I’ve got some big news to share, folks. TELUS Spark gets one-acre bigger this Friday, August 15. That’s when The Brainasium, a year-round, outdoor park opens on the grounds of the science centre. Designed for children and adults to discover the science of play, it’s chock full of family friendly adventures.
I was able to get a sneak-peek last week and am thrilled to share my findings. Be sure to read the whole post for a chance to win a free entry to TELUS Spark this weekend for your entire family.
The Brainasium at TELUS Spark
As parents, we’re always fretting about the safety of our children, but I think it’s so sad kids don’t have that same freedom we enjoyed back in the olden days. TELUS Spark has nailed the balance between building a park that’s safe and one that fosters our children’s sense of independence. The playground is fully enclosed, allowing caregivers to turn off their helicopter engines and let kids run around on their own.
Each of the 11 experiences in the one-acre space are physically engaging activities designed to combine brain and body adventures. You’ve got your physics-inspired play in the form of whisper dishes, a sand pendulum that’s like a life-size spirograph, plus a five-tonne spinning rock.
The big ticket item is the tower leading to the 63-ft slide. You don’t need me to tell you that a slide of this scale is unique to all of Canada. Because of its shape and the direction it faces, the slide won’t overheat, nor burn bare legs on super hot days.
Outdoor nature playground in Calgary
This is a space where children will learn all about natural consequences. While the slide is designed for kids eight-years and up, if a younger tyke child can handle climbing all the way to the top of the tower, they’ll be able to plunge down the 63-footer. Rest assured, right next to the slide tower is a smaller slide and a mini climbing wall for wee-ones to start out on.
TELUS Spark outdoor playground
What I love best? The Brainasium is mitt-friendly. Yep, our tots can wreak havoc here each and every season, making it one of the few all-season playgrounds in Canada. All climbing surfaces have been built inside structures, so in the event they fall, it won’t be onto the frozen ground – it’ll be on the safety netting. And you don’t have to be a science geek to realize snow pants will whip kids down that massive slide exponentially faster.
The acoustics will also change with the seasons. You know how muffled the world seems with a major dump of snow? Now imagine how snow and ice will change the sound of the outdoor music exhibits. Pretty cool, hey?
Entry to The Brainasium is included in regular admission, so the tots can run into the Creative Kids Museum to warm up, before tackling the outdoor classroom again and agin.
My kids could stay on the stage in the creative kids area all day. They love meeting new kids and staging plays.
That’s so awesome! I’ve probably watched one of their performances before.
This looks frigging amazing. My kids will go bonkers.
Max is running around and squealing with excitement over this announcement!
This is ridiculously cool! I think to be on the safe side Dads and Moms should get to try the slide first…. 😉
I agree!
We were very disappointed the grand opening was postponed this summer. We were all signed up to visit! Looks like fun!
Open studio all the way! So much fun 🙂
Yes! My daughter is such of fan of creating in the Open Studio, too.
my kids love the creative kids area especially the tree house as they call it!
So sweet!
We love the creative kids museum, though I think the slide will be the new favorite.
I can just imagine the line up on the play structure to get there:)
Sounds neat. I hope it is open to all kids
For sure! All kids and abilities welcome. How old are your tykes?
Grady loves the indoor play structure
In the creative kids museum my youngest daughter can not get enough of the play structure so the out door adventure will be a great area for her as well as the older children.
I think you’re totally right! Good luck and thanks so much for dropping by Travels with Baggage