7 Family-Friendly Winter Activities to Do in Calgary
When living in Calgary, embracing the winter wonderland doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. In a city like Calgary, with abundant snow and ice, plenty of budget-friendly activities promise endless smiles and family bonding. From lacing up your skates for a spin on the frozen lagoon at Bowness Park to sledding on Calgary's endless hills, the winter world is your family's oyster!
In this blog, we list free and budget-friendly options to do with the kids; let's explore the magic of winter through the eyes of Calgary's littlest adventurers.
Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza
Head to Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary, where you'll find a spacious outdoor ice-skating rink that is a very family-friendly winter activity. You can bring your own skates, or they have the option for you to rent some on-site. This is an excellent option with our children's feet ever-growing!
Skating is a great way for kids to enjoy the winter weather while having fun on the ice and getting some exercise. The picturesque setting and festive atmosphere make it a memorable experience.
Enjoy a Boardwalk Communal Space
Many of Boardwalk's apartment buildings have community rooms available to rent. When the weather gets super cold, and you don’t want to go far, this is the perfect option to host a children's birthday party, apartment building mixer with your neighbours, family reunions or holiday parties! This is very popular for older residents living in one of our Independent Retirement Communities to get the family and grandkids all together, being able to host everyone directly in their apartment building.
It’s easy to secure a booking at our community rooms. Simply contact our team, where a customer service representative will ask you to complete a booking form and provide a security deposit in the form of a cheque or credit. The security deposit will be returned to you following the event.
Explore our apartments for rent in Calgary and find the perfect apartment building with community rooms.
Winter Bird Watching at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary:
Calgary's Inglewood Bird Sanctuary offers a serene winter setting for birdwatching. Bundle up the kids, bring a pair of binoculars, and explore the sanctuary's trails.
Kids can enjoy spotting various winter birds and wildlife while learning about local ecology. Entrance to the sanctuary is typically free unless there is a private booking or event.
Explore the Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is a great family-friendly winter activity for parents! The zoo stays open and is fun to bring the kids to enjoy indoor and outdoor animal exhibits. They can visit and learn all about their favourite animals, from tigers and bears to penguins! Strollers and wagons are welcome, allowing you to pack the kids and their gear on the journey.
Take advantage of the Penguin Walk, where the kids can see the penguins close up as they stroll through the zoo grounds. The Penguin Walk occurs every day until mid-March.
Zoo Day-Rates:
Children under 3 can visit for free,
Child (3 - 15) $24.95/ea,
General (16 - 59) $34.95/ea
Senior (60+)@ $32.95/ea
You can also consider a Zoo membership if you plan to attend multiple times a year; this can help save hundreds on admission 365 days a year!
Snowshoeing, Ice skating and Ice-Biking
Confederation Park and Bowness Park offer various winter activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice biking, available for rent at Bowness Park. Many trails are suitable for beginners, making it an excellent opportunity for kids to try these winter sports.
Check for rental options if you need to get your own equipment and enjoy the scenic beauty of the park covered in snow.
Winter Hiking at Fish Creek Provincial Park
Bundle up and explore the winter wonderland of Fish Creek Provincial Park. While some of the trails may be covered in snow, it's an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy a winter hike together. You can also check out the ice falls, located at the south end of the park along the Stream Loop near Bow Bottom Trail.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the snowy landscapes. Remember to dress warmly and bring some hot cocoa to make it a cozy adventure!
Skiing or Tubing at Winsport's Canada Olympic Park
Winsport's Canada Olympic Park is a hub for winter sports, and it offers family-friendly winter activities like skiing and tubing. The tubing park is especially popular among kids, providing an exhilarating experience as they slide down the snow-covered hills. The park offers lessons for beginners, making it accessible for children of all skill levels.
Before Heading Out
These winter activities provide a mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly experiences that make living in Calgary during the winter enjoyable for all ages! Before heading out, always check for current weather conditions and any potential closings due to weather or private events.
If you’re looking to schedule a private event at any of our available community rooms, which are available in many Boardwalk buildings, reach out to your building manager or contact our team! We have many apartments for rent in Calgary for all families and stages of life, explore our family-friendly Calgary townhomes and apartments for rent today!