How do you lift large amounts of sand or water? What goes into designing an amusement park ride? Kids learn best when they can apply learning to everyday issues. And it's amazing to watch these bright young minds solve real-life problems! It's time to take learning beyond the classroom with the APEGA Science Olympics. 

The APEGA Science Olympics are an interactive, interschool, science-packed event that helps students in grades 1-12 engage fully in their education, allowing them to succeed and thrive in our fast-paced, technological world. They'll put their creativity and science knowledge to the test and develop new skills by turning everyday objects into engineering marvels and geoscience wonders. Plus, it's fun!

The Calgary event takes place at the Olympic Oval on May 29, 2027, and students need to register by March 28, 2027. Once registered, teams will receive the Classroom Challenge details by email. The earlier kids register, the more time they have to problem-solve. Our young geoscientists and engineers are innovative and creative—you'll be amazed at their accomplishments!

https://youtu.be/wKdQK6XRt-E

What Is It?

Unlike a science fair, where students develop and test a hypothesis, the APEGA Science Olympics challenges participants to solve problems. Students connect with real-life applications and are introduced to the engineering and geoscience professions. All challenges were developed by workgroups of APEGA professional engineers and professional geoscientists, with the help of local teachers. They relate to the Alberta school curriculum in every grade. Plus, they show the fun and practical side of engineering and geoscience, and how they impact our everyday lives.

The Challenges

The Science Olympic participants are given real-life challenges.  Communication, teamwork, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills are the natural outcomes of their projects, as students work in teams of five.

Volunteers who are members of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) will evaluate participant prototypes against a given list of criteria.

Of course, there is always more than one way to solve a problem! Participants ask questions, dive into research, and tap into their imagination before they plan, create, test, and improve. It's the pinnacle of hands-on learning.

What Next? Register Your Team

It's time! Make sure you register by March 28, 2027. Talk to your kids, talk to their teachers, and register for hands-on learning, creativity, and discovery. Just imagine what they can do!

APEGA Science Olympics:

Date: May 29, 2027 (Registration closes on March 28, 2027)
Time: 9 AM - 6 PM
Venue: Olympic Oval
Address: 288 Collegiate Blvd NW, Calgary, AB
Website: apega.ca/scienceolympics

The post Your Young Geoscientists and Engineers Will Amaze You at the APEGA Science Olympics appeared first on Family Fun Calgary.

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Find the Best Weekend Events in Calgary

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Classes for Kids: Best Lessons in Calgary

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Fall Family Fun Guide

Find everything you need for fall family fun with help from our guide!

Halloween Events

Calgary has Halloween activities and festivities for kids of all ages, from tots to teens. Let us help you find the BEST Halloween events in Calgary so your 2026 Halloween season includes lots of fangtastic family fun!

Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes

Find some outdoor fall fun -- the kids can burn off their energy and you can get some great pictures!

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Head out for a family dinner and save some money with help from our Kids Eat Free (Or Cheap) Guide.

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Treats, costumes, and a shiver of excitement -- Halloween is a kid-favourite holiday, but it's even better when the whole family can join a WILD adventure! Head to ZooBOO at the Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo. Your little ones can dress up in 'fang-tastic' costumes and celebrate Halloween with their favourite zoo animals! ZooBOO is the climax of fall fun, from October 31 - November 1, 2026.

The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo is a favourite Calgary destination for both tourists and locals. With over 4,000 animals spread across 125 acres, the zoo is a diverse and lovely place to visit any time of year.  With playgrounds, shops and concessions, gardens, and special events, there's something to enjoy in every season. More importantly, Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo is passionate about wildlife conservation and preserving wild places for generations to come. They are internationally recognized for their leadership in the science of saving endangered species. You become a partner in conservation when you support the zoo.

What to Expect at ZooBOO

Halloween is on Saturday this year, making the ZooBOO celebrations on October 31 & November 1, 2026, even more exciting! This 'paw-some' family day out supports wildlife conservation and is filled with unique activities. In the spirit of the season, everyone is encouraged to dress up. And while the day holds the excitement of treat stations for little adventurers, there are tons of other fun things happening!

🎃 The zoo's theatre group, the Wilder Bunch, will be performing on the Savannah Lawn.
🎃 Fill your ZooBOO Safari Card with stamps as you journey through the zoo.
🎃 Help fill in the Monster Mural in the Brawn Family Foundation River Lodge.
🎃 Enjoy a fresh produce treat, thanks to the fa-BOO-lous sponsor, Calgary Produce Marketing Association.

There are also special members-only activities. Wild Journey Members can join the Pumpkin Pursuit Scavenger Hunt and enter to win great prizes! Plus, there will be a member-only treat station.

ZooBOO Halloween weekend is included with regular daily admission, so dress up and discover incredible wildlife from around the world! Trick-or-treating becomes a WILD adventure with ZooBOO at the Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo, and you'll enjoy a fabulous fall family day. Get your tickets for a hauntingly good time!

ZooBOO:

Date: October 31 - November 1, 2026
Time: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Venue: Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo
Address: 210 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-232-9300
Website: www.calgaryzoo.com

The post Join the WILDEST Halloween Adventure! It’s ZooBOO at the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo appeared first on Family Fun Calgary.

Taking the family to a movie isn't cheap--even before you purchase popcorn and drinks! Catching a Cineplex Family Favourites movie is a great way to enjoy a classic family movie at a great price every Saturday morning! Admission to Cineplex Family Favourites is only $3.99* (in-theatre price) per person, making this a great way to enjoy the weekend with your family.

Tickets go on sale on the Friday before the showing

October Movies

October 3: Coraline
October 10: Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie
October 17: The Magic Faraway Tree
October 24: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

*Tickets are $3.99 +tax, if purchased at the theatre. If purchased online, tickets are $3.99 for Cineclub members (booking fee waived), $4.99 for Scene+ members ($3.99 + $1.00 booking fee), or $5.49 for all other online purchases ($3.99 + $1.50 booking fee). The online booking fee allows for advanced seat selection and shareable digital tickets and applies to the first 4 tickets purchased in a transaction. All prices are + tax.

Please be sure to double-check before you go, as fees and movies are subject to change. 

Cineplex Family Favourites:

Date: Saturdays
Time: Around 11 am; Times may vary by theatre
Venue: Participating Cineplex Theatre
Website: www.cineplex.com

The post Watch a Cineplex Family Favourite Flick on the Big Screen appeared first on Family Fun Calgary.

Bare branches scrape the sky on a cold, windy night. A goblin slips around the corner, a black cat disappears into the darkness, and then a giggling ghost says, "Trick or treat!" The Halloween season is here! But you already know that --  kids go crazy for Halloween, and who can blame them? It's all about costumes, candy, and creepy fun!

But not too creepy. Calgary has Halloween activities and festivities for kids of all ages, from tots to teens. Let us help you find the BEST Halloween events in Calgary so your 2026 Halloween season includes lots of fangtastic family fun!

Blue Grass Nursery Pumpkin Fest

October 10, 2026 | Fall means pumpkins and family fun, with cozy sweaters and brilliant photo ops! When you head to the Pumpkin Fest at the Blue Grass Garden Centre, you’ll enjoy a jam-packed day filled with autumn delights. Even better, it’s also a chance to support young superheroes at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. This fun family event has pumpkins and kid-favourite autumn activities. Who’s ready for a smashing good time?!

Read more about it here.

Butterfield Acres' Harvest Pumpkin Fest

October Weekends 2026 | The Butterfield Acres Harvest Pumpkin Fest is the perfect fall outing for young families, and you can find it every weekend throughout October! There’s so much for the kids to do at Butterfield Acres: visit the animals, spot the scarecrows, and search for the perfect pumpkin to make a Halloween jack-o’-lantern. Plus, you’ll get some wonderful fall photos!

Read more about it here.

Calaway Park Halloweekends

Fall Weekends until October 12, 2026 | It’s time for gorgeous foliage, costumes, and Halloweekends at Calaway Park! Enjoy fall and celebrate Halloween early -- it's all about family-friendly fun with rides, costumes, and wonderful memories. Be sure to stop by Hallotown, with different scenes and activities. Do you dare stroll through it? Of course! It’s not scary, it’s friendly!

Read more about it here.

Cobb's Adventure Park

October Weekends | Halloween is just around the corner, bringing with it all the frightful, fall fun you can hope for! At Cobb’s Adventure Park, everyone in your family can find something they love. Maybe you want to carve a whimsical jack-o’-lantern and get some amazing fall photos at Pumpkin Palooza (it’s perfect for all ages!).

Read more about it here.

Pumpkins After Dark

September 25 - October 31, 2026 | It’s time to step into Halloween magic! As the sun sets, the jack-o’-lanterns start to glow at Pumpkins After Dark, Canada’s largest Halloween festival. This family-friendly, walk-through experience offers fun for all ages. Pumpkin sculptures and displays are lit and curated to music, sounds, and special effects. Use the code ‘FAMILYFUN’ for 15% off!

Read more about it here.

The Hangar Flight Museum

October 30 - November 1, 2026 | It’s time to find your costume, grab your magnifying glass, and get your tickets to the Haunted Pumpkin Hunt at The Hangar Flight Museum! This frightfully fun Halloween celebration is for the whole family, in an extra-special environment. Join a scavenger hunt, play games, and make a craft. Don’t forget to visit your favourite aircraft while there!

Read more about it here.

Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo ZooBOO

October 31 & November 1, 2026 | Treats, costumes, and a shiver of excitement — Halloween is a kid-favourite holiday, but it’s even better when the whole family can join a WILD adventure! Head to ZooBOO at the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo. Your little ones can dress up in ‘fang-tastic’ costumes and celebrate Halloween with their favourite zoo animals! ZooBOO is the climax of fall fun, from October 31 – November 1, 2026.

Read more about it here.

BOO Your Neighbour {FREE Printable}

This October, take this idea from Family Fun Edmonton and push aside all the problems you can't solve. Instead, do something to add a glimmer to someone's life! It's time to BOO your neighbour! BOOing your friends and neighbours is the perfect (sneaky!) way to add some sweet excitement to life this Halloween. Literally! And we've made it even easier with a FREE We’ve Been BOOed/You’ve Been BOOed printable at the end of the article.

Read more about it here.

Favourite Local Candy Stores

Candy stores have something iconic about them. It’s a child’s wonderland, with sugary sweet delights that are often colourful and always delicious. Even adults can’t always resist the candy store's lure, especially when they find nostalgic sweets that bring back happy, carefree childhood days. Sure, you can buy candy at any corner store or supermarket, but for something special this Halloween, check out one of these candy stores.

Read more about it here.

Indoor Trick-or-Treating

COMING SOON | Halloween means trick-or-treating and CANDY for all those excited kids! Local malls in the Calgary area sometimes offer indoor trick-or-treating, and it’s a great alternative for younger children. And, of course, Calgary weather being what it is, it’s lovely to be inside if the weather ends up being exceptionally cold!

Read more about it here.

Pumpkin Patches Guide

Fall is so short in Calgary, you have to make the most of the season! Two of the season’s most iconic symbols are a nice big pumpkin and a juicy cob of corn, so here are the best places in Calgary to find your favourite pumpkin and/or challenge yourself with a journey through a corn maze. Plus, these are great places for amazing photos!

Read more about it here.

Trunk or Treat Event Guide

COMING SOON | Have you visited a Halloween Trunk or Treat event? With a tricky twist on Halloween fun, some communities are beginning to offer FREE events where you visit Halloween-decorated vehicles for treats — sometimes sweet treats and occasionally non-food treats. There are often extra activities as well, and it’s a great way to get out in your community.

Read more about it here.

Looking for more? Find all our Halloween events here.

The post BOO! Find the Best Halloween Events in Calgary appeared first on Family Fun Calgary.

Experience magical moments at the Banff Gondola with Autumn Above from October 2 to November 15, 2026. This cozy event brings marshmallow roasting, hot cider, crafts, and a photography challenge to the top of Sulphur Mountain. There will be art workshops on Saturdays, live music on Sundays, and seasonal menus at the summit restaurants.

Autumn Above at the Banff Gondola:

Date: October 2 - November 15, 2026
Time: 12 - 4 PM
Where: Banff Gondola
Address: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Website: www.banffjaspercollection.com

The post Banff Gondola Autumn Above appeared first on Family Fun Calgary.

It's time to find your costume, grab your magnifying glass, and get your tickets to the Haunted Pumpkin Hunt at The Hangar Flight Museum! This frightfully fun Halloween celebration is for the whole family, in an extra-special environment. Join a scavenger hunt, play games, and make a craft. Don't forget to visit your favourite aircraft while there!

The Hangar Flight Museum is home to Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, which showcases the remarkable stories of the inspiring men and women who pioneered Canada's aviation history. You'll see aviation history come to life as you learn about the trailblazers who reached for the skies. Be inspired by the heroes who fought for Canada from the air or by adventurers who set their sights on outer space. It's even more fun when you can visit a special event like the Haunted Pumpkin Hunt!

The Haunted Pumpkin Hunt

All the special Halloween excitement at The Hangar takes place from October 30 to November 1, 2026. The activities are designed for kids ages 3-11, but all ages are welcome to join the fun! You'll go on a scavenger hunt for the missing pumpkins, play a Halloween-themed bingo, and create a flying ghost to take home. Who-o-o-o-o-o!

Also, everyone who arrives in a recognizable costume will receive $3 off the regular admission price. Start making your plans, because the best group costume will be entered to win a Family Membership valued at $95! Membership perks include free admission for your family (2 adults and up to 4 children), access to member events, discounts, and more!

If you have a little one ages 2 - 5, you can also check out the Halloween Fly Babies on October 29, 2026.

Are you ready to get hunting? Buy your tickets, grab your little monsters, and plan heartwarming family fun at The Hangar Flight Museum Haunted Pumpkin Hunt!

[caption id="attachment_366703" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Check out the De Havilland Vampire![/caption]

The Hangar Flight Museum -- Haunted Pumpkin Hunt:

Date: October 30 - November 1, 2026
Time: 10 AM - 4 PM
Venue: The Hangar Flight Museum
Address: 4629 McCall Way NE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-250-3752
Website: www.thehangarmuseum.ca/upcoming-events

The post The Hangar Flight Museum Haunted Pumpkin Hunt is Sweet Family Fun! appeared first on Family Fun Calgary.

First weekend in October, and what a beautiful fall it's been! There are so many wonderful family events this season, especially if you're looking for pumpkins, fresh air, and cozy moments. And more pumpkins! Keep reading and find a 'just-right' activity for your crew this weekend. Looking for something else? As always, the Family Fun Calgary weekend guide is filled with the best weekend events in Calgary, but you’ll find even more ideas on our calendar.

Keep reading for the best weekend events in Calgary.

**Click each title for more information**

Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo Wild Walk | October 3

Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo
This Saturday, the Wild Walk, powered by Booster Juice, offers an opportunity to experience the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo more intentionally. This excursion is a 3 km walk through the zoo, filled with photo opportunities, animal enrichment moments, and live entertainment from the Wilder Bunch. It’s fresh air fun for the whole family!

Pumpkins After Dark | October 2 - 4

WinSport
It’s time to step into Halloween magic! As the sun sets, the jack-o’-lanterns start to glow at Pumpkins After Dark! Don't miss Canada’s largest Halloween festival, a family-friendly, walk-through experience for all ages. Plus, use the code ‘FAMILYFUN’ to get 15% off!

Butterfield Acres Harvest Pumpkin Fest | October 3 - 4

Butterfield Acres
It’s time to pull on your coziest sweater and head to the farm! For over 40 years, Butterfield Acres has been part of Calgary family memories, and Harvest Pumpkin Fest is bringing that real farm magic to life this weekend.

Granary Road Pumpkins in the Park | October 3 - 4

Granary Road
Plan a weekend full of fall fun, pumpkins, and activities at Granary Road! Explore the park and soak up the season with great fall activities at Pumpkins in the Park.

StoryBook Theatre | October 2 - 4

StoryBook Theatre
If you're tired of pumpkins, catch a show! StoryBook Theatre opens A Concrete Jungle Book this weekend.

Indigo Kids | October 3 | FREE

Indigo Locations
Head to your participating Indigo locations for hourly storytimes this Saturday. No reservation is required!

Cirque Italia Water Circus | October 2 - 4

CrossIron Mills
This is your last chance to catch Cirque Italia and Water Circus Nautilus, a magical, high-energy show under the circus tent! The custom stage holds 35, 000 gallons of water, a unique backdrop for a theatrical circus show and incredible acrobatic feats.

 🥕 Farmers Markets

Tis the season for delicious local produce! Check out a farmers market near you before the season ends.

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🍂 Fall Family Fun Guide

If you're looking for fall fun, you can find all our helpful guides in one place with the Fall Family Fun Guide.

🌳 Urban Hikes

Calgary, being the sprawling city that it is, has several urban hikes to enjoy throughout the year, without ever leaving the city. They are perfect for filling time with toddlers, squeezing in time with teens, and creating memories as a family.

The post Best Weekend Events in Calgary: October 2 – 4 appeared first on Family Fun Calgary.

Halloween is just around the corner, bringing with it all the frightful, fall fun you can hope for! At Cobb's Adventure Park, everyone in your family can find something they love. Maybe you want to carve a whimsical jack-o'-lantern and get some amazing fall photos at Pumpkin Palooza (it's perfect for all ages!). But if your family is older (braver), you can also scare the pants off your teenagers at Field of Screams.

Cobb's Adventure Park is farm fun for city kids. It's easy to get to, located just south of Highway 1, on the east edge of Calgary. Kids can burn their energy with terrific outdoor activities, like pedal carts, a giant slide, tractor rides, and more. But it's also home to a variety of amazing animal experiences! While some animal experiences are unavailable in the cooler weather, Cobb's Adventure Park is a colourful, exciting place to visit in the fall, with cozy fun at the pumpkin patch.

Halloween at Cobb's Adventure Park

Let's head to the pumpkin patch! Pumpkin Palooza is every Saturday and Sunday in October at Cobb's Adventure Park, filled with all the pumpkins you ever wanted. Choose the perfect carving pumpkin from thousands of vibrant pumpkins. You'll also enjoy classic activities, along with special fall favourites.

If that sounds too tame, Cobb’s Adventure Park presents the haunted attraction, Field of Screams, on Friday and Saturday evenings in October. Field of Screams is for those who like to be scared, with a variety of haunted houses (these experiences are not designed for children) and select other activities. Regular attractions will close earlier depending on weather and light (for safety).

So, how will you celebrate the Halloween season this year? With kid-friendly fun, eye-catching pumpkins, and sweet family photos? Or maybe you're planning a scary adventure! Whatever you're looking for, get your tickets and head to Cobb's Adventure Park!

Cobb’s Adventure Park:

Date: Saturdays and Sundays in October (and Thanksgiving Monday)
Time: 11 AM - 5 PM
Address:1500 84th Street NE, Calgary, AB
Website: www.cobbsadventurepark.com
Field of Screams: www.fieldofscreams.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com

The post There’s Halloween Excitement for All Ages at Cobb’s Adventure Park! appeared first on Family Fun Calgary.

A lot is going on in the world, you know? And it feels like much of it is negative, or at least uncomfortably stressful. This October, take this idea from Family Fun Edmonton and push aside all the problems you can't solve. Instead, do something to add a ✨glimmer✨ to someone's life! It's time to BOO your neighbour!

BOOing your friends and neighbours is the perfect (sneaky!) way to add some sweet excitement to life this Halloween. Literally! And we've made it even easier with a FREE We’ve Been BOOed/You’ve Been BOOed printable at the end of the article.

What is BOOing? It's easy! It's just the act of leaving someone secret treats for Halloween, and giving them the chance to pay it forward. You choose two recipients, then they choose two recipients, and the fun continues. It's an easy tradition that kids love, helping you turn some of the focus of the candy season to thinking of others. It's fun to plan a special gift basket, and it's exciting to try to sneak it onto a friend's or neighbour's porch, without getting caught!

There are so many options for BOOing! What would your friends or neighbours like? Candy and sweet treats are usually popular, or even baked goods. Dollar stores often have cute Halloween-themed activities for kids, too.

The editor at Family Fun Edmonton brainstormed some great ideas, including a Halloween-themed storybook, finger lights, and chocolates and candy. Or buy a cake mix, icing, cupcake liners, and icing decorations for the family to make and decorate some spooky cupcakes! Other ideas could be a small Halloween-themed craft kit, colouring books, glow sticks, sugar cookies and decorating supplies, spooky mugs and hot chocolate, or even some fun decorations to get their home in the Halloween spirit.

All that's left is to assemble your basket and include the You've Been BOOed sign. Oh, yes, and you have to decide when to carry out your secret mission to drop off the goodies where they're easy to spot, without being caught! You may be discovered, but that can be part of the fun, too!

Happy BOOing!

Download your We’ve Been Booed/You’ve Been Booed printable sign and directions here.

And for more great Halloween fun and activities, don’t forget to check out the Best Halloween Events in Calgary. It is your guide to all things Halloween in Calgary and the surrounding areas.

The post BOO Your Neighbour This October! {FREE Printable} appeared first on Family Fun Calgary.