Late Spring in Calgary is kind of perfect, isn’t it? Cool, crisp mornings are followed up with sweet, warm afternoons that are just made for spending outdoors. It’s also a great time of year because there’s so much to do that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg; all you need is some creativity, a bottle of sunscreen and a little bit of imagination.
1. Heritage Park, sort of. This old tyme park is an important, historical part of Calgary, and it’s a fantastic place to go with the family. Next time you head to the park, bring your bikes along, go for a ride near the reservoir, and then head to the Selkirk Grille’s patio for a nice bite to eat (or, bring a picnic to enjoy by the water!). Finish your day off in the shops of the Heritage Town Square and indulge in some candy or fresh-baked goodies from Switzer’s Grocery & Confectionery. The best part? None of these areas of the park require admission, making it as inexpensive as you’d like. For more information, visit www.heritagepark.ca.
2. Visit Spruce Meadows. It’s not just a place for tournaments, you know. Spruce Meadows can actually be visited year-round, and there’s plenty to see and do for the whole family. Visit the foals and their moms, take a stroll along the Radio Tower Creek wetland or bring your picnic basket and a blanket and have lunch in the park. It’s an easy, cheap day of fun for everyone. For more information, visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
3. Bike swap. Teens grow out of bikes almost as quickly as they grow out of their clothes, and the frequent replacement of bikes can end up costing you a fortune. Save money this year by heading to the Alberta Bike Swap on May 4, 2013 at the City Centre Parkade (340, 10 Avenue SW). There you’ll find name-brand, adult-oriented (perfect for growing teens!) bikes for a great price. An added bonus: All of the bikes go through a safety check so they’re safe to ride right off the lot. For more information, head to the Alberta Bike Swap’s website, www.albertabikeswap.ca.
4. Go bird watching. Bring out your little ones’ curiosity with a trip to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre. Pick up one of the guides for sale in the Nature Centre to help you identify the species of birds you see, or download an app (like the Audubon Birds Field Guide to North American Birds app) to not only identify them, but to learn about their habitat, calls and even find out where they’ve been spotted recently. For more information on the apps, visit www.audubonguides.com. For more information on the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre, visit www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks.
5. Lilac Festival. Calgary’s favorite festival on 4th Street is back, and it’s the perfect kickoff to the summer season. On Sunday, May 26, take the whole family out to the 24th Annual Lilac Festival for some free and fabulous entertainment and activities, and sample some of the area’s tastiest food while checking out the unique vendors. Just make sure to wear comfy shoes and bring plenty of water, sunscreen and layers in preparation for Calgary’s unpredictable weather. For more information, visit www.4streetcalgary.com. And make sure to check out the Calgary’s Child calendar at www.calgaryschild.com for more family-friendly events!
6. Wheel on. Pack up those bikes or rollerblades and make your way to Kananaskis Country for a fast-paced, nature-filled day in the mountains. There are some beautiful paved paths throughout Kananaskis that make biking or rollerblading an easy activity, and there are plenty of picnic spots along the way to take a lunch or snack-break at. To get there, head west on the Trans-Canada Highway and then go south on Highway 40 for about 23 kilometres until you reach the turn-off for Kananaskis Village. The Village is a great spot to start out as there is ample parking and a few trailheads for you to choose from.
7. Farmers’ Market openings. Most of the area farmers’ markets open between May and June, so it’s the perfect time to start buying your food locally and heading out for a morning or afternoon with the family. Make a full day of it in Millarville on the opening day of the market, Saturday, June 15 between 9am and 2pm. The market is located at the Millarville Racetrack, about 30 minutes southwest of Calgary. For more information on the market, including special events, visit www.millarvilleracetrack.com.
8. Scavenger hunt. It’s an exciting time of the year to head out into Calgary’s gorgeous parks and enjoy the newly blooming flowers and budding leaves. It’s also an ideal time for a nature scavenger hike! Make a list of things to find (types of animals, flowers and even simple things like a pond or a creek), and have a prize ready for when your little one finds all of the items on the list. It’s a great way to get outside and get some exercise – and there’s no way the words “Mom, I’m bored!” will be uttered.
9. Children’s Bicycle Rodeo. If your little ones are pros on their bikes, but you’re still a little weary about them riding on the road, this event is for you. Held on June 1 at the Canmore Nordic Centre, this free day in the mountains will teach your children techniques to safely cycle on the road in a fun group setting. There will also be refreshments and prizes provided, so make a day of it and head out west for a fun, educational day. For more information, visit www.cmags.org.
10. Milk carton bird feeder. You don’t need to go very far to enjoy the different birds that habitat our city – let them come to you! This is a fun, inexpensive activity for you to do with your child. First, wash out a 2 litre milk carton. Next, glue or tape the top of the carton shut, and poke a hole through it (so you can run some string through it for hanging). Using a utility knife or a pair of scissors, cut a hole that takes up a third of one side of the carton, with the bottom of the hole sitting about six centimetres from the bottom of the carton. Now for the fun part! Have your child paint the outside of the carton as desired with non-toxic paint. When it’s dry, fill the bottom with bird seed and hang the feeder up near a window so the whole family can keep an eye on it!
Stephanie is a freelance writer specializing in travel and food writing. For more information, visit www.stephaniearsenault.ca.
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