There is no better way to beat the heat on a scorching summer day than in a local wading pool or splash park! Calgary and the surrounding areas have an abundance of places to wet your feet and cool down.
According to calgary.ca, spray parks, wading pools and outdoor pools are typically open from mid-June until fall (weather dependent). So, pack up the waterproof sunscreen and towels and head out to one of these spots for a splish-splashing good time.
Calgary Spray and Splashparks
Bowness Park (8900 48 Avenue NW). The gigantic wading pool doesn’t get deeper than 0.6m and includes in-ground spray fountains. Add to this the fact that it is surrounded by gorgeous trees, eating areas, fire pits, a lagoon with canoes and paddle boats, access to the Bow River, pathways, a restaurant and tea house, and you have one incredible way to spend a warm day!
Prairie Winds Park (223 Castleridge Boulevard NE). This park includes a lazy river, spray park, and wading pool. Bring a floaty or pool noodle if you plan to take a ride on the lazy river. The park also includes tennis courts, playgrounds, basketball courts, eating areas, soccer fields and more.
Canmore Park (2020 Chicoutimi Drive NW). This park is also known as North Capitol Hill Park and has a number of amenities including tennis courts, ball diamonds, pathways, benches, tables and a splash park. The spray park and wading pool are accessible to all, with wheelchairs available for free.
Riley Park (800 12 Street NW). Within walking distance from the Kensington shopping district, the park contains a cricket pitch, wading pool and the Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Garden. The huge wading pool has an island in the middle and varying levels of depth. Paid parking is available.
Rotary Park (617 1 Street NE). This collection of buckets and spray tunnels is motion-operated, so don’t worry that it’s closed if you pull up and the water isn’t running! This is a good option for kids of all ages and abilities. The area also includes picnic tables, a playground, tennis courts and an off-leash area for your pup.
South Glenmore Park (90 Avenue and 24 Street SW). This park includes water that sprays from above and below as well as a small river running through it. It is close to a playground, tennis courts, hiking and biking trails, a polo field, and a water fountain.
Valleyview Park (28 Street and 30 Avenue SE). Valleyview Park is a relatively new park in Calgary's southeast, separating the Dover and Southview communities. In addition to the spray park, the area includes ball diamonds, beach volleyball courts and playgrounds. The park includes four spray structures that provide hours of fun for your little ones.
Somerset Spray Park (999 Somerset Drive SW). Located in southwest Calgary, Somerset Park is operated by the Somerset Community Association, but the land is owned by the City of Calgary and is open for public use. The park features tennis courts, two basketball courts, three playgrounds, the waterpark, six tables and open green space.
Spray and Splashparks Outside of Calgary
Chinook Winds Spray Park (Chinook Winds Drive south of Yankee Valley Boulevard, Airdrie). The park features two twist n' spill water toys, splash blaster spiral, ground sprays, interactive tappin' tunes piano that plays music and sprays water, a discovery stream and more. There are a few picnic tables and some sunshades as well. It is located beside a playground, skatepark, ball diamonds, basketball courts and a beach volleyball court.
The Carstairs Splash Park (Memorial Park, Carstairs). This 2000-square-foot splash park is located at the north end of Memorial Park beside the Curling Rink and adjacent to the playground. The splash park is a safe, fun environment for children of all ages to while away the summer months. Enjoy lunch with the family on the grass or on one of the available tables.
Lions Spray Park (Kinsmen Park - Lakeside Boulevard, Strathmore). This spray park boasts lots of spray features and a climber. It is also close to Kinsmen Lake, Strathmore’s downtown, kilometres of pathway, a playground and more.
Water Spray Park at Okotoks Recreation Centre (99 Okotoks Drive, Okotoks). This park has 12 new features and play zones geared toward different ages. The park is located outside the recreation centre beside the skateboard park.
Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre Spray Park (800 Griffin Road E, Cochrane).
This park includes a number of large spray structures to entertain children of all ages. Ample parking is also available.
Splash Park at Banta Park (1026 Chisholm Avenue, Crossfield). This park has plenty of space to run and jump in the water. Benches and tables are situated around the splash park, so bring a lunch to enjoy al fresco and stay cool.
Splash Park at Centennial Park (Milligan Drive, Olds). There are 12 water features to play in, including one that looks like a barn, another that resembles an oil rig and one modeled after the town’s water tower. The site is wheelchair accessible.
No matter where you decide to cool off this summer, make sure you stay safe by regularly reapplying sunscreen, donning hats, drinking plenty of water and taking frequent snack breaks. And don’t forget to get in there and have some fun yourself!
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2024 Calgary’s Child
