March in Calgary is that funny in-between season. One day, it feels like winter is never leaving, and the next day, you’re walking outside without gloves, wondering if spring might actually be on the way.
If you have kids, you probably know this time of year can feel a little tricky when it comes to planning outings. The holidays are long gone, winter activities start winding down, and everyone is just ready for something different.
So if you’re looking for things to do in Calgary with kids this March, here are some simple ideas that work well for families. Think easy outings, a mix of indoor and outdoor options, and activities that don’t require a huge budget or complicated planning.
Before winter disappears completely, March can still be a great time to squeeze in a few classic cold-weather activities.
Go Outdoor Skating at a Community Rink
Many Calgary neighbourhoods have outdoor skating rinks that are free to use. If your kids enjoy skating, this can be a simple weekend outing that doesn’t require much planning.
Some families like to pair skating with a warm drink afterwards to make it feel like a little winter tradition.
Try a Family Tobogganing Afternoon
If there’s still snow on the ground, a quick sledding outing is always a win with kids.
Some popular Calgary hills include:
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Confederation Park
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Prairie Winds Park
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Nose Hill Park
The key is to keep it simple. Even an hour of sledding can burn plenty of energy.
March is also a nice time for a relaxed winter walk, especially on sunnier days when Calgary gets those little hints of spring.
Good spots for family walks include:
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Prince’s Island Park
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Bow River Pathway
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Fish Creek Provincial Park
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Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Bring snacks, a thermos if you want, and let the kids explore a bit along the way.
Some days in March are still very much winter, so having a few indoor options ready can make weekend planning much easier.
Visit the Calgary Central Library
The Central Library downtown is one of our favourite places for a low-key outing. There’s plenty of space to explore, lots of books, of course, and it’s easy to spend an hour or two without feeling rushed.
It’s also a great place to pair with a coffee or hot chocolate stop nearby.
If you need a break from the cold, Devonian Gardens inside the Core Shopping Centre is a nice little escape. The indoor greenery, seating areas, and open space make it a relaxing stop, especially with younger kids.
Check Out TELUS Spark
For families who enjoy interactive learning experiences, TELUS Spark is another good indoor option in Calgary. Kids can explore exhibits, science activities, and hands-on displays that keep them engaged for a few hours.
March is also when different family-friendly events start popping up around the city.
A few places that often have activities this time of year include:
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Calgary Zoo seasonal programming
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Heritage Park special events
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Local community centre activities
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Library workshops and kids programs
Checking local event calendars at the beginning of the month can help you spot fun things happening that weekend.
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 a beautiful place for a short outing. A walk along Policeman’s Creek or a visit to one of the playgrounds can make for an easy family adventure.
Even a quick Banff visit can feel like a mini getaway. Walking around town, enjoying the mountain views, and grabbing a treat make for a memorable day with kids.
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.
Some families enjoy pairing their outing with experiences like:
Calgary Tower admission tickets – great views of the city and a quick downtown activity for visitors or locals who haven’t been up in a while.
Banff National Park day tours from Calgary – an option for families or visitors who want to explore the mountains without worrying about driving.
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.
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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