My name is Andrew Phung and most of you know me from the television series Kim’s Convenience on CBC and Netflix or from Because News on CBC Radio. I’m an actor, improviser, comedian, and most importantly, I’m a kid from the Northeast of Calgary!

I’m a born and raised Calgarian and I love this city so much. I love how accessible Calgary is for families. As a dad, I put value on places that can engage my kids for a decent amount of time. There’s so much to do in Calgary for families and these are the places we constantly come back to.

TELUS Spark Science Centre

TELUS Spark Science Centre is huge! It’s a place you can spend an entire day at and keep coming back to. The highlights for the young ones are the Creative Kids Museum and The Brainasium outdoor playground. There is so much thought put into each exhibit and kids of all ages will be entertained for hours.

Calaway Park

Calaway Park is an amusement park, it’s been here forever, and it’s the best. There are lots of rides with a great selection of rides for kids. The park also offers daily musical performances from some talented youth and an awesome 3D Theatre. You can also camp out at the park, and compared to other amusement parks around North America, the value here is unbelievable. Check out the Calaway Park website before you go and look for the latest deals on admission.

The Big Box

If you’re a parent of young kids in 2019, you’ve been to some play places. Big, open areas, where kids run and scream. It’s mayhem, but kids love it. I’ve learned that not all play places are built the same. Calgary is home to lots of play places. We’re talking big slides, ball pits, rope swings, climbing walls, essentially a giant jungle gym. Our favourite is The Big Box. It’s huge, it’s clean, the jungle gym is engaging, and they also offer an area where kids can drive Jurassic Park Power Wheels like a boss!

Market Collective

Our family loves Market Collective. It’s a local market with vendors selling handmade goods, local products, art, and more. Now, what makes it great for kids, is the music and food. Our boys love coming down to dance to some music and eat delicious treats. It runs throughout the year and their Christmas one is a big highlight for us. 

Central Library

The new Central Library in Calgary is a truly special experience. From an architecture standpoint it’s beautiful. As a dad, I love the kids’ section at this library. This place has building stations with blocks and LEGO, a parkour course for kids, and obviously a tonne of books. Grab a book, find a cozy spot, and make it story time!

I love taking my sons to playgrounds. My older son and I made a big checklist of playgrounds to check out. After each one we have a chat where we rate it and talk about the stuff we liked. Here are our favourites!

Airport Playground

Located in the old Currie Barracks, the Airport Playground is aviation themed and features a big lookout tower. For a brief period, we called it the Paw Patrol park, parents you know what’s up. It’s also surrounded with big trees which offer some great shade.

East Village Playgrounds

Located in the East Village just outside of Inglewood and close to Fort Calgary are two playgrounds within walking distance. The East Village has been transformed into a pedestrian friendly space with stores, coffee shops, and a nice path to walk along. The first playground features a fun slide made from rollers you’d find in a mail plant, and the other one features a huge wooden playground just like the old school ones us 80’s and 90’s kids grew up with.

Princes Island Park Playground

Princes Island Park and Eau Claire Market is a great area to visit. Deep within the Prince’s Island Park is one huge playground. It’s separated into two areas, one of which is more geared towards younger kids. This is a great family area. You have spaces for picnics, you’re close to the water, and there’s a big wading pool and spray park located a few minutes away in Eau Claire Market.

Bowness Park Playgrounds

Bowness Park features two playgrounds. The new one is amazing! It’s huge, features a rubber floor, and is shaded. If you want, walk along the path and rent a paddleboat, or ride the mini train that goes around the park.

OK, let’s be honest. Eating with kids can be tough. It’s all about finding those places that are good for kids. Check out my favourites!

Chicken on the Way

Chicken on the Way is strictly for takeout. I love friend chicken, and this place is king for that. They also serve chicken tenders. Parents reading this, you know what’s up.

Boogie’s Burgers

Boogie’s Burgers serves up amazing burgers, fries, milkshakes, 25 cent arcade games, enough said.

Tubby Dog

Tubby Dog serves up hotdogs, specialty hotdogs you could never have dreamed of, 25 cent arcade games, enough said.

Inglewood Drive-In

The Inglewood Drive-In is a gem of a restaurant is in Inglewood and is a throwback to that classic drive in. Come in for a burger, fries, and some of the best soft serve in the city! Also, they have a Kimchi Burger, and it’s amazing!

There you have it! These are some of my favourite family friendly places in Calgary. I truly love this city. Calgary has become such an urban hub, but it still has that friendly feel. I hope you enjoy Calgary!