Look no further than Calgary parks for free summer staycation ideas

Extended hours of sunshine and school wrapping up creates more opportunities to enjoy City of Calgary parks. There is so much to explore in our City that is free, fun and family-friendly. Try something new or rediscover a park you haven’t visited for a while.

Checking out some, or all, of the following park activities is sure to ward off boredom and keep you — and the children in your life — busy with new adventures all summer.

You’re invited to the opening celebration at Eau Claire Plaza!

Join us on Wednesday, July 2 at 12 p.m. for a community celebration as we officially open the newly reimagined Eau Claire Plaza.

This event is a chance for Calgarians to explore the revitalized Plaza. The celebration will begin with a 30-minute formal ceremony, followed by a lively community gathering that highlights the plaza’s versatile design and thoughtful integration of historic elements.

Come enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks, fun giveaways, remarks from City Council and live entertainment.

Everyone’s welcome and we can’t wait to see you! For more information, visit calgary.ca/eauclaire

Free youth basketball clinics with Calgary Surge at Century Gardens
This summer, The City’s Downtown Strategy team and the Calgary Surge are teaming up to bring FREE youth basketball clinics and a high-energy 3-on-3 tournament to the heart of our city. The community program kicks off at the end of June, offering youth ages nine-17 the chance to sharpen their basketball skills with professional-level coaching at the Century Gardens Basketball Courts (826 8 Avenue SW). The 3-on-3 basketball tournament is happening later this summer with details coming soon. To sign-up for the priority waitlist, visit calgarysurge.ca/downtown-summer-youth-basketball-clinics.

Free recreation classes downtown at Lot 6 
This summer, The City’s Downtown Strategy team in partnership with Recreation are proud to offer free recreation classes at Lot 6. Get ready to stretch and flex those muscles! More information will be available shortly at calgary.ca/exploredowntown.

Cool off with a trip to a spray park or wading pool that you haven’t visited before
Check out calgary.ca/sprayparks for a list of all City spray parks and wading pools. Did you know that select parks also have aquatic wheelchairs that you can borrow for free?

Tour the City’s playgrounds using online map
Looking for a new playground to visit? Check out the playground finder mapthat has all City playgrounds, including inclusive playgrounds (square icons) with something for everyone. The map includes information about the play surface for each playground (e.g., gravel or inclusive playgrounds that have accessible rubber surfaces). These are just some Calgary playgrounds; the map only shows City of Calgary playgrounds and not community or school playgrounds. To learn more about inclusive playgrounds, visit Calgary.ca/inclusiveplay.

Golf, disc golf, bike pump tracks, tennis, beach volleyball and more
Get active this summer! Never tried golf or haven’t been golfing for years? We have a course and program for everyone. Check out Calgary.ca/golf for information about the seven City of Calgary courses, family golf nights and several youth programs and golf lessons. Our parks also have four permanent and some temporary disc golf coursesfor you to enjoy during a nice summer day. Take a break during your bike ride along the City’s regional pathway to try a bike pump track. The City also owns and operates over 60 outdoor tennis courts. Find out where you can play beach volleyball this summer and much more at Calgary.ca.  

Outdoor programs and fun for the whole family and it’s free
Looking for outdoor activities this summer? The City offers FREE, supervised fun for the whole family. Starting in July, free summer programs are back. Whether you’re a child, a youth, an adult or a family looking for quality time together, there’s something good for everyone.

These supervised outdoor programs are carefully crafted to foster new friendships and exciting learning opportunities. From dynamic drop-in programs like Stay n’ Play, to engaging registered youth leadership initiatives, there’s an activity fit for every interest and age group. Find some fun at  Calgary.ca/free.

Book a picnic site or greenspace, discounts in some downtown parks
Grab some friends and family and have a picnic in a park this summer. You can take a chance finding a spot or pay to reserve a picnic site for a small or large group or book an entire greenspace or park. Also, this summer your event could qualify for a discounted booking fee at select downtown park spaces including Harmony Park, Sien Lok Park and Thomson Family Park. This offer applies for all of 2025 but please note that 30 days’ advance notice is required to process these requests. For more information about booking your summer activity in a park, please visit  Park bookings.

Public washrooms in parks
Parks’ seasonal public washrooms will remain open typically until Thanksgiving weekend in October. Find washroom locations and operating hours at Calgary.ca.

By removing cost barriers, The City ensures that everyone can participate in activities that enhance well-being and foster community connections. This approach supports the City’s commitment to equity and the belief that all Calgarians deserve access to quality recreational experiences.