What Not to Miss at This Year’s Calgary Stampede

We love how our community bands together during the Calgary Stampede. With all the community pancake breakfasts and free entertainment, it's one of the easiest ten days of parenting all year (so long as you manage the mini donut intake). Here's a look at the best experiences for families at this year's Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Little wranglers can meet Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer and Splash N Boots, all performing on the Coca Cola Stage at Stampede Park. Escape the heat by taking an indoor chill break while Peking Acrobats perform. This group of gifted gymnasts and contortionists are set up inside the new International Pavilion and performances are complimentary with admission. For the older set, new adrenaline-pumping activities are sure to wow. Stormin Norman paintball offers three types of play. Rest assured, there's an option for a gentler game with minimal impact paintballs that won't break. Reach new heights as a family by scaling the dueling climbing walls. It's a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone as you race each other to the top. Want to expend some mental energy? The Locked Room: Wild West Jail lies just inside the main doors of the BMO Centre. Teams of eight people go in one at a time and try to solve puzzles to escape from the room. While the puzzles are geared for teens and up, children over six-years-old are allowed with an adult.

This year Indian Village moves to a new location at Enmax Park. Situated across the bridge from Kids' Midway, this tranquil green space comes alive with the Indian Village Interpretive Program. Families can take in daily dance performances, tipi raising competitions and cooking demonstrations over an open fire. Not to miss is the Kids Pow Wow on Wednesday, July 13 at 2 pm, and if you've never tried bannock, you'll want to sample the new Bannock Picnic Pack. Good to Know: The Calgary Stampede is well aware Indian Village doesn't sound very PC. In discussions with First Nations elders they've offered to change the name, but the tribes of Treaty 7 have opted to keep it for now.

Of course, part of the fun of any festival is sampling the outrageous midway treats. Those little mini donuts are quintessential Stampede fare, but this year they're amped up with a Nutella glaze. Standout new foods include a golden grasshopper pie pop, mac n' cheese stuffed burgers and deep-fried butter tarts. For a (somewhat) healthier option, try the fruit infused grilled cheese. Need a quick snack? The best value is found at the Milk and Cookies Shack and all proceeds go to the Calgary Food Bank.

The Dog Bowl demonstrates rescue dogs can do anything they set their mind to. Watch the adorable pups showoff with their agility and Frisbee skills during one of the six daily shows. Pigs, sheep, cows, chickens, miniature donkeys, heavy horses, stock dogs and other farm animals are all waiting for you inside the Agriculture Zone. Kids can take a barn tour, learn how to milk a cow and even fork some hay. Chores have to be done by someone, don't they?

Families receive free admission before 9 am on Sunday, July 10 and Wednesday, July 13. Admission includes a complimentary pancake breakfast while quantities last. Can't make it those days, but want to save on Stampede Park admission and Midway activities? Pick up Stampede Bucks at Costco and specific Coca-Cola products for savings of 30%. Those who want to spend the majority of their time hitting the rides, ought to pick up Ride & Play Cards at Safeway and Sobeys locations in Calgary and surrounding area until July 7.