So-o-o, you have the kids home for the next two weeks and are looking for some activities that will keep them away from the TV and computer. There is so much to see and do, your problem will be making a choice.
Calgary Public Library has free programs during the break. The library is offering everything from holiday music and storytimes to video games and giant chess. Check out our Programs page to see what is offered near you! And don't forget to stock up on all the wonderful books and movies available through the library.
Heritage Park has closed their main gates for the winter but just outside the gates you will find the Haskayne Mercantile Store, Railway Cafe and Gasoline Alley Museum open year round. If you have a car crazy kid, you will want to visit Gasoline Alley. It is a hands-on, interactive museum with vintage automobiles and a storytime every Tuesday morning at 10:30. They are celebrating the holiday with Winter CARnival from December 27 - January 8.
For the military buffs in the family, visit the Military Museums of Calgary. And for your child who is fascinated by airplanes, there is the Aerospace Museum and Spaceport.
The Calgary Zoo is offering their fantastic Zoo Lights display until January 7th, excluding Christmas Day. There is a storytime on Thursday, January 5th from 11:00 - 11:30. And, of course, you can come to see the animals every day from 9:00 - 5:00, except for Christmas Day.
Fort Calgary, with its lively interpretive centre is open over the holiday season from 9:00 - 5:00, except for January 1, December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1.
Telus Spark, the new Science Centre, offers many interactive activities, including the Creative Kids Museum. Be sure to check the special holiday hours.
And don't forget the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum at Canada Olympic park and the Glenbow Museum with its marvellous exhibits of Canadian Western heritage.
The City of Calgary offers a listing of outdoor cross-country skiing, skating rinks and tobogganing hills, which may or may not have snow if this lovely warm weather continues. Perhaps it will be hiking rather than skiing.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is always a great day trip. Find out more by checking our recent blog, Walking with the Dinosaurs. Don't forget to check for the holiday hours.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump also makes for a great day trip.
You can always look to the mountains if there is no snow in Calgary. Find out all the great activities through the Banff-Lake Louise site.
You can find coupons for some of the above attractions at www.calgaryattractions.com. (Most of them expire by the end of 2011)
Happy Holidays!!