March in Calgary is one of those funny in-between seasons. One day it feels like winter is here to stay, and the next you're walking outside without gloves, wondering if spring has finally decided to show up.

If you have kids, you probably know this time of year can feel a little tricky when it comes to planning family outings. Winter activities start winding down, spring hasn't fully arrived, and everyone is simply ready to get out of the house.

The good news? There are still plenty of family-friendly things to do around Calgary. Whether you're looking for free outdoor adventures, cozy indoor activities, or an easy day trip, here are some of my favourite ideas for spending time together this March.

Before winter disappears completely, March can still be a great time to squeeze in a few classic cold-weather activities.

Go Outdoor Skating

Many Calgary communities have free outdoor skating rinks, making this one of the easiest family outings to plan.

Pack your skates, enjoy an hour or two on the ice, then warm up afterwards with hot chocolate. Sometimes the simplest traditions become the most memorable.

Try a Family Tobogganing Afternoon

If there's still enough snow, grab the sleds and head to one of Calgary's popular hills.

Some popular Calgary hills include:

• Confederation Park

• Prairie Winds Park

• Nose Hill Park

You don't need to spend the entire afternoon there. Even an hour of sledding is usually enough to tire everyone out

Sunny late-winter days are perfect for slowing down and enjoying one of Calgary's beautiful pathways.

Some of our favourite places include:

• Prince’s Island Park

• Bow River Pathway

• Fish Creek Provincial Park

• Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

Bring snacks, a thermos if you want, and let the kids explore a bit along the way.

Some days still feel very much like winter, so having a few indoor options ready makes weekend planning much easier.

Calgary Central Library

The Central Library is one of our favourite low-key family outings. There are books to explore, plenty of open space for kids, and it's somewhere you can happily spend an hour or two without feeling rushed.

If you're downtown, it's also easy to pair your visit with coffee or hot chocolate afterwards.

Need a little break from the cold? Devonian Gardens inside The CORE Shopping Centre feels like a small indoor escape, complete with greenery, walking paths, seating areas, and plenty of room for little ones to explore.

TELUS Spark Science Centre

If your family enjoys interactive activities, TELUS Spark is always a great choice. Between the hands-on exhibits, science demonstrations, and creative play areas, it's easy to spend several hours here.

March is also when family events start popping up around the city.

Some places worth checking include:

• Calgary Zoo

• Heritage Park 

• Calgary Public Library

• Community centres

• Local recreation facilities

I always recommend checking local event calendars before the weekend because there's usually something fun happening.

If you’re in the mood to get out of the city for a few hours, March can also be a nice time for a simple day trip.

Canmore is always one of my favourite day trips. Take a walk along Policeman's Creek, visit one of the playgrounds, stop for lunch, or simply enjoy the mountain views. Sometimes that's all you need.

Even a quick visit to Banff feels like a mini vacation. Walk through town, grab a sweet treat, browse the local shops, or stop at Bow Falls before heading home.

If you're looking for a very easy outing, Elbow Falls is hard to beat. The short walk to the viewpoint makes it perfect for younger kids, grandparents, or anyone who simply wants beautiful scenery without a long hike.

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Make It a Full Winter Day in Calgary

If you’re already planning a family outing this month, you could easily turn it into a full day around the city.

You could combine your outing with:

• Calgary Tower
• A museum visit
• Lunch at a family-friendly restaurant
• Ice cream or hot chocolate
• A new playground you've never visited before

Sometimes adding just one extra stop makes the whole day feel like a little adventure.

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Want My Weekend Family Adventure Checklist?

If you love simple, low-stress family outings like this, I share a Weekend Family Adventure Checklist that helps make planning easier. It’s the exact framework I use when we’re deciding what to do on a weekend with the kids. You can grab a copy and keep it saved on your phone for those “what should we do today?” moments.

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My Favourite Thing About March

I actually like March because it feels full of possibilities. You never quite know what kind of day you're going to get. Some weekends still call for sledding, while others are perfect for a sunny walk through the park.

It's one of those months that reminds me family adventures don't have to be expensive or complicated. Sometimes all it takes is getting outside together, exploring somewhere new, and making time for each other.

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To wrap this all up, I have to say that...

March in Calgary may not always know whether it wants to be winter or spring, but that doesn’t mean family outings have to stop. Sometimes the best plans are the simple ones: a park walk, a library visit, a quick day trip, or just getting out of the house for a change of scenery.

If you have a favourite March activity in Calgary that your family loves, I would love to hear about it too.  Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet. I will see you in my next post🤍

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