February may still feel cold in Calgary, but there are plenty of fun indoor and outdoor winter activities to keep families busy.
From theatre shows and festivals to outdoor adventures at the zoo, there is something for kids of all ages to enjoy with their parents and caregivers during the first week of February 2024.
Curling On St. Patrick’s Island (Jan 26 – Feb 24)
Glide down the ice at East Village’s pop-up curling rinks on St. Patrick’s Island, near the Calgary Zoo parking lot. Experienced curlers and newbies alike can give the roaring game a go on these synthetic surfaces with picture-perfect views of the downtown skyline. It’s a free event, but you can rent equipment if needed and enjoy winter fun for the whole family.
After working up an appetite, cross the river to Village Ice Cream and warm up with their signature Belgian hot chocolate, voted among the best in Calgary.
Location: St. Patrick’s Island Park & Confluence Plaza
Jubilations Junior Dinner Theatre Presents: Beach Barbie’s Birthday Bash (Feb 3 – March 23)
When Barbie’s sister’s beach birthday venue gets sold out from under her, this imaginative Jubilations musical asks kids to help figure out how to throw the perfect bash in a new location. With upbeat singalongs and interactive play, little ones are sure to have a splashing good time at this popular dinner theatre’s latest show.
Pair the fun with Jubilations’ kid-pleasing pizza, mac and cheese, chicken tenders and cupcakes served during matinee performances.
Interactive Fun for All Ages
Jubilations musical shows encourage audience participation through song, dance and games, making every show unique. Your kids can join in the beach birthday bash fun in this entertaining Barbie performance.
Location: Jubilations Dinner Theatre
Tickets are $42 to $45. You can buy them here.
Loose Moose Theatre Presents Thumbelina (Feb 3 – 25)
The Loose Moose Theatre brings the classic fairy tale Thumbelina to life in an imaginative 50-minute production perfect for kids aged four to ten. Through puppets, masks, inventive sets and catchy songs, children can step into the miniature world of Thumbelina as she searches for her real home.
This charming show promises laughter and adventure the whole family can appreciate.
Craft Time After the Show
Stick around after the performance for a Thumbelina-inspired craft activity. Kids can let their creativity run wild, making their own miniature fairy tale items to take home. Tickets start at $18.89, and you can purchase them at Eventbrite.
Location: Loose Moose Theatre
YYC Hot Chocolate Fest (All Feb)
Satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting a good cause at the annual YYC Hot Chocolate Fest. Over 120 venues including Cococo Chocolatiers, Lukes Drug Mart, and Buzzards Restaurant will be there with cocoa concoctions. The proceeds also support Mealshare food programs. Enjoy live entertainment and sweet treats the whole family will love.
The festival runs all of February, so pace your hot chocolate pit stops accordingly! Find out more at their website.
Sweet Stops for Kids
Kid-friendly hot chocolate stops include Cococo Chocolatiers, Lukes Drug Mart, and Waldo’s Calgary. Enjoy live music, games, prizes and sweet treats perfect for little ones.
Location: Various Locations
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – Penguin Walk (All Feb to Mid-March)
The king penguins at the Calgary Zoo take a waddling winter stroll past polar bears and other cold-weather creatures, showing off their tuxedo feathers.
Visitors can see these charismatic birds up close on their daily walks as zookeepers provide outdoor enrichment. Don’t miss this chance for kids to see penguins on the move! You just need entry tickets to the zoo.
Other Zoo Winter Activities
In addition to the penguin walk, families can check out the winter zoo classes and catch a ride on the wildlife carousel during their visit. The zoo offers fun learning opportunities all season long.
Location: Calgary Zoo
Heritage Park Storytime (All the way to April)
Heritage Park invites kids to imagine themselves as early Calgary settlers during special winter story times held on-site in various historical buildings. Volunteer readers entertain little ones with classic tales and modern favourites. Participants can create story-inspired crafts incorporating materials like sheepskin, clay, wood and stitching that would have been available on the Canadian frontier.
Don’t forget to explore other hands-on exhibits at Heritage Park after story time, like gold panning, printing presses and the fully functional steam engine. Get Storytime tickets here!
Winter Wonderland at Heritage Park
Don’t forget to check out Heritage Park’s magical Winter Wonderland display while you’re there to marvel at the glittering lights and festive scenes sure to delight all ages.
Location: Heritage Park
Rock the Nation at Studio Bell
This live musical production at Studio Bell Music Centre has families clapping and toe-tapping their way through decades of iconic Canadian tunes. From folk to pop to rock and more, this energetic show celebrates diverse homegrown talent appealing to all family members.
Interactive Music Exhibits
Explore Studio Bell’s vast collection of musical artifacts before or after the Rock the Nation performance. Kids can play instruments, sing karaoke, and immerse themselves in Canada’s vibrant music scene. Get tickets here!
Location: Studio Bell Music Centre
Hygge Hut on River Walk (All the Way to March)
Inspired by the Danish concept of coziness, the contemporary Hygge Hut popup offers families a relaxing winter retreat. Kids can warm up by the fire, participate in crafts and games, or just snuggle in and enjoy hot chocolate while parents unwind under twinkling lights. Find out about the hours here.
Outdoor Skating Nearby
Bring your skates and hit the rink at Simmons Building after hitting the hygge hut. This outdoor ice offers stunning views of the city skyline!
Location: East Village River Walk
Chinese New Year Festival 2024 (February 3, 4, 10, 11, & More)
Ring in the Year of the Rabbit with lion dances, cultural crafts, performances and delicious food. Families can embrace the bright colours and festive sounds of this important Chinese celebration right in the heart of downtown Calgary. Welcome spring and good fortune at this lively community gathering. It’s free to attend!
Make Your Own Lanterns
Kids can get creative decorating traditional red lanterns with Chinese symbols and their hopes for the new year. Take home these handmade crafts reminding you of your cultural experience.
Location: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
Toddler Time at Fort Calgary (Feb 2, 9, 16, & 23)
The littlest historians can enjoy storytimes, crafts and colouring related to Calgary’s early years. Parents can help kids ages five and under gain an appreciation for local heritage through these interactive Toddler Time activities at Fort Calgary. Tickets are free for kids and $10 for grownups.
Explore the Fort Grounds
After storytime, bundle up and explore the grounds, peek inside historical buildings, and imagine what fort life was like for early Calgary settlers and their children.
Location: Fort Calgary
Conclusion
From theatre shows and Chinatown celebrations to outdoor adventures, hot chocolate stops and heritage story times, Calgary offers many family-friendly activities to fill the first week of February 2024.
Get the kids, cover them in warm layers, and make lasting memories experiencing all the city in winter.
Stay tuned to our blog for more!