How well-equipped is this city for those raising infants/toddlers? Specifically, are there public places to change diapers, maintained playgrounds, etc?

Calgary is very well-equipped for those raising infants/toddlers. Major department stores and large retail chains offer facilities for parents to change and feed their infants. Washroom facilities include a table for changing and, on occasion, chairs for feeding.

Shopping malls and most stores will provide free strollers for you to use while shopping, and restaurants will provide high chairs or booster seats for your use while dining in their establishment.
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Where can I get a list of reliable childcare providers/nannies?

The recommendation of other parents or guardians is likely the ideal source to locate child care providers / nannies. Often, community websites will list local child care providers in your neighborhood. Other options include your local phone book, the classifieds in your local newspaper or government publications which list child care providers in your community. Please refer to the Useful Links section for further information, or contact Crown Calgary.
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Discuss any safety issues for children in this city.

Calgary is a safe environment for children, though it is recommended that you speak to your local school to find out whether there are any particular concerns specific for your area. At a minimum, children should always be accompanied and supervised by an adult and should never talk to strangers.
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What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in the area?

Below is a small sample of the fun and cool places where you and your kids can spend the day:

  • Calgary Zoo – The Calgary Zoo is an award-winning facility that includes year-round activities for kids and families to learn about conservation and see wildlife in their natural habitats.

  • Millenium Park - Located just west of downtown Calgary, this is the largest outdoor skate park in the world.

  • Calaway Park - A very popular amusement park in Calgary offering a vast array of rides, live shows and many other attractions. Note that Calaway Park is only open during the summer months.

  • Calgary Science Center – The Calgary Science Centre features interactive exhibits, films and fascinating demonstrations.

  • Glenbow Museum - Located in the heart of Downtown Calgary, this is Western Canada's largest museum with over 93,000 square feet of exhibition space spreading over three floors. More than 20 galleries are filled with artefacts from Glenbow's collection of over a million objects. The museum offers many programs for the whole family and special events year round.

  • Royal Tyrell Museum - Located in Drumheller, a 90 minute drive from Calgary, this is the world’s most extensive collection of dinosaur fossils and exhibits on prehistoric life.

  • Canada Olympic Park – As the host site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, luge, bob sled, ski jumping and much more! Lessons are provided for beginners to advanced levels.

  • Heritage Park - This is Canada's largest living historical village where you can travel back in time and discover the treasures of Western Canada's past.

  • Calgary Stampede – Starting the first Friday of each July, the Calgary Stampede hosts visitors from all over the world and is an extraordinary celebration of the “greatest outdoor show on earth.”

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What are the most popular activities for kids after school or on weekends?

Kids in Calgary love to do the same things kids in other countries do, including:

  • watching their favorite shows on the television

  • playing sports in the neighborhood or on a local community team

  • joining a varsity or after-school team (hockey, football, soccer, chess, gymnastics, cheerleading, etc.)

  • playing games on the computer or on the television (i.e. Nintendo)

  •  visiting amusement parks

  • visiting sports and game complexes

  •  talking on the telephone with friends

  • taking music lessons

  • going to the movies or the mall

  • hanging out with their friends at each other’s’ homes

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What's it like to be a teenager in this city? Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a parent?

Whether it's being a black belt in Taekwondo, volunteering to help with the care of rescued cats, performing music in venues around town, or simply being a great neighbor, Calgary's youth provide positive contributions to their communities.

Keep in mind, Alberta's legal drinking age is 18. Young adults must show proof of age at places that serve alcohol. Cigarettes are not sold to minors under 18 years of age and gambling is prohibited for those under the age of 18.

The government has drug, alcohol, gambling, smoking and gang awareness programs available for teenagers - as well as informational brochures available for parents. Please visit the links below for more information.
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Are there any organizations/social groups in the area that cater exclusively to young people ages 12-17?

Schools provide programs outside the normal school hours called extracurricular activities. These include cheerleading, chess club, band club, yearbook committee, debate club, athletic council, student council, drama club, fund-raising committee and numerous sporting clubs. These activities are funded by taxpayers' dollars, and as such, most require no additional costs. However, some school clubs require parents to pay the cost of the uniforms.

There are also many programs available through the Department of Parks and Recreation where children can takes lessons in swimming, gymnastics, hockey, judo, karate, soccer, to name a few.
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 I want my child to get the most out of our stay in this country. Are there any specific opportunities to teach young people about the local culture?

Calgary's tapestry of life is filled with so many cultures, food, entertainment, people, languages and events. There is always something happening in Calgary particularly on Prince's Island right in the heart of Calgary.

If you immerse your children in some of the organizations, extra-curricular activities, festivals and events available to all Calgarians, they will gain a great sense of the city, and the western hospitality we are famous for!
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IMPORTANT NOTE:

Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.