Family fun in Alberta

During the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, many families are staying a little closer to home this month, and when they're not watching the Olympic Games on television, there are plenty of great attractions to get out and enjoy. There's probably no better time to get out and spend time with your family than on the holiday weekend dedicated to families. Here are just a few ideas for attractions close to home to enjoy with your kids this Family Day weekend if you live in, or near, Alberta.

Dinosaurs Alive!

The Calgary Zoo's Prehistoric Park will come to life with 20 giant animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar. Some of the eight-metre tall dinosaurs can even be remotely controlled by guests. Dinosaurs Alive! is a $1 million exhibit and will be the first of its kind in North America. While at the zoo, visit the new Enmax Conservatory that opened in November 2009 and the new baby giraffe.

Family Day Weekend at the Royal Tyrrell

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is offering free admission on Feb. 15 and a full slate of family activities from Feb. 13 to 15 including fossil casting sessions and free dinosaur movies. Fossil casting is an activity suitable for guests age four years and up and costs an additional $7 per person or $24 per family. Preregistration is recommended for fossil casting. (

Telus World of Science Calgary

"Explore the Sky" family course takes place on the evening of Feb. 12 at Telus World of Science Calgary. The course teaches you how to find your way around the night sky using the Discovery Dome

"Digistars" and the rooftop telescopes, weather permitting. The course is suitable for children ages eight years and older. Two adults and four children can enjoy the course for $40. Pre-registration is essential. (

Family Special: From Feb. 12 to 15, if you visit the Royal Tyrrell

Museum, Telus World of Science Calgary, or the Calgary Zoo, you will receive a two-for-one admission coupon for the other two attractions.

Art Gallery of Alberta

The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) celebrated its grand opening on Jan. 31 in Edmonton. The 85,000-square-foot gallery also features a new children's gallery, named BMO World of Creativity and a number of events, classes and programs planned for 2010. The second

Sunday of every month is called the HSBC All Day Sunday and has special free activities, hands-on workshops, and "wacky exhibition tours."

Remington Carriage Centre

The Remington Carriage Centre Museum is offering free admission on Family Day for its annual Carriage County Fair, which takes place from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will also be carnival games and midway-style food for the event. Located in Cardston, the Remington Carriage Centre is a museum dedicated to horse-drawn transportation in North America. More than 240 vehicles are on display and there is a tack room, workshop, stable, coach house and corrals to explore. Visit the website and print off a coupon for 50 per cent off admission to the museum throughout 2010.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is offering free admission on Feb. 15. A UNESCO World Heritage site located outside Fort Macleod, this museum and interpretive centre explores the ecology, mythology, lifestyle and technology of Blackfoot peoples. Special activities include drumming and dancing, puppet shows, crafts and special interpretive programs.

Frank Slide Interpretive Centre

The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre is offering free admission to all guests on Family Day. The centre will also have a special exhibit from the Bellevue Underground Mine and miners will be on hand telling stories.

Free Fishing Family Day Weekend

Alberta has two free fishing weekends each year: the Family Day weekend and one in the summer that coincides with National Fishing Week. From Feb. 13 to 15, Albertans can fish in any public water body that has an open fishing season (not including national parks) without buying a licence. You can pick up a free copy of the 2009 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations wherever licences are sold or at

Calgary Outdoor Centre

The Calgary Outdoor Centre is celebrating Family Day weekend by offering 10 per cent off all gear rentals from Feb. 12 to 15. Equipment picked up on a Friday and returned Monday counts as a two-day rental. Call to reserve or walk in.