Best Animal Experiences in Alberta for Families

Looking for unforgettable animal adventures in Alberta? Whether your family loves big cats, birds of prey, marine life, or Canadian wildlife, Alberta is home to some incredible attractions where kids can learn about animals while creating lasting memories.

If you're planning a family getaway, don't miss our guides to Day Trips from Edmonton and Things to Do in Alberta with Kids for even more adventures.

Calgary Zoo / Wilder Institute

The Calgary Zoo is one of Canada's premier wildlife destinations and is home to more than 4,000 animals representing hundreds of species from around the world. Families can spend an entire day exploring themed habitats featuring tigers, lions, gorillas, penguins, giraffes, hippos, and many more incredible animals.

Planning a weekend in Calgary? Pair your visit with our guide to Things to Do in Calgary with Kids.

Highlights: tigers, lions, gorillas, penguins, giraffes, hippopotamus and canadian wildlife
Website: https://www.calgaryzoo.com/

Edmonton Valley Zoo

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is one of Edmonton's most popular family attractions. Your kids will love the urban farm and opportunities for play throughout the zoo.

Highlights: amur tigers, snow leopards, red pandas, arctic wolves, lemurs
Website: https://www.edmontonvalleyzoo.ca/

After your visit, continue the adventure with our guides to Edmonton Playgrounds, Things to Do in Edmonton with Kids, or Best Ice Cream Shops in Edmonton.

Alberta Birds of Prey Nature Centre

Located in Coaldale, the Alberta Birds of Prey Nature Centre offers families the chance to watch incredible flying demonstrations while learning about Alberta's native birds. If you’re lucky during your visit, you’ll even have the chance to hold an owl or watch a raptor fly! Our tip? plan your visit around the interpretive experiences.

If you're planning a southern Alberta road trip, check out our Alberta Road Trips for Families guide for more stops along the way.

Highlights: Alberta's native raptors. Eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons
Website: https://albertabirdsofprey.com/

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

Just outside Cochrane, Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is unlike any other attraction in Alberta. Visitors can observe rescued wolfdogs, learn about conservation, and discover the important differences between wolves, dogs, and wolfdogs.

Highlights: wolfdogs
Website: https://www.yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com/

Marine Life at West Edmonton Mall

You don't have to travel to the coast to discover incredible marine life. West Edmonton Mall is home to sharks, sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, and other aquatic animals that kids love seeing up close.

Make it a full day with our guides to Indoor Activities in Edmonton, and Rainy Day Activities in Edmonton.

Highlights: Penguins, sea turtles
Website: https://www.wem.ca/

Discovery Wildlife Park

Located in Innisfail, Discovery Wildlife Park is home to rescued bears, wolves, cougars, elk, reptiles, birds of prey, and many other animals. The park focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, and education, making it an excellent stop for families travelling through Central Alberta. You can even camp on site and have access to exclusive, after-hours animal experiences.

Heading south? Add this stop to one of our favourite Weekend Getaways from Edmonton.

Highlights: bears, wolves, cougars, elk, reptiles, birds of prey, camel
Website: https://discoverywildlifepark.com/

More Alberta Wildlife Adventures

If your family can't get enough of animals, don't stop here. Alberta is home to incredible wildlife experiences beyond its zoos and sanctuaries, including petting farms, wildlife viewing, national parks, and family-friendly outdoor adventures worth exploring year-round.