Top 14 Attractions in Calgary for Families

Heritage Park in winter
Heritage Park in winter
Fun Things to Do

Top 14 Attractions in Calgary for Families

Whether you're in the city for a vacation, have an afternoon to explore the city, or are passing through on your way to the mountains, these attractions can't be missed!

Calgary is home to an exciting collection of attractions that will spark your imagination and get your heart racing. From the wild side of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo to the sky high views of the Calgary Tower, our city has tons of fun things to do for an experience you will never forget.

Did you know? You can save big on top attractions, experiences, restaurants, and more with the FREE Discover Calgary Deals Pass!

 
 
 
 
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Downtown Calgary Attractions for Families

 

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre

Listen to the music at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Five floors of interactive exhibits, artifacts, instruments, and music memorabilia tell the story of music in Canada, with public tours available daily that are included with admission. Studio Bell is also home to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
With limited parking available in the area and just a short walk from the Calgary Transit City Hall station, public transit is the best way to visit Studio Bell in Calgary’s East Village.

Address: 850 4 St SE

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Man and women on a date at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre

Explore downtown Calgary attractions like Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre

 

Calgary Tower

Home to a360 degree observation deck, the Calgary Tower is the perfect way to start your trip in Calgary. Enjoy views from the prairies to the Canadian Rockies, 191 metres above the downtown core. Multimedia audio tours (available in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and German) guide you through classic Calgary landmarks. Take a brave step onto the glass floor or visit Sky360, a fine dining restaurant at the top of the Calgary Tower, and experience this iconic part of the Calgary skyline for yourself.

Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, the Calgary Tower is easily accessible by public transit from anywhere in the city with paid parking available at the nearby Palliser Parkade.

Address: 101 9 Ave SW

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Women looking at the sun setting from the Calgary Tower

See some of the best views of downtown Calgary from the Calgary Tower

 

Fort Calgary

History is around every corner at Fort Calgary. Discover the origins of Calgary at the home of the first North West Mounted Police fort, built on traditional Treaty 7 territory in 1875, with interactive exhibits, costumes, and a virtual streetcar tour at the forks of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Try their Sunday Brunch, featuring a buffet of locally sourced dishes, for a family friendly dining experience steeped in history.
Fort Calgary is a short walk from the City Hall Calgary Transit station and also offers free parking on site.

Address: 750 9 Ave SE

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Calgary Attractions for Families to Visit this Summer

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Bring the the whole family to hear the roar of the wild at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo year-round with nearly 1,000 creatures and exhibits. Home to giraffes, penguins, bears, tigers, gorillas, and lemurs, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is a leading conservation organization and the most visited zoo in Canada. Animal feedings, keeper and interpreter talks are just some of the free daily programs the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo offers. Hungry? Dining options are available throughout the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo on a seasonal basis, with the Kitamba Café serving concession classics year round.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has a dedicated Calgary Transit C-Train stop and can easily be accessed by car with paid parking available on site. With TELUS Spark located nearby, you can combine a day at both attractions for a convenient family friendly outing.

Address: 210 St. George's Drive NE

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A little girl peeking over the glass at the penguins at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Families love seeing the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's best dressed birds.

 

Heritage Park Historical Village

History comes to life at Heritage Park Historical Village. Canada’s largest living historical village features a cast of roving characters, fresh baked treats, and original historical houses, stores, and machinery. Ride an authentic steam train, get a scoop of old-fashioned ice cream, or ride the vintage midway. Bring a picnic lunch or enjoy a wide range of dining options available on site during your visit. Heritage Park is open on a seasonal basis, with Gasoline Alley Museum, a stunning collection of automobile memorabilia, open year-round.
Heritage Park offers paid parking at the park entrance and can also be accessed by the Calgary Transit 502 bus that runs between the Heritage C-Train station and the Heritage Park front gate.
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
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Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park

Exploring Heritage Park is one of the most popular attractions for families in Calgary

 

The Hangar Flight Museum

Prepare for takeoff! The history of Western aviation takes flight with interactive exhibits, uniforms, scale models, and over 20 historic aircraft on display at The Hangar Flight Museum. You will find all of this aviation history on display in a historic Second World War drill hall and outdoor hangar for a day at the museum that will leave flying high.
The Hangar Flight Museum is located minutes from YYC Cal
gary International Airport and just a short drive from CrossIron Mills, with free parking available on site.
Address: 4629 McCall Way NE
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The Hangar Flight Museum

Sit in historic air crafts.

 

TELUS Spark Science Centre 

Spark your imagination at TELUS Spark Science Centre and discover the world of science, technology, and art in Calgary. Over 100 exhibits, programs, daily demonstrations, and travelling exhibits make TELUS Spark Science Centre a family friend attraction that will ignite everyone’s curiosity for the world around them. Adults Only Night is hosted monthly with a kid free reign of the galleries, dance jams, and a fully licensed bar.
TELUS Spark Science Centre is easily accessible by car, with paid parking available on site, and nearby the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, making both attractions a convenient family friendly day trip. 

Address: 220 St Georges Dr. NE

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Parent and kids experimenting with science projects at Telus Spark

Make memories with the family at Telus Spark

 

Other Great Calgary Attractions

 

Bow Habitat Station

Get hooked on the fishy experience at Bow Habitat Station and discover this family friendly natural wonder. Meet Alberta's native fish in the aquariums, go fishing in the Trout Pond (open in May), and take a stroll through the Interpretive Wetland for a hands on introduction to Alberta’s ecosystem. Rent snowshoes in the winter or fishing rods in the summer and discover the great outdoors in Calgary at Bow Habitat Station.

Free parking is available at the park’s main entrance with bike path access from many areas of the city.

Address: 1440 17a St SE
 

Spruce Meadows

International show jumping events bring the best equestrian athletes from around the world to Spruce Meadows each year. Admission to this family and pet friendly venue is inexpensive and has a great selection of international food vendors everyone will enjoy. Spruce Meadows also hosts the International Christmas Market, with over 300 vendors celebrating the holiday spirit throughout the grounds each year.

This world renowned equestrian venue is located on the southern edge of Calgary and is around a 30 minute drive from the downtown core. Free parking is available on site.

Address: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
 

Downhill Karting

Calling adrenaline junkies of all ages! Race your way to the finish line at Downhill Karting with over 50 twists and turns on 1,800 metres of downhill fun. It’s easy to learn and perfect for riders of any age and ability. Choose from individual ride and family packages for a wild ride the whole family will love.
Located at WinSport, you can pair the adrenaline rush of Downhill Karting with other adventure sports activities all in the same day, with free parking available on site.
 
Address: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
 

Calaway Park

Put your hands in the air and ride your way to Western Canada’s Largest Outdoor Amusement Park. Calaway Park is family friendly fun, with more than 30 rides, dozens of games, live stage shows, a 3D theatre experience, and classic amusement park treats. Best of all? Your admission includes unlimited rides, shows, and parking so you can take one more loop on The Vortex roller coaster. Spend the night under the stars at the Calaway Park Campground, with 104 sites available just a short walk from all the action.

Take the Trans-Canada Highway west through Calgary and you will arrive at Calaway Park just five minutes outside the city limits with plenty of free parking at the park entrance.

Address: 245033 Range Rd 33

 

Calgary Farmyard

A petting coral, low ropes course, farmyard games, pony rides, zip lines, and jumbo jumpers are just the start of life on the farm at Calgary Farmyard. Hands on experiences give everyone in the family a chance to experience barnyard animals in a friendly and welcoming environment. Stroll through the sunflower fields and enjoy freshly squeezed lemonade, mini donuts, ice cream, kettle corn, fudge, and jumbo hot dogs to top off your day on the farm.

Located South East of Calgary, travelling by car is the best way to visit Calgary Farmyard with parking available on site.

Address: 284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky View County

 

Granary Road

There is something for everyone in the family at Granary Road. Slide, swing, and climb your way through the 36 acre Active Learning Park, where kids of all ages can explore imaginative animal, insect, and agricultural play areas. Or spend the day shopping in the public market for everything from fresh produce and artisan cheese to top shelf wine and classic charcuterie.

Granary Road is a short drive from the city centre, located southwest of Calgary, with plenty of free parking available on site.

Address: 226034 112 Street West, Foothills
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Glenbow Museum

Glenbow is temporarily closed for major building renovations. You can visit Glenbow at the Edison, a new satellite location with free admission, which will operate until 2024, when Glenbow’s renovated building reopens to the public. Learn more about Glenbow’s Renovation Plan and how they are transforming the building from the inside out.
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Rendering of the Glenbow Museum rooftop patio

Rendering of the Glenbow Museum rooftop patio

 

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Canada's Sports Hall of Fame has been a cultural institution in Canada for over 66 years, educating youth on the values, history and culture of sport. As Canada's only national museum of sport, the organization celebrates Canada's sport heroes who have reached the pinnacle of their careers, making monumental contributions to our society. Over 700 Hall of Famers have been inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame since it was established in 1955. Did you know the Order of Sport, Canada’s highest sporting honour, is awarded as part of induction to Canada’s top athletes and builders?
 
Address: 169 Canada Olympic Rd SW
 
Please note: Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is closed to the public until further notice
 
 
Looking for more things to do? Check out Calgary Attractions for inspiration and discounts on family-fun!
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September 1st, 2022
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