Some days you need an indoor space where your kids can burn off some energy. You’ll be sure to find something that will suit your family on this list.
1. Calgary Public Library
Library cards at the Calgary Public Library are now free for everyone. They also offer many free programs and activities. Recently, the library has also added toys to the kids areas – some are small but many have such as Fish Creek library have new early learning centres which are excellent places for preschoolers and toddlers to play.
Find out more reasons to love the Calgary Public Library here and take a look at the different Early Learning Centres here
2. Indoor play places
Calgary has several different indoor play places options which are great places for kids to burn off energy.
3. Calgary Airport
The Calgary Airport has a lot to offer for kids, and all of it is free (except for the pricey parking!). The most obvious attraction is the airplanes themselves which you can see out the windows at various points.
They also have play areas, including one on the 2nd floor which has a great playground climber for school aged kids and big windows with an airplane view. The Spaceport near the food court, provides a lot of interesting material for kids (and adults) interested in NASA space programs.
4. Mall Play Areas
Most of Calgary’s malls have at least a small free play area aimed at kids 5 and under. Check the height requirements before you go if you have a 5 year old or a taller 4 year old.
5. Devonian Gardens
The Devonian Gardens is a little indoor oasis in the city. Kids will love the challenge of the playground and climbing wall and everyone will enjoy walking around and seeing the fish. If you have some extra time, you can find a map and explore the plus-15 system.
6. Go Swimming
From neighborhood pools to Leisure Centres, Calgary has tons of options for family friendly indoor public swimming.
7. Rec Centres and Leisure Centres
In addition to swimming, many of the Rec and Leisure Centres also have other activities included with your admission like climbing walls and gymnasiums where you can play things like badminton and basketball.
8. 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.
9. Go to a Trampoline Park
Calgary has two Flying Squirrel locations. These will be a sure hit with your active kids that would be climbing the walls inside at home.
10. Go Climbing
Speaking of climbing, the Calgary Climbing Centre has multiple locations and two with ClimbParks that are great for kids. has a Climb Park with drop-in times.
11. Barn Yard Kids at the Calgary Farmer’s Market
The Calgary Farmer’s Market is open year round (Thursday-Sunday from 9-5) and has a pretty nice indoor climber.
12. Indoor Skating
Indoor skating is pretty inexpensive. Most rinks have a family rate. Depending on the time of year, you can find skating at city of Calgary rinks, Vivo (which has a special skating-only price) other rec centres and even the olympic oval.
13. B-Line Indoor Bike Park
Can’t get enough biking? B-Line Indoor Bike Park is located all indoors with tracks for beginners up to adults.
14. McDonalds
Several McDonalds locations have playplaces and many of them actually have a pretty good climber that is not just for preschoolers. They are free to use but obviously McDonalds expects you to buy something while you are there.
Find out more about Calgary’s McDonalds Playplaces
15. Burger King
A couple of Burger King locations also have play places. I find generally that they are best for kids 4 and older. There is not a lot for younger kids to do and the ones I’ve been to don’t have any seating inside the play space.
Find out more about Calgary’s Burger King play places
16. Indoor Skateboarding at the Compound
At the Compound you can find an indoor skateboarding facility with drop-in times.
17. Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park
Gasoline Alley is open all year and is a fantastic car museum. They also have a kids area with board games, toys and a little tricycle track for little ones.
What is your families’ favorite place to play indoors?
There’s also The Beach YYC! I’m not affiliated with them and haven’t actually been there but thought it should be on your list.