20 Free and Fun Things to do in and around Calgary with Kids

Looking for fun and free things to do in Calgary with kids? You are in the right place. If you are looking for more family adventures, check out our list of fun Calgary spots we have tried and loved. Calgary is full of budget-friendly adventures that families can enjoy all year round. As a Calgary-based mom, I have learned that some of the best memories do not always need to cost a lot. A little curiosity, some snacks, and sunshine are often all you need to make your kid's day ☀️

Our family spending a fun day at Bowness Park Calgary

That being said, here are 20 free and fun things to do in Calgary with kids that are perfect for weekends, holidays, or any time you need a simple family day out.

🌳 Outdoor Adventures in Calgary
These parks are perfect for weekend play dates or simple family picnics. And if you ever feel like going a bit farther, here are 15 fun day trips from Calgary for families that are all within two hours.
  1. Bowness Park – Paddle, picnic, or stroll by the lagoon. There is a playground, a train ride in summer, and skating in winter.
  2. Prince’s Island Park – Beautiful downtown escape with bridges, ducks, and open space for kids to run around.
  3. Prairie Winds Park (Northeast Calgary) – A huge family park with a splash pad, playground, sledding hill, and open green spaces. Perfect for summer and winter fun alike.
  4. Riley Park – Perfect for sunny days. The wading pool and playground make it a family favourite.
  5. Nose Hill Park – Wide open trails, wildflowers, and skyline views. Great spot for easy hikes or kite flying.
  6. Confederation Park – Lovely green space with picnic tables, walking paths, and a small creek for kids to explore.
  7. Fish Creek Provincial Park – One of the largest urban parks in Canada with trails, picnic spots, and lots of wildlife.
  8. Shouldice Park – Riverside park with playgrounds, sports fields, and plenty of space to kick a ball around.
  9. Baker Park – Beautiful flower gardens, open lawns, and scenic spots for family photos.
  10. Edworthy Park – Picnic areas, playgrounds, and river views that are perfect for a relaxed family day out.
Fun at Bowness Park Calgary
How beautiful is this daddy-daughter moment at Bowness Park


☁️ Indoor Family Fun (free or almost free)
  1. Calgary Central Library – The architecture alone is worth a visit, but kids love the reading nooks, play areas, and story times.

  2. Seton YMCA (Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton) – The largest YMCA in the world. Free public access to the huge indoor atrium play area and community spaces (pool and gym need membership, but lobby/play zones are open).

  3. The CORE Shopping Centre Playground – A free play zone downtown, great for rainy or cold days.

  4. TELUS Spark Science Centre Outdoor Park (free with access to the grounds on select days) – The main exhibits require admission, but the outdoor play area sometimes opens for free community events. Keep an eye on their calendar for those dates.

  5. Devonian Gardens – An indoor garden oasis above The CORE, with plants, fishponds, and space to explore.

  6. Home Depot Kids Workshops – Monthly craft sessions where kids can build and take home their projects for free.

The Central Library, Calgary

The Central Library Calgary

The CORE Shopping Centre Playground

🚗 Nearby Adventures 

  1. Big Hill Springs Provincial Park – About 30 minutes from Calgary, with waterfalls, streams, and a short, kid-friendly trail.

  2. Elbow Falls – A beautiful spot in Kananaskis for quick hikes, photo ops, and picnic breaks.

  3. Okotoks Erratic (The Big Rock) – A fun stop for kids who love climbing and learning about nature.

  4. Airdrie Nose Creek Park – Just outside Calgary, with playgrounds, ducks, and a great family atmosphere.

  5. Granary Road Market – Even if you do not pay for the learning park, it is fun to walk around, visit the animals, and grab a treat.

  6. Cochrane Ranche Historic Site – Lovely spot for a short drive and a family stroll with views, trails, and playgrounds.

A day at Elbow Falls Alberta

Scenic view of Elbow Falls in Kananaskis Alberta

Your Turn: Have you visited any of these fun family spots in or around Calgary? I would love to know your favourites. Share them in the comments or tag me on Instagram @adventures.with.wems

Calgary has so many free and fun places to explore, and this is just a little of what I have shared. You can find even more inspiration in my Alberta Family Adventure Bucket List, filled with ideas across the province.

That will be all from me today. Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet. Until next time… Xoxo 💋

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