To say I didn’t have fun thinking about this list would be a lie as I quickly began to discover that one idea created another. Summer is almost here and more to the point, the kids are almost out of school. If you’re like most parents I’ve met, you might be wondering how to keep them busy and out of trouble. Well, we’ve done a lot of the work for you to come up with ideas for summer evenings for the whole family, jam packed days just for kids and even a few quick “road trips.”
This list is just beginning to scratch the surface of activities you can find in and around Calgary. If you have other ideas and suggestions, visit our website at www.community-connection.ca and let us know. We’ll be making periodic updates to the list and you’ll be able to find it online all summer long.
Now all that’s left is for you to make a decision on what to do, where to go and when to do it. Include the whole family in the decision making process–you’ll probably be amazed how much fun it can be!
Calaway Park
Hours:
May 17-June 27: Open Weekends – check website for hours
June 28-September 1: 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. daily
Admission:
$21-$29 each, discounts available
Calaway Park is Western Canada’s Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park. The park opened its doors in 1982 and has grown from a small amusement park to one of Calgary and Western Canada’s best attractions and is now celebrating its 27th anniversary in 2008!
Getting there: Westbound on Highway #1, continue all the way through Calgary. Once you reach the western city limit, Calaway Park will be approximately 5 minutes ahead. The exit road to Calaway Park is called Springbank Road. There are signs for Calaway Park before the turn. Approximate travel time: 38 minutes.
Calgary Stampede
July 4-13, 2008
Hours:
11:00 a.m.-midnight
Admission:
Gate admission: $7-$13
Rodeo admission:
Standing room: $6-$12
Seated*: $23, $29, $49, $59, $69, $105, $195, $225, $320
Evening show admission:
Standing room: $8-$15
Seated*: $34, $40, $67, $79, $85, $320
*additional premium for final weekend pricing
The Calgary Stampede bills itself as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and is a 10 day event held annually in July. The event hosts top musical acts from both country and mainstream genres, numerous beer gardens, rodeo, chuckwagon races, evening entertainment complete with a fireworks show and of course midway rides and games.
Getting there: From the northeast of Calgary it’s quite simple. Head to the new Westwinds LRT station or Whitehorn LRT and hop on the downtown train. Once you reach downtown around Olympic plaza change trains to the southbound train–you can catch it at City Hall LRT station. The next two stops will be places you can exit for the Stampede. Of course, you can also drive, however note there is limited paid parking available so we recommend the train, someone dropping you off, or a taxi cab.
Calgary Stampede Parade
July 4, 2008
Hours:
Parade Prelude: 7:30 a.m.
Main Parade: 8:55 a.m.
Admission: FREE
The Stampede Parade is the official kickoff to the Calgary Stampede and occurs on opening day. It’s one of the oldest and largest traditions of the Stampede. The parade follows a 4.5 km route in downtown Calgary for approximately 2 hours, so there are lots of locations you can view from. Watch for intricate floats, marching bands, western riders and more. There will be huge crowds on parade day so plan to arrive early to secure the best viewing location.
Getting there: As with travel to the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Transit is the best option as it runs before, during and after the parade. There are numerous road closures and traffic congestion in the downtown area on parade day. See website for complete details.
Calgary Zoo
Hours:
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily
Admission: $10-$18
The Calgary Zoological Society is a charitable organization that relies on donations of its visitors. Funds received help to contribute to the Zoo being among the top 10 zoos in North America and is home to more than 1000 animals and 275 species. Many of the animals are endangered species and are part of the Species Survival Plan– a cooperative population management program focused on maintaining healthy and genetically divers captive populations. There are ample walking paths, a prehistoric park and green space for picnics. There are also food vendors on site with affordably priced food.
Getting There: Parking is available right beside the Zoo’s entrance off of Memorial Drive. Approximate travel time by vehicle is 24 minutes. An affordable alternative is to take the C-Train as there’s a stop right at the Zoo. Hop on at Westwinds LRT station and leave your car in the FREE park & ride lot, purchase your tickets and travel on down.
Canada Olympic Park
Hours:
8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
weekends until 5:00 p.m.
Admission:
Varies depending upon activity.
As the snow melts, the fun keeps on rolling into the summer months as Canada Olympic Park boasts a mountain bike park which includes more than 25 km of single and open track trails, an obstacle course and trials park, beginner BMX track and freeride stunts. The facility also conducts lessons, clinics, camps, race leagues, rentals and organizes leagues and tournaments for slo-pitch, along with a multitude of kids sport adventure camps. Other activities include a climbing wall, Z-Trip, mini-golf, “Skyline at the Park”–North America’s fastest zipline, luge rides, Olympic Hall of Fame & Museum and more.
Getting There: Due to the distance car is recommended. COP is conveniently located on Highway #1 on the western outskirts of Calgary. Approximate travel time is 35 minutes. Public transit is available too, just a little more time consuming. Hop the LRT at Westwinds and transfer downtown to a north bound train up to Brentwood LRT. Once there, hop on the 408 which will take you directly to COP. Check the Calgary Transit website for departure times and fares.
Fort Calgary
Hours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily
Admission: $4.75-$10.75
Watch history unfold before your eyes. Tour through exhibits, experience the environment, the lifestyle and events that make Calgary’s history a truly worthwhile story. Calgary’s past is full of colourful characters, exciting events and fascinating facts. There were booms and busts, heroes, moments of glory and times of tragedy. But one common thread tied them all together; the men and women who settled Calgary lived their lives with a spirit of tremendous optimism and that spirit continues to thrive in our city today.
Getting there: Located on 9th Avenue SE in the community of Inglewood, Fort Calgary offers FREE parking and is wheelchair accessible. Approximate driving time is 25 minutes. Head down Deerfoot Trail to the Blackfoot Trail SE exit and on to 9th Avenue SE. Public transit is available, though some walking is involved.
Glenbow Museum
Hours:
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Thursday until 9:00 p.m.
Admission: $9-$14
Glenbow Museum is where the World Meets the West – where intriguing stories from Western Canada connect with extraordinary art and artifacts from around the world. Combining a museum, art gallery, library and archives all under one roof, Glenbow boasts over one million artifacts and some 28,000 works of art in its collections. The museum is one of the largest in Canada.
Getting there: Glenbow is one of the easiest attractions to get to by LRT. Once you reach downtown, exit the train at Olympic Plaza and walk south down 1st Street SE. The museum is located between 8th & 9th Avenue SW in the heart of Calgary’s Cultural District, across from the Calgary Tower. Should you choose to drive, expect about a 30 minute drive and to pay premium parking as you are right in the heart of downtown Calgary. Depending on the day and time of your visit, underground parking can be found for as little as $2.
GlobalFest
August 15-23, 2008
Hours: 5:00 p.m.-close
General Admission: $7.50
GlobalFest burst onto the scene in 2003 with 10 cultural pavilions and three countries competing in Calgary’s very own fireworks competition. In it’s inaugural year the festival had almost 100,000 visitors making it one of Calgary’s top draws for tourists and local citizens and includes food and cultural pavilions from around the world. The chance to sample authentic cuisine, music and costume is welcomed addition. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via the GlobalFest website at globalfest.ca.
Getting there: GlobalFest’s International Fireworks Competition is held at Elliston Park located on 17th Avenue SE and 60th Street SE. Parking is extremely limited to a modest number of lots operated by charitable organizations located on 17th Avenue. Shuttle bus service runs from 6:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m. from Marlborough Mall. Cost for a round-trip shuttle is $5. Travel by car takes about 20 minutes if heading straight down 52nd Street N. However be aware there are numerous road closures in the area so congestion and detours will most likely be encountered.
Heritage Park
Hours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily
Admission: $10-$15.00
Travel back through time by strolling through our 1910 town. You might experience the romance of a prairie wedding, catch some good old-fashioned gossip at Town Hall, or be witness to a good old fashioned gun fight. Take to the rails on a thundering steam locomotive or enjoy the thrills of an Antique Midway. Enjoy meeting interpretive characters and explore prairie living in the 1880’s.
Getting there: Roughly a 30 minute drive from the North of McKnight area gets you to Heritage Park, just south of Glenmore Trail off of 14th Street SW with ample free parking on site. Shuttle service is available from the Heritage LRT station on route 502. The shuttle service runs on weekends from June 16th to September 1st however we encourage you to check the Calgary Transit website for schedules and availability.
Telus World of Science
Hours: 9:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Admission: $9.50-$13.50
For over 40 years the Telus World of Science (formerly the Calgary Science Centre) has played an important leading role in providing interactive learning experiences. Plan to easily spend 2 to 4 hours in one visit. WOWtown, a new area designed only for kids aged 3 to 7 is a 4000 square foot space, allowing children to follow their science curiosity through creative play. Most parents easily spend 2 hours at this single attraction. Other exhibit areas include Amazement Park and Lego® Mindstorms™ center. You should always expect something new from the Telus World of Science as there are at least three new films or exhibits featured each year.
Getting there: A quick 27 minute drive to downtown Calgary and you’re there. Of course, public transit is also a viable option as catching the C-Train at Westwinds LRT station and taking it to the end of the line will get you very close. From there it’s a quick, one block walk west and you’ll be ready. If you drive parking is available, however there is an hourly charge.
West Edmonton Mall
Hours:
Admission:
Rates vary depending upon the attraction and activity you wish to participate in. Prices range from $6.95 for mini-golf to $22.95-$29.95 for water and amusement parks.
West Edmonton Mall is the world’s largest entertainment and shopping centre and Alberta’s number one tourist attraction, featuring over 800 stores and services, over 100 eating establishments, plus nine world class attractions. The mall spans the equivalent of 48 city blocks and includes a hotel right on site. Activities include IMAX, bungy jumping, aquariums, Galaxyland Amusement Park, Ice Palace, World Waterpark, Deep Sea Adventure and Professor Wem’s Adventure Golf.
Galaxyland is the world’s largest indoor amusement park and home to North America’s only triple-loop, indoor rollercoaster “Mindbender” that reaches a knee knocking height of fourteen-stories. World Waterpark is home to the world’s largest indoor wave pool and boasts a slide count of 23 with the highest reaching 85 feet in height! There are three children’s play areas, changing facilities, wheelchair access and a snack bar on site. The waterpark is ranked in the top 10 in attendance in North America but it’s large area ensures you have plenty of space to play.
Money saving idea: There are numerous hotel properties situated across the street from the mall. These hotels often offer shuttle services to the mall, and typically have room rates at much lower rates than the Fantasyland Hotel. In addition be sure to redeem the coupon on our back cover for your FREE West Edmonton Mall Super Savings Coupon Book.
Getting there: There are numerous ways to get to West Edmonton Mall but the most common would be to drive. It’s a quick 3 hour drive north on the QE II Highway and has some majestic scenery along the way. There are also commercial flights available for those who want to get there quick. Check out WestJet or Air Canada’s website for fares. In addition, Greyhound buses will also take you to Edmonton from the Calgary bus terminal, as will Red Arrow Motorcoach. Fares range from $50-$150 depending on date and time of travel. Also be sure to book in advance and save more money.
