Discover 25 of the best kids activities in Calgary, from zoos and museums to parks and indoor play. Find fun family-friendly things to do year-round.
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If you’ve ever spent a Saturday morning wondering how to burn off all that toddler energy or keep your preteen off their screens, you know that finding the right family activities in Calgary can feel like a full-time job. Whether you’re bracing for a deep freeze or soaking up the summer heat, our city is packed with gems for every age group.
At Active Start Childcare, we live for active play and curiosity. It’s how we help little Calgarians grow every day. To help your family ditch the screen time and get moving, we’ve rounded up 25 of the best things to do with kids in Calgary.
1300 Zoo Road NE | Website
This world-class destination offers way more than animal viewing. Kids can burn off steam at the massive Bugtopia playground in the Canadian Wilds or head to the Dino Dig in Prehistoric Park to play paleontologist for the afternoon. If you’re visiting while the weather is still cool, don’t miss the iconic Penguin Walk, where the king penguin colony takes a daily stroll through the zoo grounds.
4629 McCall Way NE
If you dream of soaring through the sky, the Hangar Flight Museum is the place for you. This museum is filled with fascinating aircraft and stories of flight. Here, you’ll find an extensive collection that will bring you back to the golden ages of aviation. Meet the pioneers of flight and learn about the development of aircraft technology. Their creative kids museum is a bit like our Discovery Zone, offering interactive exhibits where you can experience for yourself what it’s like to be a real pilot.
220 St. George’s Drive NE | Website
This is the ultimate “I need to get out of the house” spot for chilly days. Between the tinkering labs and the massive indoor climber, it’s one of the best family activities in Calgary for burning energy and igniting brain cells simultaneously.
1900 Heritage Drive SW | Website
Step back in time at Canada’s largest living history museum. While the summer is all about the authentic steam train and the vintage midway, the park is a year-round destination thanks to the Gasoline Alley Museum, which features a collection of vintage vehicles and interactive areas that keep kids moving.
101 9 Avenue SW
If your kids aren’t afraid of heights, the glass floor at the Calgary Tower is a rite of passage. Opened in 1968, the Calgary Tower was the city’s tallest building at the time, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists, alike. At 190 metres, you can visit the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the city skyline and its beautiful surroundings, and on clear days, you can even see the Rocky Mountains.
2020 32 Avenue NE
For an indoor escape that’s as visually stimulating as it is fun, Monster Mini Golf is a local favourite. This 18-hole, glow-in-the-dark course is brought to life by blacklights, upbeat music, and animated, silly monsters that tell jokes and wiggle as you play. The facility also features an arcade, mini-bowling, and a laser maze.
The city of Calgary features plenty of indoor playgrounds similar to our day care playground, which allows kids to be active even when it’s chilly outside. At venues such as Sky Castle, Treehouse Indoor Playground, and Kidzgo, children can climb, slide, run, and jump as they become stronger, healthier, and socialized with other kids. These places also offer a great place for parents to chat over coffee or lunch with other parents while their children have fun in a safe environment.
245033 Range Road 33
Just beyond Calgary’s west border lies Calaway Park, an family-friendy amusement park featuring 32 rides, plenty of games, and endless entertainment. The park offers free parking and one-pay admission, meaning rides and entertainment are included in the price of admission.
Multiple Calgary Locations
Looking for a challenging activity for the whole family? Calgary Climbing Centres offer adventure climbing routes for beginners and experienced climbers. Experienced instructors are always on hand to guide you and make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions. They also offer climbing classes and workshops for kids and adults so you can improve your technique and build confidence.
South Calgary
Fish Creek Provincial Park, known for its natural setting, can be a quiet retreat for families. The park is suitable for low-key activities like picnics, bird watching, or leisurely strolls. While it offers beautiful landscapes and a chance to explore nature trails, the experience is mainly about enjoying the outdoors in a calm and serene manner. Kids in Calgary can expect a peaceful day outdoors with opportunities for casual photography.
2000 D Southland Drive SW
For a day of fun that’s good for the whole family, visit Southland Leisure Centre. It offers a wide range of activities, from ice skating to swimming. The water park features a large wave pool, water slides, and a smaller kids’ pool for toddlers and babies, while the ice rink offers skate rentals so the whole family can join in.
130 9 Avenue SE
While the main building is currently undergoing a massive transformation, it’s slated to re-open in 2026. This grand re-opening is one of Calgary’s most anticipated cultural events, promising brand new galleries and exhibits, many of which are kid-friendly.
Calgary is home to the most extensive urban pathway network in North America, with over 1,000 kilometers of paved trails to explore. Whether you’re pushing a stroller along the Bow River or teaching the kids to bike where the Elbow River winds through Mission and Sandy Beach, the views are spectacular year-round. These pathways connect some of the city's best parks and playgrounds, making it easy to turn a simple walk into a full-day adventure. Don’t forget to stop at the iconic Peace Bridge for a family photo—it’s the perfect backdrop to capture your "Heart of the New West" memories.
750 9 Avenue SE
While you’re out exploring Calgary’s beautiful Bow and Elbow Rivers, visit The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland while taking in stories about Calgary’s Indigenous history, Treaty 7, and our city’s founding. The site offers guided walking tours throughout the summer, as well as self-guided audio tours year-round.
850 4 Street SE
Studio Bell in downtown Calgary is the home of the National Music Centre. Upon entering, you’re greeted by the beautiful sounds of Canadian music. The interactive galleries and exhibits throughout the National Music Centre take you on a journey through time, starting with Indigenous rhythms and carrying you all the way through to today’s modern Canadian hits.
18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Spruce Meadows is a world-renowned international equestrian complex that offers spectacular horse shows, as well as a variety of cultural events and festivals. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the beautiful facilities, enjoy delicious food and enjoy great entertainment options.
169 Canada Olympic Road SW
The Canasda Sports Hall of Fame in Cagary is an interactive and engaging museum dedicated to honouring and celebrating the achievements of Canadian athletes in various sports. It offers a unique look at Canada's rich sports history. Here, stories come to life through innovative displays, multimedia experiences and hands-on activities.
284022 Township Road 224 Rocky View County
Calgary Farmyard offers outdoor fun for the whole family, with exciting activities such as a farm petting zoo, mini golf, tractor rides, giant slides, and u-pick flowers. This family-run farm is open Spring, Summer, and Fall, providing Calgary families with plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy time together.
From NHL and WHL hockey games at the Saddledome to Calvary soccer games at Spruce Meadows, there are plenty of ways in Calgary to take in sporting events year-round. If you’re looking for all the fun of a spectator sport without the price tag, consider exploring the city’s many minor sport organizations. Whether you’re into cycling, skateboarding, cheerleading, or team sports, there’s always something fun happening in Calgary.
223 Castleridge Boulevard NE
Prairie Winds Park is a great place for families to spend time together. This park has numerous recreational facilities, including playgrounds, sports fields and barbecue area. If you have kids, they will love the Splash Park. With water jets and playground equipment, this is the perfect free event to cool off during hot summer days. While the little ones are having fun, you can enjoy a good book or just relax amidst the green surroundings.
Multiple Calgary Locations
Calgary’s library system is world-class. While the Central Library features a massive indoor play structure and early learning centres that feel like a high-end children’s museum. For something unique, head south to the Seton branch, which houses a real Alouette III helicopter that kids can actually climb inside a pilot.
1440 17a Street SE
Tucked into Pearce Estate Park, this fish hatchery offers the "Kids Can Catch" program and a chance to feed thousands of trout. The Discovery Centre features five galleries of hands-on exhibits that explain Alberta’s aquatic ecosystems in a way that's easy for little ones to grasp.
4520 Crowchild Trail SW
This is a surprisingly big hit with kids who love "big machines." The outdoor tank park allows them to see massive armored vehicles up close, while the indoor exhibits use dioramas and artifacts to tell the story of the Canadian Armed Forces in a way that is respectful and educational.
Take a day trip to Banff National Park. Whether it’s riding the Banff Gondola, soakign in the Upper Hot Springs, or an easy walk through Johnston Canyon, a mountain day trip is the perfect way to reset and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Rocky View County
While it’s not open yet, North America’s largest indoor bike park and action sports facility promises to be an exciting place to spend the day with the family—and it’s located just minutes from the city’s east side. This 150,000+ square foot complex is slated to feature a long list of activities and attractions that will keep your kids busy all day long. This includes a skate park, BMX race zone, arcade, inflatable park, and plenty of places to relax and grab a snack to help you power through the day. Look for UnREAL’s soft opening later in 2026.
While exploring Calgary is a blast, we believe every day should be an adventure in learning and growth. At Active Start Childcare, we provide a nurturing environment that mirrors the excitement of our city with a focus on active play, social development, and educational excellence.
Whether you’re looking for full-time care or a community that understands the needs of Calgary parents, we’re here to help your child thrive. Contact us to schedule a tour today.
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