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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.
\n \nReader Poll: Where’s Your Favorite Place to Cool Down When It’s Hot Outside?
\nWhen the temps rise, Calgary families know where to go! Here's how local parents and kids beat the heat:
\nIce Cream = Instant Cool Down
\nVillage Ice Cream
\nParlour Ice Cream + a walk along the river or Sandy Beach
\nAmato Gelato – outside with a scoop and a breeze
\n“My Favorite Ice Cream Place”
\nSplash Pads, Spray Parks & Outdoor Fun
\nBowness Park Splash Pad
\nWestwinds Spray Park
\nVariety Spray Park
\n“Spray parks – any, we need more, even small ones!”
\nLakeside Vibes
\nLake Bonavista
\nArbour Lake
\nMcKenzie Lake
\n“The Lake – any lake!”
\nCommittee Lake
\nBarrier Lake beach – for serious summer chills
\nRiverside Retreats
\nBow River with our dog and toddler – “everyone enjoys it!”
\nBragg Creek by the river – skipping rocks and soaking feet
\nPearce Estate Park – river views, playground, and fish hatchery fun
\nPools & Rec Centres
\nSouthland Leisure Centre
\nYMCA pools
\nOutdoor pools
\nCommunity pools – splash, swim, repeat!
\nCool, Dark, and Air-Conditioned
\nMovie theatres – the ultimate chill zone
\nCrossIron Mills Mall
\n“A restaurant so we don’t have to cook in our hot house!”
\n“The basement is simple, but effective!”
\nUnexpected but Fun!
\nJubilations Dinner Theatre – cool air, big laughs
\nReader Poll: What’s Your #1 Sanity-Saver Over the Summer Break?
\nWhen the kids are home and the heat is on, here’s what Calgary families say keeps them cool, calm, and collected
\nChill-Out Champions
\nAir conditioning (yes, it came up twice – we get it!)
\nPublic library – quiet, cool, and cozy (especially
\nFish Creek!)
\nKnowing the heat will end (the ultimate long-game mindset!)
\nFacial wipes – simple, genius
\nTreats, Popsicles & Slurpees
\nPopsicles + neighborhood friends = summer magic
\nSlurpee runs to 7-11
\nIce cream or a bike ride to Glenmore Park
\nSplashy Sanity-Savers
\nWater parks
\nSplash parks!
\nBackyard inflatable pool + bubble machine = YES
\nSetting up the kiddie pool early so it warms up (and you get a book + drink!)
\nLow-Key and Laid-Back
\nThe library – a go-to for quiet time
\nLow expectations and free days with no plans
\nPicnics in the shade
\nBoard games – inside fun when it’s too hot
\nOut & About = Happy Families
\nCalaway Park (a repeat hit!)
\nJubilations for cool air + good laughs
\nFree events and music festivals
\nUniversity District concerts – last Wednesday of every month
\nExploring new playgrounds around the city
\nCamping and Camp Kasota West
\nGetting together with friends and family
\nSurprising Soul-Savers
\n“My son’s soccer practices – I love sitting in the sun watching him play”
\nBubbles! (Classic for a reason)
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Reader Poll: What’s Your Family’s Favorite Summer Outing in and around Calgary?
\nWe asked, and you answered! From tasty treats to wild rides, here’s what local families love most about summer in and around Calgary:
\nCool Treats & Sweet Stops
\nIce cream from Fish Creek Park
\nBike rides to Annie’s for ice cream
\n“We try all the ice cream stores!”
\nIce cream (simple, sweet, and popular!)
\nParks, Picnics & Playgrounds
\nPicnics in the park – especially toddler-friendly ones
\n“Playgrounds! Free, active, social and sunshine!”
\nExploring different playgrounds around the city
\nPicnics at Bowness, Prince’s Island, and more
\nWalking in Fish Creek Park
\nMcKinnon Flats – “Dip your toes in the river and fish!”
\nHeritage Park & More Family Faves
\nWilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (a wildly popular pick!)
\nHeritage Park – “The boat, the train, and the cheese buns!” (we agree!)
\n“Music on the Plaza” at Heritage Park & ProArts concerts
\nCalaway Park – rides, fun, and family thrills!
\nJubilations Dinner Theatre – laughs and live shows
\nGranary Road & The Calgary Farmyard
\nBig Adventures & Day Trips
\nRenting glamping tents in Drumheller
\nExplore the Cowboy Trail
\nMoraine Lake – breathtaking and worth the drive
\nCamping in the mountains or heading to BC
\nDownhill Karting by Skyline
\nOnly in Calgary
\nThe Calgary Stampede – yeehaw!
\nFOLK FEST! Sunshine, music, and summer vibes
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