Calgary Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Calgary
This weekend itinerary balances free, engaging community activities with special ticketed attractions to create memorable experiences for families. Emphasis is placed on interactive fun for children, with practical notes for parents on logistics and budgeting. Winter weather calls for warm clothing, but indoor options are plentiful.
Friday Evening - Family Fun Night
Friday, January 2Indigo Kids Activities
Kick off the weekend with some affordable winter break fun at a participating IndigoKids location.
They offer storytime, activities, and more designed to engage young readers and creatives.
Suitable for children aged 3-12. Activities typically run for an hour or so. Bathrooms available. Great indoor option for colder weather. Confirm schedule with your preferred location prior to arrival.
Easily accessible by car with ample parking at most Indigo store locations. Public transit options may vary by store.
Legacy Christmas Lights
Experience the enchanting Legacy Christmas Light Parade, a free annual display that transforms the community of Legacy into a winter wonderland with thousands of festive lights.
Perfect for all ages. Kids will love the dazzling displays. It's an outdoor, walk-through or drive-through experience, so dress warmly. No specific facilities on site, but nearby commercial areas may offer restrooms. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Best accessed by car. Free street parking is typically available within the Legacy community. Consider driving slowly to enjoy the full spectacle.
Saturday - Family Adventure Day
Saturday, January 3TELUS Spark Science Fun
Dive into a world of discovery at TELUS Spark Science Centre.
Enjoy interactive exhibits, the new 'Extreme Sports' exhibit, the 'Goodnight Moon' digital immersion gallery, and a planetarium show. The Creative Kids Museum is perfect for younger children (0-8).
Ideal for children aged 3-12 with varied exhibits to suit different interests. Creative Kids Museum offers dedicated space for younger ones with story times at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Stroller accessible, ample restrooms, and a cafeteria on-site. Plan for 3-4 hours.
Paid parking available on-site. Easily accessible by public transit (C-Train to Zoo station, then a short walk).
Outdoor Ice Skating
Lace up your skates and enjoy a classic Canadian winter activity with free beginner skating lessons at Prince's Island Park Lagoon. This outdoor rink is beautiful and fun for all skill levels.
Great for all ages, especially those learning to skate. Lessons are 30 minutes, followed by practice time. Skates and helmets are available for free rentals on a first-come, first-served basis. Warm up at nearby cafes or bring hot chocolate. Restrooms are available in the park. Bundle up!
Paid parking nearby at Eau Claire Market or accessible via C-Train to 1st Street SW or 3rd Street SW stations, followed by a walk across the bridge.
Jubilations Junior Theatre
Enjoy a unique family dinner theatre experience at Jubilations Junior, featuring a kid-friendly production designed to make adults laugh too.
This production often runs on Saturdays.
A special treat for the whole family, combining entertainment and a meal. Perfect for kids who enjoy live performances. The timing is designed for an early dinner to suit children's bedtimes. Confirm the specific show and start time. Suitable for ages 3-12, but younger children might find it long.
Parking available at or near the venue. Public transit options depend on the exact theatre location.
Sunday - Relaxed Family Day
Sunday, January 4Farmers Market Visit
Explore the vibrant Calgary Farmers' Market (West or South location), which reopens today after the New Year's break.
Discover local vendors, fresh produce, baked goods, and unique handcrafted items.
A bustling indoor market with something for everyone. Kids can enjoy sampling treats, seeing local crafts, and often there's live music. Food court offers many kid-friendly options for brunch or snacks. Restrooms available. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Both locations offer ample free parking. The West location is closer to the NW, and South is in the SE.
Devonian Gardens Oasis
Escape the winter chill in the tropical oasis of Devonian Gardens, a free indoor park located within the CORE shopping centre.
It's a warm, lush space perfect for kids to explore and burn off some energy indoors.
Excellent for all ages, particularly younger children who need space to move in a warm environment. Features fountains, fish ponds, and various plants. Stroller friendly with accessible restrooms within the mall. Pack a picnic or grab lunch from the mall food court. Allow 1-2 hours.
Paid underground parking available at The CORE. Easily accessible by C-Train (7th Avenue stations are free in the downtown core).
ZOOLIGHTS Spectacle
Conclude your weekend with the magical ZOOLIGHTS at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, running until today, January 4, 2026.
Experience millions of twinkling lights, festive displays, fire pits, and family-friendly activities.
A captivating experience for all ages. Kids will be mesmerized by the lights and interactive displays. Dress very warmly as it's an outdoor event. Stroller accessible, with warming stations and restrooms available. Plan for 2-3 hours. Gates close at 8:30 PM, lights off at 9 PM.
Paid parking available on-site. Easily accessible by C-Train to the Zoo station. Consider taking public transit to avoid parking congestion.
This weekend itinerary for Calgary can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.