We picked up a 3 month family pass for $250 which gave us unlimited access to all the mall attractions. It was totally the way to go. Getting tickets for each attraction seperately would have been roughly the same amount of money so it made sense to get the pass. We didn't feel pressure to stay in any one area and when we got tired, we took breaks to eat or relax before going back for more.
The first day we went to the Under The Sea Caverns. Totally cool and one of the best areas of the mall. In addition to seeing sharks, sea turtles & penguins (none of which I had ever seen up close), they had a touch pool filled with sting rays which we got to feel. I can't remember if the Calgary Zoo let you touch them when they had their exhibit, but I never did so this was a great opportunity. My 3 year old wasn't too keen but the five year old and I got to feel their smooth backs as they swam by. It was very cool.
Then we headed over to the Sea Lion Rocks show was awesome. We had great seats in the middle near the front (rush seating, although with all the little kids, nobody was pushy). The kids really enjoyed seeing them up close....and they get close! The show was just long enough to entertain without wearing us out.
The next day we headed to the indoor water park. I went here when I was in my late teens and remember it being ok....but not great. I had a totally different experience this time!!! There are two different areas for the kids which are awesome, the waves in the main pool were just wild enough (as long as my kids were wearing a life jacket), the hot tubs were lovely and my husband and I both took turns going down the "extreme" slides. Super fun for everyone and a nice break from the -30 temps in Edmonton that day.
This video might make you a little dizzy, but if you grab some 3D glasses, it could be kind of cool!
We spent about 5 hours there and my youngest had a little rest on the deck chairs in between our activities. Afterward, we went to the Spaghetti factory for some dinner. We were all starving!!! But regardless of what time of day you go, it's busy here. We had to wait 15 minutes for a table at 4:00 in the afternoon. Some glow in the dark mini-golf and we were ready for bed.
Galaxyland is the other attraction we went to that weekend and it was so fun we ended up going for a few hours each of the 3 days we were there. (another reason to get the unlimited pass). They had lots of rides for kids of all ags and a huge play area with slides and balls and tunnels, you name it! The big slides were even fun for the adults and thankfully they had stairs so we didn't need to climb up the apparatus to get up to them.
The boys also had their first taste of go-carts which, although s...l...o...w.. were a good intro into the activity.
It was great time had by all, and hopefully we will get back there before our 3 month pass runs out in June. Next time, a better hotel....maybe a condo so we can do our own cooking? And more time for the waterpark I think. West Ed delivered! A fun weekend getaway.
Oh, and shopping?
Well we didn't do any....but I was so tempted. The shoes! Such lovely shoes......maybe next time ;-)
on Tuesday, 30 August 2011
in My KinderJet Family Travel Blog
