Calgary Zoo penguins
Photo credit: Kelly Hofer

What kind of thrill seeker are you? Whether you are interested in watching wild animals at the Calgary Zoo or taking a wild ride at Calaway Park, there are plenty of ways to walk on the wild side in Calgary. And just for you, we’ve collected seven of our favourites!

When planning your trip to the wild side, make sure you’ve arranged a soft place to lay your head at the end of the day. This summer, you can combine a visit to one of these wild attractions with a stay at a family friendly hotel. There are a several Calgary hotels conveniently located not far from the thrills of the Calgary Zoo and Calaway Park that offer attraction pass packages with your stay.

7 Super Ways to Walk on the Wild Side in Calgary

Photo Credit: Calgary Zoo

Land of Lemurs

The newest exhibit at the Calgary Zoo comes straight from the wilds of Madagascar. These little prosimians are endangered on their home island, and the Calgary Zoo has joined conservation efforts in Madagascar in addition to housing several of the curious creatures on site in Calgary in the Land of Lemurs. In the summer months, you can walk through their adopted habitat and get right up close and personal with these adorable creatures — a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

 

7 Super Ways to Walk on the Wild Side in Calgary

Photo Credit: Kelly Hofer

Wet and Wild

A hot summer’s day calls for getting wet and wild! A ride on Timber Falls at Calaway Park takes riders down three chutes of splashtastic fun. After that, check out the bumper boats where you don’t just bump into the other riders, you spray them too! Prefer to stay dry? With 32 rides in the park, there are plenty of rides that don’t involve getting soaked.

7 Super Ways to Walk on the Wild Side in Calgary
Lions, Tigers and Bears, oh my!

What’s wilder than a lion devouring its prey? At the carnivore feedings, large carnivores enjoy a bite, and you can be there to watch! A different animal is featured each day, with an interpreter to narrate the event with lots of fun facts about animal nutrition and feeding habits. They recommend you get there before 1 pm to get a prime spot!

7 Super Ways to Walk on the Wild Side in Calgary

The thrill of the game

If you ask me, the thrill of winning is the best thrill of all! Calaway Park is home to 24 midway games. There’s something for everyone and every skill level. Play together as a family with a classic like the Milk Can Toss or the brand new Dragon Drop, where there’s a winner every time! For those with a competitive streak, there are race games like Water Gun Fun, Wac-a-Mole, Roll-a-Ball and Stinky Feet to challenge your friends and family. FYI, you are not required to smell anyone’s feet!

Run Wild!

The Kinsmen ZooVenture Playground at the Calgary Zoo offers the chance for kids to blow off some steam and run wild themselves! Don’t miss all the climbing, winding, sliding fun located just outside Destination Africa.

Calgary Zoo Safari Brunch
Photo credit: Sergei Belski

Get your fill!

Large predators aren’t the only ones who enjoy a yummy meal! For something with extra excitement, get to the Zoo on Sundays for a Safari Brunch. They offer traditional brunch foods and some special tasty creations, and it’s held in the heart of Destination Africa. Alternatively, the on-site eateries (including the newly refurbished Carousel Kitchen) at Calaway Park have got you covered. There’s something for every preference. If you are feeling especially patriotic, you may want to sample one of the three types of poutine the kitchen has created and help celebrate Canada 150!

Blast to the past!

If you have a taste for history, you are going to love the new Time Carousel movie at Calaway Park’s 3D Showtime Theatre! Take an immersive journey through time with this motion picture experience. It’s the next best thing to a time machine! Also much, much less dangerous.

What kind of wild are you? Whether you end up visiting one or all of these seven adventures, plan to stay at a participating hotel that offers discounted passes to Calaway Park or the Calgary Zoo. In addition to connecting travelers with amazing activities around the city, these hotels offer their own family fun with water parks (at the Sheraton Cavalier), rooftop Jacuzzis (at Acclaim Hotel), and more!

Let us know how you took a walk on the wild side in Calgary!