10 Things to Do on Thanksgiving Monday in Calgary

If you’ve had your big feast on Sunday, Thanksgiving Monday is a wonderful time to relax and enjoy quality family time together. Whether you want to get outdoors and soak up the stunning fall scenery or find a cozy indoor activity, there are plenty of options to make the most of your holiday. Here are some fun and family-friendly ideas to enjoy this Thanksgiving Monday in Calgary.

10 Fun Family Ways to Spend Thanksgiving Monday in Calgary

1. Explore Fish Creek Provincial Park

Calgary’s Fish Creek Provincial Park is the perfect place for a Thanksgiving nature walk. With its wide trails, scenic views, and plenty of spots to explore, the whole family will love spending time outdoors in one of North America’s largest urban parks. Pack a picnic or bring a thermos of hot chocolate and enjoy the crisp fall air while admiring the autumn colours.

2. Visit the Calgary Zoo

The Calgary Zoo is always a family favourite, and Thanksgiving Monday is no exception. Spend the day exploring the animal exhibits, including the popular penguins, lions, and gorillas. Check out the zoo’s Botanical Gardens and enjoy a leisurely stroll surrounded by nature. With interactive displays and plenty of kid-friendly activities, it’s an adventure that everyone will enjoy.

3. Bake Thanksgiving Treats Together

Calgary’s (usually!) wonderful fall weather is the perfect excuse to stay in and bake some delicious Thanksgiving treats. Try whipping up some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, or homemade granola for the week. If you’re not keen on baking from scratch order from Butter Block & Co. for bake-at-home kits for goodies or pop into their HQ during Holiday hours from 9-2.

4. Explore Heritage Park Historical Village

This is the last weekend of the season to visit Heritage Park Historical Village, one of Calgary’s most iconic attractions. It’s open from 10am – 5pm through to Thanksgiving Monday. Take a ride on the steam train, explore the historic village, or enjoy the beautiful views of Glenmore Reservoir. It’s an educational and fun experience for kids and adults alike.

5. Hike in Nose Hill Park

Nose Hill Park offers beautiful hiking trails and incredible views of Calgary’s skyline and the surrounding mountains. Spend Thanksgiving Monday getting active with a family hike or bike ride. The park’s wide-open spaces are great for a little fall exploration, and it’s an ideal spot for kids to run off some energy while enjoying the fresh air.

6. DIY Fall Crafts at Home

After a day outdoors, gather the family around for some fall crafts. Use leaves collected from your walk through Fish Creek or Nose Hill Park to create fun projects like leaf art or turkey crafts. Calgary’s Inglewood Art Supplies has everything you need for a fun crafting session, and you’ll end up with adorable fall-themed decorations for your home.

7. Head to the movies!

If you’re in the mood for a family movie, most movie theatres are open for business. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy a cozy afternoon at the movies with your family.

8. Picnic at Prince’s Island Park

If the weather is still mild, head to Prince’s Island Park for a Thanksgiving picnic by the river. Located right in downtown Calgary, this beautiful park offers plenty of space for families to spread out, enjoy a meal, and take in the fall scenery. After your picnic, take a stroll along the Bow River Pathway and enjoy the vibrant fall colours.

9. Check Out one of Calgary’s Great Attractions

You don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy the city’s great attractions, and most of them are open on Thanksgiving Monday in Calgary:

• The Telus Spark science centre will be open for its regular hours all weekend
• Free public skating on Monday from 1pm to 2:15pm at Ernie Starr Arena (4808 14 Ave. SE), Rose Kohn/Jimmie Condon Arenas (502 Heritage Dr. SW) and Stew Hendry/Henry Viney Arenas (814 13 Ave. NE)
• City-run driving ranges and golf courses will be open over the weekend

10. Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Fall Festival Near Calgary

For a more traditional fall experience, head just outside Calgary to one of the nearby farms or pumpkin patches. Butterfield Acres and Cobbs Adventure Park both offer family-friendly activities like pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and petting zoos. It’s a great way to enjoy the season’s festive atmosphere and find the perfect pumpkin for carving.

Many places are open on Thanksgiving Monday in Calgary, so it doesn’t have to be all about the turkey. Whether you’re enjoying the city’s parks, visiting favourite local attractions, or staying in for some cozy fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Spend the day savouring the fall season, reflecting on gratitude, and (most importantly!) enjoying time together. Happy Thanksgiving, Calgary!