Life as a parent can feel like a balancing act: between school runs, work meetings, and laundry piles, sometimes all you have is a couple of hours to spend quality time with your kids.
\n \nThe good news? In Calgary and the surrounding area, two hours is more than enough for a little family adventure. Whether you’re chasing fall leaves, looking for indoor activities to escape the wind, or need a no-planning-required drop-in event, here are some fun, flexible outing ideas that are perfect for families that don’t require a whole day or a big budget.
\nExplore a New Playground (and Neighborhood)
\nIf the weather's kind, there's no better two-hour outing than discovering a new playground, especially one with a coffee shop nearby for the grown-ups. Calgary is full of incredible play spaces that are worth a drive across town.
\nCurrie Barracks Airport Playground is built with a whimsical aviation theme and includes a mini control tower, aircraft-themed climbing structures, and wide-open green space. After some playtime, head to Monogram Coffee (an eight-minute walk) for a cozy cocoa or steamer for the kids and a latte for you.
\nFall Photo Walk and Treat Stop
\nCalgary’s fall colors can be breathtaking (but blink and you’ll miss them!). A simple walk in a park (camera phone in-hand) can turn into a mini scavenger hunt: find the reddest leaf, the biggest pile of leaves to jump in, or spot a squirrel getting ready for winter.
\nConfederation Park is full of golden trees, little bridges, and winding paths. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate or pick one up at Higher Ground Cafe in Kensington before heading over. Did you miss the colorful leaves? No worries – Bowness Park is still stunningly beautiful after the trees are bare, and the delicacies at the cafe and cappuccino bar will make sure you stay warm and energized for a walk along the lagoon.
\nLet the kids take their own photos because it’s always fun to see what details they notice.
\nDrop-In Gym Time or Open Play
\nWhen the weather’s rough or everyone’s climbing the walls, drop-in programs are a lifesaver. Many city facilities and community centres offer open gym or play sessions for kids of all ages. These programs are typically under ten dollars per child (or free with a membership) and don’t require pre-registration, making them perfect for spontaneous energy-burning.
\nVecova Recreation Centre offers accessible drop-in gym times, including family swim and play. For southside families, Trico Centre often has “tot time” where the gym is full of riding toys, balls, and mats. Visit our online calendar at calgaryschild.com/calendar for more.
\nA Quick Trip to the Bookstore
\nIf you’ve only got 90 minutes and need something cozy and calm, a visit to a bookstore or library is a great way to connect without a screen in sight.
\nOwl’s Nest Books in Britannia Plaza is a beloved local bookstore with a fantastic kids’ section, complete with cozy chairs and friendly staff. Pick out one book each, then head across the street to Village Ice Cream (yes, even in fall) or grab a warm cookie from Monogram Coffee nearby.
\nA Mini Nature Adventure
\nYou don’t need to drive to Banff to find nature. In fact, a two-hour nature outing can fit perfectly into your day and be the reset button everyone needs.
\nWeaselhead Flats in southwest Calgary is a great low-key hike with kids. It’s flat, stroller-friendly in many parts, and leads to the Elbow River. Look for beaver dams, migrating birds, and wild rose hips. Bring binoculars or a scavenger hunt sheet if you want to make it extra engaging.
\nFish Creek Provincial Park has dozens of entry points and a variety of trails that are manageable in an hour or two. See what wildlife you can spot near the river, count the number of bridges you walk under or try to identify the many birds you see (and hear).
\nVisit a Local Farm or Market
\nIn the fall, local farms and markets are still going strong and many are less crowded than in peak summer.
\nWe all know Granary Road (in the Foothills just south of Calgary) offers a fantastic mix of outdoor things to do in the summer, where you can also browse the market, get a fresh-baked snack, and visit the indoor exhibit on the weekends in the autumn.
\nThe Calgary Farmers’ Market South or West locations are indoors and stroller-friendly. Grab a snack, do a taste test, and let the kids choose a small item like a local jam or a fun soap.
\nPublic Art and City Walk
\nSometimes, a change of scenery is enough to spark a sense of adventure. Take a walk downtown or in the East Village and go hunting for public art.
\nThe Bow Building features the iconic Wonderland sculpture (the giant head), where you can walk toward the Central Library and Studio Bell, both of which have great architecture for kids to observe and ask questions about.
\nQuick Cafe and Card Games
\nIf the weather’s not ideal and you’re short on time, make it simple: head to a cafe, order warm drinks and a snack, and pull out a deck of cards or travel game.
\nOur favorite kid-friendly cafes:
\nSkating Rinks & Roller Tracks
\nIn late fall, many of Calgary’s outdoor rinks begin opening for skating. During warmer days before snow hits, many families enjoy the city’s free pump tracks and scooter paths.
\nSouth Glenmore Park's bike and scooter track is perfect for younger kids learning to ride or scoot. It's colorful, flat, and features fun road signs and turns.
\nIf you’ve got two hours before dinner or a pocket of time between school and piano lessons, Calgary has no shortage of short-and-sweet outings that feel special. A trip to a new park, a cozy cocoa date, or a little local adventure can create memories your child will hold onto, even if the whole thing only took a couple of hours! CCM
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