Calgary and Banff – Day 5 can be found here.
Another bright and early day, up at 7:30 am so that we can make our way down to the Telus Spark Science Centre in time for open. With it being Thanksgiving Monday, we though it would be busy.
We thought wrong – as it turns out, Thanksgiving is perhaps the quietest day of the year.
This allowed us to get some (for once) deserted photos of the various exhibits, starting with the Creative Kids Museum:
Perhaps the last time our kids will get to play on this awesome fort before they age out of this area – which is designed for kids 8 and under, though exceptions are made for older children accompanying siblings
Big blue blocks – always a hit with our kids
Another perennial favourite – building with the pipes to keep a ping pong ball aloft
The giant water table is always fun – there are aprons provided but it’s worthwhile bringing extra clothes for younger kids
We then moved on to the Digital Immersion Gallery:
Currently showing Space: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond
For older kids there’s a VR studio with multiple games and a machine called Birdly that let’s you “fly” as a dragonfly (or butterfly – there were heated arguements about which).
There’s also a lab where you can do actual science experiments. The current offering is using forensics to determine a blood type from a crime scene using actual analytical chemistry. Unfortunately space is limited and we were unable to sign up for a timeslot. If you’re interested in doing actual science experiments I highly recommend getting your name on the sign-up board right away as you can sign up for any timeslot during the day.
Unlike at other science centres, the IMAX theatre is included in your ticket price. We had a fantastic time watching Dinosaurs of Antarctica. (I wonder why we chose that particular movie? You’ll find out in February…)
Unfortunately we were running short of time and were unable to stay for the next movie which was Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope. Instead we grabbed a quick lunch at the Spark Eatery. Service was fast and food was surprisingly good.
There’s also an outdoor playground which the kids thoroughly enjoyed. This is our first visit where the weather has been nice enough to want to play outside (we often plan museum/science centre trips when it’s pouring rain or frigid).
Then we had to dash as we’re heading out to see some horses (our daughter’s favourite pastime).
But it’s Alberta, so you first have to drive past oil derricks which can be seen just a few minutes from Calgary.
And then – horses!
And a polydactyl barn cat named “Bigfoot”:
He actually comes when you call him. And you don’t even have to hide the halter. My wife was seriously impressed.
Then my wife and daughter had an incredible time riding in the indoor arena. My son and his cousin had been given the responsibility of grooming the arena by dragging a lethal looking rake behind an ATV. They had a blast and finished with the same number of limbs they started with so clearly a success.
Then back to my mother’s for a rapid shower and change and off to Thanksgiving dinner. Once again at the Winter Club as we were a group of 21 and it’s a lot of work to feed and tidy up for that number – plus where do we all sit?
Sensibly the Winter Club put us in a private space – technically not the private dining room as apparently that maxes out around 15 people.
Cauliflower soup
Alberta ribeye steak with pureed parsnips
Chocolate ganache with orange sorbet
Not pictured – dozens of cousins all shouting and having a great time.
And then, just like that, our trip had drawn to an end – we went back to my mother’s house to finish packing and try to get some sleep before our 4:15 am (boo!) departure time.
But no trip ever goes without a hitch – as I was about to find out early the following morning.
Continue reading Calgary and Banff – Day 7.