Best-Kept Secrets: Top 14 Indoor Activities in Calgary

If you're a local or just visiting, discovering new and exciting indoor activities can be a game-changer, especially when the weather isn't cooperating.

This article is here to guide you through the Top 14 Indoor Activities in Calgary that promise to entertain, educate, and relax you.

Why did we choose these specific activities? Well, we wanted to offer a mix of experiences for everyone! From the thrill of Indoor Kart Racing to the calm of a spa day at Inner Balance Spa, there's something for every mood and interest. So let's get started!

Many people might not realize just how fascinating and engaging a visit to The Military Museums in Calgary can be. This extraordinary place is essential for anyone interested in Canada's rich military history.

One of the unique aspects of TMM is its expansive grounds, which house four distinct museums, each focusing on different facets of Canada's military history.

Additionally, the four regimental army museums and The Founders' Gallery offer an in-depth look into Canada's military heritage.

A standout feature of TMM is the Mural of Honour. This impressive visual project, launched in 2005, comprises 240 panels that narrate Canada's military history from the War of 1812 to Afghanistan.

It's a collective story that reveals the diverse theatres of war and the tales of those who served. It's a powerful way to connect with the past and understand the impact of these historical events.

For those interested in tracing their ancestry, TMM offers valuable resources. Visitors can access information about their relatives' service records from significant conflicts like the First World War, Second World War, or South African War.

Don't forget to stop by the Gift Shop at The Military Museums! It offers a wide range of products related to the museums and galleries. From books and toys to scale models and clothing, there's a variety of items to choose from.

The Military Museums also welcomes younger visitors through their engaging education programs and summer camps. Supported by The Military Museums Foundation, these programs are designed to align with the Alberta curriculum, making military history accessible and exciting for school groups.

Hexagon Board Game Cafe is a standout destination in Calgary, offering an experience that goes beyond just sipping coffee.

Here, one can immerse themselves in a world of over 1000 board games, each promising a new adventure.

The cafe operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While they don't take reservations, their space can comfortably accommodate tables of up to eight people.

One of the standout aspects of Hexagon is their flexible hourly gaming fee. This allows visitors to seamlessly combine the joys of gaming with dining.

Enjoy a delicious meal while engaging in a spirited game of Catan or Ticket to Ride. If the fun is just getting started, you can easily extend your gaming time with an additional hour of laughter and excitement.

For those who prefer to bring the fun home, Hexagon offers a board game rental service. Their collection is marked with yellow, blue, or red stickers, indicating different pricing tiers.

If the game you want isn't available, the helpful staff will gladly suggest alternative titles to ensure your game night is a hit.

Why settle for plain old drinks when you can become a cocktail wizard? At Shelter Cocktail Bar, they promise you'll walk away from their Cocktail Classes with more than just a buzz!

The experience kicks off with the creation of three mouth-watering cocktails. But it's not just about mixing drinks. You'll get into the nitty-gritty of cocktail and spirit theory and receive a brief history lesson on your favorite concoctions.

Next up, it's time to perfect your techniques. From the art of muddling to the finesse of stirring and shaking, you'll get hands-on practice with professional bar tools. Shelter Cocktail Bar even teaches the secret of using egg whites to craft the perfect sour—a trick that will surely impress your friends at your next gathering.

Additionally, the class includes a dynamic question and answer session, ensuring you can ask all your burning cocktail questions. And let's not forget, this class is for adults only, so attendees must be 18 years or older.

As a bonus, the bar itself is a piece of art. With a wall adorned with 21 gas masks from around the world, Shelter serves as a canvas for local artists, making each visit a unique experience.

Now, if you prefer enjoying your cocktails at home, Shelter has everything you need with their Bottled Cocktails to Go. Just text them two hours in advance, and you can pick up your ready-made drinks curbside.

For those who want a more intimate setting, Shelter offers private classes. These sessions explore the evolution of cocktail culture from the 1800s to the craft cocktail boom of the early 2000s.

For those craving a delightful culinary adventure, Ollia Macarons & Tea in downtown Calgary offers an irresistible treat!

Their Macaron 101 class is a must for anyone keen on mastering the delicate art of French macaron making. This 2 to 2.5-hour evening session is packed with hands-on learning and tasty rewards.

Perfecting your macaronage technique while learning about the rich history of these sweet confections is a delightful experience. The class provides everything you need: all materials, ingredients, and even aprons.

But the fun continues. Attendees get to take home around 25 macarons they crafted themselves, with two delightful rotating flavors. And to make sure you can recreate the magic at home, you receive a handy PDF recipe book.

For families, it's a great bonding experience too. Children aged 12-15 can join with a parent or guardian, though both must register for the class.

Looking for a more personalized experience? Consider booking a private class for your group. With a minimum of six and a maximum of twelve participants, it's ideal for birthdays, team-building events, or just a fun night out with friends.

And if tasting is more your style, don't miss out on the Macaron Tasting Events. Held at Vine Styles, these sessions present four signature macarons paired with tea or French wine.

A place where tranquility wraps around you like a warm blanket. That's exactly what Inner Balance Spa offers.

Inner Balance Spa provides an oasis of calm in its peaceful studio, designed with comfort and relaxation in mind.

From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a calming atmosphere that invites you to unwind, de-stress, and reconnect with your inner self.

The array of treatments at Inner Balance Spa is carefully crafted to promote holistic wellness and restore inner balance.

They offer rejuvenating facials using Eminence Organic Skin Care products, and therapeutic massages that melt away tension and promote relaxation.

But the offerings extend beyond treatments. Inner Balance Spa also provides workshops aimed at enriching your holistic wellness journey. Led by experienced practitioners, these workshops focus on mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and nutritional guidance.

For those looking for a comprehensive experience, the spa packages at Inner Balance Spa integrate ancient wisdom with modern practice.

Choose from packages like the Equilibrium package for grounding and healing, the Prana package for rebalancing energy flow, or the Refresh package for restoring and refreshing the body.

Ever wondered where to engage deeply with contemporary art in Calgary? Discover the Esker Foundation. This unique art museum is a hub for creativity, learning, and community connection.

One of the standout features of the Esker Foundation is its Project Space, located at street level on 9th Avenue SE. This alternative exhibition venue aims to engage the community by increasing the presence and accessibility of contemporary art.

The main exhibition space on the fourth floor of the Atlantic Avenue Arts Block is equally impressive. It’s here where visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse range of exhibitions and programming that reflect on current developments in local, regional, and international culture.

Additionally, the Esker Foundation has an innovative Permanent Collection that functions as an online publishing initiative. This initiative commissions responses from compelling voices within or beyond the visual arts for each season of exhibitions.

These contributors reflect on current exhibitions to generate new ideas and connections, offering a fresh perspective on the artworks displayed.

When people think of a zoo, they often think of a quick stroll past animal enclosures. But The Calgary Zoo is far more than that—it's an adventure through seven distinct ecological zones, each filled with life and stories. Here, you can appreciate the interconnected world of people, animals, and the land.

One of the zoo's highlights is the incredible array of animals. From the majestic Polar Bears and playful North American River Otters to the graceful Giraffes and mighty Western Lowland Gorillas, there’s no shortage of captivating creatures.

But the excitement continues beyond the animals. The zoo hosts a variety of events designed for all. From family-friendly activities to adults-only nights, there’s always something happening. Events like Zoolights Feast, Zoo Year’s Eve, and Wild After Hours are perfect for creating unforgettable memories.

Feeling hungry? The zoo offers delightful culinary options. Indulge in specialty coffee and sandwiches at Kitamba Cafe, savor a variety of dishes at Grazers Restaurant, or enjoy a unique dining experience surrounded by playful penguins at the Penguin Cafe.

Speaking of conservation, the calgary zoo is a globally recognized conservation organization.

It welcomes over 1.3 million guests annually, offering them a chance to learn about and contribute to the preservation of rare and endangered species.

For the best experience, visit the Calgary Tower during sunset to catch the city bathed in a golden glow and watch as the lights of Calgary come alive!

Standing proudly at 191 meters above downtown Calgary, the Calgary Tower is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the city's best views.

The Observation Deck offers a stunning 360° view of the bustling cityscape and the majestic Rocky Mountains. For those feeling adventurous, the glass floor provides a thrilling bird's-eye view of the streets below.

One unique feature of the tower is its web-based multimedia tour. Accessible on your mobile device, this tour covers Calgary's rich history, notable landmarks like the Saddledome and Stephen Avenue Walk, and even future development plans.

Another highlight is the Theatre Room, where twenty-one 55” screens create a captivating visual experience. The theater showcases an original short film, "Calgary Tower – Building an Icon," and Travel Alberta's fly-through video, which captures breathtaking footage of Alberta.

The Calgary Tower also impresses with its exterior LED light shows. From dusk to midnight, the tower lights up to celebrate national holidays, support local sports teams, and honor festivals, adding a dynamic touch to the city’s skyline.

For dining, the Sky 360 Restaurant is located 155 meters up and completes a full rotation every 45 minutes during lunch and every 60 minutes during dinner.

On the second level, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse offers fantastic service and hospitality, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with a view.

At Puppy Calgary Yoga, they’ve brilliantly combined the relaxing benefits of yoga with the heartwarming joy of playing with puppies.

Stretching into a downward dog while an actual puppy curls up next to you is an experience that's as unique as it is delightful.

This isn't solely about cute puppy photos for your Instagram—though you’ll get plenty of those, too. The sessions at Puppy Calgary Yoga offer more than just fluffy fun.

But it’s not just the humans who benefit. The puppies come from rescue agencies and reputable breeders, ensuring they get a loving start to life.

During a 60-minute session, participants experience the wonderful joy that comes from bonding with these adorable creatures.

The team at Puppy Calgary Yoga understands the deep human-animal bond and its impact on mental health. Pets can significantly reduce stress, combat loneliness, and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Additionally, socialization is key. The studio offers a calm, nurturing environment where puppies can roam freely, interacting with people and building confidence.

This early exposure helps them become well-adjusted, making their transition into new homes smooth and filled with love.

Enter the melodic world of Canada’s music history at Studio Bell, a haven for music lovers of all ages right in the heart of Calgary.

This unique destination offers an unforgettable journey through five floors filled with music exhibitions, live performances, and interactive activities that promise to enchant and educate.

One of the standout features is the Canadian Music Halls of Fame, where visitors can explore the legacies of iconic artists like Bryan Adams and Neil Young.

Studio Bell is not your typical museum. It adopts an interactive approach to exhibitions, making the experience akin to attending a dynamic music festival.

Wander through 22 exhibition spaces spread across five levels, each offering a unique thematic experience. From the grand sounds of the Kimball Theatre Organ on the Sound Affects stage to the Canadian Music Halls of Fame on Level 5, there’s always something to captivate your senses.

The journey begins at Level One, Canada Music Square, where visitors can plan their visit and purchase tickets. Level Two, Music Mosaic, reflects Canada’s diverse cultural landscape by exploring the works of various artists and innovators.

Studio Bell also takes a holistic approach with its programs that explore the therapeutic potential of music. Their music therapy initiatives and exhibitions highlight how music can positively affect human health and wellbeing, making it a place of both education and healing.

Designed by Allied Works Architecture, Studio Bell itself is a work of art. Its nine subtly curved towers, clad in glazed terra cotta, create a harmonious blend of acoustic functionality and stunning cityscape views.

Ever thought of biking indoors? Well, at B-Line Indoors Bike Park, you can! This massive 60,000 square foot facility in Calgary is a paradise for bikers of all ages and skill levels.

The park is designed like a ski hill, with trails marked by difficulty levels - Green for beginners, Blue for intermediates, and Black for the pros.

One of the best parts? You don't need to bring your own bike. B-Line has a fleet of rental bikes, including BMX bikes for those who love pumping and jumping, and Commencal Absoluts for mountain bikers making the transition. They even have run bikes for the little ones and Frog bikes in various sizes.

They have a dedicated picnic area, perfect for taking a break and grabbing a snack from their on-site shop.

If you're looking to improve your skills, B-Line has some awesome learning opportunities. You can take private lessons, join the Adult Progression Club for riders aged 18 and up, or even book an advanced private lesson with a PMBIA certified coach. Just remember to check their website for availability.

To make the most of your visit, it's a good idea to bring your own helmet if you have a favorite, wear comfortable sportswear or jeans, and flat-bottom shoes.

Did you know that Calgary's indoor kart racing scene has some of the fastest Italian-made electric karts in the industry? These karts are designed to give you an instant torque experience, delivering heart-pounding excitement as you zoom around the track.

Regardless of your experience level, you'll feel right at home here. The atmosphere is welcoming and judgment-free, making it the perfect spot for everyone to enjoy.

You can drop in for a quick race, or reserve a time slot online to ensure you don't miss out on the action.

Looking for a unique way to bond with your team? Speeders offers team-building events that are both fun and exciting. These activities are perfect for improving new hire onboarding, blowing off steam, and giving employees a one-of-a-kind experience.

Step into a real-life video game, where you and your friends become the heroes of your own story. That's exactly what you'll get at The Locked Room, Calgary's premier escape room destination.

One of the coolest aspects of The Locked Room is the variety of interactive escape rooms they offer. Each room is meticulously designed to challenge and entertain.

Take, for instance, the Game Over room. It's an 8-bit adventure that brings the nostalgia of old-school video games to life.

Or how about the Quest for Excalibur? Enter the magical world of Merlin and Morgana, where your mission is to find the legendary sword before the evil sorceress arrives.

If you're more into mystery and suspense, The Quizzler's Revenge is your go-to room. With 3 to 9 participants, you’ll solve the enigma of the missing M.E.G.A. BOMB from Starr Laboratories.

And don’t forget The Big Picture, where you explore the world of a missing artist named Salvador. His artworks may hold the clues to his disappearance, making it an engaging experience for 3 to 7 players who enjoy a good detective story.

The Locked Room offers a fantastic option for teambuilding and events. Doesn't matter if you're planning a work outing or a special celebration, they can accommodate up to 30 players. 

How about a fun challenge? Step back in time and explore Fort Calgary, where history leaps off the pages and into real life!

This historic site is rich with stories, artifacts, and experiences that beautifully capture the essence of Calgary's past.

One of the most exciting attractions here is the replica 1888 Barracks.

Each step taken on these tours reveals layers of history, making it a fascinating journey through time. And for those who prefer exploring at their own pace, the self-guided audio tour is a fantastic option.

Narrated by Indigenous storytellers, this free tour offers insights into the land's significance to the Blackfoot, Tsuut’ina, and Métis Nations.

If you’re looking for a unique perspective, check out the Fort Calgary Stories programs.

Fort Calgary also has fantastic school programs designed for elementary students. These programs are an excellent opportunity for young minds to engage with the diverse narratives that have shaped this region.

They offer a unique blend of education and exploration, ensuring that students walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Calgary's rich history.

So, there you have it! Calgary offers a lot when it comes to outdoor activities. But also here's a wealth of indoor activities waiting to be discovered. From the fascinating exhibits at The Military Museums of Calgary to the cozy ambiance of Hexagon Cafe where you can play board games, there's an array of options. 

We chose these activities because they offer a perfect mix of fun, learning, and relaxation. For more exciting ideas, be sure to check out ActiviFinder Calgary. Your next adventure is just a click away!