This information is from 2016. Check out the Family Fun Calgary Weekend Getaway Guide.
We all need a change of scenery once in a while and a quick family weekend away can go a long way towards revitalizing our imaginations, getting us out of any ruts we’ve dug ourselves into, and encouraging family togetherness. But it’s important for the destination to be of interest to both parents and kids. What better theme to focus on for a couple of days than dinosaurs?? Alberta is known the world over for its dinosaur fossil finds and cutting edge paleontological research. And within Alberta, Drumheller (located less than 2 hours driving from Calgary) is at the epicenter of the dinosaur action. In fact, Drumheller is known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World”!
Where to Play
The phenomenal Royal Tyrrell Museum is the big draw in Drumheller. You could easily spend more than 1 day here, especially if your kids insist on racing from [spectacular] exhibit to [lifelike] exhibit, leaving you with little time to absorb all the information provided (been there, done that). Go back a second time and you might get to learn a bit more! The kids won’t mind, it’s like a candy store for dino-lovers. Check out the museum’s recommendations for planning your day at the Royal Tyrrell.
Standing 86 feet tall, with a lookout inside its ferocious jaws, the World’s Largest Dinosaur is a unique way to get an overview of Drumheller. According to its website, the World’s Largest Dinosaur: has 106 stairs to climb to the top, can fit 12 people in its mouth at a time, is 4.5 times bigger than a real T-Rex, weighs 65 tonnes and cost over a million dollars to build!
Can’t get enough of the fossils? Fossil World Dinosaur Discover Centre features hands-on learning and creative play for every member of the family, plus Drumheller’s largest fossil and souvenir gift store. Try out a fossil dig, mineral mining and the climbing wall. Check operating hours before you go; the centre is closed for part of April.
Still looking for that perfect souvenir of your fantastic Badlands weekend? Swing by The Fossil Shop!
When the weather is fine, you’ll find Drumheller locals and visitors alike hitting the area’s hiking trails and pathways. Remember that this area can be very hot and dry in the summer – always go prepared with appropriate apparel including sturdy footwear, a hat, sunscreen and lots of water.
Where to Stay
The Canalta Jurassic Drumheller features comfortable, modern rooms, a complimentary continental breakfast and warm buttered popcorn for those family snack attacks. They also offer a Royal Tyrrell Museum package, which includes your room and museum admission for 2 adults and up to 6 kids, for one all-in price.
The Ramada Drumheller Hotel and Suites offers rooms with a variety of bed configurations to choose from so that you can get the ideal sleeping arrangements for your crew. Rooms have a fridge, microwave and coffee maker to ensure mornings start smoothly, and breakfast is included in your room rate. The hotel’s indoor pool with waterslide is scheduled to reopen on March 15, 2016.
Prefer a non-chain hotel experience? Try the Heartwood Inn and Spa or the Newcastle Country Inn.
In the summer, camping is a popular choice in Drumheller too.
Where to Eat
A full day of paleontological discovery requires lots of energy, so start your day with a hearty breakfast at Whifs Flapjack House, attached to the Badlands Motel. Kids will love the model train that runs around the restaurant’s ceiling.
There’s no need to leave the Royal Tyrrell to satisfy those mid-day grumbly tummies: the museum’s cafeteria offers a wide variety of lunch options and when the weather is fine, you can enjoy your meal on the patio! Elsewhere, Ivy’s Awesome Kitchen & Bistro, in the centre of town, has a reputation for being a fantastic lunch spot, including offering many gluten free choices.
Ready for dinner? Whether your family likes a tried-and-true option like Boston Pizza or wants to experience a local favourite like Bernie & the Boys Bistro or O’Shea’s Eatery & Ale House, Drumheller has lots more dining choices – find them all here!
If you’re hoping to time your visit with one of the many special events happening this year in and around Drumheller, consult Travel Drumheller’s Events Calendar. And if your family has a favourite place to stay/eat/visit/explore in Drumheller, we’ve love to hear about it in the comments!
For more help in planning your family’s weekend getaway to Drumeller, we recommend checking out these 48-hour itineraries from Travel Drumheller.
And if you’re lucky enough to have more than just a weekend free for ferreting out Alberta’s paleontological treasures, check out these 7-day dino-rrific itineraries recommended by Travel Alberta: Dino Quest Across Alberta and Real Dinosaur Adventures in Alberta!
