Discussions

We are thinking of doing a family trip west to Calgary, any suggestions for things to do there? We are planning on doing the stampede, not sure what else. Any tips for the stampede? We have two middle school kids...

It's kinda on the way to Calgary. Great for kids who like dinosaurs.

there is the zoo, the pioneer village and auto museum is good. day trip to banff

If you're "into horses" at all, Spruce Meadows is an interesting place to walk around or take in a show if there's one going on while you're there. You can talk to the trainers and grooms who are always more than happy to answer any questions. Even if you're not a horsey person, the grounds are beautiful and worth a look.

Calaway park and Calgary tower are fun to visit too

telus spark is a great place to go see

The summer fair the comes to Brandon also gets set up at the Stampede so if you have middle age kids that could be something for them to do.  
 
The Calgary tower is more or less for sight seeing, ride the huge elevator up or take the stairs if you want a challenge. They have the view finders located around the top of the tower. There is also a restaurant up there (not sure what the hours are).  
 
Lots of things to do in Calgary!  
 
https://www.google.ca/travel/things-to-do?destMid=%2Fm%2F01r32&dest_state_type=p&ved=0ahUKEwjz9L3B5bTZAhUCy2MKHcz7Ab4QuL0BCEkwAA&ictx=1&dest_src=ts&hl=en-CA&gl=CA

https://www.visitcalgary.com/

Purchase your rodeo tickets online beforehand, and then you won't have to pay for gate admission. Gate admission is free if you have tickets to the rodeo. However, if you don't have tickets to the rodeo, you'll have to pay for gate admission, and then go to the booth inside the stampede grounds that sells the rodeo tickets (you can't buy the rodeo tickets at the main entrance gate).

A day trip to Banff and Lake Louise.