[twitter]The Calgary Zoo
1300 Zoo Road NE Calgary, AB T2E 7V6
Admission: Kids under 3 free, 3-15: $13, Adults: $21

There’s big news at the Calgary Zoo .. the penguins are now outside! While The Penguin Plunge is still proving a popular destination (waits were 45min+ this past weekend), many people are getting their fill of the flightless birds just in front of their exhibit. A large pool and rock formation lets the penguins pose for the paparazzi.

The Calgary Zoo is one of the great entertainment values for families in Calgary. An affordable family pass can have you visiting the lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) as often as you want.

There is lots of green space, and picnic tables around the grounds. Wagons are a popular mode of transportation for families – you can stuff the cooler in one end, kids in the other. If you don’t want to bring your own food, there are concession stands and a full cafeteria.

And the most popular part of a day at the Calgary Zoo? The playground. Sure, our sons have favorites (the older likes the snow leopard, the younger is a fan of hippos and giraffes), but they both agree the playground is tops. With 3 separate sections for those under 3, 3-5, and 6-12, kids of all ages make a beeline for the playground the minute you get out of the gorilla exhibit.