12 Must-Do Summer Family Activities in Calgary

Summer in Calgary is absolutely magical, with warm sunny days perfect for outdoor adventures and fun activities. This guide will help you discover the best of Calgary's family-friendly experiences like visiting an animal petting farm or having a blast at a neon paint night. Plus, there’s a mix of unique activities like a kangaroo petting zoo and thrilling laser tag sessions.

This handy ActiviFinder guide is specially designed to make planning your summer easy and enjoyable. Spend quality family time at a quirky mini-putt golf course, or sailing lessons for your young adventurers! So, get ready for some great recommendations and start planning your best summer yet. Our guide is packed with 12 amazing family activities to make your summer unforgettable and make the most of your sunny days in Calgary!

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Is time to take a breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Ride with Sundance Balloons! Floating high above Southern Alberta, with the trails, provincial parks, and the stunning Canadian Rockies passing beneath you like a beautiful carpet. It’s an experience like no other, giving you and your family a bird’s-eye view of the region’s vast landscapes, sprinkled with over 600 lakes and lush green spaces.

Your journey begins with the experienced and friendly staff at Sundance Balloons, who know how to make every moment special. Safety and enjoyment are their top priorities, so you can relax and soak in the sights knowing you’re in great hands. Their pilots are not only fully trained but also operate under Transport Canada’s stringent regulations for passenger-carrying balloon operations.

The best time to experience this sky-high adventure is between May and September. That’s when the hot air balloon season is in full swing, giving you plenty of opportunities to capture the magic of Southern Alberta from above. Plus, the varied weather during these months can offer some incredibly unique views each time you fly.

Meetup spots for your flight are strategically chosen based on the day’s weather and wind conditions. The fun begins the night before your scheduled flight when you call the flight line number to confirm details. You might meet at South Glenmore Park (near the Polo Fields in the west parking lot), Hotel Blackfoot’s parking lot (strategically located at the corner of Blackfoot Trail and 58th Ave. SE), or at North Glenmore Park (by Parking Lot D next to the tennis courts).

Planning a lazy, sun-soaked day on the Bow River is a must if you're in Calgary this summer. It's all made easier with Lazy Day Floats, the top spot in town for all things rafting and kayaking. It's really an unforgettable summer adventure, and it's not hard to see why this ranks as Calgary's number one outdoor activity.

The magic of Floating Down the Bow River with Lazy Day Floats starts with picking the perfect vessel for your day adventure. You can choose BowTubes, Kayaks, or even BowYaks. These options make the trip so versatile and fun. 

One of the best things about Lazy Day Floats is how they encourage you to truly soak in the day—literally and figuratively. Floats typically take about 2-4 hours, but the beauty lies in their flexible booking system. Once you've booked a trip, you have the raft for the whole day. So take your time, enjoy the beautiful Calgary scenery, and float at your own pace without worrying about returning the equipment in a hurry.

Your rental package includes everything to make your trip easy and safe: pre-inflated rafts, paddles, and a full safety kit including a whistle, rope, and bailing bucket. They’ve thought of everything, but remember to bring sun protection, snacks, water, and sturdy water shoes (flip-flops aren’t the best choice here!).

The process is super simple, too. Just three easy steps:

• Choose your vessel and shuttle needs
• Book your date and time
• Grab your gear from their shop or the West Baker Park Boat Ramp. And don't worry about getting back; their Lazy Day Shuttle runs from 10 am to 5 pm, transporting floaters effortlessly from the endpoint back to the starting point.

A basic paddling experience is required, and you'll get a quick but thorough safety session from the friendly crew before you head out. Remember to always wear your provided life jacket and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with their durable rafts designed for various water conditions.

There’s no summer adventure quite like a visit to a Local Petting Farm, and in Calgary, Butterfield Acres Farm is the place to be. From July to August, this premier destination is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. It's a haven for animal lovers and those looking to get a genuine taste of farm life. The farm extends its drop-in season from April to the end of September, promising a season of non-stop farmyard action!

Butterfield Acres Farm allows visitors to experience the joy of each season. In the spring, the farm is brimming with adorable baby animals like little goats, lambs, piglets, and chicks. Summer delights with even more cuddle-worthy animals, while fall lets you connect with these furry friends year-round. In the winter, the farm comes to you with its mobile petting zoo experience!

This petting farm is all about hands-on experiences. You can see, touch, and listen to the friendly farm animals up close. Ever tried milking a cow? Now’s your chance with their classic milking experience. It’s a fun and educational way to bond as a family.

Little ones weighing under 60 pounds can even enjoy a magical pony ride, adding a touch of whimsy to the visit. Butterfield Acres Farm has different booking options, whether it's a birthday pony ride, a farm corral mobile petting zoo, or even live nativity animals for special events.

From birthday pony/unicorn rides to the Farm Corral mobile petting zoo, there are plenty of ways to create family memories. For larger functions, the Farm Corral brings the complete farm experience right to your backyard with portable fencing set up almost anywhere.

At Cobb’s Adventure Park, the petting zoo is not just any regular petting zoo—it's an incredible experience where visitors get to pet kangaroos! How cool is that? These fascinating marsupials usually live far away in Australia, but here in Calgary, you can meet them up close and personal. It's not every day you get to say, "I pet a kangaroo!"

It all starts when you step into the kangaroo enclosure. These gentle creatures are friendly and curious, making the whole encounter feel special. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the hands-on experience of feeding the kangaroos. Here you can hold out a treat and feel the soft, curious nudge of a kangaroo as it takes food directly from your hand. This kind of interaction genuinely creates a memorable bond between visitors and animals.

But don't worry, this petting zoo doesn't solely focus on kangaroos. There are loads of other animals to meet and learn about. Envision your kids' delight when they find unexpected animal friends, all ready to be petted and adored.

The fun at Cobb’s Adventure Park doesn't end with the petting zoo. Head over to the giant hills slides and feel the wind rush past as you descend these high slides. If high-speed fun is more your style, they also have kart rides which are perfect for feeling the excitement of navigating tracks, perfect for a family race or just some friendly competition.

Looking for a unique birthday celebration? Why not celebrate at Cobb’s Adventure Park? With a birthday party here, you can immerse in the park’s cheerful atmosphere and enjoy a day full of adventure and connection with friends and family.

All these aspects make Cobb’s Adventure Park an unmissable destination for families visiting Calgary. There are activities to delight every family member, from exciting animal encounters to thrilling rides. 

If you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity that'll have the whole family excited, playing some Games of Laser Tag is something that the whole family will enjoy. At Laser City, the fun starts off the moment you gear up in your LED vest and grab a high-tech phaser gun. It’s an adventure in a multi-level, blacklit arena where the atmosphere is electrifying, filled with swirling smoke and pulsating music.

What makes Laser City stand out is how they take laser tag to another level. They use lightweight and highly accurate phasers that ensure anyone, even the youngest players, can easily join in. Each session offers a variety of team and individual games, making every visit fresh and exhilarating.

One of the most exciting parts about Laser City is the drop-in games. These games are non-stop action from start to finish. Each game lasts 15 minutes, but when you include the mission briefing and scorecards, you’re looking at an immersive experience that takes 20-25 minutes. This means you can fit two thrilling games into just one hour. For a seamless experience, it’s a good idea to book your spot in advance.

Laser City is all about inclusivity and safety. It’s designed for all ages, starting from 6 years old and up. Even adults will find it a blast because it’s not only the kiddos who can have all the fun! Players need to be 40 inches or taller and shouldn't be afraid of the dark to participate. And to top it off, every game is fully supervised by a trained Marshal who ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Nini's Cooking Class is perfect for anyone looking to have some serious fun in the kitchen! With a anazubf mix of Cooking and Baking Classes designed for children of all ages, as well as adult date nights and corporate events, there's a perfect recipe for joy here. 

• Cooking Classes for All - Nini's offers a wide range of programs, from weekly classes and exciting summer camps to special events suited for kids and adults alike. It's an amazing chance to enhance your culinary skills while bonding over savory dishes.
• Summer Camps & Workshops - Summer break just became a lot tastier with Nini's thrilling summer camps. Hands-on learning, discovering kitchen safety tips, meal planning magic, and tasting international cuisines. These camps focus on empowering young chefs with essential culinary skills while keeping the fun meter high.

At Nini's Cooking, the classes take you beyond just recipes—students don't just learn meal preparation but also dine-in etiquette and food presentation. It's about discovering flavors and cultures, sparking creativity, and building confidence. For a more constant cooking fix, there are aferschool and weekend workshops. 

Meanwhile, birthday celebrations ascend to a whole new level with Nini's themed parties. Interactive cooking experiences where children don their chef hats, mix ingredients, and create delicious memories. Nini's handles all the planning, so you can sit back and enjoy watching the little ones immerse themselves in the cooking extravaganza.

Looking for a thrilling and sporty summer adventure in Calgary? Then, it's time to Climb High at Ultimate ClimbPark! Located in the Rocky Mountains, this family-friendly park offers a range of activities for climbers of all ages and skill levels.

First up, they have Private Instruction. Enjoy a personalized climbing session with experienced instructors who focus on your unique needs. Feeling apprehensive about a technique? Want to learn something specific? The private sessions are perfectly designed for these situations.

If you're ready to amp up your climbing skills, you'll love the Lead Climbing Lesson. Where you can master the art of lead climbing through a comprehensive three-hour course. You'll learn crucial skills and concepts for safe lead climbing and belaying indoors.

For those looking for a supportive environment to test their lead climbing skills, there's the Scheduled Lead Checks. Done in a stress-free setting over a 30-minute period, these checks are available three days a week. Perfect for getting a confident assessment without the pressure.

The Women on Walls Technique Class is an empowering four-week program crafted to enhance your climbing experience by focusing on techniques that take advantage of your build. It's a great way to build confidence and meet like-minded women. Remember, you need to be familiar with toprope belaying before joining.

For the younger crowd, Ultimate ClimbPark has an awesome Competitive Youth Teams program. These teams are dedicated to nurturing young climbers, preparing them for local, national, and even international competitions. With skilled coaches and mandatory competitions, young athletes develop their climbing potential to the fullest.

For a fantastic family day out in Calgary, you won't want to miss the Family Bowling Center at Bowling Depot. With 24 lanes of exciting five-pin bowling, there's plenty of space for everyone to join in the fun. What makes it even better is that the lanes come with automatic scoring and bumpers, so both beginners and experts can play without a hitch.

When it comes to night-time excitement, you have to check out Thunder Alley glow bowling on Fridays and Saturdays. Here you can bowl in an electrifying atmosphere with neon lights and groovy music. It's like a disco on the lanes! Not only that, but Bowling Depot is fully handicapped-accessible, making it welcoming for everyone.

Bowling Depot is also an ideal spot for birthday parties, corporate events, and even team building activities. They offer various party packages and can accommodate groups of all sizes. And if you want to spice things up, try one of their specialty games like Funky Bowling or Odd/Even.

For those who take their bowling seriously, the league options at Bowling Depot are exceptional. With leagues for adults, seniors, ladies, and even kids through the Youth Bowl Canada league, there are options to suit all. 

If you need gear, the on-site Pro Shop has the latest bowling shoes, balls, and accessories from brands like Brunswick and Dexter. Need a ball cleaning or polish? They've got that too!

The Youth Sailing Lessons at Glenmore Sailing Club are perfect for aspiring young sailors, these lessons offer an incredible opportunity to experience the thrilling world of sailing while having loads of fun.

The Glenmore Sailing Club runs a series of sail courses throughout the summer. They cater to various age groups and skill levels, from newbie sailors taking their first steps into the sport to experienced youth looking to refine their technique. Enrollment is a breeze—just hop online or get in touch with the club directly to register.

The dinghy sailing area is ideal for both training and racing, providing ample space for kids to master the art of sailing. Not to mention, the club is fully wheelchair accessible and provides free parking, making it convenient and inclusive for everyone.

For those with a competitive spirit, the Youth Race Team presents an exciting four-month program running from May to August. Participants engage in weekly training sessions and compete in the club's regular Wednesday Night Series. Plus, optional weekend training camps and regattas add even more excitement, making it the perfect outlet for those aiming to hone their skills and fully immerse themselves in the sailing world.

And don’t forget the Summer Sailing Camps! Designed for kids aged 5 to 14, these camps range from half-day to full-day programs that introduce youngsters to sailing in a fun, hands-on way. Accredited instructors lead the charge, covering everything from safety and steering to crewing and seamanship, ensuring each child gets a thorough and supportive learning experience.

Get ready to light up your night with a splash of color at Neon Paint Night! This activity takes place inside of a dimly lit studio where your inner artist can come alive. With neon paints, brushes, and canvases set before you, it’s time to create a piece of art that literally glows in the dark. From skilled artists to those who have never held a paintbrush, this event welcomes everyone to have fun, be inspired, and make unforgettable memories.

What makes Neon Paint Night super special? Well, it’s all about painting in the dark! The studio transforms into a space filled with neon brilliance, making your artwork glow like a shooting star in the sky. This colorful darkness not only sets a magical mood but also brings your creativity to life in a completely unique way.

The soothing brushstrokes of neon colors help you relax and unwind, transforming stress into a splash of vibrant hues. Creativity flows freely here, and there’s absolutely no pressure to create a masterpiece. It's all about enjoying the process and having fun.

It’s an incredible opportunity for families to bond while meeting new people who share a love for art. Job, school, or other pressures disappear as you immerse yourself in this magical, social, and artistic experience.

And you don't have to be worried about your artistic skills. An experienced instructor is there to guide you through each step, making sure you get the best out of your experience, no matter your age. Kids under 12 can join too, as long as they bring along a responsible adult.

One of the highlights of the summer in Calgary is heading down to Saskatoon Farm for a delightful day of Berry Picking. Located just south of the city, this spot offers a unique and hands-on U-Pick tour. During the specific berry-picking months, visitors can wander through the gorgeous fields, hunting down the plumpest, juiciest berries to pack into their buckets.

It’s an adventure that lets you connect with nature. Armed with a generously-sized 4L bucket - which holds about 5 pounds of berries - families can expect a bountiful harvest. And the best part? You get to cherry-pick the ripest, freshest berries straight from the bushes, making it a truly rewarding experience.

If you ever find yourself craving berries out of season, they offer 5lbs boxes of frozen saskatoons year-round, letting you enjoy those sweet berries long after your visit.

The fun doesn’t stop once your buckets are full. Saskatoon Farm has a lot more to keep the whole family entertained. After a finishing your picking session, visit the bustling Farmers Market. There, you’ll find fresh, organic produce and handcrafted goods that showcase local artistry. You might also want to pop into the farm's charming eateries, where you can savor dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

The market is a sensory delight, full with an array of organically grown vegetables and seasonal goodies. You'll find everything from young potatoes, fresh greens, to fragrant herbs. And if fresh fruit tempts you, selections from the lush regions of British Columbia ensure you leave with a basket full of tasty treats.

To finish this family friendly atcivity guide, you must not pass the Mini-Putt course from Golfuture YYC, a premier golf center just minutes away from downtown Calgary. 

Surrounded by ponds, waterfalls, and an amazing view of the Bow River, this 9-hole course sets a charming backdrop for a memorable day out with the family. Each hole has unique and challenging obstacles that make the game exciting for everyone.

If you are planning an event and looking for something fun to include? The Mini Putt is an excellent choice. Be it a birthday party, stag or stagette celebration, or even a corporate event, Golfuture YYC's Mini Putt adds a touch of entertainment that everyone will enjoy. Conveniently located next to the north patio and the banquet hall, it's easy to integrate Mini Putt into any occasion, making your event even more special.

If you're interested in honing your golfing skills, the Golfuture YYC Academy offers a range of programs led by PGA of Canada teaching professionals. With options like private and group lessons, junior camps, and even a Winter Coaching Program, there are choices for every golfer looking to improve. So, not only can you have a fantastic time playing Mini Putt, but you can also take your skills to the next level!

With these 12 must-do summer family activities in Calgary, there's something exciting for everyone to enjoy in this wonderful city. Exploring Calgary this summer means spending quality time with loved ones, learning new things, and creating unforgettable memories. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and make the most of these amazing activities. Nothing like the warm season to try berry picking or lay a strike at the bowling center.

So now is time to out there and enjoy all the fantastic events and activities Calgary has to offer. Don't forget to check out ActiviFinder Calgary for even more fun ideas and things to do around the city. Remember, summer doesn't last forever – make everyday count and savor every moment with family and friends!