Calgary for Kids

Calgary [1] offers plenty of distractions for children. Calgary Zoo [2] and Heritage Park mix kid-friendliness with enough of interest to keep grown-ups busy as well. Here are a few other suggestions to keep the young ones occupied.

Telus World of Science

The Telus World of Science [3] downtown complex is a wonderful facility chockablock full of interactive exhibits. In the Kids Museum, it’s sensory overload in rooms such as Scribble Dee Dee, where young ones hone their painting skills; Sound and Music, with the opportunity to make music; Mindscapes, comprising models of Alberta landscapes that are fully climbable; and Perception, a series of interactive games. In the World of Science section, WOWtown is especially for the under-seven crowd with a working crane model, playground and maze, microscopes, optical illusions, and even a “quiet room.” In the Discovery Dome, dynamic audiovisuals are projected onto a massive concave screen.

Out and About

Kids will be kids, so plan on taking a break from Calgary’s regular attractions and head 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) west of the city limits to Calaway Park [4], with 27 rides including a double-loop roller coaster. Other attractions include an enormous maze, Western-themed mini-golf, a trout-fishing pond, live entertainment in the Western-style “Showtime Theatre,” and many eateries. Admission including most rides is $32 for those aged 7–49, $25 for those aged 3–6 or 50 and over.

The City of Calgary (403/268-2489) operates nine outdoor pools (open June–early Sept.) and 12 indoor pools (open year-round). Facilities at each vary. The outdoor pools in Fish Creek Provincial Park [5] are among the most popular, while the nearby Family Leisure Centre (11150 Bonaventure Dr. SE, 403/278-7542, daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m.) has a lot more to offer than just swimming. Entry of adult $12, child $6 includes use of regular pools as well as a giant indoor water slide, a wave pool, and even a skating rink.