Calgary isn’t just a city surrounded by nature — it’s built around it. With hundreds of parks, trails and greenspaces to choose from, not all are created equal when it comes to family-friendly activities.
So where do you start? Whether you’re looking for low-elevation walks, adrenaline-packed obstacle parks, or open-air fitness circuits, Calgary has something fun for every age group and energy level.
Here are some of the best outdoor fitness adventures designed with families in mind — because it should be easy to get outside, move your bodies, and stay healthy, together.
Want to create your own adventure? Discover new greenspaces, playgrounds, outdoor games and sporting fields on the Adventue Atlas!
Tips For A Successful Summer Family Outing
- Pack the essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, hats and a few layers for Calgary’s unpredictable weather.
- Stay flexible: Let the kids set the pace — and plan for plenty of play and snack breaks.
- Mix it up: Keep energy high by combining trail walks, playground time, obstacle courses, and maybe even a splash park!
- Set a goal: Whether it’s reaching a lookout, conquering a pump track, or spotting five different species of birds, a friendly challenge can make your adventure a little more exciting.
Bike Parks, Obstacle Courses & Parkour Challenges
If your crew prefers moving fast, climbing high, and finding new thrills, Calgary’s growing collection of outdoor fun has you covered.
Rocky Ridge Skatepark
Complete with a nearby playground and sport courts, Rocky Ridge Skatepark is perfect for families with different interests — some can hit the ramps while others play a quick game of basketball. If it’s rainy out? Stop in at the local YMCA for a wide range of indoor activities.
Wolf Willow Park
This new community hub is packed with activities — a playground, parkour course, basketball courts, pickleball, and even a small amphitheatre. You can bounce between activities and burn energy in a fun, open space.
Coventry Hills Parkour Park
Specifically designed for jumping, climbing, and balancing fun, this northeast course is a dream destination for active kids, teens, and even adults who want to test their skills. It’s small, but not too far south of here is Confluence Park, otherwise known as West Nose Creek Park. Make use of the day and soak in some nature.
Seton Skatepark & Obstacle Course
In south Calgary, the Seton teen playground blends a skatepark with an outdoor obstacle course — perfect for young adventurers craving a physical challenge.
Countless Bike Pump Tracks
Calgary riders can sharpen their bike-handling skills at local pump tracks, including West Confederation Park, Inglewood, South Calgary Park and Silver Springs.
Bonus: South Glenmore Park’s pump track pairs perfectly with nearby nature walks through Weaselhead Flats! But remember: No bikes are allowed in this nature preserve, so bring your lock and leave them at the entrance.
Free Outdoor Fitness Equipment
Turn any regular park outing into a mini workout with Calgary’s outdoor fitness circuits — a fun way for the whole family to get active without hitting the gym or being stuck indoors.
Edworthy Park Fitness Stations
Nestled in this popular riverside park, Edworthy’s fitness circuit offers strength and cardio equipment stations. You can sneak in a quick workout while the kids play in the nearby green spaces. Or pop over the river bridge to grab a picnic table and make use of the volleyball net or horseshoes!
Blakiston Park
Found in the community of Brentwood, Blakiston Park is a great spot for outdoor fitness and family fun. The Trekfit gym features pull-up bars, monkey bars, step benches, and parallel bars—perfect for bodyweight workouts of all levels. Just steps away, kids can enjoy nearby playgrounds while the surrounding green space offers plenty of room for activities or simply relax in the sun.
Sunnyside Stairs & Memorial Drive
Craving a cardio blast? The stairs in Sunnyside Bank Park are a classic Calgary challenge. Add in a jog or walk through the riverside pathways to build a dynamic workout session (Note: There’s ongoing construction on Memorial Drive in 2025). Plus, there’s even fitness equipment and a bathroom on-site, so you can do a full workout in the open air.
North Glenmore Park
Find this outdoor fitness equipment near the community association. Pair your workout with the park’s on-site games or a nature walk down the hill into Weaselhead Flats if you’re craving a relaxing walk.
Want to find more outdoor fitness equipment in Calgary? Use the filters or search bar on the Adventure Atlas to find parks and greenspaces near you.
Best Splash Parks & Wading Pools
Cool off after all that movement with a trip to some of Calgary’s best water play areas. (Note: Spray parks usually open late June or early July.) Find more Calgary wading pools and spray parks here.
Prairie Winds Park
This northeast gem has it all — playgrounds, splash pads, tennis courts, cricket fields and tons of space for picnics or relaxing between activities. Note: Prairie Winds Park splash pad & wading pool reopens July 2025.
Valleyview Park
This vibrant greenspace features a spray park, sand volleyball courts, picnic spots and wide-open sports fields — plus an artificial pond. Perfect for a half- or full-day outing, so come prepared to stay, play and have fun!
Century Gardens
This downtown oasis is where art, gardens and water features come together. Take a spontaneous “dip” on their splash pad for a quick cool down between downtown Calgary adventures.
Children’s Variety Park
Designed for inclusivity, this imaginative playground in South Glenmore Park features accessible equipment and musical zones. It’s also next to the Glenmore Reservoir pathways, perfect for a longer biking or hiking trip. Find it just east of the Quinterra Legacy Garden, Calgary’s only fully dedicated music garden and performance space.
Riley Park
A Calgary favourite for generations, Riley Park’s wading pool, large playground, and shady lawns are perfect for a slow, family-centered day — with Kensington nearby for well-earned ice cream and coffee breaks.
West Confederation Park
Tucked away in the northwest, this smaller spray park and its surrounding open fields, pathways and picnic spots make West Confederation a perfect sunny day destination.
Looking for more places you can swim outdoors? Here are our top 15 swimming destinations in and around Calgary.
Trails & Nature Walks for All Ages
Calgary’s trail network is massive, offering paths perfect for little ones in strollers, teens on bikes, or anyone ready to stretch their legs.
Griffith Woods Park
On the city’s southwest side, Griffith Woods follows the Elbow River with wide trails through quiet forests and natural wetlands. Whether you’re walking, biking, or pushing a stroller, the flat gravel and paved routes make it an easy outdoor escape — and you might just spot deer or herons along the way. There is a 2.5km paved path running through the middle, making it a great spot for people of all ages and abilities.
12 Mile Coulee
If you haven’t been here yet, 12 Mile Coulee is a hidden gem in the northwest. While there aren’t playgrounds or amenities here, it’s a natural haven with a mountain view. You can explore the park via a paved loop almost encircling it above the coulee, or you can dip down into the valley to explore dirt trails, lush vegetation and a variety of wildlife often seen here — moose, coyotes, birds, harmless snakes and more.
Fish Creek Provincial Park
With over 80 kilometres of trails to explore, Fish Creek is a favourite for families who love variety. If you’re looking for something low-key, start with the easier paths near Shannon Terrace, Hull’s Wood, or Bow Valley Ranche.
If you’re up for something more adventurous, take one of the countless trails leading off the main pathway for a more unique, rugged adventure. Don’t miss the many picnic spots, birdwatching areas, and fishing opportunities sprinkled throughout!
Want to explore more trails in Calgary? Check out the Douglas Fir Trail in Edworthy Park, the scenic paths through Bowmont Park, or stroll from Bowness Park into the shaded Douglas Fir Sanctuary.
Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, testing out a new obstacle course, or cooling down at a spray park, Calgary has endless activities and ways to get active together. So start planning your summer of adventures, family-friendly style!
