Chill Out with the Best Family-Friendly Winter Activities in and Around Calgary!
- Nikki Lang
- Jan 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 16
As winter continues to blanket Calgary, it's time for families to embrace the chill and make the most of the season. From thrilling outdoor adventures to cozy indoor fun, Calgary offers a variety of activities perfect for creating cherished memories. Here’s a look at some of the best winter activities you won't want to miss!
1. Skiing at Nakiska
Nakiska, located in Kananaskis Country and just a quick 45-minute drive from the city, is perfect for beginners and families. With its gentle slopes, excellent ski school, and family-friendly amenities, it offers a safe and enjoyable environment for learning. The resort's close proximity to Calgary and well-maintained runs make it an accessible and convenient destination for a fun day on the slopes.
2. Ice Skating at the Bowness Lagoon
With the ice rink closed at Olympic Plaza in 2025, you can still enjoy a classic Calgary outdoor skating experience at Bowness Park. Ice skating at Bowness Park is a beloved winter activity for families in Calgary. The park's lagoon transforms into a beautiful outdoor rink, offering a scenic and safe environment for skaters of all ages. With skate rentals, a cozy café, and fire pits, it’s the perfect spot for a fun, family-friendly winter outing.
3. Snowshoeing and Bonfires in Bragg Creek
This is one of our favourite weekend activities in the winter! We started doing this to get out of the city during Covid, and we love it to this day! Head out to the Bragg Creek Provincial Park Trail (if you're on the south or west side of Calgary, this is only a quick 30-minute drive), and you'll find a large parking area with access to firepits and a very family-friendly trail system. After a little snowshoeing, hiking, or exploring the river basin, claim one of the fire pits - hope you didn't forget the firewood! We like to pack a lunch with a thermos of hot chocolate and bring stuff to make s'mores. The perfect way to spend a day outside the busy city!
4. Tubing at Winsport
Tubing at WinSport in Calgary is a thrilling winter activity for all ages. The tube park features groomed lanes and a convenient magic carpet lift, making it easy to enjoy multiple runs. It's a fun, safe, and family-friendly way to experience the excitement of sliding down the slopes together. We always have the best time tubing at Winsport!
5. Indoors at Devonian Gardens
Looking for a fun urban activity? Devonian Gardens, located in the heart of downtown Calgary, is a lush indoor botanical garden perfect for families. With its tropical plants, fountains, and play areas, it offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This green oasis provides a year-round, family-friendly environment for relaxation and exploration. Our kids don't spend a lot of time downtown, so this is always a treat for them!
6. Sledding at Local Parks
Calgary has some of the best sledding hills I've ever seen! The City of Calgary even has a webpage dedicated to our sledding hills! Tobogganing in Calgary is an exhilarating winter adventure for families and thrill-seekers alike! With a variety of hills, from gentle slopes to steep drops, there’s excitement for everyone. Popular spots like St. Andrew's Heights and Confederation Park transform into snowy playgrounds, where the whole family can race down the slopes and create unforgettable memories. Don't forget helmets for the little ones - some of these hills are pretty intense!
SnowDays Festival in Banff
This beauty starts tomorrow, January 17th and runs until February 2nd! The SnowDays Festival in Banff is a winter wonderland for families, featuring stunning ice sculptures, outdoor activities, and live performances. With scenic views of the Rockies, kids can enjoy playing in the snow, tobogganing, and family-friendly events. This festival provides a magical, adventure-filled escape for all ages in the heart of Banff. A core-memory-maker for sure!
8. Penguin Walk at the Calgary Zoo
Our kids love the Penguin Walk! From January 11- early March, you can see The Penguin Walk at the Calgary Zoo! Its a fun, family-friendly experience where visitors can see penguins waddling through the zoo grounds. Held regularly during the winter months, it offers a unique opportunity to observe these charming creatures up close. It's an educational and entertaining activity for all ages! And oh, sooo cute!
9. Check Out Some New Indoor Play Places!
Have you heard of Cloud Land? Cloudland in Calgary is a captivating indoor playground and adventure park designed for all ages. With a variety of interactive installations, art exhibits, and immersive experiences, Cloudland combines creativity and fun in a unique space. It’s a perfect destination for families looking for an exciting, engaging, and imaginative outing.
Not sure if you've heard or not, but BigBox JUST opened a new location in South Calgary (where the Wal-Mart used to be in Deer Run)!
10. YYC Hot Chocolate Fest
Although it doesn't start until February, I had to include this fun event! YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is a delicious winter event in Calgary where local cafes and restaurants compete to create the best hot chocolate. Running throughout February, it’s a perfect family-friendly activity, letting everyone sample unique and creative flavors while supporting local businesses and charities. It’s a sweet way to warm up the winter!
Embrace Winter Fun
Calgary is full of family-friendly winter activities that can turn the cold months into warm memories. From skiing and ice skating to engaging with local events and nature, there is something enjoyable for everyone. Though some weeks in Calgary can make you want to hide away (and there's nothing wrong with that sometimes!), there is always something fun to do in and around this beautiful city that we're so lucky to call "Home".
Comentarios