Budget Friendly Summer Activities to Keep Your Family Entertained
School's out and summer is in full swing, bringing families the perfect opportunity to create memories together. Finding affordable activities that keep everyone entertained can be a challenge - luckily, Calgary and surrounding areas are bursting with options for family fun.
School’s out and summer is in full swing, bringing families in Calgary the perfect opportunity to create cherished memories together. However, finding affordable activities that keep everyone entertained can be a challenge.
Luckily, Calgary and surrounding areas are bursting with free or budget friendly options for family fun. From picturesque parks and outdoor adventures to parade action and community events, we’ve curated a collection of ideas to help you make the most of your school break without breaking the bank.
Discover the joys of budget-friendly family time in Calgary as we guide you through a summer filled with laughter, exploration, and treasured memories.
The Calgary Stampede – July 7-16
Parade Day – Friday, July 7
Enjoy Calgary’s largest Parade, which showcases more than 150 western-themed entries, including 30 marching bands, 40 floats, 750 horses and 4,000 people. Go straight from the Parade to Stampede Park and receive FREE admission until 1:30 p.m.
Friday, July 7, 2023 | 8:55 AM @ Downtown Calgary
Free Admission to Stampede Park from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Family Day – Sunday, July 9
Bring the whole family to the Calgary Stampede and celebrate with FREE fun for everyone. Admission is free until 11 a.m., with free pancake breakfast will be available until 10 a.m. while supplies last.
Sunday, July 9 | Admission is free until 11 a.m. @ Calgary Stampede, 1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary
Fluor Rope Square – July 8-15
At Fluor Rope Square, every day starts with a bacon pancake served hot off a chuckwagon or smokie paired with Stampede-style entertainment including marching bands, dancers, singers, fiddlers, friendly mascots plus so much more!
July 8 to 15, 2023 @ Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Music in the Park – Every Wednesday beginning July 12
Every Wednesday evening, rain or shine, throughout July and August, the Heritage Town Square will be filled with the sound of music.
Wednesday evenings until August 31, 2022 | 6:00-8:00 PM @ Heritage Town Square at Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Visit Kananaski Country – July 15, plus more
In 2021, the Alberta government introduced an admission fee for Kananaskis. The parks in the area are free to visit on the first Wednesday of each month and on some select days including July 15th.
July 15, and the first Wednesday of every month @ Kananaskis Country, no pass required.
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Visit Fish Creek Provincial Park, go on hik
es and explore the largest urban park in Canada. Enjoy Artisan Gardens where Alberta’s history, nature and art is honoured in a very unique and culturally significant fashion with First Nations history, family and the natural environment.
Open at 8:00 a.m. every day of the year and open during day light hours.
@ Fish Creek Provincial Park, 13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Calgary – Not far from our Vermilion Hill showhome!
Taste of Okotoks – Saturday, July 22
This pedestrian-friendly event boasts live music, great food from local restaurants, boutique shopping and a street market featuring a wide array of local artisan wares from MarketSquare.
Sunday, July 22, 2023 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm @ Downtown Okotoks
We have a brand new showhome in D’Arcy that will be open 12-5pm this weekend for you to stop by and visit as well!
Langdon Days – Saturday, July 22
Langdon’s annual 3-day long softball tournament kicks off with a family friendly parade through town on Saturday morning and continues with a market, Show ‘n’ Shine, and softball all afternoon.
This is a great opportunity to explore all the small-town charm that Langdon is known for. While you’re there, pop into our Painted Sky showhome to get a feel for our wide-shallow floorplans.
Saturday, August 22 Parade begins @ 10am along Centre Street
Shaw Charity Classic – August 16 & 17
The Shaw Charity Classic will host some of the greatest names in the game of golf.
Free Admission on August 16 & 17 @ Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club: 12501 14 St SW
All Sport One Day – Saturday, August 19
All Sport One Day is an amazing opportunity for Calgary children and youth to try a new sport. With 100+ sessions featuring 30+ exciting activities to choose from, parents or guardians can enroll children (ages 6 and above) in FREE sport sessions
August 19, 2023 @ Facilities Across Calgary
Free Programs at Your Local Library
Calgary Public Library offer plenty of free, fun summer programs from magic shows to movies.
Check your local library for more details. OR Borrow a musical instrument from the library for free and learn how to play it through You-tube videos.
RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre
Feel like taking a day trip? Visit the RCMP dog training facility and see public demonstrations that showcase the skills of police dogs.
Public demonstrations are conducted every Wednesday afternoon between Victoria Day and Labour Day | 02:00 PM – 02:45 PM @ RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre, Hwy 2, Innisfail, not too far from our Lanark Landing showhomes on Airdrie’s south side!
Want more? Check out even more suggestions from the folks at To Do Canada.
From all of us at Sterling Homes, we wish you and your families and safe and fun summer!
