What does a day of summer fun look like? How about carousel rides, roller coasters, and splashing in the water? What about the clang of winning a midway game, watching a show, or cotton candy sticky fingers? A day of summer fun looks like a day at Calaway Park! And did you say it’s Western Canada’s largest amusement park?! Let’s go!
9:45 AM: We roll into the parking lot at Calaway Park. A huge lot with lots of room to park and it’s FREE?! Yes, please. Everyone tumbles out of the car, and I grab them in time to smear sunscreen on all exposed skin.
10 AM: We get to the gate just before opening. Music is playing and the kids are arguing about who is the fastest and getting ready to run (er … I mean speedwalk) to the roller coaster at rope drop.
10:01 AM: Let’s gooo! After Vortex, it’s time for Wave Rider, Sky Wynder, and lots more. The lineups aren’t too long, so we get in lots of rides! I try to get some pictures to enter the WOW Photo Contest. (We could win cash and Season Passes for next year!)
11:30 AM: The kids open the Calaway Fun AR app at the Enchanted Forest and watch it come to life. They beg to head to Maxx’s Workshop to check out the app there, but I want to use the Calaway Fun AR app for some cool photos first.
11:45 AM: Time to take it down a notch, but the kids still whoop it up on the Carousel. They only fight a little bit about who gets to ride what horse.
12 PM: Lunchtime! We normally pack a picnic, but today we’re celebrating. What should we get?
“Ice cream,” yells one kid.
“No fair! I want mini donuts!” says the other.
Who raised these kids anyway? There’s some discussion about chicken strips and onion rings, but we get burgers and fries and save 10% with our Season Pass. I force-feed them some veggies I brought from home.
1 PM: We’re not far from Celebration Stage, so we stop to watch the newest show from Calaway Live. I dance. The kids are embarrassed.
1:30 PM: We decide it’s time for dessert. Cotton candy? Ice cream? Mini donuts? We’ll take one of everything, please. Wait! There’s a new restaurant, Riptide Grill, and the Tasty Treats location next door has Dole Soft Serve. We’ll have one of those, too!
2:30 PM: We finish our treat and head to the 3D Theatre to watch Happy Family – Next Level. All those mini donuts are slowing me down. Rest time!
3 PM: It is getting HOT! We wander through the CP Spray N’ Play Splash Park for a quick cool-off. They try out the Riptide Racer, then off to Timber Falls, their favourite. I pull out my dollar store poncho. The kids are embarrassed. I threaten to buy the picture, post it to social media, and tag all their friends.
3:30 PM: Apparently, we aren’t wet enough; the kids want to try the new Water Wars game. A family-friendly water balloon fight? Bring it on, kids! I’m definitely cooled off now, so it’s off to the races … I mean, more rides!
5 PM: The kids find out about the Calaway Comic Fest for Kids. They plan their superhero costumes, while I dutifully mark my calendar for July 11 – 13, 2025.
5:30 PM: Whoops — missed a spot when I was slapping on sunscreen. Apologies to my kids. Time to reapply!
6 PM: I forgot I promised the kids they could play a midway game and hit the gift shop before we go. We only pick the games where kids can win every time. It’s not my first rodeo. The kids spend their allowance buying toys and stuffed animals at the Village Shop.
6:30 PM: The park is almost closed. We’re tired and hungry, and decide it’s time to go. The kids look longingly at the campground and beg to stay there sometime for a ‘staycation.’ I shouldn’t have told them about the special Stay n’ Play package; I like my bed. But that mountain view!
A successful day all around — thanks for coming with us! Plan your day with our Guide to Summer Fun at Calaway Park. It’s a terrific value, with rides, attractions, and shows for everyone from the littlest ones to full-sized thrill seekers. Add in games, food, and treats for an extra-special day. We’ll meet you there!
Please note — times are approximate and we cannot guarantee levels of sunshine, sunburn, or serenity between siblings.
Calaway Park Summer Fun:
Dates: Weekends from May 17 – June 22, 2025; Daily from June 26 – September 1, 2025; Weekends from September 6 – October 13, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 7 PM; Fall hours, 11 AM – 5 PM
Address: 245033 Range Road 33 (Highway 1 West of Calgary)
Telephone: 403-240-3822
Website: www.calawaypark.com
Looking for more summer fun? Find it here!
