Today, families are leading far busier lives than our parents and grandparents just a few decades ago. It can sometimes be difficult to find time to eat dinner together, let alone plan an entire family vacation. Often the best choice is to have a family staycation and take the time to relax even during those times you may be unable to leave town.

In addition to Calgary festivals to look forward to this summer, there are many things to see and do in the Greater Calgary area without needing to travel far.

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary 

This one does involve a little bit of travel, but not much. Not far from Calgary on Highway 1A, you'll find something quite unique and majestic: a wolfdog sanctuary. Over the past several years, wolfdogs have become a popular choice as household pets, but they are not a traditional domesticated animal and thus require additional knowledge and education to keep them. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is the first of its kind in Western Canada, offering rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming for these beautiful animals.

Bring the family to see the sanctuary's 15 permanent wolfdogs and seven ambassador wolfdogs, learn more about wolf conservation, and enjoy 160 acres of stunning natural landscape. Enjoy a Sanctuary Walk, an interpretive walk where you can view the various packs of wolfdogs that live there. 

If you prefer a guided tour with sanctuary staff to learn more, consider the Intro Tour with a wolfdog expert. Alternatively, choose the Interactive Tour if you would like to get an up-close and intimate look at the wolves and wolfdogs and their important role in our ecosystem. You'll learn how to differentiate the behaviour of domesticated dogs versus wolves and what makes wolfdogs so unique.

Yamnuska is open year-round and welcomes all visitors ages six and up. Visit yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com for more information and to book your tour.

Sundance Balloons 

Have you always wished you were actually a bird that could fly through the sky, but really, really slowly? Why not try a balloon ride over the city? Sundance Balloons offers a tick off your bucket list with flights for one to three people and four or more for a one-hour trip. Rides vary between 45 minutes and one-and-a-half hours depending on the number of passengers, the temperature of the air, and when the pilot is able to find a suitable landing field.

Flights take place first thing in the morning and just before sunset. Imagine the views at those times! Be sure to bring your camera or binoculars to capture the best views you may ever see in your life. And although the record for highest altitude flown by a hot air balloon was 90,000 feet, you'll be travelling anywhere from the height of treetops up to 2,500 feet. Nice and comfy.

For more information, visit sundanceballoons.com. Flying season is from May to September, weather dependent.

Calgary Climbing Centre 

If your family is a bit more on the active side, why not test those muscles at one of Calgary's largest rock climbing facilities? With dozens of walls for all skill levels, there's sure to be a challenge for you here. Join training sessions, summer climbing camps for the kids, adult competitions, day camps, or book a climbing party at any one of three Calgary locations. There are lessons for beginners available for individuals or whole families, as well as Women on Walls technique courses. A unique and fun adventure to say the least!

For more information, visit calgaryclimbing.com.

Jubilations Dinner Theatre 

If your taste is quite a bit closer to the ground and perhaps more on the creative side, bring the family to Jubilations Dinner Theatre. There's always something fun (and funny) happening on stage. Watch the website for a wide variety of popular shows, and enjoy a three-hour dinner and live theatre experience with the whole family.

For information on shows and tickets, visit calgary.jubilations.ca.

Calgary is one of the most vibrant cities in Canada, offering literally hundreds of staycation activities in and around the area. Whatever your preference, style, or activity level, Calgary has many adventures to offer for your next at-home vacation.

Looking for something to do without even leaving home? Why not bring the fun to your own backyard? Check out our 5 Tips for Hosting the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue.

Photo credits: balloon, wolves, kids