Spring is my favorite time of year to explore the city. It’s comfortable weather for a nice walk and everything is lush and green. Here are 10 tips for making your family walks fun and enjoyable for everyone:
1. Footwear. Make sure everyone has good footwear. Crocs and flip-flops are easy to get on but are prone to falling off and aren’t comfortable for substantial walking.
2. Be aware of dog parks and off-leash areas. Before you head out, check to see if any part of your planned walk runs through an off-leash dog area. There are some lovely walks that run through off-leash parks and seeing dogs along the way can provide an added attraction for your kids. You may wish to prepare your kids ahead of time or avoid them completely if your child is afraid of dogs. If you do walk through a dog park or off-leash area, you will want to keep your kids closer to you than in a normal park and not let them run ahead.
3. Length of walk. Different kids will be able to walk different distances. Get an idea of the length of walk your kids can handle by gradually increasing the distance of the walks you attempt. Try to stop before they start stumbling or complaining of being tired. If you have small kids, have a stroller or carrier as a backup plan in case your walk ends up being longer than you expected.
4. Make a game out of the walk. If you have reluctant walkers or just want to shake things up, try adding a game to the walk. It can be as simple as a theme walk where you look at different leaves or watch for different animals, or you can put together a bingo or scavenger hunt instead.
5. Pay attention to the terrain. If the area you will be walking through is hilly, you’ll want to plan a shorter walk. You should also note whether the ground will be suitable for pushing a stroller if you’re taking one.
6. Dress and prepare for the weather. Look at the weather report before you go to see if you might need jackets, rain boots, hats, sunscreen or bug spray.
7. Pack snacks and drinks. One of the only things worse than a tired kid is a tired, hungry kid. Snacks will help kids make it to the end of the walk. Water bottles are also important to pack - you may be surprised just how much your kids will drink, especially if it’s a hot day.
8. Let the kids set the pace. In all likelihood, you will probably walk faster than your kids. Instead of nagging your kids to hurry up, try letting them lead. Kids also really enjoy going off the path to run up little hills or climb over rocks.
9. Carry a backpack for treasures. Letting your kids take a little bag that they can fill with finds from their walk will not only keep dandelions out of their pockets but will make any walk seem like an adventure.
10. Take pictures! Walks are great opportunities for picture-taking. Take a camera that you know you will be comfortable carrying for the whole walk. If your kids are old enough, they’ll enjoy taking pictures of interesting things they find on the walk too. Digital pictures don’t cost a penny and the pictures you take will last long after your family walks are just a memory.
Calgary walks
Calgary has so many parks and pathways, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s 10 great places around the city to take the kids out for a walk:
1. Pearce Estate Park - Inglewood - 4500, 14A Street SW. This walk will take you around the Fish Hatchery and right by the Bow River. There is a reconstructed wetland with interpretive signs in the park area and a lookout where you can see the weir. There is a playground, picnic areas and washrooms too.
2. Confederation Park - 24 Avenue & 14 Street NW to 30 Avenue & 10 Street NW. Confederation Park offers beautiful walking loops. There is a wetland area frequented by ducks on the west side of the park, a tunnel under 10 street, bridges and a small playground.
3. Edworthy Park - Douglas Fir Trail - 5050 Spruce Drive SW (Bow Trail & Spruce Drive SW). North Access - Shaganappi Trail & 16 Avenue. Edworthy Park has some lovely picnic spots, a few small playgrounds and nice walking paths. It’s also a great geocaching area. If you are feeling like more of a hike, the Douglas Fir Trail is a beautiful wooded 2.5-kilometre hike that will make you feel like you are in the middle of a forest.
4. Fish Creek Park - Bow Valley Ranch Area - Bow Bottom Trail past 146 Avenue. Fish Creek Park is huge and has lots of walking trails. The Ranche area is unique. This historical site surrounded by meadows and grassland gives a glimpse as to what it would have been like in the Calgary area many years ago. You can go on interpretive walks, see historic buildings and the newly-developed artisan gardens. You can also stop in at the Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre.
5. Weaselhead Flats - 66 Avenue & 37 Street SW. Weaselhead Flats connects North and South Glenmore Parks on the west side of the Glenmore Reservoir and is one of Calgary’s favorite natural areas. There are several walking and hiking trails including a 3-kilometre loop pathway.
6. Memorial Drive. Take a walk along the Bow River pathway along Memorial Drive. This urban walk just north of downtown will introduce your family to a bit of Calgary’s history. Visit the new Poppy Plaza that commemorates Canada’s efforts during wartime, walk across the Peace Bridge and walk along the Bow River and among the Memorial Drive trees, which were planted as living monuments to Calgary’s lost World War I soldiers.
7. Nose Hill - multiple entrances - bounded by 14 Street, John Laurie Boulevard, Shaganappi Trail and the community of Macewan. Nose Hill Park is huge with numerous walking trails. There is a lot of wildlife in the park including deer and coyotes. Some areas of the park are off-leash.
8. Eau Claire - 200 Barclay Parade SW. Walk along the Bow River Pathway. You can walk across the red Peace Bridge, walk across the river and play on the playground at Prince’s Island Park or in the summer, you can splash around in the Eau Claire wading pools.
9. University of Calgary Campus - 2500 University Drive NW. The University of Calgary has beautiful grounds with lots of walking paths and interesting art. The grounds can be pretty busy during the week when school is in session but from May to September or on weekends, it’s pretty empty.
10. Carburn Park - Riverbend - 67 Riverview Drive SE. Carburn Park features two man made ponds and a lovely loop path around the large pond. There are a number of beautiful picnic areas and an older playground as well. The setting is so beautiful, you’ll have a hard time believing you are in the middle of the city.
Dana makes it her mission to seek out the best indoor and outdoor places to play in Calgary with her children and review them. For more information, visit www.calgaryplaygroundreview.com.
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