The living may be easy in summertime, but nothing lowers the temperature and raises the fun like water, especially when you’ve got a house full of hot, bored kids looking for ways to beat the heat. The City of Calgary's wading pools, spray parks and outdoor pools feature fresh air, sunshine, and water fun for everyone. So why not pull out those swimsuits, pack a picnic, grab the sunscreen, and head out to any of these family favorite destinations.
WADING POOLS:
Wading Pools and Spray Parks are typically open from mid June until Thanksgiving weekend (weather dependent). Admission is free. Hours of operation vary by location. For times, call 268-2300 and enter code 9890 or call 3-1-1. 1.
BOWNESS PARK - 8900, 48 Ave. NW
During the summer months, this riverside park features canoe and paddleboat rentals on the man-made lagoon. The small wading pool and playground areas throughout the park are other favorites with kids, while the quiet riverbanks and shores of the lagoon offer perfect settings for picnics. Other amenities include picnic tables and shelters, barbecue pits, food concessions, and washrooms.
2. CANMORE PARK - 19 St. & Chicoutimi Dr. NW
3. ROTARY PARK - 617 1 St. NE 4. RILEY PARK - 800-12 St. NW
The giant-sized wading pool in Riley Park makes it one of Calgary's most popular summer destinations. The extensive flower gardens encourage leisurely strolls along the park's wide, smooth walking paths particularly well-suited for baby strollers, wheelchairs, and toddlers. Other amenities include picnic tables, playground area, concession, cricket pitch, and the beautiful hillside rock garden in neighboring Burns Memorial Park.
4. SOMERSET SQUARE - 999 Somerset Dr. SW (Community Operated)
5. STANLEY PARK: 4011 1A St. NW
DUE TO CONSTRUCTION, STANLEY PARK IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
1. BARCLAY MALL (Eau Claire Area) – 3 St. & Riverfront Ave. SWThis downtown park, located in the city's Eau Claire district, features a wading pool with water cannons, and playground area. Plan on a daylong outing since Prince's Island Park is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Pack a picnic or duck into Eau Claire Market to pick up lunch before heading across the pedestrian bridge to the acres and acres of green space on Prince's Island where kids can run and play to their hearts' content. Other park amenities on the island include picnic tables, a playground area, extensive pathways, flower gardens, concession, and washrooms.
2. BOWNESS PARK - 8900, 48 Ave. NWDuring the summer months, this riverside park features canoe and paddleboat rentals on the man-made lagoon. The small wading pool and playground areas throughout the park are other favorites with kids, while the quiet riverbanks and shores of the lagoon offer perfect settings for picnics. Other amenities include picnic tables and shelters, barbecue pits, food concessions, and washrooms.
3. PRAIRIE WINDS PARK – 223 Casteridge Blvd. NEThe water cannons in the wading pool at Prairie Winds Park are a huge hit with kids. This multi-use park also features man-made hills and creek, playground area, tennis courts, baseball diamond, and flower gardens. Picnic tables and shelters, change rooms, and concession are also available.
4. SHAW MILLENNIUM PARK – 1220 9 Ave. SW
5. SOUTH GLENMORE PARK – 90 Ave. & 24 St. SW
6. VALLEYVIEW PARK – 28 St. & 30 Ave. SE
7. VARIETY PARK (in South Glenmore Park) – 90 Avenue & 24 St. SW
OLYMPIC PLAZA - 228 , 8 Ave. SE
All outdoor pools are open until September 3. Hours of operation vary by location. For times, call 268-2300 and enter code 9600 or contact 3-1-1. Admissions: Free admission for children under the age of 2. Children ages 2 to 6 is $1. Children ages 7 to 17 is $2.75. Adults is $5.50. Seniors is $2.75.
*Please note that the Silver Springs Outdoor Pool has their own admission rates.
1. Barclay Mall Outdoor Wading Pool – 208 Barclay Parade SW
2. Bowview Outdoor Pool – 1910 6 Ave. NW
3. Bridgeland Outdoor Pool – 919 McDougall Rd. NE
4. Forest Lawn Outdoor Pool – 1706 39 St. SE
5. Highwood Outdoor & Wading Pool – 25 Holmwood Ave. NW
6. Millican Outdoor Pool – 69 Ave & 20A St. SE
7. Mount Pleasant Outdoor Pool – 2310 6 St. NW
8. Prairie Winds Outdoor Wading Pool – 223 Castleridge Blvd. NE
9. Riley Park Outdoor Wading Pool – 800 12 St. NW
10. *Silver Springs Outdoor Pool (Separate Admission Fee) – Silver Ridge Dr & Silver Ridge Cl. NW
11. South Calgary Outdoor Pool – 3130 16 St. SW
12. Stanley Park Outdoor & Wading Pool – 4011 1A St. SW
DUE TO CONSTRUCTION, STANLEY PARK IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
The Canadian Cancer Society offers the following guidelines to help you keep your family sun safe.
* Keep babies under one year of age out of direct sunlight. This will also prevent dehydration and sunstroke. Keep them protected in a covered stroller, under an umbrella or in the shade.
* Keep toddlers and children out of the sun during the peak hours of 11 am to 4 pm or any time of the day when the UV Index is three or more.
Try to influence their pre-school or school to change schedules so that they are not outside during these hours. Book sports activities outside of these time zones.
* Reinforce SunSense guidelines (SLIP! SLAP! SLOP) everywhere your children go. Send them to school or play in protective clothing and don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat. Most skin cancers happen on the face and neck. These areas need extra protection. Wear a hat with a wide brim that covers head, face, ears and neck. * Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, at least SPF 30 if you will be outside for most of the day. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours (more frequently if your children are swimming or sweating heavily).
* Apply sunscreen to a child’s body before putting on their bathing suit to avoid burns to the tops of thighs and chest. Pay special attention to the back of the knee and the top of the foot.
* Do not apply sunscreen around a child's eyes as it may sting and burn. Instead, protect the eyes with sunglasses.
* If children are playing in or near water, make sure they wear a waterproof sunscreen.
* Do not use baby oil as a moisturizer before your child goes outside. The oil will make the effect of the sun stronger and may cause your child to burn faster.
* Look at providing more shade in the form of trees and structures in your children’s play area.
* Set a good example. If you practice sensible sun habits, your children will too.
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