If you’ve been at the Calgary Zoo lately you have probably seen the beautiful silk lanterns of Illumninasia have returned for a second year. And, while they are a beautiful addition to look at on your day trip adventures they are absolutely spectacular when the lights go down.

The lanterns themselves (over 260 of them) were individually created over five weeks by a team of 55 highly skilled artisans. The display stretches from the North Entrance and is centralized around the conservatory and the gardens.  They showcase the four seasons and culturally significant animals. One of our favourite displays is the Flower basket on your way down to the bridge to the island. For those curious about how such magical pieces were created you can learn about the process displayed on 12 lanterns set up just outside the Kitimba Café.

While the lanterns are the big draw there are also drop-in activities, entertainment performances, and paid activities. The artists who do the calligraphy are amazing.

The program run from Thursday – Sunday from 7 p.m. until 10 P.m. and will only be available until October 16, 2016.

Here is our guide for taking your family to see the lanterns:

• Plan to go early – there is nothing more spectacular than watching the lanterns slowly come to life as the sun sets. The Zoo recommends giving you and your family between 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes to get the best experience.
• Pack for the weather – the sun sets quickly and it’s great to have some warm clothes, blankets or mittens.  Or warm up by doing one of the kids’ activities in the Kitimba Café.
• It gets crowded – for the best views of the lanterns walk around while The Journey of the Monkey Princess is happening at the main stage by Grazers. The family show happens at 7:30 and the second show geared to an older audience happens at 8:30.
• On that note: Skip the Stroller – or wagon if you can. We know they are handy but there are lots of people and some of the displays are in spaces where it’s hard to maneuver and you’ll have to find parking for it if you watch the show.
• Set on seeing the show? Get there early. There are lots of hay bales set up for seating as well as limited risers. While there are good views from almost everywhere if you have small children you’ll want to stay way back from the speakers.
• Most importantly? Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!

We hope you enjoy the experience as much as we did.

Plan you path around the Calgary Zoo with this handy map!

General Admission

• Adult $24 + GST
• Child $15 + GST

Engage Members (20% discount)

• Adult $19.20 + GST
• Senior $19.20 +GST
• Child $12 + GST

There is also a charge for parking $7 per vehicle.

It’s September, and Calgarians know that means the snow is coming! Looking for a few last things to do before the snow really gets flying? There are all kinds of fun and exciting events going on around town over the next couple weeks which you should really check out!

Beakerhead
Sep 14 to Sep 18
A smashup of art, science, and engineering! Festival events are held city-wide across Calgary. For full schedule details and to plan your festivities, visit the website.

Calgary Greek Festival
Sep 16 to Sep 18
Enjoy traditional Greek food, entertainment and culture as the Greek community of Calgary hosts its annual festival! For more information and schedule of events, visit the website.

Full Moon Maze at The Jungle Farm
Sep 16, 7 to 10pm
Want an event for those needing a little thrill? The Jungle Farm corn maze will be open this evening from 7 to 10pm to enjoy by moonlight! The cool Fall air may be a little chilly, so you may want to bring your jacket and a flashlight. Check the website for more information.

2016 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival
Sep 21 to Sep 25
The 2016 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival features 20+ hot air balloons from across Canada and the world flying over High River, with many pilots competing in the Canadian Balloon Championship. Friday evening balloon glow gives visitors the opportunity to see the balloons up close, meet the pilots and visit the food trucks. (All flights and events weather-dependent.) Check the website for more information.

Friday Flashlight Nights at the Calgary Corn Maze
Sep 23 and Sep 30
Bring a flashlight and your send of direction. Last admission is at 8pm. And catch the last pig race at 7:15pm. There are also tons of great pumpkins to choose from in the patch! Check the website for more information.

2nd Annual Kiwanis Apple Festival.
Sep 24 to Sep 25, 10-4 pm
There is free admission. Have some family fun with apple baking and tasting, bouncy castle, face painting, games, farmers’ market, live entertainment, silent auction and more! Net revenue to support the operation of Kamp Kiwanis, a summer camp for underprivileged/disadvantaged children. /KiwanisAppleFestival. @KiwanisApple. Website.

Family Fall Fair 2016
Sep 24, 2016, 10 to 4pm
Canmore Community Daycare Society Presents the Fall Fair 2016, a fundraiser for the Canmore Community Daycare Society. Lots of activities for families (horse rides, clowns, face painting, bouncy castle, live music, photo booth, hay maze…and more). Affordable fun for all! Have fun! Learn a few things! Celebrate children, families and our amazing community! Website.

Railway Days at Heritage Park
Sep 24 to Sep 25, 10 to 5pm
Ignite your imagination as the trains take centre stage with demonstrations, hands-on activities, and exciting exhibits. Take part in the Kids’ Railway Challenge. Enter to win great prizes! For more information, visit the website.

Autumn Jubilee at Kayben Farms
Sep 24 to Sep 25, 2016, 10 to 5pm
Going beyond the pumpkin patch! Kayben Farms introduces Autumn Jubilee. Celebrate the Fall season for four weekends at Kayben Farms with special events, entertainment, music, displays, and shopping. September 24 & 25: Celebrating local talent – live music on stage all day. October 1 & 2: Artists in action – shop at an artisan market, watch artists create on stage. October 8 & 9: It’s all about food! Sampling, buying, and discovering local food. October 15 & 16: Honouring agriculture, past and present. For more details, visit the website.

Second Annual ILLUMINASIA Garden and Lantern Festival at the Calgary Zoo
Every Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sep 8, 2016 – Oct 16, 2016 at 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thursdays through Sundays, September 8 to October 16. Authentic Chinese lanterns will light up the Calgary Zoo and set the stage for a unique experience like no other in Calgary! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.

The LEGO Imagine Nation Tour
Friday Sep 9, 2016 at 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The LEGO Imagine Nation Tour is stopping at Calgary’s BMO Centre from September 9 to 11! LEGO fans of all ages can discover life-size LEGO models, dive into a huge Brick Pit, learn from a Master Model Builder, walk away with giveaway, and witness a reproduction of the Calgary Saddle Dome being built out of LEGO bricks! This event offers five sessions throughout the weekend. Visit the website to learn more about the tour, to explore dates and session times, and to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door for purchase with major credit cards (no cash transactions). LEGOImagineNationTour.com

Calgary Produce Marketing Association Harvest Sale at Heritage Park
Everyday from Sep 10, 2016 – Sep 11, 2016 at 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
September 10 & 11. Stock up on fresh fruits and veggies at rock-bottom prices that benefit local charities. Then stay and enjoy activities throughout the Park! For more information, visit the website.

Dream Day Fall Fair
Saturday Sep 10, 2016 at 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Dream Day Fall Fair is coming to the Town of Crossfield! Dream Day is everything you loved about Fall Fairs growing up, from rides and carnival food, to having your face painted and meeting some furry friends at the petting Zoo. Also, there will be 7 show homes by Homes by Dream Calgary, ReidBuilt Homes Calgary, and McKee Homes on display. You don’t want to miss this great event for kids, adults and families. Best of all, it’s free! Here is a list of all the fun events/activities to expect: Food Truck (Spud Studz); BBQ; Ice Cream Truck; Lemonade Truck (Family Freezed); Cotton Candy Stand (Sugar Cube); Popcorn Truck (Sugar Creek Gourmet Popcorn). Activities: Euro Bungee; Face Painters; Balloon Artists; Magician; Arts and Crafts Booth; Blow-up Slide; Obstacle Course; Musical Guests (Josh Wilson Band); Petting Zoo and more! Check out the website for more information.

Wishmaker Walk – The Princess Prance Edition
Sunday Sep 11, 2016 at 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Calling all Noble Princesses! The Kingdom of Children’s Wish formally announces the Royal annual Wishmaker Walk – The Princess Prance Edition. Come one, come all for an enchanted race where everyone is a Princess for a day. The annual #WishmakerWalk sees thousands of Canadians participate in a fun, family-oriented day with one goal in common: to raise money so that children living with a life-threatening illness can be granted their most heartfelt wish. Distance: 1km or 5km route. Registration begins at 9am and event starts at 10am. For more information and for more unique ways to get involved and raise funds and awareness, visit the website.

Ready for back-to-school? Before your kids are back in their desks, enjoy the last of what summer has to offer in Calgary with these great public events and festivals.

Country Kickback at Heritage Park – Proudly Sponsored by Calgary’s Child
August 27 & 28: Proudly Sponsored by Calgary’s Child Magazine. Relive Alberta’s rural history with a weekend of farm fun for the whole family! Guests of all ages can play games and participate in the Kickback challenge, square dance, make ice cream, enjoy live entertainment, visit a petting zoo, watch slow tractor races and much more! For more information, visit Heritage Park’s website.

Tour of Alberta – Ride the Road Tour
August 28: The Tour of Alberta Ride the Road tour is a public bike ride in Calgary that kicks off the Tour of Alberta. There are a total of four rides that are perfect for both advanced cyclists and families. This year’s ride, as in previous years, affords an opportunity to enjoy cycling in a group or with your family under traffic-free conditions. Participants will be able to discover cycling and feeling completely safe on Calgary roads. Check out the website for more details.

Music in the Park
August 28: Dust off your Stampede wear and mosey on down to Murdoch Park for an entertaining afternoon of classic country music with a modern twist at The City of Calgary’s free Music in the Park event! Performing his unique blend of wild country rock, featuring songs from his debut album “Dirt Junkie,” Bruin will showcase his talents as a singer and songwriter, and prove why he is destined to become a household name in the country music world. To view The City’s Music in the Park summer line-up, visit the website.

Family Marsh Dipping at Bow Habitat Station
August 30: Have buckets of fun discovering the critters who make their home in Bow Habitat’s Marsh! This hands-on activity is geared toward families. Rubber boots recommended. The cost is $4 per person and children 3 and under free with a paying adult. Visit the website for more information.

Cornucopia! Cobb’s Corn Maze & Family Fun Park
August 31 to September 5: This weekend is all about corn: Corn on the cob, corn fritters, corn bread, corn toss, corn games, corn crafts and more! For hours of operation and for more information, visit the website.

Have a Hay Day at the Calgary Corn Maze
Open Thursdays through Sundays in September: Check out the petting zoo; corn mazes; wagon rides; pig races; jumping pillows; playground activities; and more! Try out the new miniature scale train; mine for gems in the Lost Treasure Mining; and hang out with your friends at the Friendly Fire Arena. Visit the website for more information.

BBQ on the Bow Festival
September 3 to 4: A fun culinary festival featuring Canada’s oldest sanctioned BBQ competition! Up to $10,000 in cash prizes for Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Third Overall, Fourth Overall, Individual Categories, and Chef’s Choice. Teams compete for prize money, a chance to cook at the American Royal in Kansas City, and a shot to win a draw to compete at the World Invitational Jack Daniels BBQ Competition in Tennessee. For more information, visit the website.

Calgary Highland Games
September 3: The Calgary Highland Games is one of the oldest gatherings in North America and will be celebrating 102 years since the first games, held in 1913. Organized by the Calgary United Scottish Games Association, these games have gained the reputation as being one of the most prestigious Highland events in the West. Attracting competitors and spectators from across Western Canada and the USA, you will watch some of the world’s top pipers, drummers, dancers, and heavy event athletes compete and perform. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.

by Calgary’s Child Magazine

It seems like just last week we were planning for the start of summer! For most Calgarian children, school starts in a few weeks.

Where Did the Time Go?

It can be hard for everyone in the family to change gears from unscheduled, endless days to the back to school routines of early bed times followed by early morning risings, packing lunches, homework and after school activities. To help make this transition go more smoothly, here are some tried and true tips for making the trip back to the school just a littler easier for everyone in the family.

We have a summer wish list that we all work on together at the beginning of summer, each of us add two or three ‘must do’ summer activities and we try to do one or two of them a week during the summer. Ask your child if there is anything that they really wanted to do this summer that hasn’t happened yet, make a day of it and end the summer with no regrets.

Get Your Kids Excited About Back-to-School!

Okay, so maybe your kids don’t agree that “it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” but it is wonderful to gather all the new, unused school supplies and pack them carefully away in a new backpack or pencil case. Take your kids along school supply shopping when you are unrushed and have time to shop together for just the right pack of pencil crayons and the perfect shade of gel pens. (Make sure to check and see if your school has a class set of supplies shared between everyone – if so, pick one or two special items for their personal use.)

Phase in a Routine

One of the hardest transitions from summer to fall is bed time. Over the next few days, slowly make bed time and morning wake-up time return to normal – you can even try a dry run of a typical school morning. This is a great opportunity to start new organisational habits such as having the backpack packed (with the completed homework) at the front door, clothes laid out the night before…you get the idea.

Practice the School Route

If your child is just starting school or now has to take a bus for the first time, it can eliminate a lot of anxiety to walk or ride the bus route together before school starts. Point out landmarks along the way and, if applicable, review how and where to cross the road safely, block parent houses on the route and stranger safety. If your child is younger, a visit or two to the school playground before hand can also help to provide a sense of familiarity.

Celebrate Their New Milestone

Take your child out one-on- one for a special date, maybe a lunch or dinner, and talk about their new school year, your memories of that grade and how much older and more responsible they now are to be in this higher grade. This can provide the reassurance some children need before they start a new experience.

Get Involved at School

Studies show that children whose parents volunteer do better in school and it’s a great way to show your children that you value and support their education. The choices of volunteer tasks available at school is endless, everything from help in the library, serving at hot lunch days to cutting out art supplies at home, every little bit helps and is very appreciated.

And finally, don’t forget the camera! These times speed by so quickly – enjoy and embrace every moment.

by Eilidh Tait

We have been taking advantage of our schedule-free days and trying to plan adventures as often as we can this summer. A great spot to spend a morning or an afternoon (or, if you’re my boys, all day long) is the Chestermere Family Bike Park.

This free and fabulous park is a multi-level and multi-track bike heaven! Jack is a pro on the pump track even though he is on a strider, and the rest of the kids love practicing on the skills loop and flow trails. While Jack is awesome at age 2 on his strider, I think the park really caters most to kids who can ride a two-wheel bike without training wheels.

My kids stick to the more basic areas, but it is very cool when we see one of the older kids ride the more difficult tracks with jumps, hills and drops.

Located at 333 West Creek Drive in Chestermere, the park has lots of on-street parking. There is a playground located at the school right next door if you need a biking break! We usually spend some time biking and then walk over to the Gelato shop across the street, Amato Gelato.  Too many flavors to choose from, and the sweetest owners! Once we are refueled we return to the track for a few more sugar-powered runs.

Check it out with your family this week!

This long weekend, don’t just hang around at home – go out and enjoy the many fantastic events and festivals in and around Calgary! We’ve got our top picks for long weekend fun.

Alberta Kennel Club Summer Classic Show & Junior Handling National Finals
Jul 29, 2016 – Aug 1, 2016; The Alberta Kennel Club will be hosting the Summer Classic show at Spruce Meadows. Events will be taking place all weekend, including tours, conformation, obedience, rally-o, agility and scent hurdling. This year, they also have the pleasure of hosting the Junior National competition. This competition brings together young people from all over Canada who compete in conformation and obedience. Tickets can be purchased at the door. www.facebook.com/AlbertaKennelClub/

9th Annual Calgary Turkish Festival
Jul 29, 2016 – Jul 31, 2016; Come experience the Calgary Turkish Festival! Browse and buy Turkish products, souvenirs, and handcrafts, there will also be activities for the kids, sit back and watch demonstrations and performances, sample Turkish cuisine, and much more! This is a free event at the Eau Claire Festival Plaza. www.calgaryturkishfestival.com

Cochrane Ranche Days 
Jul 30, 2016 – Aug 1, 2016; Alberta’s oldest Ranche turns 130 this summer, and it’s time to celebrate. Whether you are interested in the pony rides, family picnic, expanded Farmers’ Market or the arts, crafts, music and entertainment on display, there’s truly something for everyone. Cochrane Ranche Days take place July 30, 31 and August 1. For the full schedule of activities and times of the events, visit the website. http://cochranesustainability.ca/ranchedays

Canmore Folk Musical Festival
Jul 30, 2016 – Aug 1, 2016; Take a short trip to Canmore for this annual folk music festival! In addition to great music, there will be food and craft vendors, kids area, and more! On Friday, July 29, there will be a free concert at the Canmore Civic Centre from 6 to 9pm (902, 7 Avenue in Canmore). There will also be a free pancake breakfast and live music on Monday, August 1 from 8 to 10:30am on 7 Avenue, between Main Street and 7 Street in Canmore. For the full schedule lineup, to purchase tickets and for more information about the Festival, visit the website. www.canmorefolkfestival.com

Inglewood Sunfest
Saturday Jul 30, 2016; Inglewood Sunfest will be celebrating the best of summer in Calgary with beer gardens, prime patios, food trucks, bands, bounce houses, dance troupes, a Show and Shine, performers from the Calgary Fringe festival, and much more. In other words, fun for all ages. For more information, visit the website. www.inglewoodsunfest.ca

Heritage Day Celebrations at Fort Calgary
Monday Aug 1, 2016; Explore your heritage! There will be lots of engaging family-friendly activities. For more information, visit the website. www.fortcalgary.com

Heritage Day Celebrations at Heritage Park
Monday Aug 1, 2016; Celebrate Alberta’s rich historical past! Start your day with a complimentary pancake breakfast, then discover how the west was once at Canada’s largest living history museum! Ride the train, visit the old-fashioned candy store, paddle with voyageurs and more. For more information, visit the website. www.heritagepark.ca

Tour de Bowness Street Festival
Monday Aug 1, 2016; Corresponding with the annual Tour de Bowness cycling race, the Tour de Bowness Street Festival will take over Bowness Road through downtown Bowness with local entertainment, businesses, artisan vendors, corporate booths, food booths, a kids’ area and buskers! For more information, visit the website. www.mainstreetbowness.com

Heritage Day Festival at Olympic Plaza
Monday Aug 1, 2016; Head on down to Olympic Plaza for the 39th Annual Heritage Day Festival! Enjoy multicultural performances, ethnic foods, and unique handicrafts. Explore the Indian Village, enjoy face painting, frolic on a bouncer, try a new dish, or sit back, relax, and enjoy folk performances on stage! For more information, visit the Facebook page. www.facebook.com/FolkArtsYYC

Written by Calgary’s Child

• Well-stocked diaper bag
• Baby’s blanket
• Carseat pillow or head support
• Window shades (sun screens)
• Change of clothes for your baby
• Enormous box of toys and books
• Music or books on tape or CDs
• Baby food, snacks, and drinks for your baby
• Sipper cups
• Snacks and drinks for the adults
• Cooler
• Wet washcloths in bags, or moist towelettes
• Empty plastic bags for leftovers and trash
• Bottle warmer
• Cell phone
• Baby’s regular sleep music or white noise (if needed, bring extra batteries)
• First aid kit/prescriptions/medications
• Jumper cables
• Money/wallet/purse/ID
• Medical and insurance information/emergency phone numbers
• Maps/driving directions
• Baby carrier/sling/stroller
• Camera and film
• Suitcases

For even more great tips on travelling in the car with baby, check out the full article here!

by Eilidh Tait
Summer holidays are my favorite time to get out and spend days in the sunshine with my children, exploring together. At the end of the school year the kids and I brainstorm a HUGE list of fun things we would like to do or see over our summer break, checking them off as we go.

Last week we decided we should check out Bragg Creek for a little hike and see what else we could find. We first drove to Alder Trail just past Bragg Creek on highway 758. With four kids ranging from 2 to 11 we have to choose fairly easy and very interesting!

Alder trail was perfect for everyone and had lots to look at and read along the way. Parking at the bottom of the trail and heading into the forest felt like adventure from the very start and watching them discover little details along the trail was sweet. The way this day went from start to finish, with barely any planning or spending involved reminded me I have to do more of this type of thing!

After the hike we stopped for a quick lunch of fruit and sandwiches and headed further west to Forget-me- not Pond. We have been here before and it is a definite favorite. The short drive between the two spots gave the kids enough time to have a little recharge before embarking on the afternoon of playing. Just past Elbow falls after the road turns we came to the pond. Parking is so convenient and there were lots of families set up having picnics and walking the path around the pond. I took the chariot for this walk as I expected my tired Jack may need to ride for a while. Luckily I did as on our way back his little legs were exhausted!

Losing cell phone service is almost a positive for me and we all enjoyed walking and talking around the edge of the water. At the far end of the pond there is a little path that leads to the river. We made our way there and spent a long time playing in the stones. I find the water to be quite safe for the younger ones as long as they stay close to the edges and my older girls love building little rock piles on the shore. I have to make sure that our adventures are enough for each child and sometimes that can be a challenge. This day seemed to please everyone and I will definitely try to make it back out this way before summers end.

Ice cream at Scoops & Snacks on the way home was just the thing to end the adventure. The prices are awesome, the scoops are generous (I had to ask that Jack’s be halved!) and the cute little bench area outside is a great spot to enjoy the treat.

Looking in my rearview to see four sleeping little faces was like my own cherry on top!

Trying to get the kids out of the house on an adventure, but need to watch your budget? Calgary is full of free (or nearly free) activities which are fun for children of all ages! With a little creativity and planning, you’ll never run out of things to keep everyone occupied.

Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre Museum – The only museum in Canada devoted exclusively to Chinese culture. Location: 197, 1 Street SW. $5 adults, $3 kids 6+, kids under 5 free. Take a walk around Chinatown after your tour of the museum and enjoy a bubble tea or lunch!

Take a Food Tour – Calgary is blessed to be very multicultural, and you can find just about anything from just about anywhere if you know where to look! Check out T&T Supermarket, Basha Foods International, the British Pantry, Edelweiss Imports, or any of the dozens of unique import stores around the city. Go with recipe in hand and try your hand at cooking something new together, or sample snack food from around the world

YouthLink Calgary – Calgary Police Service Interpretive Centre – Learn about the role of police in society and the consequences of crime for young people. Location: 5111, 47 Street NE (LC 594). Admission is free.

Grain Academy & Museum – Grain industry education and interpretive centre with model train and elevator displays. Location: Plus 15, BMO Centre 20 Roundup Way SE. Admission by donation.

Calgary Public Libraries – Free children and teen programs available on an ongoing basis. For more information, visit calgarypubliclibrary.com. Membership is free to anyone with a Calgary address.

Explore the +15s Downtown  – Make sure to check out the double-decker bridge between Bankers Hall and TD Square for a great view up and down Stephen Avenue!

Do the Artwalk – There are 56 pieces of public art downtown. Can you find them all? http://www.calgarydowntown.com/imagedir/File/artwalk_web.pdf

Visit a Farmers’ Market – There are plenty of Farmers’ Markets in and around Calgary during the spring, summer, and fall. We recommend the playgrounds at Symons Valley Ranch and the Calgary Farmers’ Market!

Nature Drop-in Programs – During the summer months, the City of Calgary holds free drop-in programs at Ralph Klein Park to let you little ones get up close and personal with nature! http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Programs/Dropin-programs.aspx

Park n’ Play and Stay n’ Play – The City of Calgary offers high-quality free programming for kids 5-12 during the summer. These programs include crafts, games, active play and valuable social time with other children. http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/CNS/Pages/Children-and-youth/Summer-programs/Park-n-Play-and-Stay-n-Play-programs.aspx

Visit a Board Game Cafe – Calgary has a bunch of new board game cafes this year which offer a wide variety of games. Pips offers half-price gaming (regular $5 a person) on Tuesday-Friday from 11-4. Boxcar is $5 a person, or $2.50/hr on Friday-Sunday. Metal Galaxy offers free drop-in gaming with the purchase of food or beverages from their bistro.

Cool Off at an Outdoor Pool, Wading Pool or Spraypark – The City of Calgary has tons of places to cool off, either for free or at a low price. http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Wading-pools-spray-parks-and-outdoor-pools.aspx

Rothney Astrophysical Observatory – Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, U of C. Visit on a public stargazing night and check out the wonders of the universe for free! One of Canada’s largest telescopes patrolling for killer asteroids. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/rao/

Skate Parks – Visit the world’s largest skateboard park. Shaw Millennium Park is North America’s largest free outdoor skate park. Boarders, bikers and bladers can climb, slide, twist, roll and flip through the park’s concrete terrain. The City of Calgary also hosts community mobile skate parks, the locations of which can be found at The City of Calgary Skate parks link, calgary.ca/CSPS/Recreation/Pages/Skateparks/Community-mobile-skateparks.aspx

Fish Creek Park – Only a hop, skip and a jump from Calgary’s southern suburbs, Canada’s largest urban park covers more than 20 kilometres of protected river valley.

Nose Hill Park – A unique natural environment park located in Northwest Calgary, just 15 minutes from downtown.

Reader Rock Garden – This garden, three-acre site has trails waiting to be explored.

Sikome Lake – Life’s a beach at Calgary’s famous swimming hole. Enjoy cooling down on a hot day at this well-known South Calgary treasure.

Elbow Valley Wetland – An incredible variety of sights and sounds greet you at this constructed wetland in the Calgary area. Location: Hwy 8 (Glenmore Trail SW), just 800 metres west of Sarcee Trail.

Beaver Dam Flats – Beaver Dam Flats is surrounded by various natural habitats that attract beavers. See if you can spot one!

Enjoy a Festival or Street Market – Calgary has some truly unique events during the summer. Expand your horizons by sharing in some of these cultural events, which are often free or very low-cost.

For more great summer fun suggestions, visit calgaryschild.com!