Ever find yourself itching for a good time, only to have the weather rain on your parade? Living in Calgary, those rainy days don’t have to dampen your spirits anymore!
Instead of resigning yourself to boredom while waiting for the clouds to clear, we’ve compiled a lineup of fantastic activities to elevate your indoor experience – whether you’re flying solo or spending time with your family and kids.
Get set for a list that promises to turn those rainy days in Calgary into exciting indoor adventures!
Table of Contents
- Let off some steam at an indoor play area
- Let loose and have fun at Flying Squirrel
- Get your friends and take on an escape room adventure
- Take a trip through time at Heritage Park
- Hit the court for badminton at ClearOne Badminton
- Check out Telus Spark
- Explore the Glenbow
- Go for a swim at Southland Leisure Centre
- Stroll the Nickle Galleries
- Experience indoor rock climbing
- Catch a Flames NHL game
- Explore and learn at Fort Calgary
- Sharpen your shooting skills at The Shooting Edge
- Get your laughs at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club
- Enjoy your ‘me time’ at the Calgary Public Library
- Get a whole new view at the Calgary Tower
Let off some steam at an indoor play area
Website: https://www.thebigbox.ca/
Address: 930 64 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8S8, Canada
Contact Details: +1 825-258-5829
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
We all know that when it’s pouring outside, parents look for places where their kids can run wild (and it’s even better if it’s not in their own living room!). Calgary has some awesome indoor play spots all over the city, but let’s talk about a real gem: The Big Box.
This place stands out for a few reasons. First off, it’s super easy to find – right across from Deerfoot City Mall, near the Deerfoot Trail and 64th Ave. NE junction.
Second, there’s a bunch of stuff for everyone to enjoy inside: think laser tag, mini golf, dodgeball, arcade games, a bouncy park, and more.
And here’s the best part: you can grab an Infinite Day Pass so your kid can play all day without worrying about the weather!
Let loose and have fun at Flying Squirrel
Website: https://flyingsquirrelsports.ca/south-calgary-alberta/
Address: 5342 72 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2C 4X5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 587-387-5867
Operating hours: Monday, Thursday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Tuesday and Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Flying Squirrel offers an unforgettable experience where you can bounce, climb, and flip to your heart’s content. The best thing here is that everyone in the family can join in!
Whether you have toddlers, teens, or you’re a parent itching to release some energy, this place has something for you. We’re talking trampolines, foam pits with balance beams, climbing walls, inflatable slides, and many more.
Now, if you need a breather or prefer to watch the kids in action, there are sidelines available for you. There’s also a cafe where you can grab a snack or a drink.
Get your friends and take on an escape room adventure
Website: https://www.thelockedroom.ca/
Address: 2015 32 Ave NE #15, Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-455-0545
Operating hours: Tuesday and Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Thursday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM | Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Ever heard of The Locked Room? It’s Calgary’s very own escape room experience, and yes, rainy days won’t dampen the fun@
What’s awesome about The Locked Room? They have 12 different escape room themes to choose from! Imagine scenarios like The Forbidden Temple, Prison Break, or The Great Train Heist adapted in a locked room adventure.
Gather your friends, get locked in a room, and crack puzzles to break free in just one hour. But don’t sweat it – they’ll still let you out even if you can’t solve everything in time (well, of course!). Secure your tickets ahead of time, right on their website.
Take a trip through time at Heritage Park
Website: http://www.heritagepark.ca/
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2X3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-268-8500
Is it a bit rainy or chilly today in Calgary? Why not head indoors and explore one of the city’s many museums?
Let’s start with Heritage Park. It’s Canada’s largest living heritage museum, housing the Heritage Park Historical Village, Gasoline Alley Museum, and Heritage Town Square.
While all areas are fantastic to stroll through, Gasoline Alley is the most entertaining for a few hours (and might even make you want to stick around after the rain stops). It showcases displays of antique cars, gas pumps, and other memorabilia from the early 20th century.
Hit the court for badminton at ClearOne Badminton
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Website: http://clearonebadminton.com/
Address: 1853 120 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T3K 0S5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-265-3886
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Badminton sure is a fun way to stay fit and in shape, but it’s also something you can do in Calgary when it’s pouring outside.
Located in the northwest off Deerfoot Trail and Country Hills Boulevard, ClearOne Badminton Centre is the perfect spot to hang out, socialize, and challenge your friends on the court.
The membership and drop-in fees won’t break the bank. Stay as long as you want, or maybe consider signing up for lessons or joining some of the tournaments they hold throughout the year!
Check out Telus Spark
Website: https://www.sparkscience.ca/
Address: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary, AB T2E 5T2, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-817-6800
Operating hours: Monday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Thursday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
When it’s pouring in the city, Telus Spark is also the place to be! Both kids and adults will have a blast diving into the worlds of Science, Engineering, Technology, Art, and Math at this hands-on museum.
For the little ones, the Creative Kids Museum here is a total hit! They can play, build, and explore with all their senses. Think tactical activity tables, a bubble piano, climbing adventures, a water play area, and more.
The Open Studio is another cool spot where you can let your creative side shine – fun for both kids and parents. And don’t miss the mind-blowing 360-degree view of a show at the Infinity Dome before you head out!
Explore the Glenbow
Website: https://www.glenbow.org/
Address: 130 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0P3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-268-4100
Operating hours: Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Here’s another museum to add to your list! The Glenbow is possibly Calgary’s most renowned museum – a definite must-visit in the city, particularly during the chilly and rainy months (or during any time actually!).
Here, you can explore Canada’s Indigenous history and dive into a collection of over 33,000 artworks by amazing Canadian artists. Seriously, if you love art or just want to learn more about Canadian culture, you’ve got to swing by the Glenbow Museum!
Go for a swim at Southland Leisure Centre
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Address: 2000 D Southland Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2V 4S4, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-648-6555
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
When it comes to taking a plunge, don’t let a little chill or rain stop the fun! Calgary has you covered with several awesome public swimming spots, most featuring indoor pools that are toasty warm all year round.
Among the local favorites is the Southland Leisure Centre, a go-to spot for many locals. Inside, there’s a heated indoor pool, a cool kiddie pool, and a waterpark area with a wave pool.
There’s also the AquaPlay zone and even a hot tub! Really, there’s a pool in here for everyone in your family. Prices for entry vary, ranging from $3.65 to $14 CAD based on both age and the specific pool you choose – kids aged 5 and under swim for free!
Stroll the Nickle Galleries
Website: https://nickle.ucalgary.ca/
Address: 250 University Drive, University of Calgary
Contact Details: +1 403-210-6201
Operating hours: Monday – Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Another indoor spot worth checking out is the Nickle Galleries, previously known as the Nickle Arts Museum. Nestled within the University of Calgary, this destination celebrates a wide range of artifacts and knowledge.
It’s a hub for engaging conversations about history, current happenings, and future possibilities. If you’re passionate about those topics, don’t miss out on this place!
You’ll often find cool things like ancient pottery, scrolls, and rugs on display, but they switch things up pretty often. Plus, the Nickle Galleries throw different events and activities every week that suit all sorts of ages.
So, if the rain’s pouring down, check their schedule – you might find something super interesting to dive into!
Experience indoor rock climbing
Website: https://calgaryclimbing.com/
Address: 10721 West Valley Rd SW, Calgary, AB T3B 5T2, Canada
Contact Details: +1 587-231-9116
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Indoor rock climbing is an awesome adventure too, especially when the weather’s not cooperating, like on rainy days! Don’t worry – just because you’re inside doesn’t mean it’s any less fun.
For that, head to the Calgary Climbing Centre: Rocky Mountain for a seriously huge climbing experience!
They have branches in Chinook, Stronghold, Hanger, and South Calgary. But this one is something else with its unique Climb Park that’s unlike anything you’ve seen in a climbing gym before.
If you’re planning to climb often, think about grabbing a month-long pass to save some cash. And here’s a cool bonus: after you climb, Rocky Mountain has an onsite bar where you can enjoy some local brews on tap.
Catch a Flames NHL game
Website: http://www.scotiabanksaddledome.com/
Address: 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2W1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-777-4646
The Calgary Flames are one of the city’s prides, so watching one of their games is definitely a must! The Scotiabank Saddledome hosts NHL games in Calgary. Rain or shine, you can stay indoors and immerse yourself in the excitement of the game.
Securing tickets for Flames games can be a challenge, but you can try your luck on their official website. Arrive early to grab your Calgary Flames gear and explore the sports memorabilia displayed throughout the venue.
Explore and learn at Fort Calgary
Website: http://www.fortcalgary.com/
Address: 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5E1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-290-1875
Operating hours: Friday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If a rainy day in Calgary piques your interest in the city’s story, head over to Fort Calgary. It’s a step back in time, giving you a chance to learn about the city’s development and history.
Take time to explore the fort and dive into the museum’s trove of info and artifacts. Kids can even dress as Royal Mounted Police or playfully experience ‘jail time’.
There are also special events and a Sunday brunch you wouldn’t want to miss. And for a tasty treat, swing by the oldest structure, the Deane House, where there’s a restaurant serving up delicious eats.
Sharpen your shooting skills at The Shooting Edge
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Website: http://www.theshootingedge.com/
Address: 510 77 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1C3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-720-4867
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ever feel like trying your hand at shooting, especially when the rain’s keeping you indoors? Well, here in Calgary, we’ve got just the place for that – The Shooting Edge.
At this gun range, you pay a flat rate to shoot and then for the ammo you use. What’s cool is that you can switch between guns as much as you want, getting a feel for different firearms.
Plus, The Shooting Edge has services for young customers when they’re with adults, making it a family-friendly spot!
Get your laughs at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club
Website: https://www.yukyuks.com/calgary
Address: 218 18 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1L1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-258-2028
Operating hours: Thursday: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday and Saturday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
While rain might bring on the blues for some, there’s a perfect pick-me-up for those rainy days: head over to Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club for a dose of dinner and entertainment.
This club hosts various shows throughout the week, featuring stand-up comedy, improv, and sketch comedy guaranteed to make you burst into laughter.
They offer a full bar and a limited menu of snacks to complement the laughs perfectly. If you’re interested, check their website for the schedule of activities and to see if your favorite stand-up comedian has any upcoming shows or regular appearances.
Enjoy your ‘me time’ at the Calgary Public Library
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Website: https://calgarylibrary.ca/
Address: Central Library: 800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2E7, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-260-2600
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Calgary Public Library is an incredible and free spot to spend a few minutes or hours on a rainy day in Calgary. Sure, you can find a great book and snuggle up in a cozy spot, but there’s more to the CPL than just books – especially if you’re a kid at heart!
Different CPL branches around the city have cool stuff such as theatre stages, chalkboard walls, building blocks, and light tables. At the Central Library’s Questionarium, you’ll find play structures, games, art sessions, and more.
Loads of CPL spots also have free programs for all ages such as coding, creative writing, storytime, board games, and even loom beading. Just swing by your nearby CPL to see what cool stuff they have waiting for you!
Get a whole new view at the Calgary Tower
Website: https://www.calgarytower.com/
Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1J9, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-266-7171
Operating hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Escape the cold or rain and head to Calgary Tower for that whole different angle of the city. They have this cool glass floor hanging 328 feet above the ground, giving you a jaw-dropping bird’s-eye view of Calgary and the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
And while you’re there, grab a bite at the famous Sky 360 Restaurant and Lounge. It’s a unique experience where you can enjoy the view of Calgary, as the restaurant slowly spins around.