Table of Contents
A Day of Fun at Calaway Park in Calgary
If you’ve ever craved that perfect mix of cotton candy sugar rush, childhood nostalgia, and heart-racing coaster screams, let me tell you, Calaway Park has it in spades. On a sunny Saturday (the kind where the clouds politely stay out of the way), I decided it was finally time to visit one of the Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park. As someone who now calls Calgary home, it felt like a local rite of passage. Plus, I had heard that Calaway Park is one of those spots where fun meets affordability, and who can say no to that combo?
Nestled just 10 minutes west of Calgary, Calaway Park is a colorful burst of joy with over 30 rides, games, live entertainment, and all the funnel cake you could dream of. Whether you’re rolling in with toddlers, teens, or just your inner child, it promises a day full of laughter and sweet summer chaos.
Love theme parks as much as I do? Don’t miss my blog on the Top 10 Best Amusement Parks in the World You Need to Visit at Least Once, perfect for planning your next thrill-filled adventure!
First Impressions & Entry Experience
Getting there was a breeze, a quick, scenic drive along the Trans-Canada Highway with views of the Rockies teasing from the distance. Parking was free (yay!), and entry was smooth thanks to friendly staff and well-marked signs. The layout is refreshingly easy to navigate, with colorful paths leading you from one zone of fun to the next. They also have a nice app to guide you through park and all amenities as well as some fun AR camera to click interactive pictures in some of their AR photo zone.
As I walked through the gates, I was instantly hit by the nostalgic aroma of popcorn and sunscreen. Kids were squealing on nearby rides, music was floating through the air, and honestly? I caught myself smiling like a 10-year-old at recess.
Best Rides and Attractions for All Ages
Let’s talk rides, because that’s the heart of Calaway Park.
The Vortex was my first thrill of the day. This classic corkscrew rollercoaster delivered the perfect dose of adrenaline. Screams? Check. Sudden drops? Absolutely. It’s not the biggest coaster I’ve ever been on, but it held its own with fun loops and sharp turns.
Next up was Timber Falls, a log ride that’s equal parts relaxing and splashy chaos. You drift through peaceful scenery and then, bam! that final drop soaks you. I recommend doing this early so you have time to dry off.
Ocean Motion is the swinging pirate ship that’ll have your stomach doing flips. It’s one of those rides that looks tame until you’re mid-air gripping the seat bar.
But the surprise favorite? Bumble Blast, a spinning coaster that twirls you mid-track. It’s like a dizzy dance party on rails.
For younger visitors, there’s a treasure trove of age-appropriate fun:
- The Carousel and Balloon Ascension for the tiniest thrill-seekers
- Mini Express (adorable little train!) and Tot Yachts for toddlers
- Haunted Hotel (mildly spooky, mostly goofy)
Families with teens can try Air Gliders, Chaos, and Dream Machine, a trippy spinning experience that left me both laughing and slightly woozy.
Food, Shows, and Surprises at Canada’s Largest Outdoor Amusement Park
Food-wise, it was all about the mini donuts for me, hot, cinnamon-sugary, and the exact kind of guilty pleasure that defines amusement park dining. I also grabbed a burger combo from one of the food courts, which was surprisingly fresh and filling.
If you’re after shady spots to chill and munch, there are plenty of picnic tables and covered areas, a blessing on those toasty summer afternoons. And the best thing I found is there are Ice-cream stalls everywhere to keep you chilled in the hot sunny day.
As for entertainment, there were live shows happening throughout the day, including fun stage acts for kids and roaming performers that kept the vibe festive. I also wander through the gift shop for some classic souvenirs, because apparently, I now own a Calaway Park fridge magnet.
And don’t skip the Game Zone! From ring tosses to water-gun races, I may or may not have spent way too much time (and cash) trying to win a giant stuffed llama. There’s also a retro-style arcade with pinball machines, claw games, and air hockey, perfect for a nostalgic flashback or some indoor fun if it rains.
Planning a Canadian adventure? Make sure to check out my Calgary blog, where vibrant city life meets epic outdoor escapes!
Helpful Tips Before You Visit Calaway Park
- Go early: Beat the crowds and make the most of cooler morning temps
- Weekdays are your best bet if you want shorter lines and more ride time. However it’s open during weekdays only during selected months, so check the schedule in their website before planning your visit.
- What to pack: Sunscreen, a hat, refillable water bottle, and maybe a poncho (for the water rides, or surprise Alberta weather)
- Set a food budget: While prices are pretty fair, it adds up quick if you’ve got hungry kids in tow. You may also consider to carry your own food from home.
- Accessibility: The park is stroller-friendly and has plenty of washrooms and family areas
When to Visit & Ticket Prices
Calaway Park is open seasonally, usually from late May to early October. Hours vary slightly, but generally, it runs from 10 AM to 7 PM in the peak of summer.
Tickets:
- Single-Day Admission: ~$53.95 (plus GST) if purchased online in advance
- Season Pass: ~$69.99 (plus GST) till May 20th and 149.95 (plus GST) after that, yes, you read that right
Check the updated ticket price here https://www.calawaypark.com/admission/admission-prices/
If you’re in or around Calgary, the season pass is a total steal. For just a few dollars more than a single ticket, you can come back all summer long. I grabbed one myself and already have plans to return with visiting friends and family. Unlimited visits + no pressure to “do it all in one day” = my kind of summer fun.
Why Calaway Park is Perfect for a Family Day Out
No, it’s not as massive or high-tech as places I have visited before like Universal Studios, Disneyland Hong Kong, or Imagica India, but that’s kind of the charm. Calaway Park is local, laid-back, and packed with character. It’s the kind of place where you can ride a coaster, share cotton candy, and laugh till your face hurts, without spending a fortune or needing a vacation to recover from your vacation.
It’s ideal for families, date days, birthday adventures, or just spontaneous outings when the sun’s shining and you need a dose of joy.
Final Thoughts: Would I Go Again?
Honestly? Yes. I’ve been to some epic amusement parks, Universal Studios Singapore, Disneyland Hong Kong, even Imagica in India. And while Calaway Park isn’t quite on that scale, it doesn’t try to be. It’s a charming, budget-friendly, feel-good escape for families, couples, or solo explorers like me craving a dose of childhood magic.
Living in Calgary, buying the season pass was a no-brainer. I’m already planning a return trip with a picnic basket and a few cousins in tow.
📣 Have you been to Calaway Park? Got a favorite ride or snack? Drop your stories or questions in the comments, and if you’re planning a visit, feel free to ask anything! Don’t forget to bookmark this post or follow along for more travel ideas in Alberta and beyond. Let’s ride!
Discover more from Voyagenic
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
