Our family uses Google calendars and we share them with each other. It’s a great way to keep coordinated. On the macs, Ipads and Iphones, we use the apple app for calendar.
Previously, you had to use Google’s exchange server to sync with an ipad or iphone. Since Google sync is now included on the ipad/iphone, Google does not accept new devices on its exchange server.
So when you use setup to add the Google account to your calendar, you won’t see the shared calendars, only your own. You need to open the browser on your device and go to this link: https://www.google.com/calendar/iphoneselect
Make sure the calendars you wish to appear on your ipad/iphone are all checked. Then you can go to the calendar app and they should appear.