(Mostly) Cheap Things to Do Over Winter Break<\/h3>\n
Click each title for more information.<\/em><\/p>\n Board games have become a quintessential family activity over the years. But instead of forking out all the money to buy all the games, check out one of the many board game cafes in Calgary. For a fee, your family can buy some snacks and try out some new games.<\/p>\n I’m sure it’s not just me: I love the public library. Not only can you save money (and room in your house) by borrowing books, music, and movies with a FREE membership, but they also have many services and online resources, too. They have games, toys, and puzzles to amuse you, plus programs, so check out your local branch. It’s a great place to get out of the house together!<\/p>\n Have you had enough of Christmas yet?! If not, many places in Calgary will have their Christmas lights up through New Year’s Eve, and sometimes through winter break. Bundle up and take a walk through a brightly lit park. Or grab yourself a coffee, pack the kids into their car seats, and drive\u00a0<\/em>past some lovely lights!<\/p>\n Winter can be cold, and sometimes you get tired of snow pants, hats, and mitts. (Or, maybe you get tired of kids losing them everywhere you go.) Devonian Gardens is a unique indoor oasis located downtown in the CORE shopping centre. It’s a lovely, warm, FREE place to visit on a cold day. If you have kids who love the train, take the C-train downtown to add to the fun!<\/p>\n Geocaching is generally considered more of a summer activity, but there’s no reason not to get outside on nice winter days, too! It will give you an excuse to go exploring. For tips and tricks on winter geocaching, see the official geocaching blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n Head to a participating IndigoKids location at 1 pm from January 2 \u2013 4, 2026, for affordable winter break fun! Expect storytime, activities, and more. Check with your local store for the exact schedule.<\/p>\n The Sam Centre is a brand-new Calgary experience that shares the Stampede Story through multiple mediums, such as exhibits, an archival collection, and immersive media. You will experience the Stampede\u2019s greatest stories, year-round, at Sam Centre. Discover The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth in a whole new way\u2014through captivating exhibits, immersive multimedia shows, and compelling storytelling at Sam Centre.<\/p>\n There will be FREE admission on December 27, 2025. If you visit the Sam Centre between December 20, 2025, and January 4, 2026, you’ll receive a free admission voucher to Stampede 2026 with every Sam Centre admission purchased.<\/p>\n As much as we complain about our weather, we often have sunny, lovely winter days. If we have enough snow, there are lots of great places to head outside and enjoy the fresh, crisp air. Plus, the kids will burn all kinds of energy running up and down a hill! The City of Calgary<\/a> has designated specific locations in every quadrant that are safe for tobogganing.<\/p>\n Instead of swooping down a hill, grab your skates and head to one of the many beautiful skating rinks. The City of Calgary<\/a> maintains multiple outdoor skating rinks that are free to use, and you can find FREE beginner lessons on Saturdays at Prince’s Island Lagoon. There are also a few City of Calgary arenas where you can skate for free<\/a> on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.<\/p>\n In addition, dozens of rinks are maintained by the Adopt-A-Rink<\/a> program, and many communities also have community rinks<\/a>. Outdoor rinks are dependent on weather, of course, although the ice surface at Central Commons Park is refrigerated. If the weather is too cold (or too warm), indoor rinks are usually relatively inexpensive, too.<\/p>\n Yes, it’s winter, and baby, it might be cold outside. But that can be a great reason to head to the pool, especially if it has a hot tub or a steam room! And there is nothing like water play to help wear the kids out. The City of Calgary<\/a> has many indoor pools where families can play, generally for under $20. The two City of Calgary leisure centres are a little more money, but they also offer more activities. Of course, there are lots of other recreation facilities<\/a> in and around the city, too.<\/p>\n Part museum and part learning centre, the YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre lets kids indulge their fascination with police and the law. Enjoy hands-on, interactive exhibits. The Centre helps kids start thinking about issues they will be facing in the world today, so they can make good decisions and become responsible citizens. YouthLink is free, but they do ask for a $20 donation per family, if possible.<\/p>\nBoard Game Cafes<\/a><\/h4>\n
Calgary Public Library<\/a><\/h4>\n
Christmas Lights<\/a><\/h4>\n
Devonian Gardens<\/a><\/h4>\n
Geocaching<\/a><\/h4>\n
Indigo Kids<\/a><\/h4>\n
Sam Centre<\/a><\/h4>\n
Sledding<\/a><\/h4>\n
Skating<\/a><\/h4>\n
Swimming<\/a><\/h4>\n
YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre<\/a><\/h4>\n
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