When you’re stuck in the city in summer, it can be a challenge to keep those ankle-biters occupied – especially if not not in summer camp. Not no matter if you’re situated in a suburb or based downtown, there’s plenty of things to do in Calgary with kids. Here are a few of my favourite spots to go to with my daughter, Eve.
Skyline Luge is a thrill for all ages.
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Calgary with Kids
For the most part, I’ll be detailing our favourite Calgary activities in the downtown core. I’ve found one of the best things to do with kids is to flip the script. When you do the unexpected it’s more memorable. You can always go to your local park, but have you ever explored all the parks and attractions downtown with your kids? Here’s a game plan.
Century Gardens
Probably my daughter’s favourite park is Century Gardens. Never heard of it? I’m not surprised. It’s the 70s-style, urban park the Nexen building overlooks on 8 Ave. and 8 St., SW. I remember playing here as a kid, waiting for my sister to finish her secretarial duties at some law firm. Now I take Eve, and watch her run and leap across the water features.
You could while away a good hour or more people watching and playing at Century Gardens
Calgary Tower Coupons
You’re only a few blocks away from the Calgary Tower, so you might as well hit it up. It’s not that expensive and you can get all the deets on how to score Calgary Tower coupons from Calgary Attractions in this post.
Now I know this is a touristy spot, but I think it’s important to occasionally play tourist in your own city. Plus, the kids love the hurricane chamber and walking on the glass floor.
I’m too scared to look down, but they’re not.
Explore the Bow River Paths
Calgary has so many bike and walking paths – especially along the Bow River. It’s a shame not to take advantage of the, so if you can, bring your bikes with you.
At least once a week we’ll ride our bikes over to Prince’s Island Park. Sometimes we stop at the playground, other times we’ll suss out the statues near Chinatown. But always, we go over the Peace Bridge, cuz Eve thinks it’s a pretty cool structure, and I have to agree.
Kids think it’s so cool to cycle across the Peace Bridge.
Central Memorial Park Calgary
Central Memorial Park is also a big hit. It’s probably our favourite park in Calgary. Pack your child’s bathing suit as there’s water fountains they can splash around in and plenty of green space for burning off energy.
If you need a break, pop into the Central Memorial Library, or grab a snack from the cafe in that park or one of the food trucks lining the street. Last week we watched this cool outdoor yoga class.
If it’s not an outdoor yoga class, usually something interesting is going on in this park.
Do you ever take your kids downtown? Where do you like to go?
Jody, I am traveling with my young children to Mexico City on Saturday and was cruising the internet for ideas and found you via travelcocity. I think I know you. Did you live in Antigua Guatemala? I am a midwife who worked at Ixmucane. If not, thanks for your travel suggestions with kids. Thanks, Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth. I’ve never lived in Guatemala, but I have hired a midwife and been to Mexico City before. I recommend you hit up Kidzania in Mexico City. My recs for Mexico City with families can be found here: http://travelmamas.com/attractions-for-kids-in-mexico-city/ Thanks so much for cruising by here and commenting. Please let me know how your trip goes.
Thought I recognized Century Gardens, although it wasn’t called that back in the day. I used to love hanging out there too, only blocks from my tiny apartment.
“The legal secretary sister”