Calgary is a fantastic city for families with preschoolers, offering endless opportunities for learning, play, and adventure—no matter the season. At Chapter1 Daycare, we believe that every day is a chance for young children to explore, create, and connect with their world. Whether it’s a sunny summer afternoon, a chilly winter day, or a rainy morning, there are always exciting, developmentally-appropriate activities to try with your preschooler.
Here’s our ultimate guide to 10 fun and educational activities for preschoolers in Calgary—from engaging indoor crafts to outdoor explorations and the best local spots for little learners. All activities are inspired by our play-based approach and designed with busy Calgary families in mind.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about starting daycare in Calgary, including how it compares to preschool, the ideal age to begin, how to choose the right program, and signs your child might be ready.
What’s the Best Age to Start Daycare in Calgary?
The best age to start daycare varies depending on your family’s needs, your work schedule, and your child’s development. However, many Calgary parents enroll their children between 12 months and 3 years old. At this stage, most children begin showing signs of social and emotional readiness. They’re also developing basic routines, such as consistent nap times and meal schedules, which help them adapt better to a structured daycare setting.
Infants as young as three months can attend daycare, especially when both parents return to work early. On the other hand, some families wait until their child is 18 months to 2 years old to allow more time for bonding and early development at home.
Discover the Chapter 1 Experience
Schedule a tour today and see how we nurture your child’s growth through play, creativity, and learning.
1. Indoor Obstacle Course
Where: At home or at daycare
Skills: Gross motor, problem-solving, teamwork
Set up a simple obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and blankets. Create tunnels to crawl through, lines to jump over, and objects to balance on. Indoor obstacle courses help kids develop coordination, balance, and social skills as they work together or race against a timer.
Chapter1 Tip: Let your child help design the course—they’ll love being in charge!
2. Sensory Bins with Local Flair
Where: At home or school
Skills: Sensory exploration, fine motor, creativity
Fill a bin with safe materials such as dry pasta, rice, or water beads. Add scoops, spoons, and small Calgary-themed toys—like mini animals from the Calgary Zoo or models of local landmarks. Sensory play encourages curiosity and strengthens fine motor skills.
3. Storytime at Calgary Public Library
Where: Any Calgary Public Library branch
Skills: Literacy, listening, socialization
Calgary’s libraries offer excellent, free storytime sessions for preschoolers all year long. Storytimes include books, songs, and sometimes crafts, helping to build early literacy and confidence in group settings.
Pro tip: Storytime schedules vary by branch—check the Calgary Public Library website for the latest events.
4. Mini Science Experiments
Where: At home or daycare
Skills: Critical thinking, observation, STEM
Try easy science experiments like making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar, testing which items sink or float, or growing bean sprouts in a jar. Preschoolers love hands-on learning, and these activities nurture curiosity about how the world works.
5. Nature Walks in Calgary Parks
Where: Nose Hill Park, Fish Creek Provincial Park, or your neighborhood
Skills: Nature appreciation, observation, language
Take a walk through one of Calgary’s beautiful parks. Collect pinecones, leaves, and rocks. Look for birds or small animals. Encourage your child to use all their senses: “What do you hear? What colors do you see?” Nature walks support physical health, mindfulness, and vocabulary development.
6. Creative Arts and Crafts
Where: At home or in the classroom
Skills: Creativity, fine motor, self-expression
Set up a craft station with paper, crayons, glue, and safe scissors. Try making paper plate animals, collages from recycled materials, or Calgary skyline paintings. Art activities help children express themselves and build important pre-writing skills.
Chapter1 Craft Idea: Create a “Calgary Landmarks” collage with cutouts or drawings of the Calgary Tower, Saddledome, and local parks.
7. Music and Movement Sessions
Where: Indoors or outdoors
Skills: Rhythm, listening, gross motor, self-regulation
Put on some music and have a dance party! Use scarves, simple instruments, or just your voices. Try musical games like freeze dance or musical statues. Music and movement are wonderful for developing coordination, following directions, and self-confidence.
8. Visits to Local Attractions
Where: Calgary Zoo, TELUS Spark Science Centre, Calgary Farmyard
Skills: Knowledge, social skills, real-world connections
Take your preschooler on a field trip to one of Calgary’s amazing kid-friendly spots. Many attractions have hands-on areas and seasonal programs just for young children. Visits like these spark new interests and support learning through real-life experiences.
Budget Tip: Look out for free admission days or library community passes!
9. Pretend Play Adventures
Where: Anywhere—living room, backyard, or daycare
Skills: Imagination, language, social-emotional growth
Set up a pretend grocery store, hospital, or “Calgary Transit” adventure with simple props. Pretend play is essential for building communication skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities.
Chapter1 Approach: We often use pretend play in our classrooms to help children understand routines and build self-confidence.
10. Community Playdates & Chapter1 Family Events
Where: At Chapter1 Daycare or with neighborhood friends
Skills: Socialization, teamwork, confidence
Organize a playdate with crafts, storytime, or simple games. Chapter1 Daycare regularly hosts community events and open houses where families can connect, children can make friends, and everyone feels part of our welcoming community.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about starting daycare in Calgary, including how it compares to preschool, the ideal age to begin, how to choose the right program, and signs your child might be ready.
What’s the Best Age to Start Daycare in Calgary?
The best age to start daycare varies depending on your family’s needs, your work schedule, and your child’s development. However, many Calgary parents enroll their children between 12 months and 3 years old. At this stage, most children begin showing signs of social and emotional readiness. They’re also developing basic routines, such as consistent nap times and meal schedules, which help them adapt better to a structured daycare setting.
Infants as young as three months can attend daycare, especially when both parents return to work early. On the other hand, some families wait until their child is 18 months to 2 years old to allow more time for bonding and early development at home.
Discover the Chapter 1 Experience
Schedule a tour today and see how we nurture your child’s growth through play, creativity, and learning.
Parent Tips for Year-Round Fun
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Dress for the Weather: Calgary can change quickly! Layers, sun hats, or snow boots keep kids comfortable.
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Let Kids Lead: Follow your child’s interests for longer, more meaningful play sessions.
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Rotate Toys and Materials: Keep activities fresh by changing up the items available every few weeks.
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Mix Indoor and Outdoor Play: Even a few minutes outside helps children burn energy and reset for indoor learning.
See Chapter1 Daycare’s Play-Based Learning in Action!
At Chapter1 Daycare, our programs are packed with hands-on, age-appropriate activities just like these—every season of the year. Interested in seeing how we nurture curious, happy learners?
Book a tour today or follow us on social media for more tips and inspiration.