As summer starts to wind down and school routines creep back in, Calgary families find special ways to hold on to those last golden days. We asked our readers to share their favorite end-of-summer traditions and their responses were full of meaningful moments, local adventures, and simple joys that make saying goodbye to summer just a little bit sweeter.
\n \nHere’s how local families choose to close out their summers:
\nCampfires and Backyard Moments
\n“S’mores around a campfire or fire pit!” – Mary F
\n“Our favorite end-of-summer tradition is to camp out in the backyard, make s’mores, and look up at the stars. Then, the next day, we have an epic water gun fight with the entire family.”– Elizabeth M
\n“We love having a big fire with marshmallows, and family and friends to celebrate back-to-school and the end of summer!” – Amanda R
\nLast Hurrahs in Nature
\n“We'd go camping on the last weekend before school starts, just when the weather turns chillier! Makes the bonfire all the more embracing and unforgettable!”
\n– Phoebe C
\n“We love to go on a camping trip on the September long weekend to enjoy our time together before our lives get busy.” – Melinda P
\n“We head to Sylvan Lake for a day at the beach!” – Mae K
\n“Our favorite end-of-summer tradition is taking a trip to the mountains!” – Christena K
\nCity Outings & Local Favorites
\n“Our end-of-summer tradition is having a picnic at the Somerset Park with our closest friends and family. We bring a small BBQ, lots of snacks, blankets to sit on, and we spend the afternoon playing in the splash park and visiting.” – Natasha D
\n“Going to Sikome Lake on that last weekend. Taking a picnic, and all the trappings and doing that final plunge. Then, meeting up with my family on my mom’s acreage and having that final BBQ.” – Denise B
\n“Having family dinner at a restaurant and then watching Calgary's skyline at sunset from a viewpoint.” – Sonal G
\n“For my eldest’s birthday at the end of August, we always rent scooters in Bridgeland, play at parks, get either Village or Made by Marcus ice cream and stay out late, enjoying the city lights, racing each other around. We usually cap the night at Scotsman’s Hill.” – Shandi T
\n“A trip to Cochrane for ice cream at MacKay’s.” – Darla B
\n“We like to go for a walk in Fish Creek and end up at Annie's Cafe for an ice cream.” – Nichole C
\n“Our favorite end-of-summer tradition is a swim at the outdoor pool, followed by ice cream!” – Jennifer F
\n“I like to visit the zoo near the end of summer, as I love to see any new animals and exhibits.” – Marnie D
\nFestivals, Events & Back-to-School Traditions
\n“Going to the Calgary Folk Festival and Blues Festival with our little ones is always a good time!” – Britni G
\n“Realizing summer has come to an end which is a little depressing... my children’s favorite pick-me-up was back-to-school shopping!” – Cyndie M
\n“Back-to-school fashion spree!” – Kristen R
\n“We do one last golden-hour stroll before routines tighten up, be it a sunset walk or bike ride.” – Rabbia A
\n“We always end the summer by hitting up our favorite southern Alberta rodeo for a fun weekend with friends.” – Gemma M
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