Alright, parents, quarantine seems to be nearing its end, and you can finally breathe a big sigh of relief. You don’t need to lie- being a parent and trying to keep your kiddos happy while attempting to stay somewhat (if that?) sane was probably damn near impossible. Thank goodness for summer being upon us so that you can round up the fam and spend some much needed time outdoors. While some of our go-to’s haven’t reopened yet, we’ve teamed up with Panda Express for our top picks of activities to do with your family this summer.
If you’re not in the know, Panda Express is a fast-casual Chinese eatery with two Calgary locations, driven by inspiring better lives while offering guests balanced meals that both delight and nourish. They’ve also got an online app, delivery options, and a stellar menu that doesn’t skimp on the flavour.
Our two favourite picks? Honey Sesame Chicken, which is addictive, to say the least. Made with Canadian sourced chicken, fresh string beans, yellow bell peppers, and a sweet sesame sauce, there’s no doubt why this dish has a devoted, cult-like following. Our second pick is their brand new Black Pepper Angus Steak, using Canadian sourced Angus steak and crisp, fresh-cut veggies. After doing fun activities all day with the family, you know you’ll need something quick, easy, and affordable to pick up on the way home, making Panda Express an awesome choice.
Brand New Brawn Family Foundation Bugtopia At The Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo has finally reopened, and have debuted their brand new interactive area for kids! The Brawn Family Foundation Bugtopia was designed for children of all ages, and is inspired by the playful world of insects. As you climb, swing, and slide through the different towers, your tots will be able to learn about pests & protectors, pollinators, and decomposers. Fun and educational, so a major win-win for all families around.
Cobb’s Adventure Park
Some activities are still closed for health and safety, however there are still a ton of fun-tivities to partake in. From animal areas, ground mazes & puzzles, tractor rides, mini-golf, and more, there’s enough to keep the family entertained all day long. Some of the animals you can expect are fainting goats, wallabees, kangaroos, who are all loved and cared for by Cobb’s owners.
Granary Road Learning Park
This play & learn park spreads over 36 acres, and includes 11 over-the-top exhibits that are connected by 3.5 km of pathways. Explore exhibits like a Wetland Discovery area, a 4-storey Ant Farm Adventure area, a larger than life Arachnid Web, and a working farm. Insider tip: If you head over to the farm friends park at 10 am, you’ll likely catch the baby goat run that happens every day! PSA, it’s the cutest thing you’ll see all year.
Big Hill Springs Provincial Park
We think we can all agree that when in doubt, picnic it out. That…almost worked, but seriously a picnic suits any occasion, especially when the weather is right! Head down to Big Hill Springs, where you can pass over streams on wooden bridges and traverse walking trails next to babbling brooks. At the base of the trail you’ll find picnic tables, setting the scene for an idyllic nature-filled picnic with the family.
The Alice Sanctuary
Under an hour from Calgary’s city centre, this non-for-profit sanctuary connects visitors to rescued farm animals. The Alice Sanctuary understands that all animals have their own personality, and treats all of their animals with love and respect while giving them a supportive and safe atmosphere. Oh, and each farmyard cutie also gets its own name! Things look a little different for TAS this year, but you can still book tours on specific dates found here!
Pinnovate
Pinnovate is Canada’s first DIY Pinterest studio, and here’s how it works. Make a reservation online, then choose your base. Then, get to crafting! Whether it’s for fun, or to create a new piece of home decor, it’s an interactive activity that won’t leave your own home a mess!
Mini Golf, Bowling & Arcade Games at Century Sports
So this one also isn’t outdoors, but knowing Calgary you will need some indoor activities to keep the family entertained while the weather is…Calgary-ish. Century Sports is a one-stop-shop for family fun that can last all day and night and tough out even the worst of storms. With bowling lanes, arcade games, and even mini-golf, your fam will be having so much fun you’ll find it hard to leave.
Well, there you have it. Now it’s time to have some family-friendly fun!
