Not sure what you’re going to do with your kids when they’re out of school during Winter Break? Here are 17 ideas to help you avoid cabin fever this year.
1. Calgary Christmas Light Displays
Calgary’s Christmas light displays go until at least the end of the year and many continue into the new year. It makes a great after dinner activity. Read more: Calgary Christmas Light Displays
2. Go Tobogganning
One of the most fun things to do when it’s snowy, tobogganing also has the added benefit of burning off a lot of energy. Read more on Calgary’s toboggan hills
3. Devonian Gardens
Hop on the C-train and take a downtown adventure. Pack a lunch or grab something at the nearby food court and to eat at the Devonian Gardens. School-aged kids will love the challenge of the playground and climbing wall. If you have some extra time, you can find a map and explore the plus-15 system. Read more: Devonian Gardens review
4. Indoor Playgrounds
Many of Calgary indoor playgrounds right now are great places for school-aged kids. There are quite a number of different options with tons of fun features.
Read more: Calgary’s indoor playgrounds
5. Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary is a beautiful small museum about Calgary’s early history. They have really made an effort to make the museum appeal to kids as well as adults. Read more: Fort Calgary Review
6. Glenbow Museum
The Glenbow might not be the first place you think of taking the kids, but they have really put in an effort to make their exhibits engaging to kids as well as adults. My top pick is the Maverick’s exhibit (history of Alberta) which is full of dynamic exhibits and hands on experiences. You’ll also want to check out the Discovery Room which has activities designed just for kids. Read more: Glenbow Museum
7. Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park
There are two Flying Squirrel locations in Calgary. Flying Squirrel trampoline park (and more!) will get your kids bouncing and keep them from bouncing off the walls at home.
8. Go Skating
Calgary’s outdoor rinks are usually ready for skating around the end of December. Olympic Plaza has a refrigerated ice surface so is open earlier in the season. Calgary has numerous outdoor rinks throughout the city as well as three options for pond skating: Prince’s Island lagoon, Bowness Park lagoon, and Carburn Park pond. Read more: Calgary’s outdoor skating rinks
9. Go Swimming
From neighborhood pools to Leisure Centres, Calgary has tons of options for family friendly public swimming. Read more: Where can you take the kids for public swimming
10. The Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower is one of those tourist attractions that many people living in Calgary miss out on. Kids who don’t spend a lot of time in the core love being among the skyscrapers and the tower gives some great views of the city. Standing on the glass floor is probably the best part though. If you opt to eat at the Sky 360 Restaurant, your ride up the tower is free. Read more: Calgary Tower review
11. Chuck E. Cheese
You will need to spend money to buy tokens but it’s free to enter. Your kids will love playing the redemption games – they have both skill and arcade games. Check out their website for some token deals before you go. Read more: Chuck E. Cheese review
12. Telus Spark – Calgary Science Centre
Your kids will love spending a day at Calgary’s science centre. Younger kids will enjoy learning through play at the Creative Kids Museum and older kids will enjoy making creations in Open Studio upstairs.
Both will enjoy the hands on exhibits of Earth and Sky and Energy and Innovation. Your admission also lets you access the Brainasium outdoor park which is reported to be mitten friendly. Read more: Telus Spark review
13.Fun ‘n’ More
General admission offers a giant climber that is almost all way up high as well as a time freak game and toddler area. For an extra charge they also offer mini bowling and black light indoor mini-golf. Read more: Fun ‘n’ More review
14. Bow Habitat Station
The Bow Habitat Station and Fish hatchery is a surprisingly engaging place to visit. In includes aquariums that feature fish that live in the various habitats in Alberta and a beautiful interpretive centre. You can also get a tour of the fish hatchery for an additional cost.
You can also rent snowshoes at Bow Habitat Station.
Read more: Bow Habitat Station review
15. The Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is a surprisingly great place to go in the Winter. When it’s cool out, it’s way less crowded and there’s still a lot to see. It also has quite of lot of indoor exhibits so you don’t have to stay out in the cold the whole time. This is a great place for kids of all ages and adults alike.
Read more: Calgary Zoo in the Winter
