Affordable August Activities

Looking for ways to keep your family active, curious, and connected without breaking the bank this month? You’re in luck! This August, Calgary and surrounding areas are packed with amazing (and often free) activities that are perfect for families looking to make the most of the sunny season. From outdoor movies to festivals, and farm visits, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re raising toddlers or teens.

Dive into nature, explore the arts, and embrace the joy of summer with these top picks for family-friendly activities this season!

Free fun for everyone

Parks Canada is offering free admission and discounted overnight stays at participating locations, as part of the “Canada Strong Pass” initiative. The pass also offers 25 percent off camping and free admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Lougheed House and many other museums for children 17 and younger. Learn more at canada.ca.

Bow Habitat Kids Can Catch Trout Pond

The Bow Habitat Station’s Kids Can Catch Trout Pond opens in mid-May and runs until October 1 and is stocked with rainbow trout in the fish hatchery for you to catch and release – so cast away! Learn more at bowhabitat.alberta.ca.

Eagle Creek Farms

Visit Eagle Creek and pick some fresh fruit, vegetable and flowers with your own two hands. You will find a collection of traditional grain crops alongside vegetables, fruit, flowers, animals and activities for families who want to get out of the city and re-connect with where food comes from. Learn more at eaglecreekfarms.ca.

Public Art Billboards

The fourth series of artworks from the collection, titled A Fleeting Glimpse, is on billboards this month and shares stories of history, identity and interconnected narratives through art. These 11 artworks are curated by Tomas Jonsson and are on display until December. Learn more at calgaryartsdevelopment.com.

Take in a festival

There is no lack of festivals to check out with the family this month. Whatever your interest, you can find an exciting event to entertain all ages. Check out the Calgary Fringe Festival, Canmore Folk Music Festival, Tour de Bowness Street Festival, Heritage Day Festival, Korean Day Festival, Calgary Arab Festival, Calgary Dragon Boat Festival, Philippine Summer Festival, Water Lantern Festival, Marda Gras Street Festival and many (many!) more.

Go biking

Calgary’s extensive pathway and cycle track network makes navigating the city a breeze and a pleasure no matter your comfort level. Some of our favorite places to ride on two wheels include Bowness, Silver Springs, Nose Hill, Elbow River Pathway, Scotman’s Hill and Sandy Beach RiverWalk.

Alberta Open Farm Days

More than 100 farms, ranches, and ag-tourism operators open their gates and invite visitors to share in local stories. See on-farm demonstrations and purchase locally grown and produced products on August 16 and 17. Learn more at albertaopenfarmdays.ca.

Catch a movie (outside!)

Several parks and organizations are hosting outdoor movie events this month. Check out Heritage Park’s Midway and a Movie, the Bowness Movie in the Park, Movie on the Rise at on St. Patrick’s Island, Trico Centre Movie in the Park, and Movie in the Park at Central Memorial Park.

Bird watching

Calgary is home to a huge variety of resident and migratory birds – how many do you recognize? There are plenty of great apps and websites that will help you learn a few calls and name the birds at your feeder this year.

Visit a lake or river

Summer doesn’t last long in Calgary so dive into some excitement at one of the great lakes and rivers for some fun in the sun. Whether you are looking to swim, canoe, paddle board, kayak or just get your feet wet, these watering holes offer hours of adventure. We love Bowness Lagoon, Sikome Aquatic Facility, and Glenmore Reservoir.

Keep up with all the latest events in Calgary by signing up for our newsletter or checking out our online calendar at calgaryschild.com.