The Top 21 Things to Do in Downtown Calgary with Kids
Things to Do in Downtown Calgary with Kids
Calgary is a vibrant, beautiful, and fun city to visit. And because of its unusually young demographic, it also attracts a lot of young families. As a result, there are a ton of things to do in downtown Calgary with kids.
While many people will tell you to just drive through the city and head for the mountains (yup, we actually got that advice!), don’t be so quick to leave.
During our trips to this awesome city, we have definitely never run out of things to see and do. We even enjoyed ourselves! 😁
Although Calgary’s biggest draw might officially be the Calgary Stampede, the city also offers many attractions that provide experiences related to science, music, art, and culture.
So without further ado, here are some of the many reasons to visit downtown Calgary!
21 Cool Things to Do in Downtown Calgary with Kids
One of the things we loved about the city, was its walkability. Many of the attractions and places that were on our list of things to do in downtown Calgary, were in close proximity to each other.
We were able to leave our car behind, for the most part, and just set out to explore everything Calgary had to offer!
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, a very unique piece of architecture can be found. The Peace Bridge was something I had seen in a lot of pictures online, and I was curious to see it in real life.
Built 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? For me, it immediately reminded me of a toy I had growing up – The Rubik’s 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.
2. 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 home to many festivals and events.
The park also has many picnic areas, a playground, water fountains, hiking trails, art installations, and an outdoor skating rink in the winter.
Prince Island Park is not only a great place to enjoy beautiful city views, but it also plays host to a number of festivals.
We enjoyed a nice stroll through the park. And the kids thought the large playground was the perfect place to burn off a little energy.
In fact, if you have some time to spare, you can easily spend a whole day exploring all the great areas this park has to offer.
3. Brave the Glass Floor at the Calgary Tower
Having grown up alongside the CN Tower in Toronto, it was hard not to make some comparisons! The Calgary Tower may not be as tall as some of the others at just 191m high, but it does have a very unique history.
For instance, in 1975 a Carillon was donated to the Tower by the Dutch-Canadian Society, to celebrate Calgary’s 100th Anniversary. The Carillon used to chime on the hour.
But due to the increase in population living within earshot of the bells, they now only chime at 9 am, noon, and again at 5 pm out of respect for the residents. Musical selections can also be heard playing during special occasions or on holidays such as Christmas.
But my favourite piece of Calgary Tower history has to do with the 1988 Winter Olympics. A large gas-burning cauldron was added to the roof of the Tower to burn during the games.
The resulting flame turned the Calgary Tower into the tallest Olympic Torch in the world. Awesome right?!
The Glass Floor
But of course, our favourite part of the whole visit was playing on the glass floor! The Observation deck is 160 m (525 ft) above street level, so you can imagine the amazing views!
It is not for the faint of heart, or for those with a fear of heights. Stepping out on the glass for the first time is a little nerve-wracking!
We were lucky in that we pretty much had the place to ourselves, so we had plenty of time to take photos and goof around. After all, what would a glass floor experience be without some shenanigans?
4. Stroll Along the Stephen Avenue Walk
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.
Right in the heart of downtown and running parallel to the C-Train, it is the perfect place to go for a walk in the city.
Filled with restaurants, shops, street art, and other interesting things to see and do, Stephen Avenue is one of the nicest and most historic streets in Calgary.
5. Make Some New Friends at the Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is one of the best things to do in downtown Calgary with kids. Not only is it one of the most visited zoos in Canada, but it is also highly respected worldwide for its conservation efforts.
With nearly 1,000 creatures across 119 species, the Calgary Zoo has become a leader in wildlife conservation with successful breeding programs, a diversity of animals, education programs, and research dollars.
Your family will have a blast visiting animals from all over the world, including the Canadian Wilds, Africa, and Asia. And if that isn’t enough to keep everyone entertained, the Calgary Zoo is also home to beautiful botanical gardens, a butterfly conservatory, and the Centre for Conservation and Research.
The Calgary Zoo is located near the downtown area and is easily accessed via Memorial Drive or the C-train.
6. Go for a Ride at Calaway Park
Rated as one of the best things to do in Calgary, Calaway is Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park. Located just outside the downtown area, this park has the bonus of having some awesome views of the Rocky Mountains.
Calaway Park has 32 rides, 23 carnival games, plenty of food vendors, and even a 3D theatre. There is more than enough to keep the kids, and even the adults, entertained for the day!
7. Admire the Views of the City at Scotsman’s Hill
This out-of-the-way park is the perfect place to sit and admire some incredible views of the city. 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.
8. Catch a Flames Game at the Saddledome
Catching the excitement of a live NHL game should be on your list of things to do in downtown Calgary if you are a sports fan. After all, Canada is a hockey country!
Not only do we have 7 NHL teams, but the province of Alberta is actually home to 2 Stanley Cup Champion teams – the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers.
If you happen to be visiting Calgary between October and April, head to the Saddledome to catch a Flames game!
And if you are not too concerned about where you sit, you can easily score some very reasonably priced tickets.
9. Learn Something New at 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 downtown Calgary!
As one of the largest museums in Western Canada, their collection includes over one million objects, documents, photographs, and works of art.
Amazing art is not the only thing you will find at the Glenbow Museum, however. 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.
10. Wear a Stetson at the Calgary Stampede
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.
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 the Stampede Grounds every year.
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, an authentic First Nations village, and agricultural shows.
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.
11. Catch a Show at the TELUS Spark Science Center Planetarium
One of our favourite things to do when we travel is to find a science center or children’s museum to visit. And the TELUS Spark science center should definitely be on your list of things to do in downtown Calgary with kids.
The Spark science center houses the largest dome theatre in western Canada, which features live planetarium shows as well as awesome nature movies.
You will also find travelling exhibitions, the Brainasium outdoor playground, interactive educational exhibits, and much more.
The TELUS Spark Science Center is the perfect place to encourage kids in their desire for exploration and discovery in science, technology, math, and art.
Fun fact: In 2018, the TELUS Spark Science Center set a Guinness World Record for the largest functioning Rubik’s Cube at 5 feet, 6.25 inches tall!
12. People Watch at the Olympic Plaza
Olympic Plaza is an urban park located just West of City Hall. The plaza was created as the venue for the medal ceremonies at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Nowadays, the Plaza plays host to several festivals and outdoor events, including the City’s annual New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Aside from several art installations that can be found at the Plaza, during the summer months, you will also find a splash pad, and in the winter, a skating rink.
The Plaza is pretty popular with locals, as it is centrally located and is easily accessible by Calgary’s C-train system (City Hall station).
13. Go Back in Time at the Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park Historical Village is Canada’s largest living history museum. It features more than 200 exhibits and attractions from the early 1900s, spread over 127 acres of wonderfully maintained, natural parklands.
The exhibits include an 1860s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment, an 1880s Pre-Railway Settlement, the Heritage Town Square, and the Heritage Park Historical Village.
And because Heritage Park showcases the lifestyle of the period, you can not only explore an authentic steam train and an antique midway, but also businesses and shops, such as a working printing press and blacksmith shop, an ice cream parlour, and a bakery.
If you are a history buff, then visiting Heritage Park should definitely be on your list of things to do in downtown Calgary. The costumed interpreters are wonderful at sharing all kinds of historical information and answering any questions that you may have.
14. Admire the Architecture at the Calgary Central Public Library
Although not usually high on a list of 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 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.
The library is a great place to spend a rainy day, or to just curl up with a good book and relax. Our younger daughter, Miss Somersault, really loved the airy space.
The Library has also become quite the popular spot for taking graduation photos, as well as for those seeking the perfect Instagrammable selfie!
15. Learn Some Sports History at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is an amazing place to visit if you are a sports fan. Inside, you will find a collection of more than 95,000 artifacts, 52 hands-on interactive exhibits, touch-screen sports lessons, 3D simulations, and an 11-minute feature film highlighting great sports moments.
With 40,000 square feet of space, the Hall of Fame uses state-of-the-art technology to share the stories of Canada’s greatest sports heroes.
You could easily spend several hours immersing yourself in Canada’s sports history.
16. Check out the Street Art all Over the City
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.
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!
17. Go for a Hike in Nosehill Park
At 11 square kilometres, Nosehill Park is one of North America’s largest urban parks. It offers amazing views of downtown Calgary, is perfect for an inner-city hike, and is 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.
18) 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 walk through)! It is also a great place to get that really cool Instagram shot.
19. Make Some Noise at the Studio Bell National Music Centre
The National Music Centre is home to Canada’s Music Hall of Fame. Take a “backstage tour,” which takes you through Canada’s musical icons, as well as a visit to the famous Rolling Stones mobile recording studio.
Here, you will learn about centuries of musical instruments and memorabilia. The family will also love the collection of interactive musical instruments, as well as the opportunity to try a few out for themselves.
Not only is the National Music Centre one of the best things to do in downtown Calgary but it is also housed in one of the top architecturally designed buildings in the province.
20. Float Down the Bow River or Elbow River
If you’re looking for a family-friendly summer activity to do in Calgary, there’s nothing quite like a slow float down the Bow River or the Elbow River.
Of course, the Bow River is a much more popular option due to its size and the fact that it goes right through the downtown area.
And don’t worry if you don’t have your own raft! You always have the option of either renting a raft or joining up with a locally guided tour.
21. Take Go-Karting to the Next Level at Skyline Luge Calgary
Love go-karting? If so, head over to Skyline Luge Calgary; one of the city’s most unique and popular attractions.
Located at Winsport Olympic Park, Skyline’s Downhill Karting allows you to hop onboard custom-built karts. Next, you will plummet down a 5,905 feet (1,800 meters) long track, with more than 50 twists and turns!
As one of the longest-karting tracks in the world, you are sure to get the adrenaline rush you are looking for! The unique braking and steering system ensures you have full control over speed, direction, and braking.
1 lap of the course (including the downhill ride & chairlift) takes approximately 20 minutes. All ages are welcome, with kids 6 years and older allowed to ride on their own. Safety helmets are provided for every rider.
Where is Calgary Located?
Calgary is located in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Boasting a population of 1.37 million people, Calgary is the largest city in Alberta.
The city sits at an altitude of 1048 meters above sea level and is only 80 kilometres East of the Rockies. Known as the sunniest city in Canada, Calgary enjoys roughly 333 days of sunshine a year!
How Do You Get to Calgary?
By Car
If you are arriving in Calgary by car, chances are, you will be travelling on the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1). The Trans Canada runs East and West, and stretches from Medicine Hat, through Calgary, to the border of Yoho National Park.
By Plane
If you are planning to fly, Calgary is home to the Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is one of the biggest airports in Canada. The airport is located only half an hour from the downtown core, making it pretty convenient.
Of course, if for some reason you landed in Edmonton, it is only a three-hour drive from YEG to downtown Calgary.
Once you arrive, you can easily rent a car, take a taxi, jump on public transportation, or take a shuttle. The hotel courtesy shuttles travel to the various downtown hotels and leave from the airport approximately every 30 minutes at a cost of $15 one-way.
By Bus
There are a few buses that make their way to Calgary. Both Red Arrow and Ebus services are options that will get you into the city.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Calgary?
Calgary has a lot of options for getting around the city, including public buses, the C-train, taxis, and Uber.
By Motor Vehicle
- Public Transportation: An inexpensive way to travel around the city is via Calgary Transit. You can easily avoid paying expensive downtown parking fees, by using the free lots that can be found along the C-train lines and then riding into the city. There are many bus and train routes to get you from the north to the south of the city. You can find the schedule, maps, and fees here.
- Taxis: There are a ton of taxis to be found in the city, providing an easy and quick way to get around town. Some of the services include Checker Cabs, Associated Cabs, and Calgary Cab.
- Uber: This is also a great option in Calgary. You will need to download the app and have access to WiFi for this option to work for you, however. This is sometimes tricky for international travellers.
On Foot or People-Powered
- Pathway Network: Calgary has one of the most extensive urban pathway networks in North America, so what better way to get around the city! Not only are the paths made for both cyclists and pedestrians, but many run through the downtown area and branch out to the suburban neighbourhoods as well. The City of Calgary’s maps are a great way to plan your route.
- Bicycle: Calgary is quickly growing its bicycle path system, meaning there are a ton of great places where you can cycle around the city. There are also several bike rental places, so exploring Calgary in the warmer months just got easier than ever!
- Scooters and Electric Bikes: Neuron Canada scooters are another fun option for getting around the city. These orange scooters and electric bikes can be found in various parts of the downtown core. However, you’ll need to download the app and use data in order to take advantage of it.
Insider Tip: 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). 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 rainy, windy, or snowy days! The Pathway Network is called “+15” because the skywalks are approximately 15 feet (about 4.5 meters) above street level. You can find the map here.
When is the Best Time to Visit Calgary?
Although there are a ton of things to do in Calgary during the winter, the summer months remain the most popular time to visit.
Between June and October, you will find the city bustling with festivals, outdoor activities, and family fun. The summer is also when the infamous Calgary Stampede takes place.
Another advantage of the summer is that the days are very long as the sun doesn’t set until after 10 PM. During this time of the year, all attractions are open, and you can also find a ton of farmers’ markets taking place.
Winter
Calgary is also beautiful in the winter, with tons of things to do in the colder months. If you are looking for world-class skiing or snowboarding, Banff is also just a short drive away.
As far as weather goes, Calgary winters can be somewhat unpredictable. The sun sets before 5 PM making it seem quite cold.
However, Calgary’s proximity to the mountains brings about a phenomenon known as the Chinook. These warm winds sweep into the city and dramatically change the temperatures.
It can be -25 Celcius one day and +5 Celcius the next, making the winters partially mild. And of course with the city being so sunny, even if it’s cold outside, the sky will likely be bright and beautiful.
Where to Stay in Calgary
We chose to stay at the Westin Calgary because of its perfect central location, and because of its excellent reviews. The hotel did not disappoint.
We found the rooms to be spacious and well-appointed. Everything was spotless, check-in was a breeze, and there was plenty of on-site parking (we paid $19 for the day to self-park).
The hotel pool is open, but you need to make an appointment to use it. This allows for physical distancing and capacity limits to be observed.
We also found the attached Starbucks and The Keg restaurant in the lobby to be quite convenient.
Where to Eat in Calgary
Owen’s Landing
Owen’s Landing is an open-concept restaurant and patio. They serve a wide variety of housemade menu items that include vegan and gluten-free options.
It was a gorgeous day out, so we chose to have a quick bite out on their heated patio. We ordered their fish tacos and their wings to share, as well as a couple of local craft beers to sample.
We found the service to be friendly and the food was delicious! The restaurant also has a full-service bar featuring exclusive wines and cocktails.
LOCAL Public Eatery
Located on Stephen Ave, this casual eatery was perfect for a family dinner with kids. The large booths and comfortable atmosphere were just what we needed after a day of exploring the city.
The menu has a wide variety of family-friendly items, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. While the boys and I opted for a burger, Hubby went with a chicken sandwich, and Miss Somersault decided to be adventurous and went with the Fried Chicken Ramen.
Everything, including the cinnamon sugar donuts we had for dessert, was absolutely delicious! The service was excellent, and the restaurant was clean.
Caesar’s Steak House & Lounge
Because Alberta is known for its amazing beef, we did not want to leave without indulging in a nice steak! We chose Ceasar’s strictly from the reviews we found online and for its proximity to our hotel.
Ceasar’s is casual fine dining at its best. The family-owned and run restaurant was opulent, and a perfect place for a celebration dinner. The menu was quite extensive, but definitely on the high end of the price range.
The food and the service were excellent! We all had a streak with a twice-baked potato and a side of mushrooms.
The steak was tender, cooked perfectly, and nicely seasoned. The potato came with your choice of toppings and was awesome as well.
The mushrooms were absolutely to die for! I don’t usually get this excited about a vegetable, but I have never tasted better! Wow!
It was too bad that we were waaaay too stuffed for dessert because their menu had some interesting selections.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Downtown Calgary with Kids
Calgary is an amazing and vibrant city. Between the attractions, urban parks, art installations, and amazing restaurants, there are so many things to do in downtown Calgary, you will definitely want to come back for another visit!
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