Family-Friendly Adventures in Calgary, Alberta!

TELUS Spark

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure at TELUS Spark in Calgary, Alberta, a hub of fascinating science and technology exhibits! Here’s a detailed plan for a fun-filled day:

### Morning Arrival

Getting There: TELUS Spark is conveniently located at 220 St. George"s Drive NE, easily accessible by car or public transport. If you’re taking the CTrain, get off at the Zoo Station and enjoy a scenic 10-minute walk to the science centre. Parking is available onsite for a fee.

### Start with a Spark

Time: 10:00 AM

Upon arrival, start at the Energy & Innovation exhibits. Engage with interactive displays that explain renewable energy and technology, perfect for sparking curiosity in young minds!

### Hands-On Experiments

Time: 11:30 AM

Head over to the Open Studio where the family can get creative. Participate in hands-on activities like building your own gadgets and experimenting with different materials. Each activity is designed to make learning about science fun and accessible for all ages.

### Lunch Break

Time: 1:00 PM

Grab a bite at the Social Eatery inside TELUS Spark, offering a variety of healthy and kid-friendly options.

### Afternoon Exploration

Time: 2:00 PM

After lunch, explore the Being Human exhibit to learn fascinating facts about the human body and mind through engaging, interactive stations.

### A Show to Remember

Time: 3:30 PM

Cap off your visit with a stunning show at the HD Digital Dome Theatre, where science meets art. Check the schedule upon arrival and choose a show that suits your family’s interests.

### Before You Leave

Time: 4:30 PM

Don’t forget to stop by the Spark Store for educational gifts and cool science kits to keep the discovery going at home!

This itinerary ensures that your family enjoys a blend of learning, fun, and unforgettable memories at TELUS Spark!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Calaway Park

Why Visit?

Welcome to Calaway Park, Western Canada"s largest outdoor family amusement park! Nestled in the scenic foothills just outside Calgary, Alberta, this beloved park offers an exhilarating day of fun for the whole family.

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure by arriving early to beat the crowds. The park opens at 10 AM, and there’s free parking available. Right at the entrance, pick up a park map to easily navigate through the attractions.

First, head to ‘Aerials’ where the views atop this swing ride will give you a panoramic gaze of the stunning Rocky Mountains—a perfect, gentle start to your day. Don’t miss snapping a scenic family photo here!

Mid-Morning Thrills

Next, make your way to the "Vortex Roller Coaster". This looping ride is a park favorite and provides a thrilling experience with great speeds and invigorating turns. It"s a great way to ramp up the excitement!

Lunch Break

Around noon, take a break at one of the park’s many eateries. ‘Pizza, Pasta & More!’ offers family-friendly meals that can cater to various dietary needs, ensuring everyone refuels with a smile.

Afternoon Fun

Post-lunch, stroll over to "Bumper Boats" to cool off and engage in a playful water battle. Then, explore "Timber Falls", a log ride that weaves through a beautifully landscaped course, complete with exciting drops!

Late Afternoon

As the day winds down, enjoy some of the park"s gentler rides that are perfect for younger children, like the "Carousel" or "Candy Cane Lane". These rides provide a relaxing way to round off the adrenaline-packed day.

Departure

Conclude your visit by passing through the gift shop near the exit, where you can pick up souvenirs to remember your delightful day at Calaway Park.

Each attraction at Calaway Park is designed with family fun in mind, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Enjoy your magical day at this enchanting amusement park!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Heritage Park

Why Visit?

Morning:

Arrival and Entry

Start your day at Heritage Park by arriving early to maximize your visit. The park opens at 10 AM, and parking is ample. Upon entering, grab a park map at the entrance—this will be your guide for the day.

Antique Midway

Begin with a thrilling yet family-friendly experience at the Antique Midway. Kids can enjoy rides like the vintage carousel and the small Ferrarium Ferris wheel—perfect for younger children. Interesting fact: the carousel dates back to the early 1900s and has been meticulously restored to its original splendor.

Historical Village

Next, stroll over to the Historical Village, which opens its gates at 10:30 AM. The village is a faithful recreation of life in Western Canada from the 1860s to 1950s. Don"t miss the blacksmith shop where children can watch live demonstrations of metalwork, and the old-fashioned candy store is a must-visit for a sweet treat.

Lunch

By midday, stop at the Railway Café near the entrance of the park for some traditional Canadian fare or pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the many green spaces.

Afternoon

Steam Train Ride

Post-lunch, board the steam train for a scenic ride around the park. The train ride offers a relaxing way to see the park and is a highlight for train enthusiasts, offering views of the Glenmore Reservoir and lush park landscapes.

Gasoline Alley Museum

Conclude your visit at the Gasoline Alley Museum, where you can explore an impressive collection of antique cars and oil and gas memorabilia. This spot is a paradise for motor enthusiasts and offers interactive exhibits that engage children’s curiosity about the automotive world.

Departure

Wind down your visit by late afternoon, ensuring you leave by the closing time at 5 PM. Before leaving, stop by the gift shop for unique souvenirs to remember your day at Heritage Park.

This itinerary offers a comprehensive yet relaxed tour of Heritage Park, ensuring a memorable day for the entire family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Calgary Tower

Why Visit?

Morning:

Start your day at the iconic Calgary Tower, one of the city"s most famous landmarks. Located at 101 9 Ave SW, it"s easily accessible via the CTrain to Centre Street Station or various downtown bus routes. Make sure to arrive early to avoid crowds!

Once at the tower, take the high-speed elevator ride, zooming up to the observation deck where you"ll experience breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline and beyond. Engage the kids with a scavenger hunt to spot landmarks like Fort Calgary and the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Don"t miss standing on the glass floor, which gives a thrilling view 191 meters straight down, teaching a lesson in both engineering and bravery!

Lunch

Enjoy a meal at the Sky 360 restaurant, rotating slowly to give you a constantly changing view without leaving your seat. It offers kid-friendly menu options and is perfect for a unique dining experience.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a short walk to the Glenbow Museum, just a 5-minute walk southeast from the tower. Dive into Alberta"s rich cultural history with exhibits that are both educational and interactive, making it fun for all ages. Check out their extensive collection of First Nations artifacts and engage with stories that shaped the region.

Evening

End your day with a stroll along the scenic RiverWalk in East Village, just a 15-minute walk from the museum. The pathway offers beautiful views of the Bow River and plenty of open space for children to play. As the sun sets, enjoy some local ice cream from one of the nearby vendors, reflecting on a day well spent exploring Calgary"s vibrant heart.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that when it opened in 1968, Calgary Tower was the tallest structure in Calgary and remained so for many years? It"s a piece of living history showcasing Calgary"s growth and evolution.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Calgary Zoo

Why Visit?

Calgary Zoo Family Adventure Itinerary

Morning Arrival: Begin your day at the Calgary Zoo, opening at 9 AM. Conveniently located at 210 St. George"s Drive NE, Calgary, it"s easily accessible by car with ample parking or via the CTrain, disembarking at the Zoo station.

Penguin Plunge (9:30 AM): Start with a splash at the Penguin Plunge just after entering. Watch the playful antics of Humboldt, Gentoo, Rockhopper, and King penguins. Fun fact: Penguins have an extra eyelid called a nictitating membrane that helps them see underwater!

Canadian Wilds (10:15 AM): Next, explore the Canadian Wilds section. Here, you"ll encounter Canada"s indigenous species like grizzly bears, wolves, and the elusive lynx. Learn about the conservation efforts dedicated to these native populations.

Break and Snacks (11:00 AM): Grab a bite at Kitamba Café, offering kid-friendly snacks and a chance for some rest.

Prehistoric Park (11:45 AM): Travel back in time after your snack to the Prehistoric Park. Marvel at the lifelike dinosaur models and the ancient plant species. It’s a thrilling walk through the Cretaceous period—kids can enjoy the interactive dig and discovery areas!

Lunch (1:00 PM): Enjoy lunch at the Safari Lodge, overlooking the African Savannah exhibit where you might spot giraffes and zebras grazing.

Rainforest Exhibit (2:00 PM): Post-lunch, head to the rainforest exhibit to see exotic plants and vibrant wildlife like gorillas and orangutans. Did you know? Orangutans use leaves as umbrellas and gloves!

Zoo-nique Souvenirs (3:15 PM): Conclude your visit at the gift shop. It’s perfect for picking up a memento that will remind the family of the unforgettable experiences at Calgary Zoo.

Wrap up your zoo adventure by 4 PM, leaving you with cherished family memories and a deeper appreciation for wildlife and nature!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.