25 Free Things to Do in Calgary with Kids
Free Things to Do in Calgary with Kids
Looking for a great city to explore in Alberta while on a budget? There are a ton of family-friendly attractions and free things to do in Calgary with kids.
Known as the Foothills to the Rockies, Calgary is often overlooked as a destination in its own right. This vibrant city is filled with beautiful vistas, a warm culture and incredible history.
And while many people only see it as a pass-through when heading into the mountains, we enjoyed exploring every part of the city.
From popular attractions like the Wonderland Sculpture and the Peace Bridge to some of the incredible green spaces, you do not need to spend a fortune in Calgary to have fun.
In fact, some of my favourite things to see in the city didn’t cost us a dime.
23 Free Things to Do in Calgary with Kids
With so many wonderful and free activities in Calgary, where do you start? Depending on what time of the year you are visiting, and what the kids enjoy, you could take advantage of seasonal attractions that are available, or pick and choose from what is available year-round.
1. Marvel at the Peace Bridge
When visiting Calgary, be sure to make your way down to the Bow River, and take a stroll along the RiverWalk.
This gorgeous path is not only a popular option for walkers and bikers but also includes areas to relax and enjoy the views.
Just off the west end of the RiverWalk, is where you will find a very unique piece of architecture.
The Peace Bridge is definitely unlike any other bridge I have seen in Canada and was a ton of fun to photograph!
Completed in 2012, it was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava as a means of walking and cycling across the Bow River.
Does it remind you of anything? The kids immediately compared the bridge to their Rubiks Snake Puzzle.
But apparently, the bridge also goes by its popular nickname, “The Finger Trap Bridge,” as it is reminiscent of a finger trap puzzle.
The bridge is convenient for pedestrians as it crosses into downtown and Eau Claire Park. Directly east of the bridge, you will find access to Prince’s Island Park.
And if you are planning to stay in Calgary overnight, be sure to come back and check out the Bridge after dark!
2. Solve a Crime at the Police Museum
The YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre is the perfect place to learn about policing. Not only is the museum completely free, but there are plenty of things to see and do that are fun for the entire family.
The Calgary Police Interpretive Museum is home to Alberta’s largest collection of policing artifacts – uniforms, weapons and vehicles.
Have fun learning about the tools used by Police officers and their special communication techniques, test your skills at blood spatter analysis in the Forensic Lab, try on real police equipment, or sit in a patrol vehicle.
There are also exhibits dedicated to the Canine Unit, HAWCS police helicopter, the Tactical Unit, and other specialized units. This was definitely one of the kids’ favourite free things to do in Calgary!
There are also adult-only exhibits that are a little too intense for the younger crowd.
The True Crime Stories exhibit includes real evidence and photos, crime-related history and all sorts of gruesome police stories guaranteed to excite the crime junkies and CSI enthusiasts in the family.
3. Have a Picnic in Prince’s Island Park
Named after Peter Anthony Prince, the lumberman who founded the Eau Claire Lumber Mill, Prince’s Island Park is an incredible gem in the centre of a bustling city.
The park has many family-friendly areas to enjoy, including picnic areas, a playground, water fountains, hiking trails, and an outdoor skating rink in the winter.
Princes Island Park is not only a great place to enjoy beautiful city views, but it also plays host to a number of festivals and events.
You will also find a number of unique art installations scattered throughout the park.
We loved it! The park was a great place for the kids to burn off some energy, while still being tranquil enough for the adults to relax.
You could easily spend a whole day exploring all the great areas this park has to offer.
4. Explore the Glenbow Museum
If you enjoy Western Canadian art and culture, then the Glenbow Museum should definitely be on your list of things to do in Calgary!
As one of the largest museums in Western Canada, its collection includes over one million objects, documents, photographs, and works of art.
And amazing art is not the only thing you will find at the Glenbow Museum.
The museum’s exhibits also highlight the history of Calgary and Alberta.
For example, there are detailed exhibits on the traditions, values, and history of the indigenous people who have lived in the Northwestern plains of Alberta for thousands of years.
And the best part is, the Glenbow Museum is free on the first Thursday of every month from 5 pm until 9 pm.
5. Visit the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
If you love bird watching in a gorgeous natural setting, head over to The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre.
This amazing conservation area has been providing a safe haven to migratory birds since 1929.
To date, approximately 270 species of birds, 21 species of mammals including deer, fox, and coyotes, as well as 347 species of plants, have been recorded at the Sanctuary and Nature Centre by members of the public, volunteers and staff.
6. Check Out the Views at Scotsman’s Park
This out-of-the-way park is the perfect place to sit and admire some incredible views of the city.
It is also the best place in the city to watch the fireworks during Stampede weekend.
Scotsman Hill offers the best vantage point of both the Saddledome and the Skyline.
From here you can see the entire downtown, Calgary Tower, Saddledome, and Stampede grounds.
7. Take a Guided Walking Tour of the City
One of the best ways to see any city is to go for a walk with a local. Walk the YYC is Calgary’s only pay-what-you-want walking tour company.
This means the tours are technically free, but you can choose to tip your guide according to your budget.
The daily guided walking tours run rain, shine or snow, and last anywhere from two to three hours depending on the group.
The tours are family-friendly, pet-friendly and have a variety of themes to choose from.
Choose from Downtown North and South tours, Historic Stephen Avenue, Sports History and more.
Walk the YYC also offers a Haunted Cowtown tour which may be a little too scary for kids, as well as an adults-only Prohibition, Corruption and Red Lights tour (coming soon) and a Beers and BBQ Brewery Crawl (paid).
8. Go for a Hike or Bike in Nose Hill Park
At 11 square kilometres, Nose Hill Park is one of North America’s largest urban parks, making it one of the more impressive of the free activities in Calgary.
It offers amazing views of the downtown area and the Rocky Mountains and is the perfect place for an inner-city hike or bike.
⛲ Fun Fact: Nose Hill Park is 3 times the size of New York City’s Central Park.
The natural grassland is not only home to deer, coyotes and other wildlife, but it is also home to The Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel, an ancient First Nations artifact.
Nose Hill Park lies in the northwest part of the city, surrounded by 12 residential communities.
It was created in 1980, and most likely gets its name from the fact that, from certain locations and with a little imagination, it looks like a nose.
9. Find Street Art
Downtown Calgary is a great place to check out a variety of art installations. Some of the best places to look are along Stephen Avenue or in Prince’s Island Park.
Whether it’s a mural, sculpture or any number of other installations, you are sure to find something that speaks to you!
And keep in mind, that street art can be something as small as a painted bench, to something with more presence, like the Wonderland Sculpture!
10. Visit the Bow Building and the Wonderland Sculpture
The Bow Building is quite spectacular to look at. Known as Calgary’s most beautiful building, this skyscraper is one of the most recognizable buildings on the Calgary skyline.
The Bow is a 158,000-square-metre office building that stands 236 meters (774 ft) tall. Unfortunately, because it is an office building, you will not be able to visit.
This amazing building is the third tallest in Canada, outside of Toronto. When it was built in 2012, the Bow was ranked among the top 10 architectural projects in the world.
Right in front of the Bow Building, you will find another one of Calgary’s most iconic images – Wonderland. This 12-meter-high metal sculpture resembles a girl’s head.
This mesh sculpture is absolutely incredible to see (and to walk through)! It is also a great place to get that really cool Instagrammable photo.
11. Sign Up for Free Programming at the Central Library
Although not usually high on a list of free things to do in Calgary for most tourists, the Calgary Central Public Library is definitely worth a visit!
Its incredible architecture has even earned it some recognition from TIME magazine as one of the 100 Greatest Places of 2019.
Opened at the end of 2018, the library is located near City Hall in the Downtown East Village.
The four-story building cost $245 million to construct and features an elevated floor above street level to accommodate the C-Train.
Not only does the library offer free programming for children and teens, but it also has a pretty great play area for younger kids.
Of course, there is also free programming for adults, as well as a free architectural tour of the library.
The Library has also become quite the popular spot for those seeking the perfect Instagrammable selfie! Practice your photography skills while admiring the wonderful architecture.
So along with the massive collection of books, there really is a variety of free things to do in Calgary Central Library to keep the whole family entertained.
Just keep in mind that you will need a valid library card to register for programming. You can sign-up for a free card online or at any of the library branches.
12. Discover a Secret Garden
The TD Devonian Gardens is a tropical escape in the middle of the city. Hidden on the top floor of the TD shopping centre in downtown Calgary, this incredible secret garden is sure to delight the entire family.
The Devonian Gardens are one of the world’s largest indoor botanical gardens and are home to over 20,000 species of plants, a small pond, a stream, a Koi pond and several pieces of incredible artwork.
Sit and relax, enjoy the views, or do some photography. A visit to the Devonian Gardens is completely free, and is also accessible via the Plus 15 Network!
13. Stroll the Streets on Stephen Avenue
Close to many of downtown Calgary’s top attractions like the Calgary Tower, the Glenbow Museum, the Calgary Public Library, and the Bell Studio National Music Centre, Stephen Avenue Walk is an amazing pedestrian-only corridor.
Designated a National Historic District, Stephen Avenue is not only filled with early 20th century buildings to admire.
You will also find major shopping centres, some of the best restaurants, pubs, cafes and bars in the city, wonderful boutiques and galleries, along with incredible street art.
Located right in the heart of downtown and running parallel to the C-Train, Stephen Avenue is the perfect place to go for a stroll in the city.
During the summer months, you can expect to find live performances, buskers, music, festivals, and artists creating remarkable and unique pieces.
14. Hop on the Train for Free
One of the best free things to do in Calgary with kids is being able to board the city’s LRT trains.
The downtown portion of Calgary’s train line is free to use, making it easy for families on a budget to get around the city.
Whether you choose to walk from one end of the city to the other (about 2 km), and take the train back, or hop on the train both ways, it’s an easy option for exploring Calgary. Besides, what kid doesn’t like to ride the train?
15. Go on a Geocaching Adventure
Over the last few years, geocaching has become more and more popular with families.
For those of you living under a rock (Ha!), geocaching is where someone places hidden surprises (small gifts, notes, etc.) in areas like parks and trails, for other people to come along and find.
These treasures can be found by visiting Geocaching.com, or by downloading a geocaching app onto your smartphone.
Some geocaches are easier to find than others, some invite the finder to take a gift if you have one to leave in its place, while others leave notes or logbooks to sign.
Geocaching is free if you are just finding the treasure and leaving it behind for the next person, and is a great way to get the kids outside and explore a new place!
Free Things to Do in Calgary in Summer
16. Visit a Farm During Open Farm Days
Alberta Open Farm Days is a completely free and fun way to explore where our food actually comes from.
Families can get a behind-the-scenes look at Canada’s agriculture industry while meeting local farmers, and having the opportunity to take a walk through a rural Albertan farm.
Some of Alberta’s most talented chefs also host a memorable series of farm-to-table culinary events during Open Farm Days, using Alberta farm products to create the meal.
17. Attend a Summer Festival
One of the best free things to do in Calgary during the summer is to head to a festival. Spring and summer are prime festival-going seasons in Calgary, and you are sure to find one, or twenty, that interest your family!
One of the most popular festivals in Calgary is the Kensington Sun and Salsa Festival.
Here, the Kensington neighbourhood comes alive with six stages featuring street performers, dancers and more.
Find some great deals while shopping from street merchants. And of course, you can’t forget to try some salsa! Usually, there are over 40 varieties to try, all for free!
Another popular festival, especially with families, is the Pet-A-Palooza. This free, pet-friendly event takes place in July and features some pretty entertaining events!
Head to the Running of the Bulls, which is a race featuring French and English bulldogs!
Check out the dog agility demos, find treats and food samples for your pup, and visit over 80 pet product exhibitors and more.
Of course, summer isn’t the only time you will find free festivals in Calgary. If you are not afraid to get a little chilly, there are a ton of magical Christmas events including a festival of lights held every winter.
18. Enjoy a Play at Shakespeare by the Bow
Shakespeare by the Bow is quickly becoming an annual summer tradition and family-favourite in Calgary.
Presented by Theatre Calgary and ShakesBow, these nightly performances — from Tuesday to Sunday — will take you back to Shakespeare’s 17th-century Europe.
Completely free to attend, ShakesBow is a mentorship program for talented local actors.
So although you don’t need to purchase tickets to attend this theatre production, a donation is suggested to help keep the program running.
19. Head to the Stampede on Value Days
The Calgary Stampede is a 10-day event that can be traced back to the 1880s.
Known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Stampede is held every year in July and includes all kinds of cowboy-and-rodeo-style entertainment and exhibitions.
Blue jeans, plaid shirts, cowboy boots, and brightly coloured Stetsons are the dress of the day.
Popular events include a big parade, rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, pancake breakfasts, a funfair, concerts, stage shows, a First Nations village, and agricultural shows.
If you head over on Stampede Value Days you can enter the park for free or at a reduced admission. Entrance is also free on Parade Day between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and on Family Day from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Once inside the park, be sure to explore the grounds for free, catch the concert at the Coca-cola stage or head to Elbow River Camp and watch a powwow.
🤠 Fun Facts: The number of people that visit the Calgary Stampede every year is staggering! Over 120,000 people attend the Stampede every day, around 70 percent of whom are from Calgary. And around 3.6 million people visit Stampede Grounds every year.
Getting to Stampede Park is pretty easy. You can either take public transit or arrive by car. There is also plenty of on-site parking available.
20. Devour Some Pancakes at a Stampede Breakfast
One of the best free things to do in Calgary with kids is being able to get free 🥞 pancakes during Stampede week.
The tradition started in 1923 when Jack Morton generously shared his pancakes with rodeo attendees.
The Stampede Breakfast tradition has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the year!
With many different places offering free pancakes, you are sure to find somewhere great to fill your belly before heading out to explore the Stampede venues.
The tradition has become so popular, that it has actually spilled over into other events that occur all over Canada.
In fact, while we were in Quebec for their Winter Carnival, we enjoyed a free pancake breakfast sponsored by the Calgary Stampede!
During the Stampede, Quebecers return the favour and host a free breakfast in part to promote Carnival! What a creative (and delicious) way to promote each other’s events!
21. Cool Off at a Spray Park
If you are visiting during the summer and looking for a way to beat the heat, Calgary is home to several outdoor pools, wading pools and spray parks (splash pads as we call them).
Spray parks can be found in various community parks and community centres throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Most of the spray parks are fully accessible, with many even having free-to-use aquatic wheelchairs.
These parks are free to use, and are definitely one of the fun things to do in Calgary during the summer.
Spray Parks are generally open, weather dependant of course, from mid-June until early fall.
Free Things to Do in Calgary in Winter
22. Go on a Treasure Hunt Inside the Plus 15 Network
Calgary has an amazing network of indoor walkways called the Plus 15 Pathway Network.
Touted as one of the world’s most extensive pedestrian skywalk systems, the Plus 15 Network boasts 86 bridges, spanning a total length of 16 kilometres (10 miles), and connecting over 100 buildings downtown!
What this means, is that you could make your way through a large section of the downtown core, without ever having to step outside! Perfect for those cold and snowy winter days!
The Pathway Network is called “+15” because the skywalks are approximately 15 feet (about 4.5 meters) above street level.
And because the walkways take you through cafes, gardens, shops, hotels, office buildings and more, they are a great place to go on a city treasure hunt!
For example, without stepping foot outside, you can find a Calgary sign, a plane hanging from the ceiling (at Suncor Energy Centre), hanging Chihuly glass sculptures (over the infinity pool in Jamieson Place winter garden), First Nations masks (in Devonian Gardens), the painted cows (in the Centennial Parkade) and etched poetry on the glass (on the bridge from First Alberta Place).
The Plus 15 Network is free to use, and is the perfect way to explore the city, even when the weather isn’t cooperating with your plans! You can find the map here.
23. Enjoy Some Ice Skating At Olympic Plaza
Built in 1988 for the Olympic Winter Games, this plaza is not only home to the only refrigerated outdoor ice surface in the city, but it is also one of the most epic places to ice skate in Canada.
Enjoy the festive holiday lights as you twirl under the stars in downtown Calgary.
You will typically find ice in Olympic Plaza from mid-November until mid-March. Skating is free, but there is a charge of about $12 for skate rentals.
24. Go Cross-Country Skiing
Alberta is a world-class destination for winter sports, and Calgary is certainly no exception.
And although you would have to leave the city for downhill skiing or snowboarding, Calgary offers both free designated cross-country skiing trails and the choice to go off-trail and make your own way.
The city maintains groomed cross-country skiing trails at both South Glenmore Park and Bowness Park which are family-friendly but can get a little crowded during peak times.
For more experienced skiers, North Glenmore Park and Weaselhead Natural Environment Park offer ungroomed cross-country skiing trails that also tend to be less busy.
25. Catch a Calgary Flames Playoff Hockey Game
Did you know that during every home game of the Playoffs, the Calgary Flames host a family-friendly viewing party?
Known as the RED LOT, this community event is meant to bring hockey fans together for an epic experience.
The best part is, the RED LOT is free and available for all ages, making it the perfect budget-friendly event for families.
Fans in attendance can watch the game live on the enormous TITAN screen along with live music, Harvey the Hound, face painting, interactive stations, food and drink specials, and there are even prizes available to be won.
The RED LOT is located in Lot 3 of the Stampede Park.
Where to Stay in Calgary on a Budget
If you are visiting Calgary on a budget, there are plenty of great places to stay that are just on the outskirts of town.
While hotels in the downtown core tend to be a little more expensive, as is the case with most major cities, there are a ton of options a little further out.
Most of the budget-friendly hotels are close to public transportation, making it easy for you to head into the city quickly.
Free Things to Do in Calgary – FAQs
Some of the parks that you can visit for free in Calgary include Prince’s Island Park, ReaFish Creek Provincial Park, Bowness Park, Devonian Gardens, and Spruce Meadows.
You can ride the CTrain for free throughout the downtown core between City Hall Station and Downtown West/Kerby Station on either line and in any direction.
With a little planning, two days in Calgary is plenty of time to see the attractions, maybe catch a hockey game, and really get a good feel for everything that this vibrant city has to offer.
Yes. On-street parking is free after 6 p.m. and before 9 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Parking is also free all day on Sundays and on statutory holidays.
The most inexpensive time to go to Calgary would be during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). Winter is also an inexpensive time to travel (with the exception of around Christmas).
Final Thoughts on What to Do with Kids in Calgary for Free?
Calgary is an incredible city with a really great vibe. And aside from some of the regular family attractions, there are so many interesting and FREE things to do in Calgary with kids.
We are pretty sure that not only will you find something your family will love, but you may even entice them into a return visit.
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