IT'S WINTER. YOU'RE IN CALGARY. GET OUT AND PLAY!

Written by Calgary`s Child Photo: PhotoXpress.com

If Winter is starting to feel like it’ll never end, we have help for Calgary’s families to beat the cold-weather blues! There’s no need to hibernate, we've got the best escapes and activities to help make the most of the season. Warm up your winter and get outside! Here are a few ideas to get you started, explore Activities and Getaways in this Family Fun section for many more ideas to take the brrrs out of winter.

FUN IN THE SNOW IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3!
Do you have a child that is still a little less than enthused about playing in the snow and getting outside in winter? Maybe it’s you the parent that would honestly prefer to hibernate until late April at least. There’s a lot to dislike about the colder temperatures from the tripled time it takes to dress the kids to wind chill, slippery pathways and shoveling sidewalks for six+ months. Fortunately, winter can also be a lot of fun and by trying some of these activities, you can learn to love the season as much as we do. Read more...

WARM UP YOUR WINTER IN BANFF AND KANANASKIS
Can’t afford to jet off to Mexico or Hawaii this winter? No problem because I’ve got you covered with 10 super fun things to do with your family right here in your own back yard!
Read more...

10 BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO SAVE AND HAVE FUN POST HOLIDAY
The holiday frenzy is over, and the kids are back to school - it's time to get organized and save some money! Here are 10 ideas that will not only keep the whole family entertained, but will keep money in your wallet, and the kids off the couch. Read more...

APRÉS HOLIDAY WINTER FUN!
Make the most of the season and keep your bank account intact with these budget-friendly family fun tips. Read more...

GROOMED CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AREAS IN CALGARY

CANADA OLYMPIC PARK (COP) - 88 Canada Olympic Park

CONFEDERATION GOLF COURSE - 3204 Collingwood Drive NW

MAPLE RIDGE GOLF COURSE - 1240 Mapleglade Drive SE

SHAGANAPPI POINT GOLF COURSE - 1200, 26 Street NW

UNGROOMED AREAS IN CALGARY

EDWORTHY PARK - 5050 Spruce Drive SW

NORTH GLEMORE PARK - 7305 Crowchild Trail SW

SOUTH GLENMORE PARK - 90 Avenue and 24 Street SW

WEASELHEAD NATURAL ENVIRONMENT PARK - 66 Avenue and 37 Street SW

OUTSIDE OF CALGARY

Bearberry Nordic Centre (near Sundre)

Canmore Nordic Centre

Chateau Lake Louise

Emerald Lake/Field Trails

Mt. Shark Trails

Peter Lougheed Park

Ribbon Creek

Sandy McNabb (west of Turner Valley)

Smith Dorrien

West Bragg Creek

OUTDOOR SKATING

Hockey sticks, toboggans, sleds and strollers are not permitted on the ice. Helmets are strongly encouraged. Remember to only skate on ice surfaces that have been made for recreational use. Community stormwater ponds are not safe to skate on.

BOWNESS LAGOON - 8900, 48 Avenue NW

MARLBOROUGH PARK - 6021 Madigan Drive NE

OLYMPIC PLAZA - 228, 8 Avenue SE

PRAIRIE WINDS PARK - 223 Castleridge Boulevard NE

TOBOGANNING AND SLEDDING

Safety first! Always remember, helmets on heads! Tobogganing is an activity that you do at your own risk. The City is not responsible for any personal injury or damage to personal items. All listings are weather dependent.

BIG MARLBOROUGH PARK - DRY POND - 6021 Madigan Drive NE

CONFEDERATION PARK - 2800, 10 Street NW (north side of park immediately west of Rosemont Community Centre)

DEERFOOT ATHLETIC PARK - 14 Avenue and 16A Street NE

GLENDALE PARK - 25 Avenue and 45 Street SW (west side)

KINGSLAND - DRY POND - Heritage Drive SW behind the Rose Kohn/Jimmie Condon Arenas

MAPLE RIDGE - DRY POND - Mapleglade Close SE

MARLBOROUGH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - 636 Marlborough Way NE

MCKENZIE TOWNE - 160 McKenzie Towne Drive SE

MONTEREY PARK - Catalina Boulevard and California Boulevard NE (NE corner only)

PRAIRIE WINDS PARK - 223 Castleridge Boulevard (north side of hill)

RICHMOND GREEN - 33 Avenue and 25 Street SW

ROYAL OAK - 50 Royal Birkdale Drive NW (north side of hill)

RUNDLE - DRY POND - 4120 Rundlethorn Drive NE (behind Rundle Elementary School)