For updated information on the 2025 Calgary Stampede, click here and read our more recent blog.

The Calgary Stampede, known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” is an event you won’t want to miss! This rodeo is held in Calgary every summer taking over the entire city with a fair, parade, and fireworks.

But are you wondering if the Calgary Stampede is kid-friendly? Absolutely!

What can kids do at the Calgary Stampede?

Watch the Stampede Parade
Listen to live music at Nashville North
Taste test all types of snacks and play the carnival games
Attend the Powwow and see the dancers compete
Meet PAW Patrol at the BMO Kids’ Zone
See farm animals and tractors in the Agricultural Competitions

Check out more details on Family Day events here.

A young goat in a pen at the Calgary Stampede. — Credit: Calgary Stampede

Plan Your Visit

When is the Calgary Stampede?

The Calgary Stampede typically runs for 10 days in early July. In 2024, the Stampede is from July 5th to July 14th.

To catch all the action, be sure to check the Calgary Stampede schedule and plan your visit around the events that interest you most. On your visit, the Calgary Stampede map will become your new best friend as you navigate the huge park. So, make sure you have the map loaded on your phone!

And don’t worry breaking the bank. As a newcomer to Canada, you can try to get some of Canoo’s limited Calgary Stampede tickets for free! Download the Canoo app to register your account and check often. Once the tickets are posted, they won’t last long.

Click here to find out if you are eligible for Canoo.

Stampede Events and Attractions

Jump on the carnival rides, play every game, walk through the agricultural exhibits where kids can meet real farm animals. But, for sports fans, the rodeo is the main attraction! Rodeos are competitive sports that started from ranch workers making their work more fun. You can now watch different events, like bull riding, barrel racing and calf roping.

If you can’t attend the Stampede, you can watch the 2024 Calgary Stampeders on TV. Check your guide ahead of time. But you can usually watch the Calgary Stampede on CTV, CBC, and Sportsnet.

A person competing in barrel racing at the Calgary Stampede. — Credit: Dulcey Lima

Family Day and Freebies

Is Stampede free on Family Days? While general admission fees may apply, Family Days usually offer perks, like free admission for children and special performances.

There are no age restrictions for entry to the Stampede! Hot Tip: children under seven can even get into the park for free any day at any time! And did you know that entering the Stampede grounds early can sometimes grant you free or reduced entry? Yes, it’s true!

BMO Kids’ Day is a popular family day event with activities created just for kids! On July 7th, 2024, there is free entry for everyone until 10:00 am, along with a free breakfast. There’s also Tim Horton’s Family Day and TC Energy Community Day. These are the Value Days that help you build special memories with your family at the Calgary Stampede without breaking the bank!

Kid-Friendly Adventures Await

Don’t miss out on the Stampede Parade that launches the official start of the Calgary Stampede. This year, it’s on Friday, July 7^th and led by Canadian astronaut, Jeremy Hansen. The parade marches through downtown Calgary and is free to enjoy on the outskirts of Stampede Park.

Explore Midway (the carnival area) with the family and ride the Superwheel! At the top, you can see all of Calgary busy with Stampede activity. There’s even kids’ rides for the smaller children, here, at the Great FUNtier.

A photo of the Calgary Stampede Park with a ferris wheel and other rides. — Credit: Calgary Stampede

Extra Tips for Your First Calgary Stampede

The best days to go with kids is on weekdays when the crowds are smaller, making it easier to enjoy the attractions. Getting around throughout the Stampede can also be a bit a challenge. With road closures, increased parking fees, consider taking public transit to get around. There are set fare prices for adults to use throughout the day and children under the age of 12 can ride for free.

If you need to leave the Calgary Stampede, but have already paid admission, you can re-enter later that day. But, make sure that you get re-entry stamp on your way out. This way, you can show the stamp when you return and show that you had already paid for the day.

While most vendors take credit cards, you may run into some that only use cash. Consider bringing some spending cash just in case! And yes, you can also bring your snacks to the Stampede. This is a great way to save on expensive food, while ensuring your kids have their favourite treats with them.

A group of people at the Calgary Stampede in front of food stands for pizza, corn dogs, barbecue, etc. — Credit: Chris Wedman / Calgary Stampede

To help you get Calgary Stampede rodeo tickets, Canoo is given a limited number each year to share with newcomers to Canada by the Calgary Stampede. As a new Permanent Resident or new Canadian citizen, you can download the Canoo app and access this deal. You can also find other Canoo partners and events that give you free or discounted admission to the best Canadian activities.

The Calgary Stampede is a fantastic destination for families offering a mix of entertainment, culture, and adventure. So, grab your cowboy boots and get ready to create lasting memories at the Calgary Stampede!