Although bad weather can cast a cloud over your plans, when you live in Calgary, a rainy day doesn’t have to be a total bust! We’ve rounded up a list of awesome activities to keep you busy indoors when the weather in YYC has other plans. These indoor attractions are great ways to spend a rainy day in Calgary and will definitely be the rainbow at the end of any gloomy day!
Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Calgary
Blow Off Some Steam at an Indoor Play Place | savvymom.ca
It’s no secret that most parents’ go-to on rainy days is any place where kids can get their energy out (bonus points if it’s not their living room!) Calgary has some fantastic options for indoor play places throughout the city. Admission prices vary, and some locations have deals at particular times or on certain days of the week. Check out this roundup to see some of our favourites.
Get Your Bounce On | flyingsquirrelsports.ca
Speaking of indoor play places, Flying Squirrel offers a one-of-a-kind experience where you can bounce, climb and flip to your heart’s content, and best of all, everyone in the family can get in on the action. Whether you’ve got toddlers, teens, or parents who need to blow off some steam, Flying Squirrel has obstacles and activities for everyone in the family, like trampolines, foam pits with balance beams and climbing walls, inflatable slides and more. There’s also a place for folks who need a break or just want to watch the action to sit on the sidelines, as well as a cafe to grab a snack or drink. Admission must be purchased in advance by selecting a 60, 90 or 120 minute time slot online. Click here to see special offers, events and general information about admission,.
Visit Telus Spark | sparkscience.ca
A rainy day in Calgary is no match for Telus Spark! Kids and grownups alike will have a blast exploring the worlds of Science, Engineering, Technology, Art and Math in this hands-on museum dedicated to igniting curiosity. Check out the Creative Kids Museum where kiddos from newborn to age eight can play, build and explore with all of their senses at tactile activity tables, the bubble piano, the climbing adventure place, the water area and more. Next, head to the various galleries which include Wonderspaces, the Being Human and Digital Immersion Galleries, and the Open Studio which is always a hit with anyone who loves to build and create! Take in a 360 degree view of a show in the Infinity Dome and don’t forget to see what featured events and exhibits are on during your visit – they only stick around for a limited time! Admission is free for kids 0-2, $22 for students with a valid ID, $19 for kids 3-17, $26 for adults 18-64 and $24 for seniors 65 and up.
Check Out The Public Library | calgarylibrary.ca
The Calgary Public Library is a fantastic, free place for your family to spend a few minutes or a few hours on a rainy day in Calgary. Browse for a great book and find a cozy place to curl up – but that’s not all the CPL has to offer. Locations around the city have a variety of amenities available to keep your family’s bodies and brains busy, from the theatre stage, chalkboard walls, building blocks and light tables at Fish Creek Library to the Alouette III helicopter at the Seton Library and the play structure, games, artmaking, expert encounters, and more in the Questionarium at the Central Library. They also offer a variety of free programs for folks of all ages to try out, like coding, creative writing, story time, board games, loom beading and more. Visit a Calgary Public Library near you to see what special features they’ve got to explore!
Take In a Show
Whether your family loves to munch on popcorn while checking out a blockbuster on the big screen or prefers the thrill of a live performance, there are plenty of opportunities to take in a show somewhere in the city on a rainy day. Check out a cheap flick at Canyon Meadows or score a great deal on Kid’s Day Sundays at Landmark Cinemas or Cineplex Family Favourites on Saturday mornings. Cineplex Cinemas East Hills is the perfect spot to catch a movie with busy kids – their Clubhouse has an indoor play structure where kids can climb and play for 30 minutes before the show starts!
If live performances are more your family’s jam, check out the schedule at theatres like Jubilations, Stage West Calgary the Arts Commons and the Jubilee Auditorium.
Get Crafty
If your family loves to get in touch with their creative sides, there are lots of great studios around the city that will be more than happy to help you get your paint brushes dirty! Pinnovate DIY Studio has in-studio and take home craft options that’ll keep everyone busy and will leave you with gorgeous projects like paintings, gnomes, string art, welcome mats, weaving, porch signs, felt garlands, and more to display around the house. Color Me Mine, Crock A Doodle, Color Cafe and Fire Escape are all paint your own pottery studios where you can pick a piece and get busy bringing it to life with paint!
Head To a Museum
A rainy day in Calgary is the perfect time to learn more about the world around you, and there are lots of great museums in Calgary to do just that! The Hangar Flight Museum brings you up close to aircraft like planes, jets and helicopters; The Military Museums is home to eight separate museums including the Naval, Army and Air Force Museums of Alberta, the Air Force Cold War Museum and more; The Gasoline Alley Museum is one of the world’s largest public collections of antique vehicles and oil and gas-related artifacts. The Bow Habitat Station will teach you about nature and the animals who reside there; The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre and The Tsuut’ina Nation Culture Museum will bring Chinese and Indigenous culture to life in front of your eyes. The YouthLink Police Interpretive Centre will take you into the world of Calgary’s police services and help youth to understand the importance of making healthy life choices. Finally, artists and art enthusiasts alike will appreciate displays at museums and galleries like The Esker Foundation and Contemporary Calgary.
Plan Your Great Escape
If you’re looking for action, adventure, and a bit of puzzle-solving, then 60 minutes in a local escape room may be right up your alley for a rainy day. Check out our roundup of great family-friendly escape room options in Calgary to plan out where you’ll head for your next visit!
Get a Bird’s Eye View from the Calgary Tower | calgarytower.com
For a one-of-a-kind view (even on a rainy day) why not make your way to the top of the Calgary Tower? This iconic YYC landmark was erected in 1967 and has been a staple of the downtown cityscape ever since. Even though it’s no longer the tallest building in the skyline, it makes one heck of a lookout – especially when you stand on the glass floor of the observatory! If you’re feeling fancy, make a reservation at the Sky 360 Lounge, where you’ll get an unforgettable bite to eat with an even more unforgettable view – the restaurant revolves once per hour to give you a full 360 degree peek of the city from above! Admission to the tower is $9 for kids 4-12, $19 for folks 13-64 and $17 for seniors.
Make a Little Music | studiobell.ca
Whether you love to make your own music or have never picked up an instrument, you’re sure to have a blast at Studio Bell. This interactive museum is a great place to catch regular weekend performances, view artifacts, dive into the evolving story of music in Canada through new and updated exhibitions, like the new Canadian Music Hall of Fame exhibition. You can even unleash your inner rock star by building and testing instruments made from everyday objects and creating music using your own body. Admission is Pay What You Can ($15 per person over age 3 is the recommended amount).
What are your favourite ways to spend a rainy day in YYC? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Tagged under: rainy day activities,things to do on a rainy day,rainy day in calgary
Category: attractions,indoor-play,active
