FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to McMahon Stadium in Calgary, and it is the perfect opportunity to create a family memory that will last a lifetime. Calgary is one of Canada's most family-friendly cities, offering safe neighbourhoods, world-class attractions, and easy access to the Canadian Rockies. This guide covers everything parents need to know about bringing the whole family to the World Cup, from car seats and vehicle options to between-match activities and budget-saving tips.
Why Calgary Is the Perfect Family World Cup Destination
Calgary consistently ranks among the safest and most liveable cities in the world. For families traveling from across Canada or internationally, Calgary offers a combination that few World Cup host cities can match: genuine Western Canadian hospitality, an abundance of outdoor activities, a clean and walkable downtown core, and the Rocky Mountains less than 90 minutes away.
The city's culture is inherently family-oriented. From the Calgary Zoo and Heritage Park to Telus Spark Science Centre and Calaway Park, there is never a shortage of things to do between matches. Summer in Calgary means long daylight hours (sunrise before 6:00 AM, sunset after 9:30 PM), warm but comfortable temperatures in the low-to-mid twenties Celsius, and minimal rain. It is ideal conditions for families with children of any age.
Safe and Welcoming
Calgary is ranked one of North America's safest major cities. Clean streets, friendly locals, and excellent public infrastructure make navigating with kids stress-free.
Perfect Summer Weather
June and July average 20-25 degrees Celsius with over 16 hours of daylight. Warm enough to enjoy outdoors, cool enough for comfortable exploring.
Rocky Mountain Access
Banff National Park is just 90 minutes from downtown. A family day trip to the mountains between matches is a uniquely Canadian experience.
Endless Kid Activities
Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, Telus Spark, Calaway Park, river pathways, playgrounds, and splash parks throughout the city.
Family-Sized Vehicle Options & Free Car Seats
Traveling with children means you need space for strollers, diaper bags, snack coolers, and all the gear that comes with keeping kids comfortable. Our family fleet is designed with exactly this in mind. Every vehicle has ample cargo space, smooth rides to keep little ones settled, and rear climate control so the back seat stays comfortable.
| Vehicle | Family Size | Car Seats | Cargo Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Escalade ESV | 2 adults + 2-3 kids | Up to 2 seats | Large (stroller + bags) |
| Mercedes Sprinter Van | Extended family (up to 14) | Up to 4 seats | Extra large |
| Lincoln MKT Sedan | 2 adults + 1 child | 1 seat | Standard trunk |
Free Child Car Seats
Alberta law requires children under 6 years old to use a car seat. We provide the following at no extra charge:
Infant Seats
Rear-facing, birth to 12 months
Convertible Seats
Forward-facing, 1 to 4 years
Booster Seats
Ages 4 to 6, or under 40 lbs
Simply mention the ages of your children when booking and our team will have the correct seats professionally installed before your pickup.
Family Activities Between World Cup Matches
With potentially several days between matches, families have plenty of time to explore Calgary and the surrounding area. Here are the top family-friendly attractions, all easily accessible with Lux Limo Service:
Calgary Zoo
Bridgeland | 15 min from downtown | Full day activity
One of Canada's top zoos featuring the Canadian Wilds exhibit, Penguin Plunge, and the Prehistoric Park with life-sized dinosaur models. Kids love the interactive discovery zones and the land of lemurs walkthrough.
Telus Spark Science Centre
University District | 15 min from downtown | Half to full day
Hands-on science exhibits, a creative kids area for children under 7, a digital dome theatre, and outdoor park. Perfect for rainy days or when the family needs a break from the sun.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Southwest Calgary | 20 min from downtown | Full day
Canada's largest living history museum. Ride a steam train, explore a 1910s prairie town, visit the amusement park, and take a paddle-wheel boat on Glenmore Reservoir.
Calaway Park
West Calgary | 25 min from downtown | Full day
Western Canada's largest outdoor amusement park with over 30 rides and attractions. Suitable for all ages, with a dedicated kiddie land for the youngest visitors. Open daily in summer.
Day Trip to Banff with Kids
A trip to Calgary without visiting Banff is incomplete, and it is entirely doable as a day trip with children. The drive is 90 minutes each way through stunning foothills scenery, and your Lux Limo chauffeur handles all the driving so parents can point out wildlife and mountain views instead of watching the road.
Family-Friendly Banff Highlights
- Banff Gondola: 8-minute ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Stroller-accessible boardwalk at the top with panoramic views. Kids ride free under 5.
- Bow Falls: Easy, flat 5-minute walk from Banff Avenue. A gorgeous waterfall that requires zero hiking ability. Great photo spot for the family.
- Banff Upper Hot Springs: Natural mineral hot springs at 38-40 degrees Celsius. Open to all ages. A perfect way for tired legs (both big and small) to recover.
- Easy Hikes: Fenland Trail (2 km flat loop), Johnson Lake (2.4 km easy loop), and Tunnel Mountain Trail (suitable for kids 6+).
- Banff Avenue: Ice cream shops, candy stores, souvenir shopping, and family-friendly restaurants line this pedestrian-friendly main street.
Family Day Trip Tip: Book your Banff day trip with Lux Limo Service and let the kids nap in comfort on the drive back to Calgary. With car seats installed and a smooth-riding Escalade, the 90-minute return trip is the easiest part of the day.
Family Dining Near Popular Hotels
Calgary has a thriving food scene that extends well beyond steakhouses. Here are family-friendly restaurants near hotels that World Cup visitors are likely to stay at:
| Area | Restaurant | Why Kids Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | Native Tongues | Build-your-own tacos |
| Beltline | Lil' Empire Burger | Gourmet burgers and milkshakes |
| Kensington | OEB Breakfast Co. | Amazing pancakes and brunch |
| East Village | Simmons Building | Multiple options, river patio |
Budget-Friendly Tips for World Cup Families
Attending the World Cup with a family does not have to break the bank. Here are practical ways to keep costs manageable while still enjoying a premium experience:
- Share a Vehicle: One Escalade for a family of five costs less than five individual Uber rides, especially with World Cup surge pricing. Fixed rates with Lux Limo mean no surprises.
- Multi-Day Packages: Book multiple days together and save per day compared to individual bookings. Ask about our family World Cup package.
- Free Activities: Prince's Island Park, Bow River pathway, Devonian Gardens, and many Calgary playgrounds are completely free.
- Kids Under 5: Many attractions offer free admission for children under 5, including the Calgary Zoo and Heritage Park.
- Skip the Rental Car: No rental car means no parking fees at the stadium ($30-50/game), no parking downtown ($20-40/day), and no one has to be the designated driver.
Plan Your Family World Cup Adventure
Free car seats, spacious family vehicles, and a professional chauffeur who knows Calgary inside and out. Make World Cup 2026 unforgettable for the whole family.
Free Car Seats | No Surge Pricing | Family-Friendly Chauffeurs
Family World Cup Transportation FAQ
Does Lux Limo Service provide child car seats for World Cup transportation?
What is the best vehicle for a family of five attending the World Cup?
Can we do a Banff day trip with young children between World Cup matches?
Is Calgary a safe city for families visiting during the World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-generation event, and sharing it with your family makes it even more special. Calgary's combination of safety, outdoor adventure, family attractions, and genuine hospitality makes it the ideal base for a World Cup family trip. With Lux Limo Service handling your transportation, every parent gets to relax and every kid gets to enjoy the ride.
Start planning your family World Cup adventure today. Your kids will thank you for decades.
Questions about family travel? Book online or call us at (877) 748-0138. We love helping families plan the perfect trip.