Summer in Calgary: Family Style

Make the most of the summer with our top picks for family fun in this great city.

The warm weather doesn't last—so take advantage of the heat and cool down at one of our many amazing splash pads. It's a great way to get the kids running around and burning energy (because it's all about getting them to sleep longer).

If you haven't yet taken the kids to indulge in an ice cream treat, now is the perfect time. Village Ice Cream in the East Village offers unique flavours (Girl Guide Mint Cookies anyone?) that will be pleasing to plain and picky palates.

Had enough quality family time to last you all year? Give yourself a free break! The Park and Play programs are free camps that run all across Calgary. Running weekly from 10 am to 3:30 pm, the drop-in program (read: no pre-booking required!) lets your kids make new friends while you get a well-deserved moment to yourself.

With the Street Food App, you can turn lunch into a tasting adventure. Find an area where a few trucks are located close to one another and get small bites from each. It's a fun way to introduce new foods to your kids, and get some walking in as well.

Little ones who might not have the patience for long rides will love sitting on this miniature train at Iron Horse Park in Airdrie. Bring along a picnic lunch and you've got the day right on track.

There's always a reason to celebrate in the summer. August is filled with larger and smaller festivals to explore. Marda Gras in Marda Loop is just the right size for those who want the fest experience, without the massive crowds.

Eating al fresco is always a treat, and these picnic spots are worth packing up for.

Reminiscent of the old drive- ins (with inflatable screens to boot!), these community movie nights offer more than a screening. There are also kids' activities and more.

Not that we need a reason to visit the mountains, but Elevation Place is a fabulous community centre with lots of options (and you can grab some poutine at La Belle Patate celebrating your athletic efforts.

We don't need an excuse to visit The Holy Grill for some divine fare, but the pull of the patio makes it even more appealing when the sun is shining.

Now that Prince's Island Park is back in full swing, it's definitely worth a visit. Plus, you can catch Theatre Calgary's performance of A Comedy of Errors (last performance is August 8). Outdoor entertainment takes on a whole new meaning.