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I am taking my daughter (7yrs) to Banff for spring break. We will have 3 full days there. I am looking for affordable things to do while we are there. So far I have free skating at lake Louise as we will bring our own skates, tubing at norquay, the gondola and the upper hot springs. Anyone have any suggestions? Was thinking a hike if weather permits but not sure which ones would be suitable for a 7 year old.

the gondola ride is $49 adult and $25 for children.

I agree with the Fairmont Springs Hotel....it's such an amazing hotel and you can walk around outside as well and take some post card quality photos. I had a friend go there recently and she took her daughter on a horse drawn carriage ride from the hotel. I'm not sure of the details or cost but might be worth checking out. If you'll be eating out, check out the Burger Bar, right on the main drag. Small restaurant but amazing burgers and milkshakes and not super expensive. My daughters loved it there so much we went twice. It's so beautiful there, even just walking around is amazing. Have fun!

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism  
 
https://www.facebook.com/banffnationalpark/

One thing I remember fondly about my last trip to Banff was the picturesque picnic I had there. Bought some groceries in Calgary and packed a picnic basket with sandwich fixings, cutlery and snacks. When we made it to Banff we wanted to find a nice place to drink in the sights and on a whim turned onto a dirt road and ended up on a dock surrounded by cool water and gorgeous mountains. Of all the sights and sounds of that trip, that peace and tranquility of that hidden place was what I'll always remember. And feeding the ducks and geese that swam up to visit!

Not sure if I spelled that right. Very beautiful lake and nice short hike I believe it is close to Lake Louise We liked it better than Lake Louise

valhallaman said "Not sure if I spelled that right. Very beautiful lake and nice short hike I believe it is close to Lake Louise We liked it better than Lake Louise "

I was going to suggest Moraine Lake - beautiful spot.

It's inbetween lake Louise and Banff and is amazing. Beautiful waterfalls with a wooden boardwalk right too them. Also upper water falls with steps to them.  
 
Lake Louise is very nice itself to. Picturesque with walkways around it

Thanks for all the great ideas!

Trip Advisor is also a resource to check.  
 
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Tourism-g154910-Banff_National_Park_Alberta-Vacations.html  
 
If you also go to the discussion forums from the main Banff page, there are some relevant topics or you can search on the forums (maybe Inexpensive children's activities, etc.) Discussion forum direct link page;  
 
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowForum-g154910-i220-Banff_National_Park_Alberta.html  
 
Sounds like a fun trip. Enjoy!

Moraine lake is a beautiful spot but not much to do besides hike and canoe on the lake - might be a little boring for a 7 year old. I would recommend Johnston Canyon like one user said - there is a very cool spot where you can walk through the rock structure and be standing between the water falls.

I lived in Calgary and went to Banff almost every weekend once you are there it will help there is so much to do in the town, theylre is also glacier tours that are pretty cool with a huge glass floor lookout, rock climbing walls, skating, shows there is just so much there you guys will love it

Also..  
If you're willing to make the drive to Canmore (30 minutes) they have an awesome rec centre with an awesome pool and rock climbing walls suitable for children.

I took my 8 year old skiing but we took one day off to explore and we did the sulphur mountain gondola, hiked up the johnston canyon to the falls (you might some ice cleats this time of year) and went and checked out Bow Falls.

Gondola is worth the money and there is a good walk at the top that will keep you busy for a bit. We went last year (kids were 10 & 7.  
Cave and basin will be free I think with the free park pass. They had an activity book for the kids that made them pay attention. Once they were done the work, they took it to the desk on the way out and got a prize. That was i:ncluded in the entry.  
Trip to lake Louise is great. Just walking around there is cool and the drive is nice. Take the scenic route back and watch for wildlife!