Calaway Park, western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park, is celebrating 40+1 years of fun and I am a little embarrassed to admit that I have never visited before. Located 10km west of Calgary in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Calaway Park is highly visible from the Trans-Canada highway. We have driven past dozens of times but never thought to stop. I am glad we decided to finally spend a full day at Calaway Park because it was so much fun!
We started with a couple of little kiddie rides near the entrance. Evelyn was super excited that she could ride (mini) bumper cars all by herself while her brother stood by to watch because he was too tall. (It’s usually the other way around where she’s too short to ride with her brother.) Most of the little kid rides are suitable for children ages 3 and up. An adult is required to ride with younger children although older siblings of a certain height can be the accompanying rider for their shorter siblings.
We took a break for lunch at Burger Bistro, one of three fast-food walk-up style restaurants. The menu had a variety of hamburgers to choose from including veggie burgers as well as chicken strips, hot dogs, smokies, poutines and a kid’s menu. Prices were a tad expensive, which is to be expected. Seating at the outdoor patio was first-come first-serve.
Calaway Park has scheduled live entertainment shows that are 20 to 25 minutes in length and a cinematic 3D movie in an air-conditioned theatre with showtimes every 45 minutes. We skipped both since the kids were more interested in going on as many rides as they could.
We saved the best ride, Timber Falls, for last. The line for this ride starts the moment the park opens and stays consistently long through to closing. There is no way to get around the 45 minute wait but trust me, the ride is worth the wait. Fair warning: you will get wet!
We wrapped up our day with a few games and won a couple of prizes. For little kiddos, we recommend the fishing game as everyone wins a prize. Don’t feel too bummed out if you don’t win a prize as some of the prizes are available for purchase at the gift shop.
Conclusion? A super fun day! So much that we made a declaration to return next summer!
Calaway Park Tips
Here are some tips to make your visit to Calaway Park more enjoyable and stress-free.
Purchase your admission tickets in advance online where prices are generally $10 less than at the gate.
Groups of 12 or more receive even steeper discounts by booking a group outing. This offer is only available by calling and speaking to a Group Sales Representative.
If you have little kids, be sure to bring your stroller or rent one from the gift shop near the entrance. Single strollers are $9 per day and double strollers are $12 per day.
Wear weather appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes. While flip flops aren’t frowned upon, your feet will be screaming at the end of the day from all the walking.
Wear sunscreen and hats. There aren’t many places in the park with shade covers so the sun can be unbearable in the summer. In fact, bring your sunscreen and re-apply as often as needed.
You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks into the park. If you’re bringing water bottles, bring chilled ones or reusable insulated bottles to keep the water cool. Be careful choosing what you bring for lunch as you’ll be in the sun all day in the summer and you don’t want the food to spoil.
Go early and choose a week day, Monday to Thursday, to avoid large crowds because smaller crowds mean shorter lines!
If you go right when the park opens, you may want to consider riding Timber Falls and The Vortex roller coaster first before the line starts.
Bring a changes of clothes and a towel if you plan on visiting the spray park because walking around in soggy clothes won't be fun.
Study the park map before or when you arrive to scope out where all the washrooms are located.
Don’t buy any souvenirs until you’re ready to leave to avoid hauling around bags and bulky items around the park.
Don’t try to do everything—you are there to have fun and create memories, not “go” on every ride on the map.
Comments