Our Calgary’s Child team came together to share these ‘Then & Now’ family-favorite gear and pastimes. Read on to learn how we kept our families busy and happy as they grew!
1. Our incredible pathway system. With more than 550 kilometres of pathways and 260 kilometres of on-street bikeways (not including Fish Creek Park!) we have a huge system of paths to take you and your family off the beaten path. No matter what age your children are, there is a trail around town that will capture even the most hardened couch potato’s imagination.
2. Our natural beauty. There are over 100 natural areas to enjoy and explore in Calgary, ranging from the vast, grassy Nose Hill, to mountain-like surroundings along the Douglas Fir Trail. Inner-city hikes range from quiet, family-friendly strolls through the trees to leg-busting staircases leading up to a fabulous view of the city. Anywhere you live in our city, nature is never far away.
3. Our world-class attractions. Calgary is now home to almost 1.1 million people, and our local attractions are drawing more and more tourists to our beautiful city. Every day can be a special occasion when attractions like the Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park Historical Village, Calaway Park and TELUS Spark – just to name a few – are at your front door.
4. Our rustic heritage. Newcomers and long-time residents alike can enjoy a taste of our rustic culture any day of the week. Whether you’re enjoying our once-a-year Calgary Stampede bonanza, meeting new fluffy friends or playing in nature at Butterfield Acres Children’s Farm, Kayben Farms, the Calgary Corn Maze & Fun Farm, Cobb’s Corn Maze & Family Fun Park or enjoying any of the many U-Pick-It farms around the city, there is always a chance to experience Calgary’s unique farming and ranching heritage.
5. Our local favorites and global cuisine. Calgary is fast becoming a culinary hotspot around the world. Local favorites include Peters’ Drive-In, Tubby Dog and The Big Cheese Poutinerie sit side-by-side with fabulous food from all around the world. There’s nowhere else on Earth that you can find fish & chips, panang curry, dim sum, sushi, bibimbap, poutine and donairs all on the same street. Calgarians are famously adventurous eaters!
6. Our fabulous festivals. Whatever your interests may be, Calgary has a festival or annual event just for you. From the Folk Music Festival to Beakerhead, from the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo to the Scottish Highland Games, you never have to spend a weekend at home. Calgary has dozens of festivals, big and small, to suit every taste, budget and lifestyle.
7. Our incredible day trips. Nestled in the foothills, Calgary is just a short drive away from legendary views and world-famous tourist destinations. Spend a day in Banff, the Kananaskis or Canmore - our mountains are the envy of the entire world. Visit the small towns that dot southern Alberta like Nanton, High River, Bragg Creek, Millarville and Black Diamond for a taste of the countryside. Calgary is just a few hours away from Vulcan, the unofficial Star Trek capital of the world. Drumheller has one of the most incredible collections of fossils on the planet, and is only a couple of hours away.
8. Our caring community. Whatever your needs, whatever your income, Calgary has the support you need to thrive. Whether you need mom’s groups or family shelters, emergency counseling, parenting resource centres, special needs support or a comprehensive local health care network, Calgary’s got your back.
9. Our parent-friendly activity calendar. Whatever you like to do with your precious free hours, Calgary has a class for that - try yoga, spinning, art or dance, all very popular in the city with grown-ups who have the time to spare. Calgary has incredible shopping, with more and more American stores opening branches here every year, along with local boutiques of every description. We have dozens of spas, salons and beauty parlours for pampering, as well as gyms and fitness programs galore to kick your butt after enjoying one too many servings of pulled pork poutine.
10. Our kid-friendly culture. Calgary has more activities for kids than you can shake a stick at. Whatever your little one is interested in - no matter how picky! - Calgary has a class, camp or program that will fit the bill. Calgary is home to dozens of early childhood education programs, with a wide variety of program styles. We have one of the few Waldorf schools in western Canada, a healthy range of Montessori schools and inclusive education options for special needs. Birthday parties are a breeze in Calgary, with indoor playgrounds, laser tag, go-karting venues and much more. Calgary has a playground on almost every neighborhood street corner, plus many communities featuring lakes or swimming pools, so your little ones will never be bored again! (We hope!)
Ellen is Publisher & Editor in Chief, and Allison is the Social Media Manager, both of Calgary’s Child Magazine.
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2024 Calgary’s Child
