11 Family friendly things to do at this years Calgary Stampede

Jul 8 2017, 3:33 am

Written by Chelsea Kemp

For all the debauchery and hooliganism that goes into a successful Stampede, there’s also a fair amount of events that can be fun for the whole family.

See also

So saddle up the youngsters: here are 10 family-friendly events at this year’s Calgary Stampede. 

Free Pancake Breakfasts

  • What: Free pancake breakfasts have become a staple of Stampede celebrations. The free breakfasts run wild during the event and offer an opportunity for families to enjoy live entertainment and flapjacks in the Stampede spirit.
  • Where: Taking place across Calgary. Click here to see our list
  • When: From Friday, July 7 to Sunday, July 16.
  • Cost: Free!

The Dog Bowl

  • What: Not what it sounds like. Rescue dogs of all shapes and sizes will shock and amaze you with “perfected agility, high-flying stunts, and sheer athleticism.” Think Superdogs, but more Stampede-y.
  • Where: Stampede Midway – 1410 Olympic Way SE
  • Cost: Free with the price of admission into the Calgary Stampede.

Cenovus Family Day

  • What: Bring the family down for a free breakfast and kid friendly events. The first 25,000 guests on the Stampede Grounds will receive a free breakfast. The Midway, BMO Centre, Buckaroos, Playport and Stampede Market will open at 9am for the big day.
  • Where: Calgary Stampede Grounds – 1410 Olympic Way SE
  • When: Sunday, July 9 at 8am to midnight.
  • Cost: Free admission from 8am to noon for the whole family.

BMO Kids Day

  • What: Join the Calgary Stampede at the Grandstand Courtyard from 8:00 to 9:30am for free breakfast and BMO Thunder Sticks. There will also be a free variety show from 8:00am to 10:00am. Kids can win free prizes at the breakfast and families can get BMO Kids’ Day Midway coupons from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Tykes can also join in on the Kids’ Day Pow Wow Parade at the Indian Village at 2:00pm.
  • Where: Calgary Stampede Grounds – 1410 Olympic Way SE
  • When: Wednesday, July 12
  • Cost: Free entry to the Calgary Stampede for kids under 12 years old from 7:00am to 9:00am. After 9:00am kids under 12 years of age get in to the grounds for $2.

Country Critters and Agrium Ag-tivity in the City

  • What: Little cowboys and cowgirl can meet the farm animals and discover the role they play in their everyday lives. Kids will have the chance to meet farmers, dairy cows, hens, llamas, donkeys and more as part of the event. The event offers a hands-on learning experience for kids.
  • Where: Agrium Western Event Centre on the Stampede Grounds.
  • When: July 7, 8, 10, 11 and 13 to 16 from 11am to 9pm, and July 9 and 12 from 9am to 9pm.
  • Cost: Free with the price of admission into the Calgary Stampede.

Kids’ Chuck Challenge

  • What: Young cowboys and cowgirls, between the ages of five and ten years old, compete as chuckwagon drivers. Any tiny tykes can join in on the fun and race to win in the chuckwagon challenge.
  • Where: On the Stampede Grounds across from the Dog Bowl.
  • When: July 7 to 16 at 11:30am, 12:45pm, 2:30pm and 4:40pm.
  • Price: Free with the price of admission into the Calgary Stampede.

Buckaroos

  • What: A show time extravaganza for kids under 12. Shows include animal enthusiast Safari Jeff who will share fun and incredible stories that educate kids about animals and story time with Dora the Explorer and her friends.
  • Where: The Stampede Market, Hall A, on the Stampede Grounds.
  • When: Buckaroos is open all of Stampede, show times will very. Click here for a comprehensive and up to date list.
  • Cost: Free with the price of admission into the Calgary Stampede.

Agrium Barn Tours

  • What: Learn about all the animals inside those big red boxes from friendly, knowledgeable experts.
  • Where: Stampede Grounds – 1410 Olympic Way SE
  • When: All stampede long
  • Cost: Free with the price of admission into the Calgary Stampede.

Bell Adrenaline Ranch

  • What: This year the explosive Motocross show is bringing Light it Up! These adrenaline junky athletes are set to entertain families with incredible stunts and entertaining shows, which put the full in full throttle. Prepare to be amazed as these leaders in Motocross push their vehicles to the limit.
  • Where: the BMO Centre, Stampede Corral on the Stampede Grounds.
  • When: Click here for a full list of performance times.
  • Cost: Free with the price of admission into the Calgary Stampede.

The Great FUNtier

  • What: A kid sized stampede midway that features fun and games for even the youngest cowboy or cowgirl.
  • Where: Stampede Grounds – 1410 Olympic Way SE
  • When: All 10 days of Stampede (July 7 to 16)
  • Cost: Ride all Day Weekday Wristband are $54 and Weekend Wristbands are $58. Individual coupons can be purchases for $1 for 1, $10 for 11, $20 for 22 or $50 for 55.
See also
Guest AuthorGuest Author

+ Listed
+ Stampede