We went straight to the source, real families, real fun, and rounded up their top picks for soaking up the season. From splash parks to favorite ice cream spots, this is your ultimate guide to living your best YYC summer life.
Reader Poll: Where’s Your Favorite Place to Cool Down When It’s Hot Outside?
When the temps rise, Calgary families know where to go! Here's how local parents and kids beat the heat:
Ice Cream = Instant Cool Down
Village Ice Cream
Parlour Ice Cream + a walk along the river or Sandy Beach
Amato Gelato – outside with a scoop and a breeze
“My Favorite Ice Cream Place”
Splash Pads, Spray Parks & Outdoor Fun
Bowness Park Splash Pad
Westwinds Spray Park
Variety Spray Park
“Spray parks – any, we need more, even small ones!”
Lakeside Vibes
Lake Bonavista
Arbour Lake
McKenzie Lake
“The Lake – any lake!”
Committee Lake
Barrier Lake beach – for serious summer chills
Riverside Retreats
Bow River with our dog and toddler – “everyone enjoys it!”
Bragg Creek by the river – skipping rocks and soaking feet
Pearce Estate Park – river views, playground, and fish hatchery fun
Pools & Rec Centres
Southland Leisure Centre
YMCA pools
Outdoor pools
Community pools – splash, swim, repeat!
Cool, Dark, and Air-Conditioned
Movie theatres – the ultimate chill zone
CrossIron Mills Mall
“A restaurant so we don’t have to cook in our hot house!”
“The basement is simple, but effective!”
Unexpected but Fun!
Jubilations Dinner Theatre – cool air, big laughs
Reader Poll: What’s Your #1 Sanity-Saver Over the Summer Break?
When the kids are home and the heat is on, here’s what Calgary families say keeps them cool, calm, and collected
Chill-Out Champions
Air conditioning (yes, it came up twice – we get it!)
Public library – quiet, cool, and cozy (especially
Fish Creek!)
Knowing the heat will end (the ultimate long-game mindset!)
Facial wipes – simple, genius
Treats, Popsicles & Slurpees
Popsicles + neighborhood friends = summer magic
Slurpee runs to 7-11
Ice cream or a bike ride to Glenmore Park
Splashy Sanity-Savers
Water parks
Splash parks!
Backyard inflatable pool + bubble machine = YES
Setting up the kiddie pool early so it warms up (and you get a book + drink!)
Low-Key and Laid-Back
The library – a go-to for quiet time
Low expectations and free days with no plans
Picnics in the shade
Board games – inside fun when it’s too hot
Out & About = Happy Families
Calaway Park (a repeat hit!)
Jubilations for cool air + good laughs
Free events and music festivals
University District concerts – last Wednesday of every month
Exploring new playgrounds around the city
Camping and Camp Kasota West
Getting together with friends and family
Surprising Soul-Savers
“My son’s soccer practices – I love sitting in the sun watching him play”
Bubbles! (Classic for a reason)
Reader Poll: What’s Your Family’s Favorite Summer Outing in and around Calgary?
We asked, and you answered! From tasty treats to wild rides, here’s what local families love most about summer in and around Calgary:
Cool Treats & Sweet Stops
Ice cream from Fish Creek Park
Bike rides to Annie’s for ice cream
“We try all the ice cream stores!”
Ice cream (simple, sweet, and popular!)
Parks, Picnics & Playgrounds
Picnics in the park – especially toddler-friendly ones
“Playgrounds! Free, active, social and sunshine!”
Exploring different playgrounds around the city
Picnics at Bowness, Prince’s Island, and more
Walking in Fish Creek Park
McKinnon Flats – “Dip your toes in the river and fish!”
Heritage Park & More Family Faves
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (a wildly popular pick!)
Heritage Park – “The boat, the train, and the cheese buns!” (we agree!)
“Music on the Plaza” at Heritage Park & ProArts concerts
Calaway Park – rides, fun, and family thrills!
Jubilations Dinner Theatre – laughs and live shows
Granary Road & The Calgary Farmyard
Big Adventures & Day Trips
Renting glamping tents in Drumheller
Explore the Cowboy Trail
Moraine Lake – breathtaking and worth the drive
Camping in the mountains or heading to BC
Downhill Karting by Skyline
Only in Calgary
The Calgary Stampede – yeehaw!
FOLK FEST! Sunshine, music, and summer vibes
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