What are you doing TODAY?
We don’t know how long the Alberta Teachers’ Strike will last, but we want to make the most of every day for our kids, through all the ups and downs. If you are working and need day camps, take a look at our guide to Teachers’ Strike Day Camps. If you’re looking for family events to fill the days, add a little organic learning, or ensure the kids don’t fall behind, keep reading!
We’re gathering some ideas that go beyond our regular Calendar of Events — these are activities or discounts offered specifically because of the strike. (There are tons of places that offer teacher deals, too, but that is beyond the scope of this article!)
Bro’kin Yolk
Kids 12 and under will get 40% off any meal, Monday to Friday, at Bro’kin Yolk locations. They also have an $11 student meal deal (with a student ID) and teachers’ discounts.
Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids
We know that many kids rely on the food they access through their school. Organizations are moving toward a pickup model for this service, so kids don’t go hungry. You’ll find pick-up locations in every quadrant.
Calgary Public Library
The Calgary Public Library has many resources for families. Check out one of the Early Learning Centres for a little play time. Read a book, borrow a game, or complete interesting activities. Check the program schedule and join a Drop-In Family Storytime. If you’re concerned about academics, the library has resources for that, too! SOLARO has lessons, reviews, and practice tests for kids in grade 3 and up. It follows the Alberta curriculum with the same content as The Key Study Guides. If you need free homework help or tutoring, look at brainfuse HelpNow. The Digital Library has so many other great resources, too.
Canmore Cave Tours
Make the ultimate school closure memory with Canmore Cave Tours! If you have kids 10 and up, take them on an adventure they’ll never forget. Canmore Cave Tours is offering a 50% discount for families to join an Explorer Tour at Rat’s Nest Cave. This deal applies to Alberta families with school-aged children (10 – 18 years old) and is available on school days (Monday – Friday, excluding holidays) until October 31, 2025. You can read about Family Fun Calgary’s experience in the cave here.
City of Calgary Swimming
While not specifically a special deal, we hear that the City of Calgary is offering additional swim times during the strike. As recreation spaces are so tight in the city, we thought it was worth noting.
Contemporary Calgary
Contemporary Calgary is expanding its children’s programming, offering workshops for kids ages 5 – 13 and their guardians. You can explore exhibitions through guided tours, enjoy movement activities, learn painting techniques, and complete an art project to take home. Field trip!
Dinner with Julie
Kids can get cooking during the Teachers’ Strike! Dinner with Julie is offering FREE Zoom cooking classes every school day of the strike at 4 PM. These classes are suitable for kids of all ages, and lessons will vary from cooking to baking. Julie will post an ingredient list and/or a recipe the day before, so you can make sure you have the supplies you need.
Historic Sites FREE Kids’ Admission
Looking for something to keep the kids occupied over the teachers’ strike? Kids under 18 will get free admission to provincial museums and historic sites for the duration of the labour action. Guests 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and admission fees to everyone 18 and over. See here for the list of participating locations. Field trip, anyone?
If you haven’t already, be sure to register here for parent support from the Alberta government. If you have a child aged 12 and under who attends a public, separate, or francophone school affected by the disruption, you are eligible to receive $30 per child per school day of the labour action.
