Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo?
What makes it 90% Baby-Friendly: Infants enter free, caregivers get a private nursing room, diaper tables in every washroom, stroller-friendly paved loops, and optional $10 wagon rental, though long distances may cause fatigue.
Positives:
- Free Infant Admission: Children under 3 enter free, reducing your cost.
- Stroller-Friendly Paths: Paved routes and benches make moving around easy.
- Caregiving Facilities: Diaper-changing stations and a nursing room at Kitamba Café
Challenges:
- Weather Variability: Most exhibits are outdoors; check the forecast and dress in layers.
- Distance Between Exhibits: Walking routes can be long; plan rest stops near playgrounds.
- Ride Wait Times: Carousel and train lines can form; visit these early or late.
What is Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo?
- A zoological park and conservation institute under the Wilder Institute, dedicated to scientific research and endangered species recovery
- A 120-acre site comprising themed habitats — Destination Africa with an underwater hippo viewing pool, Prehistoric Park with life-size dinosaur replicas, and the Dorothy Harvie Botanical Gardens
- A certified zoological facility housing over 120 animal species, including giant pandas, grizzly bears and native Canadian birds, and leading breeding programs for threatened wildlife
What is so special about Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo for with baby?
- Free entry for babies under 3 lowers cost and hassle
- Stroller-friendly paved paths and benches throughout
- Baby animal exhibits delight young children
- Indoor botanical gardens offer calm rest spots
- Scheduled feeding times and a map app help plan your visit
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to see key exhibits without tiring your baby
Baby-Friendly Activities in Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Baby Animal Viewing:
Watch tapir calf Nyawa, meerkat pups and bison calves in safe habitats.
Tip: Visit early when animals are most active and crowds are smaller.
Prehistoric Park:
Walk among life-size dinosaur models on paved paths.
Tip: Bring a stroller with good wheels for the gravel sections near the Dino Dig.
Underwater Hippo Pool:
Observe hippos swimming below water level in the African Quarter.
Tip: Arrive just before feeding time, listed on the zoo app, for best views.
Dorothy Harvie Botanical Gardens:
Explore an indoor conservatory of tropical plants.
Tip: Use this calm space for nursing breaks or to escape bad weather.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
- Use the Zoo App: Download maps and feeding times in advance to plan your route.
- Start with Baby Animals: Begin at the toddler-friendly habitats when your little one is most alert.
- Schedule Feeding Breaks: Use the Botanical Gardens or Kitamba Café room for quiet nursing stops.
Reviews of Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Manju Dabas
The Calgary Zoo is one of the best family attractions we’ve visited! It’s well laid out, making it easy to explore different zones — from the African Savannah with giraffes and lions, to the Canadian Wilds where we saw bears and cougars up close. The Penguin Plunge was a highlight — the kids loved watching them swim and waddle right by the glass. Highlight was the Polar bear! What really makes th...
Shannon Blais
I think the price of admission and parking was a bit steep. But there was lots to see. Our favorites were the penguins and butterfly sanctuary. The polar bear was hiding unfortunately. We also liked the grizzly bear, hippo, and flamingos. Lots of places to grab food, rest. The place can feel a bit Ike a maze if you're unfamiliar with it but we enjoyed the different themed exhibits. They have a qui...
Majintha Rathnayake
Had an amazing time at the zoo! The staff were friendly and helpful, and we appreciated how clean and well-maintained everything was. There were also plenty of places to take a break, grab a snack, and just enjoy the surroundings. Washroom available in every area. The staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions or share insights about the animals. The e...
Yuliia Kozak
Amazing place for a family day out! We visited with kids and everyone had a great time. The grounds are very clean and well maintained, with lots of shade and beautifully designed animal enclosures. We were especially impressed by the penguins, tigers, and the dinosaur park — so realistic! My little one loved the kids’ zoo where you can feed the goats. Staff were friendly, and the café had a nice ...
Preethy Sudhan
Had a wonderful time at the Calgary Zoo! The layout is great, lots of animals to see, and the whole place is really well maintained. It was a super hot day when we visited, so I totally understand that the polar bear was probably chilling indoors with the A/C — though I was a little bummed to miss seeing it. That aside, it was still a fantastic experience — from the playful lemurs to the majestic...
When is the best time to visit Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (Calgary, Canada)?
Attend ZooBoo in late October for baby-friendly trick-or-treat stations. In winter, enjoy ZOOLIGHTS early in the evening when it's less crowded.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult general admission (2×$30) | CAD 60 |
| Wagon rental | CAD 10 |
| Snacks and drinks | CAD 15 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 85 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Address: 210 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6, Canada
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About Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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