Summer Fun: What to do in July

July in Calgary is bursting with sunshine, laughter, and endless opportunities to make lasting memories with your kids. Whether you’re chasing thrills on the beach or enjoying a laid-back outdoor movie night, there’s something magical about summer in our city. This month, we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly experiences that blend adventure, discovery, and creativity — all while keeping it cool in the summer heat.

From paddling new waters and dancing through splash parks to exploring the quiet beauty of wetlands, we’ve got the perfect mix of fun and learning. Sip refreshing mocktails while watching the sun dip below the horizon, then head out for sweet treats under the stars at an ice cream festival. Discover Calgary’s vibrant street art scene or pack up for a day at a nearby beach for sandcastles and sun-soaked memories.

Here’s your go-to guide for an unforgettable July packed with laughter, splashes, stargazing, and stories you’ll be sharing long after summer fades. Dive in!

Midway and a Movie

Midway and a Movie is summer fun, the Heritage Park way — a movie night under the stars with vintage thrills on the side. Settle in on Celebration Field as the big screen lights up the prairie sky. The antique midway will be alive with laughter, from the Ferris wheel to the carousel and classic rides like the caterpillar. And what’s a movie without a treat? The Midway Treatery has you covered with mini donuts, frozen lemonade, poutine, hot dogs and locally crafted beer. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

Discover Paddling

When you think of Calgary, paddling may not be the first activity that comes to mind, but we have some great places to flatboard paddle in and around the city. Bowness Park, Carburn Park, Glenmore Reservoir, Barrier Lake and Upper Kananaskis Lake are some of our favorites.

Cool down with spray parks and wading pools

• West Confederation Park: 2020 Chicoutimi Drive NW
• Rotary Park: 617 1 Street NE
• Somerset Park: 999 Somerset Drive SW
• South Glenmore Park (Variety Park): 90 Avenue & 24 Street SW
• Valleyview Park: 28 Street & 30 Avenue SE
• Riley Park: 800 12 Street NW
• Prestwick Spray Park: 15113 Prestwick Boulevard SE
• Bowness Park: 8900 48 Avenue NW

Get Wet

Discover why wetlands are important and get an up-close view of the amazing critters that live below the surface with Wetland Wonders. These free City of Calgary drop in programs are offered twice on Wednesdays at Ralph Klein Park from 10:30am to 12pm and 1pm to 2:30pm on July 15, 23 and 30. Learn more at calgary.ca.

Make a mocktail

Summertime is the perfect season to enjoy a fancy cocktail on the patio, but don’t forget the kids! Whether you’re cutting back on alcohol yourself or want to give your little ones a special summer treat at your next barbecue, we have some great mocktail recipes to please the crowd. 

Here’s one of our favorites:

“Fruit Punch (Without the Punch)”

• 1 cup Sun Rype fruit juice (we like strawberry/banana)
• ½ cup orange juice, no pulp
• ½ cup Ginger Ale

Stargaze

Milky Way Nights 2023 Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is taking place from July 24 to 26. Milky Way Nights is an observing event and features access to an array of telescopes operated by University of Calgary astronomers and members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Calgary Centre.  You will have the opportunity to look through the telescopes and astronomers will be on hand to answer questions. Learn more at science.ucalgary.ca/rothney-observatory.

YYC Ice Cream Fest

This summer, participating cafés, restaurants, and creameries compete for the coveted titles of YYC’s Best Scoop, Best Non-Dairy Scoop, and special Golden Scoop award. Calgarians can taste a spectacular lineup of chilled treats and determine the entry that bests them all! Learn more at yycicecreamfest.com.

Explore street art

Walk, bike or scooter your way around Calgary to explore some of our iconic street art. One of the most popular (and most Instagram-worthy) stops is the Wonderland Sculpture at the foot of the Bow Building but you can find many other sculptures and art pieces downtown at Olympic Plaza, the Municipal Building, Stampede Park and Central Library. There are also dozens of murals in and around the Core.

Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash

Have you visited Alberta’s open-water park? This park includes a 15-foot slide, oversized trampoline, climbing tower, wiggle bridge and much more. The evolution of waterplay is open mid-June to September. Learn more at visitsylvanlake.ca.

Winsport

Winsport is your destination for summer family fun! Hit the links at the outdoor mini golf course, go downhill karting, spend the day mountain biking, face your fears on the Monster Zipline and more. Learn more at winsport.ca.

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