or the General Store . It’s easy to spend the whole day here.

Summer: Calaway Park , one of the best amusement park deals in North America. One entrance fee per person gets you on all 31 rides , including the new Riptide Racer (you’ll get wet on that one). Your ticket also includes free live entertainment, with shows throughout the day, the 3D Theatre , and access to CP Spray N’ Play waterpark. And parking is also free! Bring your appetite – there are 20 different food locations onsite.