Free Places to Play Indoors

Although most of the indoor places to play in Calgary either require admission or are inside a mall, there are a few other options as well. I’ve complied a list of the ones I know of below.

1. Calgary Farmer’s Market – Barn Yard Kids

Located inside the Calgary Farmer’s Market, this play area is like a miniature version of an indoor play place. There is a toddler area with a small slide, panels and foam blocks as well as a large 2 level climber with rope bridges, steps, a twisty slide and bumpers. Socks are required but you do not need to sign-in. The market is only open Thursday-Sunday and does not open until 11am on Thursdays.

 

 

 

 

2. Chapters/Indigo

There are 6 Chapters locations and 3 Indigo locations in Calgary that all have a train table as well as a selection of toys that vary with the stock and by store location. In addition, of course, to all the books!

 

 

3. Gracie and Gruff – Macleod Trail

This high end toy store has a train table with lots of trains set up for kids to play with. In addition, Gracie and Gruff encourages children to try out the toys and read their books while their parents look around. Their Macleod location has a Gazebo inside as well as lots of open spaces to help make that possible.

 

 

4. Ikea

There are a number of play opportunities in Ikea. Inside the children’s section they have a selection of their toys set up that the kids can play with. The restaurant has another drop in play area with toys and a TV. There are also small play kiosks spread throughout the store. In addition you can drop off potty trained kids at Småland (a supervised play area) for a short time while you shop.  Småland is quite  popular, so you may not be able to get your kids in right away.

 

 

 

 

 

Fast Food Restaurant Play Areas

Although not precisely free, (they do expect you to buy something) fast food restaurants with play areas can be a great option when you are looking for a place to play inside.

1. Burger King

There are 3 Burger Kings with play areas in Calgary: Country Hills, Crowfoot and Shawnessy. The play areas feature things like climbing tubes, slides and lookout points. Kids can really climb up to a good height and work their muscles. Recommended for ages 4-10. Socks are required.

 

6. McDonald’s 

McDonald’s has 8 locations with play areas in Calgary: Huntington, Marlborough, Riverbend, Falconridge, Bow Bottom, Crowfoot, Shepard’s Crossing and Country Hills (Marlborough and Bow Bottom have interactive play places, the rest have climbers). The play areas are geared towards children 3-12 and socks are required.

Do you know of an indoor place to play that I’ve missed? Please let me know, I’m always looking for new places to review!