A Visitor’s Guide to Calaway Park: Rides, Attractions, and Family Fun
Calaway Park, located just outside of Calgary, Alberta, is Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park. With over 32 rides, games, live shows, and plenty of family-friendly attractions, Calaway Park is a popular destination for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone looking for a fun day out. The park offers a wide variety of experiences, from exciting roller coasters to gentle kiddie rides, ensuring there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
A Premier Amusement Park in the Canadian Rockies
Calaway Park first opened in 1982 and has since grown into one of Alberta’s top entertainment attractions. Situated against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, the park covers 160 acres and offers a mix of classic carnival rides, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities for fun. It’s the perfect spot for a family outing, a weekend adventure, or a special celebration.
What to See and Do at Calaway Park
- Thrill Rides:
- For those looking for an adrenaline rush, Calaway Park offers several thrill rides designed to get your heart racing. From high-speed roller coasters to fast-spinning rides, there’s no shortage of excitement.
- The Vortex:
- One of the park’s most popular rides, The Vortex is a classic roller coaster that twists and turns through a thrilling course. Riders experience sharp drops, tight turns, and exhilarating speeds as they wind their way through this exciting ride.
- Chaos:
- For a ride that takes you in all directions, Chaos offers a wild spinning experience. This ride flips and spins its passengers 360 degrees, creating a sense of weightlessness and thrills at every turn.
- Dream Machine:
- The Dream Machine is a high-speed, swinging pendulum ride that lifts passengers high into the air while rotating in circles. With its combination of height and speed, the Dream Machine is perfect for those seeking a thrill.
- Family and Kiddie Rides:
- Calaway Park offers plenty of family-friendly rides and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for gentle rides for younger children or fun for the whole family, there’s something for everyone.
- Bumble Blast:
- The Bumble Blast ride is a favorite for younger children. This gentle ride allows kids to hop into a bumblebee-shaped car and spin around a track, making it a perfect introduction to amusement park fun.
- C.P. Huntington Train:
- Families can take a relaxing ride around the park aboard the C.P. Huntington Train, a scenic miniature train that provides great views of the park’s attractions and surrounding landscape. It’s a great way to take a break while still enjoying the sights.
- Calaway Carousel:
- The Calaway Carousel is a classic amusement park ride that appeals to kids and adults alike. Visitors can ride beautifully crafted horses on this nostalgic attraction, making it a timeless favorite for families.
- Bumper Boats and Bumper Cars:
- For interactive fun, Calaway Park features bumper boats and bumper cars, where visitors can bump and splash their way through watery fun or enjoy the thrill of driving and crashing into others in a safe and exciting setting.
- Bumper Boats:
- On a hot summer day, the bumper boats offer the perfect way to cool off and enjoy some splashing action. Kids and adults can pilot their own boat and crash into others, all while trying to dodge water jets.
- Dodgem Cars:
- The Dodgem Cars offer a more traditional bumper car experience, where visitors can race around a track and collide with friends and family in a safe, fun environment.
- 4D Theatre Experience:
- One of the unique attractions at Calaway Park is the Cinemagic 4D Theatre, where visitors can enjoy a short 4D movie experience with special effects that bring the action to life. With moving seats, air blasts, and sensory effects, the 4D theatre is a fun and immersive experience that’s perfect for families.
- The 4D shows change throughout the season, so there’s always something new to experience.
- Games and Midway:
- The park’s midway offers a variety of classic carnival games, where visitors can test their skills and try to win prizes. Whether it’s tossing rings, shooting water pistols, or trying your hand at a basketball game, the midway provides plenty of opportunities to take home a stuffed animal or other fun souvenirs.
- Mini Golf:
- For families looking for a slower-paced activity, Calaway Park also features a mini-golf course. The course is designed with colorful obstacles and challenges, making it a fun activity for all ages.
- Live Entertainment and Shows:
- Calaway Park offers live entertainment throughout the day, with performances ranging from musical showsto interactive stage performances. Visitors can catch performances at Celebration Square, where singers, dancers, and entertainers put on exciting shows that are sure to delight audiences of all ages.
- Character Meet and Greets:
- Kids will love meeting the park’s mascots and costumed characters, who roam the park and are available for photos and hugs. These characters add to the fun and magic of the Calaway Park experience.
- Dining and Snacks:
- After a day of fun, visitors can enjoy a variety of food and snack options available throughout the park. From classic amusement park fare like hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy to full meals at the park’s restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.
- Picnic Areas:
- Calaway Park also offers picnic areas where visitors can bring their own food and enjoy a meal outdoors. These areas are perfect for families who want to take a break and relax in a shaded area while enjoying the park’s atmosphere.
- Special Events:
- Throughout the season, Calaway Park hosts special events that add an extra layer of fun to the park experience. Popular events include Calaway’s Boo Spooktacular, a family-friendly Halloween event, and Canada Day celebrations, which feature special entertainment and activities for visitors of all ages.
- Birthday Parties:
- Calaway Park is a great place to celebrate birthdays, with birthday party packages available for groups. These packages include park admission, food, and a private space for the party, making it an unforgettable experience for kids.
How to Get There
Calaway Park is located just west of Calgary along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), making it easily accessible by car.
- Address: 245033 Range Rd 33, Calgary, AB T3Z 2E9
- Public Transport: While public transport options are limited, the park is a short drive from Calgary’s downtown core. Visitors can reach the park by taking the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west from Calgary.
- Parking: Free parking is available on-site for visitors.
Visiting Hours and Admission
Calaway Park operates seasonally, typically from late May to early October. Hours vary depending on the day, with longer hours during weekends and holidays. Admission can be purchased online or at the gate.
- Hours: Open daily during the summer season; check the official website for detailed hours.
- Admission: General admission includes access to all rides and attractions. Season passes are also available for those who plan to visit multiple times.
- Official Website: https://www.calawaypark.com/
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Calaway Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and all of the park’s rides and attractions are fully operational. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, making them ideal for families looking to avoid long lines.
Special events like Canada Day and Halloween Spooktacular add to the fun, so visitors should consider timing their visit to coincide with these celebrations.
A Must-Visit for Families and Thrill-Seekers
With its wide range of rides, attractions, and entertainment, Calaway Park offers a full day of fun for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone looking to enjoy the excitement of an amusement park. Whether you’re riding roller coasters, watching live performances, or enjoying the scenic beauty of the park’s location near the Canadian Rockies, Calaway Park is a must-visit destination for visitors to Calgary and Southern Alberta.
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