Exploring the Calgary Zoo
Exploring the Calgary Zoo with Three Little Ones
Our family recently set off on a full day at the Calgary Zoo with our kids—ages 3, 1, and 4.5 months—and it was the perfect blend of adventure, learning, and memorable family time. From spotting the towering giraffes and giggling at the playful penguins to hearing the lions roar, this outing was as thrilling for us as it was for the kids. Watching their reactions to each animal encounter turned an already special day into something truly unforgettable.
Why the Calgary Zoo is Perfect for Families
The Calgary Zoo has fantastic family-friendly attractions that really engage kids of all ages:
Penguin Plunge: The kids were mesmerized by the penguins zipping through the water. They laughed and pointed, completely entertained by the penguins’ playful antics.
Destination Africa: Between the giraffes, lions, and gorillas, this area quickly became a favorite. Our 3-year-old was especially enchanted by the tigers and flamingos, while our 1-year-old found her joy in imitating the lion’s roar.
The Bug Park: The playground areas inside the zoo are perfectly placed for rest and recharge. We spent about 45 minutes here, and it was also a perfect spot to pause and breastfeed our 4.5-month-old, who happily took in the sights from the stroller or carrier.
Best Tips for a Family-Friendly Zoo Outing
When to Visit
Plan for the zoo to be your main activity for the day! We spent nearly seven hours exploring, and we could have stayed longer. Arriving early is ideal, especially on weekends. If you can swing a weekday it is generally less crowded and a bit calmer.
Packing Essentials
For our visit, these must-haves made all the difference:
Healthy Snacks: The kids needed fuel to keep up with all the walking and excitement, so we packed snacks to keep their energy up. This is also a really great way to make the zoo more budget-friendly, which we love!
Extra Layers: The weather, and kids, can be unpredictable, so extra clothes mean everyone can be comfortable even if we have some spills along the way.
Hydration: We made sure to bring both water and milk bottles to keep the kids hydrated throughout the day. A coffee or hot chocolate is also handy for parents in these cooler months!
Stroller & Carrier: Our double stroller was perfect for navigating the zoo’s paths, which were plenty wide. Bringing both the stroller and a baby carrier means we are prepared for anything with our three girls. The zoo also offers it easy to keep everyone comfortable, and I’d highly recommend parents plan to bring equipment that works for their kids’ ages and needs.
Must-See Animals
Tigers & Flamingos: These were the absolute favorites for our 3-year-old, who’s still talking about them!
Lions: Our 1-year-old’s highlight was watching and imitating the lions’ powerful roars.
Giraffes: All three (well definitely the two older ones) kids were captivated by the giraffes’ long necks, especially getting to see these gentle giants up close.
What to Expect During Your Visit
The Calgary Zoo is large, so take your time and pace yourself with breaks. The playgrounds and indoor garden are great spots to relax and recharge, and there’s a restaurant and coffee shop for snacks or meals. The Dinosaur Exhibit was closed during our visit, so we’re already looking forward to going back!
What the Zoo has to offer: Accessibility and Family Amenities
The Calgary Zoo offers a range of family-focused amenities to make visiting with little ones easier and more enjoyable:
Wagon Rentals: For families with children needing a break from all the walking, wagons are available for rent at the North Gift Shop by the North Gate for a fee of $10. These are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive early as they can’t be reserved in advance.
Changing Stations and Care Room: Diaper-changing facilities are available in every washroom across the zoo grounds. There’s also a dedicated care room at Kitamba Cafe, where families can find a sink, a universal change table, a baby changing area, and seating—a convenient, private space for feeding or tending to little ones.
Sensory Kits: Designed for visitors who may feel overwhelmed at times, sensory kits are available free of charge from the North Gift Shop. These kits include fidget items, tactile toys, and noise-canceling headphones, all aimed at helping guests feel comfortable during their visit. Sensory kits can be borrowed throughout the day and simply returned by closing time at 5 p.m.
They have truly thought of it all, with these amenities so readily available you should be ale to have a comfortable and relaxing day at the zoo, no matter whats thrown your way!
Final Thoughts
Exploring the Calgary Zoo with our kids made for a wonderful day of bonding and discovery. If you’re looking for a family-friendly outing that will spark curiosity and joy in your little ones, I highly recommend the Calgary Zoo. 🧡🌿
