Extended hours of sunshine and school wrapping up creates more opportunities to enjoy City of Calgary parks. Try something new or rediscover a park you haven’t visited for a while. There is so much to explore in our City. Take a trip out to Haskayne Legacy Park, The City’s newest regional park that opened last September, for a leisurely walk, bike ride or picnic and enjoy this serene natural area.
Checking out some, or all, of the following park activities is also sure to ward off boredom and keep you — and the children in your life — busy with new adventures all summer.
Wading pool and spray parks expected to open once water restrictions are lifted
Wading pools and spray parks will remain closed until the restrictions are lifted so that final preparations that involve water can be completed. This year we’re also looking forward to the spray park in Prestwick Fountain Park (within the community of McKenzie Towne) being included as a City-run facility. Once water restrictions have been lifted, check back on the status of wading pools and spray parks – including the location of free aquatic wheelchairs – throughout the summer at Calgary.ca/sprayparks.
Drawn to nature? Share your creativity and win family admission passes
We are holding a wildlife drawing contest this summer asking Calgarians of all ages to share their best rendition of native wildlife that lives in Calgary’s parks. Artists of all abilities are encouraged to enter; please keep in mind that we are seeking originality not perfection. Winners will receive a choice of Calgary Zoo admission tickets, a family golf pass to a City of Calgary course or a family pass to a City recreation facility. The contest entry deadline is July 31, 2024. To find out more — including which creatures are on the contest list — watch the Calgary Parks Facebook and Instagram pages or visit Calgary.ca/wildlifecontest.
Tour the City’s playgrounds using new online map
Looking for a new playground to visit? Check out our new online playground finder map that has all City playgrounds, including inclusive playgrounds (square icons) with something for everyone. The map includes information about the play surface for each playground (e.g., gravel or inclusive playgrounds that have accessible rubber surfaces). These are just some Calgary playgrounds; the map only shows City of Calgary playgrounds and not community or school playgrounds. To learn more about inclusive playgrounds, visit Calgary.ca/inclusiveplay.
Shake up your summer by learning something new in July
Looking to learn a new sport or activity? Check out the free events at Olympic Plaza this summer featuring everything from tennis to fencing to inline skating and baton twirling courtesy of Sport Calgary and The City of Calgary. Starting in late July, you will be able to actively participate in some events and others will be demonstrations. Details will soon be available on Calgary.ca/olympicplaza.
Golf, disc golf, bike pump tracks, tennis, beach volleyball and more
Get active this summer! Never tried golf or been golfing for years? We have a course and program for everyone. Check out Calgary.ca/golf for information about the seven City of Calgary courses, family golf nights and several youth programs and golf lessons. Our parks also have four permanent and some temporary disc golf courses for you to enjoy during a nice summer day. Take a break during your bike ride along the City’s regional pathway to try a bike pump track. The City also owns and operates over 60 outdoor tennis courts. Find out where you can play beach volleyball this summer and much more at Calgary.ca.
Outdoor programs and fun for the whole family and it’s free
Looking for outdoor activities this summer? The City offers FREE, supervised fun for the whole family. Starting in July, free summer programs are back. Whether you’re a child, a youth, an adult or a family looking for quality time together, there’s something good for everyone.
These supervised outdoor programs are carefully crafted to foster new friendships and exciting learning opportunities. From dynamic drop-in programs like Stay n’ Play, to engaging registered youth leadership initiatives, there’s an activity fit for every interest and age group. Find some fun at Calgary.ca/free.
Book a picnic site or greenspace
Grab some friends and family and have a picnic in a park this summer. You can take your chances finding a spot or pay to reserve a picnic site for a small or large group or book an entire greenspace or park. Also, this summer you can book community gatherings and events for free in select downtown park spaces including Barb Scott Park, Central Memorial Park, Century Gardens, Harmony Park, Lot 6, Millennium Park and Sien Lok Park. Park permit fees will be waived for these locations if events are open to the pu
blic (not for private events) and take place before November 15, 2024. Please note that 30 days advance notice is required to process these requests. For more information about booking your summer activity in a park, please visit Park bookings.
Public washrooms in parks
Parks’ seasonal public washrooms will remain open typically until Thanksgiving weekend in October. Find washroom locations and operating hours at Calgary.ca.
