Have family visiting? Want to explore the city? Our readers voted in our 2016 Parents' Choice Awards and told us their favorite tourist attractions in Calgary - here are our top 10!
Bring your kids for an unforgettable, fun-filled day. Meet the captivating penguins in an Antarctic environment; visit majestic giraffes, bellowing hippos and colourful mandrills in Africa; tigers, lynx and snow leopards in Eurasia; or the stars of the Canadian Wilds – the bears, cougars and wolves. The Zoo also includes beautiful botanical gardens and the ever-popular dinosaur park! Great for a day out with kids of any age.
2. Heritage Park Historical Village
Step back in time at Canada’s largest living history museum, covering the years 1860-1950! With more than 200 exhibits and attractions spread over 127 acres of lush parkland, Heritage Park Historical Village has a lot to offer both the history buff and the pleasure seeker. It’s the perfect balance between historical fact, adventure, discovery and fun that makes their take on the tale of Western Canadian settlement so unique. Enjoy the vintage midway rides and games, the SS Moyie steam paddler, the steam train, and much more!
3. Telus Spark
A place for the curious. Whether you’re a young family, in your tweens and building new ideas, or an adult who is compelled to find the ‘why’ behind the science, TELUS Spark is for you. TELUS Spark is Calgary's Science Centre. Facilitators fuel curiosity. Exhibits and programs ignite a sense of wonder and excitement. Conferences and events act as a catalyst for innovation and new ideas. TELUS Spark is a place for people of all ages and abilities to let go and embrace the desire to explore and discover science, technology, engineering, art and math. Features rotating exhibits for all ages, and a massive modern dome theatre for planetarium shows and movies!
4. Calaway Park
32 Family-friendly rides! High-energy entertainment! Tempting treats! Calaway Park has something for everyone! As Western Canada’s Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park, Calaway Park has been offering affordable, family-friendly fun and entertainment for over three decades. Factor in Calaway Park’s one-pay gate, which include unlimited rides, attractions, must-see Calaway Live shows and unparalleled street performers such as stilt walkers, jugglers and clowns, not to mention lots of free parking – and it’s easy to see why families of all sizes venture out to Calaway Park’s stunning location in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains to enjoy a day full of safe, family fun.
5. WinSport's Canada Olympic Park
Canada Olympic Park is a truly year-round Calgary institution for outdoor fun and fitness - offering everything from mountain biking to fitness training to hockey lessons, it's so much more than just skiing! A perfect day out for all ages, or a great source for classes and programs suitable for children and adults.
Spruce Meadows is committed to being the leading venue in the world for the international horse sports with a focus on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes. Spruce Meadows is open all year round! There's always something going on - whether you just want to spend the day touring their beautiful gardens, enjoying one of the many temporary exhibits and festivals, or taking in a show jumping competition, Spruce Meadows is an affordable and enjoyable day out for everyone.
At 1228 metres above sea level, the Calgary Tower is home to the highest 360° observation deck in the world and is your gateway to Calgary’s art, culture, entertainment, and nightlife. Explore Calgary's magnificent landmarks, from downtown's glittering skyscrapers to the majestic Rocky Mountains. We will take you on a journey through Calgary's past and present. Views include the Saddledome, Canada Olympic Plaza and Stephen Avenue Walk.
Lean about the beautiful plants and animals that call Alberta home! Get hands-on with Alberta’s fish, wildlife, water and aquatic habitats at four family attractions: explore exhibits and aquariums in the Discovery Centre, feed the fish on a guided Fish Hatchery tour, go fishing in the Trout Pond. (May 15 – Oct 31), or take a stroll through the Interpretive Wetland. A great opportunity to teach your kids more about the ecosystem we are a part of.
The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre have been providing migratory birds with a place to rest their wings since 1929. That's more than 80 years of conservation! To date, 270 species of birds, 21 species of mammals and 347 species of plants have been recorded at the Sanctuary and Nature Centre by members of the public, volunteers and staff. The Nature Centre is open to visitors. The centre has interpretive exhibits and information about local wildlife and parks.
10. Fort Calgary
In the fall of 1875 the North West Mounted Police built a small wooden fort at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, and laid the foundation for the city that became Calgary. Fort Calgary is located just east of downtown Calgary on a 40-acre site. Open year-round, the Fort offers Calgarians and their guests fun, interactive exhibits, tours and school programs. The 1888 Barracks and Interpretive Centre are available for private rentals, including weddings, meetings, banquets and Christmas parties.
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