Ultimate Guide to Calgary for Families

Calgary, located in Alberta, Canada is one of the less sought-after destinations for tourists, but it certainly makes a great choice for families looking for a unique city break. No matter what you're looking to enjoy here, be it an exciting visit to the country's best zoo, or some truly delicious comfort food, there's a great range of things to see and do in Calgary!

No matter what you want your trip to look like, here are some of the city's best hotels, restaurants, and activities for you to enjoy.

Best Hotels in Calgary for Families

Calgary isn't particularly known for having much of a lavish hotel scene, but there's still an excellent array of choice, perfect for families looking to visit the city. Whether you're looking for convenient on-site dining options, or family-friendly fun in the form of a waterpark or great nearby attractions, you're sure to find the perfect hotel for your stay in Calgary.

From sleek downtown spots that sit right in the heart of the action nearby some of the city's greatest attractions, to those a little further from the center of the city, that provide a quiet, calming retreat from the hustle and bustle, there's a great accommodation choice for everyone in this cute Canadian city.

Hyatt Regency Calgary, Downtown Calgary

Boasting a central location in downtown Calgary, The Hyatt Regency is just a short distance from both Calgary Telus Convention Center, and Calgary tower.

This stunning hotel has all the facilities you could wish for, from a gorgeous indoor pool and spa center, to a state of the art fitness center. Dining is available at Thomsons Kitchen and bar, where you can enjoy casual, modern, Canadian all-day dining and evening drinks; and light snacks, gourmet sandwiches and craft coffee are available at Baker's Coffee Shop.

Boasting the largest guest rooms in the whole city, there's plenty of space for the whole family at Hyatt Regency Calgary. All rooms boast a flat-screen Smart TV with Google Chromecast streaming, a comfortable seating area, a work desk, a Keurig coffee machine, a refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi.

Best Western Plus Port O'Call Hotel, Northeast Calgary

Hailed by many former guests as being one of the best located hotels in the city, Best Western Plus Port O'Call Hotel sits just 10 minutes away from Calgary International Airport and a short distance from many major attractions including Calgary Zoo Botanical Garden & Prehistoric Park and the Aerospace Museum.

With plenty of fun, family-friendly activities nearby, it's a great place to stay, and there's even more to do at this hotel to keep the little ones entertained! There's a super fun on-site pool and water park, exclusively for the use of hotel guests, ensuring family fun without the need to stray too far from your room!

Other great amenities at this hotel include free Wi-Fi, free underground heated parking, a small fitness center, a 24-hour business center, a hot tub, and a sauna. There's a cozy, pub-style menu on offer at Jetz Bar and Lounge, guaranteeing the satisfaction of any picky eater, and even large-screen TVs for diners to enjoy sporting events. If you're looking for a more slightly upscale alternative though, the Skyharbor Grill serves up a range of all-day dining options alongside stunning, mountain views!

All of the rooms at this hotel feature a desk and a flat-screen TV, as well as small cooking amenities including a mini fridge, a microwave, and a coffee maker. 

Royal Hotel Calgary by Wyndham, Northeast Calgary

Situated in the Northeast area of Calgary, just an 11-minute drive from the city center, this hotel provides a quiet retreat for families, away from the Hustle and Bustle. It's also conveniently located just a short distance from the airport, making it an easy journey for those flying into the city, and only a 12-minute drive from Calgary Zoo!

Royal Hotel Calgary by Wyndham lives up to the brand's excellent reputation with a great range of outstanding on-site amenities. Guests can enjoy on-site dining at Steels Café & Grill, or grab snacks and drinks at the lobby lounge. Other amenities here include a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, massage services, and even free parking, making it an incredibly convenient place to stay.

Each of the guest rooms is decorated in a simple, contemporary style, providing a relaxing getaway that allows you to feel at home. Rooms at this hotel also boast great facilities, including flat-screen cable TVs, air-conditioning, a work desk, and even stunning mountain views from some of the rooms.

Carriage House Hotel & Conference Centre, Southeast Calgary

Carriage House Hotel & Conference Centre, located in Southeast Calgary is an excellent choice for families, thanks to it being located in close proximity of some of the city's best family-friendly destinations, including the Calgary Zoo and the historic Fort Calgary (both of which are located less than a 20 minutes drive drive from the hotel).

There's also so much to do on-site, that this hotel is equally a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of not having to stray too far from the hotel for all the great amenities. With gourmet cuisine served for both lunch and dinner at the 9030 dining lounge, a fun sports bar, and a tasty bakery all on-site, there's something for everyone when it comes to great dining options.

This hotel is also home to the outstanding RnR Wellness Spa, which even offers in-room spa services, including massages and pedicures, and outstanding room service from the on-site dining options. Whether you're hoping to relax in a hot tub or on the pool deck or find yourself working hard in the business center or fitness center, there's plenty to enjoy here.

Guest rooms are equally as comfortable, with a relaxing, contemporary style, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini fridges, coffee makers, and desks.

Fairmont Palliser, Downtown Calgary

This stunning hotel is situated in the bustling spot of downtown Calgary, and is located only 328 feet from Calgary tower! There's some of the city's greatest attractions, including the Calgary Stampede, and Scotiabank Saddledome, both within a 5-minute drive from this location, and other great sights, such as the Calgary Zoo, a little further away.

Fairmont Palliser features excellent on-site ammeneties, including a large outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as a state-of-the-art day spa and health club with a fitness center and steam room. On-site dining options are equally as impressive, with The Boulevard restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in an intimate setting, and a Starbucks coffee location also available.

Each of the stylish guest rooms boasts cable TV with pay per view, a work desk, a coffee maker, a mini-bar, and air conditioning. Some of the rooms even come with a designated seating area and stunning view of the city.

Best Restaurants in Calgary for Families

Calgary's dining scene is tasty, down to earth, and extremely convenient for families looking to feed picky eaters, or try something new and exciting! With a range of all your favourite comfort foods, and some out-of-the-box specials, visitors can indulge in a great selection of hearty dishes at a range of great restaurants, bars, diners, cafes and kitchens!

Whether you're hoping to grab a tasty bite to eat for an on-the-go lunch, or somewhere to indulge in one of Canada's most classic comfort foods, you'll find the perfect restaurant for the whole family in Calgary!

Sidewalk Citizen Bakery, East Village, Calgary

If you're headed out for a walk along the river, or taking a visit to the nearby St. Patrick's Island Park, be sure to stop by Sidewalk Citizen for a bite to eat to get set for the day's activities, or pick up one of their mouthwatering sandwiches to take with you for a lunchtime picnic!

Located in the historic Simmons Building, Sidewalk Citizen is an exciting bakery, that's a fan-favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, but it's only open between 8 am and 2 pm, so be sure to get there early to avoid missing out!

They serve up a great selection of both hot and cold sourdough sandwiches (made with homemade bread), soups, and plenty of other baked goods, both sweet and savory. There's also a Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters location in the same building, which pairs perfectly with one of Sidewalk Citizen's sweet treats!

Blue Star Diner, Bridgeland-Riverside, Calgary

This cozy diner located in the Bridgeland area of Calgary's city center operates with the mission of creating delicious, comforting food, using fresh, local ingredients.

The menu at this spot boasts a fun combination of classic favorites, such as eggs benedict and pancakes, alongside innovative yet tasty bowls and burgers, ensuring there's something for every taste. They even have a great range of vegetarian options on offer too!

It's a great choice for families thanks to the children's menu (or the 'Lil Stars' menu) remaining the same throughout the day, and boasting classic childhood favorites such as cheeseburgers,  grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken fingers, and mac and cheese, all at an affordable price.

Madison's 12|12, Inglewood, Calgary

As Calgary's first-ever crowd-funded restaurant, there's a lot to be expected from Madison's 12|12, and it more than lives up to the hype! 

This community-focused restaurant specializes in craft nachos and poke bowls, making it the perfect choice for the slightly more adventurous eaters. With seasonally changing, yet ever-inventive dishes, there's plenty of outstanding entrees and appetizers to sink your teeth into here, as well as great breakfast and brunch options throughout the week.

We recommend splitting a portion of the ahi tuna poke nachos, or loaded pierogi nachos as a side, while you indulge in one of the great entrees, such as a spelt grain pizza, or one of the lively, colorful salads.

The kid's menu has a great range of options for the little ones, so worry not if you're visiting with a slightly more fussy member of the family! From chicken tenders to grilled cheese, they simply have everything here!

Clive Burger, Southwest Calgary

If you're traveling with the little ones, you'll be well aware that sometimes, it's easier to give in to their cravings than put up a fight, and that's where Clive Burger comes in!

With quirky cartoon-style decor and mouthwatering burger-and-fries combos, the tasty meals on offer here will certainly hit the spot!

Watch your food being prepared, and don't forget to order one of their best-selling beverages, a custard milkshake!

4th Spot Kitchen & Bar, Mount Pleasant, Calgary

Another great hit for those looking for some delicious, warming comfort food to combat the cooler weather of Calgary, 4th Spot Kitchen & Bar boasts an elevated menu of traditional pub fare. There's a great variety to choose from, including slow-smoked tacos, protein-topped salads, and hearty pasta dishes.

They have a kid's menu, which has all of the expected dishes available, and each of them comes with a drink of choice, along with a popsicle for dessert!

Best Activities in Calgary for Families

Calgary offers up a huge range of activities, suitable for all the family. Enjoy some of the country's best military museums all in one great spot, or exploring the natural beauty of the animals who reside at Canada's favourite zoo.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's surprisingly rich culture and heritage through fun-filled attractions, intriguing museums, and some of the most unique activities you can find!

Calgary Stampede, Beltline, Calgary

Easily accessible via the city's light railway, Calgary Stampede is one of the best attraction in the whole of the city, and is one of the things that truly put it on the map with tourists, with many visiting just for the occasion. Thanks to it's popularity, Calgary has earned the nicknames 'Stampede City', and 'Cowtown'!

This spectacular 10-day rodeo and outdoor event is amongst the largest of it's kind worldwide, attracting more than a million cowboys, cowgirls, and those who just want to be a part of the action every year.

Held annually in July, it's ideal to try and time your visit with this event if possible, but as of 2024, guests can enjoy a fun year-round stampede experience over at the Sam Centre at the new interactive museum showcasing the legacy of the infamous Calgary Stampede.

TELUS Spark Science Centre, Bridgeland-Riverside, Calgary

Discover the world of science, technology, and art in the heart of Calgary, at TELUS Spark Science Centre! The perfect place to spark imagination and curiosity amongst the younger generation, you can visit over 100 different exhibits, programs, and daily demonstrations, that help ignite curiosity for the world around you!

Kids all grown up and don't know what to do with them? Enjoy all the fun of an adults-only night, hosted quarterly, where you can enjoy a child-free experience of all the galleries, have a dance, and grab a drink at their fully licensed bar.

Spruce Meadows, Southwest Calgary

International show jumping events at Spruce Meadows play host to some of the world's best equestrian athletes every year, with a variety of outstanding races and jumping shows.

Worry not if you're not able to catch one of their events, especially if you're visiting during winter! Hosting Calgary's International Christmas Market each year, this family and pet-friendly venue welcomes over 300 different international food, artisanal, and craft vendors, so you can celebrate the holiday spirit in a way you'll always remember

Military Museums, Altadore, Calgary

If you're interested in educating the little ones about history or are just an intrigued historian yourself, one of the best destinations in the city to add to your bucket list is The Military Museums.

The second-largest military museum in all of Canada, Calgary's Military Museums are dedicated to preserving the memory and traditions of the Canadian Armed Forces through education, and various displays of art and artifacts.

With eight separate museums all in one great location, it's easy to spend a whole day here, learning about the history and memory of Canada's Armed Forces. Some of the ones we recommend you should set aside time for are the Naval, Army, and Air Force Museums of Alberta.

Calgary Zoo, St George's Island, Calgary

Also commonly known as the Wilder Institute, Calgary Zoo is one of the oldest charities in Alberta, and the most visited zoo in Canada, dating all the way back to 1929. Home to more than 4,000 animals across over 100 different species, this zoo is recognised across the world for it's exceptional standard of animal care and excellent habitat design practices.

The staff and volunteers at this zoo are proud to educate the 1.3 million guests who visit annually on the importance of conservation and sustainability. There's a great range of events that take place at this zoo, including those aimed at both adults-only and families alike!