Spending the day at an amusement or water park is a classic summer activity. And luckily, there are at least five parks within a short drive of Calgary that promise plenty of fun. Whether you’re looking to cool down in a wave pool or spend the day riding roller coasters, these indoor and outdoor options are sure to please.
Calaway Park
Driving time from Calgary: Approximately 30 minutes
Located on the edge of Calgary, Calaway Park is the largest outdoor amusement park in Western Canada. There are more than 30 rides ranging from classics like bumper cars to water attractions like the Timber Falls log ride. Park patrons can also spend time cooling down in the spray park, watching a film in the 3D theatre, playing games and more.
245033 Range Road 33, Calgary, 403-240-3822, calawaypark.com
Discovery Canyon
Driving time from Calgary: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
On a hot summer day, spending some quality time at Discovery Canyon in Red Deer might be just what your family needs. Open from June to the September long weekend, this outdoor water park is a great spot for floating on an inflatable tube, cooling down in the wading pool or lounging on the accessible beach and boardwalk.
3800 River Bend Dr., Red Deer, 403-343-6341 ext. 105, reddeer.ca
Galaxyland
Driving time from Calgary: Approximately three hours
The largest indoor amusement park in North America can be found right here in Alberta. Located within West Edmonton Mall, Galaxyland is home to 27 ride attractions that range from beginner (like the play park or bumper cars) to advanced (like the Space Shot tower ride). If you need a break from the rides, you can try your hand at a variety of other activities, such as arcade games or the indoor climbing wall. And, of course, when you’re done at the park, there’s always the option to do some shopping in the iconic shopping mall.
West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 St. N.W., Edmonton, 780-444-5321, wem.ca
Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash
Driving time from Calgary: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
This inflatable, floating water park at Sylvan Lake opens for the summer on July 1. The bright yellow, green and blue structure features a 15-foot tower, an overhanging climbing wall and slide, an oversized trampoline, a wiggle bridge, monkey swing bars and more. Guests can sign up for one-hour, half-day or full-day passes.
5104 Lakeshore Dr., Sylvan Lake, 587-377-4386, sylvanlakeaquasplash.ca
World Waterpark
Driving time from Calgary: Approximately three hours
Galaxyland isn’t the only park located inside West Edmonton Mall — there’s also the World Waterpark, which boasts a huge indoor wave pool, more than 17 waterslides and plenty of lounge chairs if you just want to relax. You can even ride a zipline across the wave pool in groups of up to four people.
West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 St. N.W., Edmonton, 780-444-5321, wem.ca