Time is fleeting when you have kids — and so is the summer! What’s on your summer fun bucket list? Check out our guide filled with terrific Calgary summer events to help you find the best ways to spend your time. This summer, we want to do more than survive summer and banish boredom. It’s time to make some memories and have some FUN!
From the beginning of summer to those last precious days before school starts … find out what’s on our Summer Fun Bucket List.
Boundary Ranch Summer Trail Rides
Want to give your family a summer to remember this year? Just add fresh air, mountain views, and horseback riding adventures! We all need to get outside more, challenge ourselves, and enjoy nature. With the Rocky Mountains right on our doorstep, Boundary Ranch summer trail riding will give your family an opportunity for outdoor excitement and a summer adventure they won’t forget!
Read more about it here.
Barney’s Adventure Park
Through the badlands and among the hoodoos, in the coulees and the trees — this was a land where dinosaurs roamed. We love to visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, but there’s even more reason to spend a day in the Drumheller area this summer! Barney’s Adventure Park is open all summer, giving families the perfect opportunity to unplug, explore, and PLAY!
Read more about it here.
Calaway Park: Your Guide to a Great Day
What does a day of summer fun look like? How about carousels, roller coasters, and splashing in the water? What about the clang of winning a midway game, watching a show, or cotton candy sticky fingers? A day of summer fun looks like a day at Calaway Park! And did you say it’s Western Canada’s largest amusement park?! Let’s go!
Read more about it here.
Calgary Library Ultimate Summer Challenge
Remember the long, lazy days of summer when you were a kid? Calgary Public Library’s free Ultimate Summer Challenge is inviting both you and your kids to enjoy the long, lazy days of summer with a good book and free programs! The Ultimate Summer Challenge is back to keep the whole family entertained and engaged all summer long.
Read more about it here.
Cavalry FC Games
Kick up the fun this summer and take your family to a Cavalry FC game at ATCO Field! Summer is the perfect time to spend an afternoon or evening outdoors taking in a sporting event, and Calgary is fortunate to have its own Canadian Premier League football club here to inspire future generations of soccer stars. 8 home games remain for the 2024 season between July and October, so don’t miss your chance to see the team in action!
Read more about it here.
Kraay Family Farm
Summer is the time to head out of the city, try new things, and enjoy time with your family. Kraay Family Farm is waiting for you for fresh air fun and family adventures! Pack up the kids and hit the road for a day filled with amazing attractions and ‘farm-tastic’ fun. You’ll find everything from a corn maze and sunflowers to animals and fabulous activities.
Read more about it here.
Splitsville Summer Bowling and Kids’ Club
The thrill of a strike and the agony of a gutter ball — bowling is an entertaining way to enjoy being with your family, with a little competition, just to spice it up! As much as we love being outside in the summer, we also need a place to go on those days that are too hot, rainy, or smoky. Splitsville Bowling is ready for summer fun that will be right up your alley!
Read more about it here.
Y Not Today Summer Fun
Sometimes, we all need a place to sit back, relax, and just enjoy each other’s company. Y Not Today has summer fun to help your family enjoy the moments, without the stress! Y Not Today is a unique Calgary cafe that also offers a place to hang out and play. They are an ice cream and bubble tea shop with interactive, tech-free fun! You’ll find games, puzzles, and special events. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff bring a positive, welcoming vibe for all ages.
Read more about it here.
Canada Day Guide
We have so many privileges living in Canada, and this July 1, it’s time to celebrate our country and make some memories with our families. We’re collecting all the best Canada Day events we can find in and around Calgary, so get out there and embrace every opportunity!
Read more about it here.
Calgary Stampede
For 10 days each July, Calgary gets back to its Western roots and whoops it up during “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Visitors from the world over, together with the plaid- and Stetson-clad locals, take in exhibitions, concerts, competitions, the midway, and all manner of special events highlighting the ranching and farming roots of the Alberta Prairies.
Read more about it here.
Showdown at Heritage Park
This town ain’t big enough for the two of us. Well, maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, but either way, you’ll have a real good time at Heritage Park and their new Wild West Adventure this July! This year marks the 60th anniversary of Heritage Park, and you can help them celebrate with a brand-new experience, Showdown at Heritage Park: A Wild West Adventure.
Read more about it here.
Hellmann’s Backyard Barbeque
Sunny days and warm evenings paired with good food and great friends … it’s a recipe for the best of summer! A backyard BBQ gives us just what we need to enjoy these summer days and create memories to keep us warm all year long. Make it even tastier this year, with help from Hellmann’s Canada. They are bringing the magic of the grill and free burgers to the Hellmann’s Backyard Barbeque experience at the Inglewood Sunfest.
Read more about it here.
Calgary Folk Music Festival
Is there anything that can beat relaxing in the summer sun, enjoying the company of friends and family, and listening to great music? Add a beautiful island location and the carefree joy of your kids dancing and it’s a moment to cherish. Don’t miss a wonderful weekend at the Calgary Folk Music Festival this summer, because kids 12 and under get in free!
Read more about it here.
WestHills Summer Block Party
Summer’s beautiful days and long evenings stretch out before us in June, but then they’re gone in a blink. As busy parents, we want to make the most of our moments, and combining family fun with checking must-do tasks off your list is the best! WestHills Towne Centre is inviting you to a Summer Block Party on August 17, 2024, so even if you have to get errands done, you can still seize the moment and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon.
Read more about it here.
Bike Parks and Pump Tracks
Do you remember being a kid and the joy and freedom of riding a bike? Bike parks and pump tracks have been popping up all over Calgary and they are a fantastic way to get outside and stay active, plus build amazing skills. Whether your kids are just beginning to ride their balance bike or amaze you with their tricks, check out these Calgary and area bike parks for a summer filled with active, and mostly free, fun.
Read more about it here.
Board Game Cafes
Family game night is a classic way to spend rainy days and over the last few years, board game cafes have become an interesting alternative to playing the same tired games around your kitchen table. Board game cafes offer drinks and snacks to purchase and often charge a small fee per hour, but they have shelves full of games to play, from cards to complicated games of strategy. It’s a great way to try something new and get out of the house with your kids.
Read more about it here.
Bowling Guide
With a little friendly competition and lots of laughter, bowling makes a great family night out for all ages! Our Bowling Guide will help you find an affordable, fun way to spend some time, whether you like to focus on chatting between balls or perfecting your technique. Calgary has several bowling alleys, with the choice of 5 or 10-pin bowling.
Read more about it here.
Farm Fun
I grew up in the country, but have lived in cities my whole adult life. My kids, on the other hand, are born and bred city kids. One time, we went to a corn maze and one of my children (who will remain nameless to protect the ridiculous) exclaimed, “I didn’t realize it was actually corn!” Sweet mercy. Whether your kids are country kids or city kids, we have a list of places your family can get outside and experience fun on the farm. And just maybe, learn something new.
Read more about it here.
Farmers Markets
There are many fabulous food producers in and around Calgary, and the city’s many seasonal farmers markets allow us to take advantage of their products when they’re at their absolute freshest! Visiting a farmers market is a community event, a chance to buy the freshest local produce, and sometimes, an opportunity for family fun, with live music or activities.
Read more about it here.
Golf Courses
When the grass starts getting greener, it means golf season is upon us! If you’re looking to introduce your kids to golf or want to get out on the links as a family, many Calgary-area golf courses have family deals or special programs for young golfers. Here are just a few family-friendly courses.
Read more about it here.
Ice Cream Guide
Are you a classic vanilla or a decadent chocolate peanut butter? Maybe you’re an exotic rosemary rhubarb sorbet. Whatever you choose, who doesn’t love a good ice cream cone on a hot day? Sweet and creamy, cool and refreshing, going for ice cream can be the crowning touch on a family outing or an event all its own. Calgary has great ice cream shops in every quadrant so find your favourite!
Read more about it here.
Indoor Play Places
Rainy days, smoky days, or days that are just too hot. You don’t always want to be outside, even in the summer, but happily, Calgary is also home to many indoor play places, from climbing structures to trampoline parks to parkour studios and beyond. Here’s the lowdown on all those wonderful weather sanctuaries!
Read more about it here.
Miniature Golf
That family that plays together, stays together. Whether you have tots or teens, it’s fun to get out as a family and enjoy an activity. Mini golf is suitable for all ages and Calgary has several options for families, both indoors and out. Go outside and enjoy a summer day or find a place to play inside with the Family Fun Calgary Miniature Golf Guide.
Read more about it here.
Night Markets
It’s a summer market, it’s entertainment, and it’s community: what’s not to love?! Calgary night markets offer a fun alternative to traditional options and they are the perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous, long summer evenings in our city. Head out with friends and family, celebrate the community and local food and goods, and enjoy the best that summer has to offer.
Read more about it here.
Outdoor Movies
A beautiful summer evening is one of my favourite things. The summer flies by so quickly, though, it sometimes feels like I missed out. So, make the most of the summer – grab some lawn chairs and snacks (and maybe even a toque) and enjoy a movie under the stars! We’ll also post drive-in movies if we find any.
Read more about it here.
Parade Guide
From the lively music to colourful costumes and ingenious floats, and maybe even the chance of flying candy … what’s not to love about a parade? Find a parade for your family to enjoy with the help of our Parade Guide!
Read more about it here.
Parks Guide
Calgary has tons of parks, for all kinds of interests. Playgrounds are often an attraction, but parks hold so much more than that. Calgary parks offer everything from playgrounds to exploring nature to playing a rousing game of whatever you can imagine. (Disc golf, anyone?)
Read more about it here.
Picnic Spots
Nothing says summer quite like a tasty meal eaten outdoors. When your own backyard gets repetitive, a picnic in a nearby park is a perfect choice! Parents can relax and kids can run around in the fresh air and enjoy amenities like wading pools, playgrounds, spray parks, and wide-open spaces for playing games. Here are 5 of our favourite picnic spots in Calgary. Don’t feel like cooking or making sandwiches?
Read more about it here.
Playground Guide
Public playgrounds are great places to have some active fun in the fresh air while exploring our city and perhaps making a new friend or two (kids and parents alike!). So whether you have all day with your kids and are looking to add some interest and physical activity or you’re a working parent and want to make the most of those longer-than-usual evenings you get with your kids, we recommend checking out some new playgrounds and parks.
Read more about it here.
Skateboard Parks
There are so many places in Calgary where kids and teens can go to practice their tricks, as skateboard parks seem to be popping up in many communities. Grab your skateboard (or scooter) and find some outdoor fun at these notable locations. (We’ve also included a couple of indoor skate spots we’ve heard about and there will be a fee for those.)
Read more about it here.
Swimming – Outdoor Pools
When the weather gets hot, there’s nothing nicer than taking a refreshing dip (or an extended frolic) in an outdoor pool. Calgary’s outdoor pools will be open in July 2024, depending on AHS inspection in some cases. Be sure to book your time to avoid disappointment.
Read more about it here.
Swimming – Spray Parks
Stay cool this summer at a City of Calgary splash park. All amenities at the locations opening will be available for use, including washroom facilities, where available. Parks are open from 9 am – 9 pm, but as the water crisis has delayed them, be sure to check ahead.
Read more about it here.
Swimming – Wild Swimming
When the days get hot and the kids get cranky, it’s time to pack some snacks, grab the towels, and find some water. There are wading pools and spray parks in the city, but sometimes you need to reconnect to the natural world. Find places to go ‘wild swimming’ at beaches on rivers and lakes in and around Calgary. (But safety first — swimming is at own risk.)
Read more about it here.
Summer Food Deals
It can be pricey to take a family out for treats these days. So we’ve compiled a list of hot summer deals where you can grab a treat for only a dollar or two and save some loonies for a rainy day! As always, things are subject to change and only at participating locations, so be sure to check ahead.
Read more about it here.
Urban Hikes
Family time is important and if you can combine it with outdoor activity and a short (or non-existent!) drive, it’s even better. As Calgarians do, our family often heads to the mountains for a day of hiking and picnicking. But Calgary, being the sprawling city that it is, has many urban hikes that you can enjoy throughout the year, without ever leaving the city.
Read more about it here.
Find more events to enjoy this summer at www.familyfuncalgary.com and plan your own Summer Fun Bucket List filled with great Calgary summer events on our calendar!
If you would like your event featured in our Summer Fun Bucket List, please send us an email.
