If you’re looking for a unique family activity in Calgary, Granary Road is a must-visit destination. Located just a short drive from the city, it combines a public market, a farm experience, and an outdoor adventure park. Whether you’re visiting with kids, planning a day trip with friends, or looking for a fun Calgary attraction, Granary Road has something for everyone.
The Active Learning Park at Granary Road
The highlight of any trip is the Active Learning Park at Granary Road, a massive outdoor play space designed for kids and families. Each area is themed to teach visitors about farming, food, or nature in a hands-on way.
Some favorites include:
- Bee Hive Adventure – climb through giant honeycomb tunnels.
- Frog Pond Fun Pad – bounce across lily pads in a giant inflatable water play zone.
- Mushroom Meander – explore oversized mushroom sculptures.
- Spider Web Climb – challenge yourself to crawl across web-like ropes.
- Ant Farm – crawl through tunnels and explore the fascinating world of ants while learning about how colonies work together.
- Croplands – test your farm skills with kid-sized tractors and an inflatable jumper that makes it feel like a mini harvest festival.
It’s part playground, part outdoor classroom, making it one of the most unique family activities in Calgary.
Animals at Granary Road Farm
Of course, Granary Road Farm wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visitors can meet and feed their goats. The petting zoo is a hit with kids, offering hands-on interaction and the chance to get close to friendly farm animals. For many families, this is the highlight — the simple joy of watching little ones giggle as a goat nibbles from their hand.
Where to Eat at Granary Road
After all that exploring, you’ll want to refuel. Luckily, the Granary Road Market food vendors cover a range of options — from comfort food to fresh baked goods. Inside, you’ll find local vendors offering everything from fresh baked bread and artisan cheeses to handcrafted goods, honey, and gifts. We got enchiladas from the Mexican spot (humorously named “El Loco Gringo”) along with a pizza. We were told that on weekends there was also barbeque but we didn’t see it when we were there. There’s also the Granary Road Café, where you can grab a coffee before heading into the farm for a hot day of walking. We also saw many people lining up for ice cream which was perfect for the weather but we opted against this as we didn’t want to deal with the melting cone.
Is Granary Road Worth It?
Absolutely. Granary Road is more than just a farm or market — it’s a full-day experience. Families love it because it blends play with learning. Friends love it because it offers a fun alternative to the usual brunch or coffee date. And for anyone who just needs a break from city life, it’s a refreshing day trip from Calgary.
For a comparison between other Calgary farms, here is a list of the farm and pricing:
🎟️ Granary Road Farm
- Admission: $19.95 (Active Learning Park)
- Includes: Access to themed play zones (Bee Hive, Ant Farm, Croplands, etc.), petting zoo, playground structures, animal areas.
- Extras: Food and drinks at the market/café are additional.
- Website: https://www.granaryroad.com/
🐐 Butterfield Acres Farm
- Admission: $17.99 (Child) / $18.99 (Adult)
- Includes: Petting farm with goats, sheep, ponies, pigs, and seasonal activities (like Easter Eggstravaganza and Harvest Pumpkin Fest).
- Extras: Pony rides and tractor rides often cost extra.
- Website: https://www.butterfieldacres.com/
🦙 Cobb’s Adventure Park
- Admission: $21.95 (Online) / $27 (In-Person)
- Includes: Admission to the kangaroos, petting zoo, themed play zones, bouncy castles, climbing structures, and seasonal mazes.
- Extras: Some activities like gemstone mining or special seasonal attractions may cost more.
- Website: https://www.cobbsadventurepark.com/
Visitor Tips
Wagons and Strollers: The adventure park covers a lot of ground, and it can be a long trek for little ones. We saw families with wagons and strollers, and it definitely helped make the day easier.
Seasonal Events: Don’t miss Harvest Days in the fall, when families can enjoy pumpkin picking, seasonal treats, and autumn-themed activities. Goat Yoga, which includes park admission, is also available on weekend.
Buy Online in Advance: Admission is cheaper when purchased online than at the gate, so book ahead to save a little.
Pack Snacks and Water: The walking path is fairly long with limited amenities. My spouse “surprised” us with this visit, and we definitely didn’t pack enough for a 2–3 hour walk. I left hangry — so take it from me: bring granola or protein bars, a couple of drinks per person, hand sanitizer, and tissues.
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