Experience Calgary’s Rural Attractions

You don’t have to travel far from Calgary to find some great family attractions. You’ll be surprised at the variety of options in our own backyard. Whether you are looking for thrill rides or a day at the farm, there really is something for everyone an hour or less outside the city. Many of these attractions are open seasonally, so check the dates before you go.

Iron Horse Park is located in Airdrie. Take a ride on a miniature (1/8 scale) train. Each ride is a few minutes long and takes you through different kinds of terrain features, representing a ride from the Prairies to the West Coast.

Iron Horse Park

Photo By: Dana Wheatley

Big Fun is located just North of Calgary. It’s Canada’s largest indoor inflatable park. They have over 25 attractions, but very few are your garden variety bouncy castles! The activities are great for a range of ages, from little kids all the way up to adults. Unlike many places that are fun for older kids, at Big Fun you can stay and play all day rather than paying by the hour.

Shakers has offerings for kids of all ages and adults too. There is no admission charge - you only pay for the activities you want to access. Alternatively, you can purchase an unlimited play day pass. They have several indoor activities including an inflatable village, laser tag, a climbing wall, mini bowling alley and tons of redemption games. In the warmer months, they also have mini golf and go karts.

Calgary Corn Maze is located just to the east of Calgary along Hwy 22x. The Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm has a ton of different activities, but it’s easy to navigate because everything is so open. You can play mini golf, get lost in a corn maze, ride ziplines, and so much more. Best of all, nearly everything is included with regular admission.

Calgary Corn Maze

Photo By: Dana Wheatley

Aspen Crossing is a must see if you have a train fan in your family. It is a heritage railway that is now used for tours and excursions. Although the train tours are the headliner, Aspen Crossing also boasts a campground with “caboose cabins,” restaurants, a gift shop and a garden centre. Excursions are typically 2-3 hours and may include meals, music or theatre. These are no ordinary train rides - themes include High Tea, Dinner Theatre, Circus Train and more! In the winter they even run a Polar Express Train.

Aspen Crossing

Photo By: Dana Wheatley

Spend a day at the farm at the Saskatoon Farm. When you live in a city, it can be easy to get disconnected from the sources of your food. At the Saskatoon Farm, you can get a little bit closer. All year long you can eat at their restaurant right at the farm, and shop for treasures at their gift shop. Seasonally, you can find plants in their greenhouses and explore their farmer’s market. In mid-to-late July, you can pick Saskatoon berries and sour cherries for a delectable home made pay.

Kayben Farms is located near Okotoks. Sunshine Adventure Park at Kayben Farms is packed full of family fun. From pedal kart tracks and playgrounds to corn mazes and walking trails, your whole family will be entertained for hours. Although it is not a petting zoo, there are some farm animals you can visit too. Kayben Farms specializes in U-pick black currants.

Bar U Ranch is a national historic site and living museum (Heritage Park, but a ranch not a town). It commemorates Canada’s ranching heritage. You can catch a ride on a horse drawn wagon, try some cowboy coffee at a round up camp, explore farm-building, and try your hand at cattle roping!

Bar U Ranch

Photo By: Dana Wheatley

Chinook Honey is more than just a bee farm. It is a great place for a family day trip. At their learning centre, you can learn all about bees and even see bees in glass demonstration hives. The bees in these hives can move freely to the outdoors. In their retail space, you can eat honey sweetened ice cream, try mead, and taste-test several different varieties of honey. You can also stay for a picnic.

Granary Road is a different kind of farm, but definitely packed with family fun! Their active learning park has eleven different themed areas. It aims to be a learning space in addition to a play space. Kids will love all the different activities, these include climbing through a huge ant farm, jumping like a frog on a lilypad, and petting a live goat. Granary Road also has a public market with many vendors offering food and gifts, as well as a restaurant and bakery.

Granary Road

Photo By: Dana Wheatley

Calaway Park has small rides perfect for toddlers, thrill rides for bigger kids, and plenty of entertainment and games. Most of the rides are included with your admission. This Western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park.

Calaway Park

Photo By: Dana Wheatley

As you can see, there are a ton of activities available just outside the city. Whether you want to try new foods or play the day away, you can find it near Calgary.

Photos and Story By: Dana Wheatley