*Reader Poll - Tell us how you "summer" and you could win a Family & Friends Annual Membership to Heritage Park! - see details below!

May 29 to 30; Unfolding PANS PANDAS: Reshaping BRAIN+BODY Health. This inaugural national conference brings together leading experts from Canada and beyond to explore the physiological and psychological complexities of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). A two-day, medically accredited conference, hosted both in-person at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre and virtually. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

May 30; Peppa Pig Cinema Experience. Peppa meets the new baby and it’s a new era for Peppa with 10 new episodes and an hour of oinktastic fun at select Cineplex theatres. Learn more at cineplex.com.

May 30 to 31; Mahler’s Resurrection. The Calgary Phil’s season comes to a rousing finish with Gustav Mahler’s monumental Second Symphony, conducted by Rune Bergmann in his final concert as Music Director at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

Until May 31; Calgary Chinatown Scavenger Hunt 2025. Throughout May, you’ll embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure through Calgary’s Chinatown, uncovering hidden gems, discovering delicious eats, and celebrating the rich culture and tight-knit community that make the neighborhood so special. Each week, new online and in-person challenges will be unlocked through the Goosechase app — designed to test your observation skills, cultural knowledge, and culinary curiosity as you dive deeper into the Calgary Chinatown experience. Learn more at calgarychinatown.com.

Until May 31; Storybook Theatre Presents: Once on This Island. This highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, garnered eight Tony nominations for its Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score. Check it out at Beddington Theatre Arts Centre. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until May 31; Jubilations Junior Presents: Rightside Out Joy is Free! When you’re a little kid, your emotions are usually on full display, but as we get a bit older some of us start to hold back these emotions and keep them locked away in our brain. What happens if these emotions could sing? Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until May 31; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents: Jukebox Heaven Legends Live Forever. From rock and roll to glitzy pop and even country music, their voices and song writing skills made the world take notice. Every one of these legends at some point throughout decades past held the title of most played song on the Jukebox. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

May 31, 10am to 2pm; YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre: Summer Safety Day. A free, family-friendly event dedicated to helping Calgarians enjoy a safe, informed, and connected summer. Learn more at youthlinkcalgary.com.

May 31, 10am to 4pm; Cochrane Pet Expo. A day celebrating all things furry, feathered, and four-legged, proudly presented by Global Pet Foods Cochrane at Cochrane & District Agricultural Society Park. Learn more at quirksocial.ca/cochrane-pet-expo.

May 31, 10:40 to 11:50am; Youth Intro to Aerials Class - Our First One! Curious about circus and aerial arts? This class offers our young flyers the opportunity to try an exciting aerial journey, soaring through the air with the perfect mix of creativity and safety. Let your child explore aerial arts in a fun, supportive, and safe environment – no experience needed. Learn more at calgary.aradiafitness.com.

May 31, 11am to 1pm; Cineplex Family Favourites: Trolls Band Together. Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $3.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

May 31, 11am to 4pm; The Mom Market. Canada's original collective market devoted to showcasing small business owners in consistent and high-quality curated vendor market at East Village River Walk Plaza. Learn more at themommarketco.com.

May 31, 1pm; Toys R Us Events: Pokémon Make and Take. Bring your Poké-fans in-store for a fun building session – participants will be randomly given a Kanto classic: Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur. Learn more at toysrus.ca.

May 31, 1 to 4pm; Heartland (Cochrane) Family Fun Showhome Grand Opening. Celebrate the opening of the stunning new showhomes with an afternoon of fun for the whole family. Explore beautifully crafted homes by four incredible builders, enjoy guided home tours, and experience a lively lineup of activities including a glitter tattoo artist, balloon creations, giant outdoor games and more. Learn more at heartlandcochrane.ca.

Thursdays until June; NMC Jam Club. Jam Club is a free after-school drop-in program for teens looking to practice their skills and explore their creative potential, all the while making new friends at Studio Bell National Music Centre. Learn more at studiobell.ca.

Sundays in June; Family Fun Hour at The Confluence. Play, create and explore together as each week brings a new theme packed with hands-on activities for kids ages toddler to 11. Learn more at theconfluence.ca.

Until June 1; The Royal Canadian International Circus. Step right up to the mesmerizing world of the 2025 Royal Canadian International Circus! Prepare for a spellbinding journey filled with a diverse array of thrilling acts, a visual feast of high production value; and an interactive extravaganza that promises an unforgettable experience for all at CrossIron Mills Mall. Learn more at royalcanadiancircus.ca.

June 1, 9am to 1pm; Run Bowness. Don’t let the name fool you, you can run or walk in this community event. The race will begin at the Bowness Community Association and take participants through beautiful riverside views in Bowness Park and Baker Park. Support the Bowness Community Association and have fun jogging with friends and family. Learn more at runguides.com.

June 1, 10am to 6pm; Lilac Festival. This free one-day event is the start up to Calgary's vibrant festival season and encourages citizens to shake off their winter blues and reintroduce themselves to the thriving creative community in our city at 4 Street SW from 12 Avenue to Elbow Drive. Learn more at lilacfestival.net.

June 1, 2 to 4pm; Michael’s MakeBreak: Dad’s Greatest Catch Canvas. Give Dad some love with a Father's Day gift using your handprint. Learn more at canada.michaels.com.

June 1, 3pm; Kensington Sinfonia Presents: Quiet, Slow, Boring. Exposing your children to the world of classical music is much easier when you get free admission for students up to 18 years at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church. Learn more at kensingtonsinfonia.ca.

School’s almost out, the sun’s shining, and we want to hear from YOU! Where do you cool off? What's your family's favorite outing?

Whether you're road-tripping across Alberta or staying close to home, your answers help shape future content and celebrate what Calgary families love most about summer.

Best of Summer in Calgary:

• What’s your family’s favorite summer outing in and around Calgary?
• Where’s your favorite place to cool down when it’s hot outside?
• What’s your #1 sanity-saver over the summer break?

Click here to tell us all about it!

Share your thoughts with us and win a Family & Friends Annual Membership and a gift basket from Heritage Park!

We’ll share the results in our Summer Edition. Your vote might just inspire another local family’s best summer ever.

SAVE THE DATE! Nothing says Community Spirit like coming together at the Calgary Stampede Community Round Up presented by ENMAX!

Join us in kicking off this year’s Stampede celebrations with a FREE Pancake Breakfast, FREE Parking and FREE Family Fun on Saturday, June 7, 9am to noon, at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre. 

We’ll bring the pancakes and entertainment, you bring your family, friends and smiles!

See you there!

June 4, 5 to 6pm; Kids’ Events at Staples: Kinetic Sand. Play with the original magical, mouldable, and mesmerizing sensory sand, featuring the top Kinetic Sand playsets at participating Staples locations. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

June 5 to 8; Continental Tournament at Spruce Meadows. Enjoy top athletes from around the world competing on the rings in the more laid-back West Complex. With something to do for everyone in your family, this is the destination for you. Learn more at sprucemeadows.com.

June 6; 4:30 to 6pm; Free Soccer Fridays. Free Soccer Fridays invites kids to a free, unstructured, drop-in soccer opportunity. This is a chance for youth of all ages and abilities to play and enjoy the sport. Learn more at calgaryminorsoccer.com.

June 6, 5 and 7pm; Movies at the Meadows: Encanto & Gladiator 2. This summer, Spruce Meadows is hosting EPIC Weekends during their tournaments in June and July. You can enjoy a double-feature movie night with your ticket to Spruce Meadows. Learn more at sprucemeadows.com.

June 6, 6 to 8:30pm; Pineridge Community Association Bubblegum Dance. Get ready to groove and glow with your kiddos with free glow sticks and concession available for purchase. Learn more at pineridgeyyc.ca.

June 6, 6 to 11pm; Zoo Brew (18+). Raise your glass to a wildly hoppy evening at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Sip on local craft brews, indulge in delicious eats, and enjoy a stroll through the zoo at this adults-only event. Whether you’re planning a night out with your pals or a romantic evening for two, this is an evening you’ll never forget. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

June 6 to 8; Jeunesse Classique Ballet Society Presents: Giselle. Enjoy a classical romantic ballet and experience a tale of innocent love and betrayal. Meet philandering Count Albrecht and a trusting peasant maid, Giselle. Watch as this quintessential ballet about the redemptive power of love is brought to life at Martha Cohen Theatre. Learn more at jcbs.ca/about-4.

Until June 7; Stage West Kids Presents: Jaclyn and the Beanstalk. After reading her favorite story at bedtime, Jaclyn wakes up to discover that her world is not as she remembers it. Her favorite story and her life have been tangled together with her as the lead character. Featuring golden turtles, giants, magic beans, and the legendary beanstalk, this modern take on the classic tale is filled with fun and music. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

June 7, 10am to 2pm; RONA Kiddos Workshop: Toolbox for Dad. A fun, hands-on workshop where kids can learn how to use a screwdriver (like a pro) and have a blast doing it! They’ll also get to unleash their creativity and take home a toolbox for dad. Learn more at rona.ca.

June 7, 10am to 3pm; Fish Creek Provincial Park Celebrating 50 Years. Head down to the Bow Valley Ranch day use area for free walking tours, kid-friendly activities, native plant/seed giveaways and planting and more. Learn more at friendsoffishcreek.org.

June 7, 10:30am to 6pm; AärdCON: RPG/Fantasy Gathering. Whether you’re a cunning rogue, a noble paladin, or just a curious wanderer, all are welcome to this legendary celebration of all things fantasy and roleplaying at Renfrew Community Association. Learn more at aardcon.com.

June 7 to 8; Day Out with Thomas at Heritage Park. Enjoy a real train ride with Thomas, live entertainment, photo ops, the exclusive gift shop, and lawn games. Spend the day creating memories and celebrating Thomas. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

Until June 8; Vertigo Theatre Presents: The Da Vinci Code. Based on Dan Brown’s bestselling novel that sold nearly 100 million copies and was made into a major Hollywood hit film, this new stage adaptation takes audiences on a treasure hunt adventure that will leave them breathless! Learn more at tickets.vertigotheatre.com.

June 8, 10am to 1pm; Neighbour Appreciation Day at the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre. Enjoy guided tours of the park every hour on the hour and take part in drop-in art engagement activities. Learn more at koartscentre.org.

June 8, 12 to 2pm; LEGO® Make and Take: Father’s Day Paddle. The LEGO Store in Chinook Centre often has unique play areas and ‘make and takes’. Create a ping pong paddle for dad while supplies last. Learn more at lego.com.

Ongoing

Until June 22; Stage West Theatre Presents: Footloose. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Saturdays until August 30; Polar Bear Breakfast. Bring your family and friends down for a fun and educational morning at the zoo! Taking place on select dates between April and August, tickets to Polar Bear Breakfast include an exclusive before-hours viewing opportunity of the Wild Canada zone with a side of polar bear facts from the zoo's Conservation Education staff and volunteers. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Until November 2; Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – Safari Sunday Brunch. A unique Calgary brunch experience in the heart of Destination Africa. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Mondays to Thursdays, 9am to 12pm; Active Toddlers at the Genesis Centre. Bring your little one for a delightful playtime adventure with our bouncy castle, toys, puzzles, and a lot more for free. Learn more at genesis-centre.ca.

Thursdays, 4 to 4:30pm; Storytime at Mastermind Toys. Mastermind Toys often has special events at their Calgary stores, including storytime. Check with your store to confirm details. Learn more at mastermindtoys.com.

Monday and Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 am. The Beach YYC Drop-In Children’s Playtime. On Monday and Wednesday mornings take part in children’s play time at the beach. Learn more at thebeachyyc.ca.

Monday to Thursday, 9am; Parent + Tot Drop-In at Cavalry FC Regional Field House. Cavalry offers a variety of drop-in programs for parents to participate in with their children ages 18 months to three years old. Learn more at regionalfieldhouse.com.

Drop-In Programs at City of Calgary Recreation Centres. Don’t miss out on Active Play where you can bring your kiddo’s energy to an indoor play space. Learn more at calgary.ca.

Storytime at Calgary Public Library. Drop into various Calgary Public Library locations to enjoy stories, songs, and finger plays for the whole family at Family Storytime. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

EPIC Weekends at Spruce Meadows kick off on Friday, June 6 with an Outdoor Film Night. Watch Encanto on the big screen at 5 p.m., then catch some corgi races, before settling back down for Gladiator II at 7 p.m. All you need is a General Admission ticket, which is just $5 for kids/seniors and $15 for adults on Friday! Parking is free. 

On Saturday and Sunday head back to Spruce Meadows for live music, a Kids' Zone with pony rides, face painting, a bouncy castle, and more, as well as loads of food, drinks, shopping and entertainment. All along the world's best show jumping, which you can check out any time. Saturday and Sunday general admission tickets are $10 for kids/seniors and $15 for adults. Go to sprucemeadows.com/epic for tickets! 

by Jamal Diab

Transform your outdoor space into an eco-friendly, low-maintenance oasis designed for Calgary’s unique climate. With a short growing season, unpredictable weather, and water restrictions, sustainable landscaping saves time, conserves water, and keeps your yard beautiful year-round.

Calgary’s climate can make landscaping feel daunting, but with the right strategies you can create a yard that’s both sustainable and stunning. Here’s how to get started, whether you’re doing it yourself or exploring professional help.

• Out and About in Calgary: Take a Walk - With the Kids
• Calgary's Best Historic Walks
• 3 superb suburban walks through Calgary
• Favorite springtime Calgary walks
• Wild family walkabouts: Coulees, ravines, and escarpments, oh my!

• CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - Free Child Ticket! Bring your child, your nephew, your friend's kid or even your neighbour: for one week only, we are offering a FREE child ticket upon the purchase of an adult ticket!
• TRY KIDS AERIALS - A Fun & Empowering Experience for Ages 8-15! No experience needed. Boost confidence, strength and creativity through aerial arts! Aradia Fitness.
• CUISINE ET CHATEAU - Father’s Day Special: Big Bold Reds & BBQ – A Food & Wine Pairing Experience. Treat Dad to a flavour-packed evening on June 15!
• CITY OF CALGARY SELF-GUIDED TOURS - Explore Calgary’s diverse and amazing parks at your own time and own pace.
• CALGARY CHINATOWN SCAVENGER HUNT 2025 - Discover the treasures of Chinatown! May 1 to May 31. Free.
• CALGARY FIRE DEPARTMENT - It’s a scary thought but in a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to escape once the smoke alarm sounds. Do you have a home escape plan? Here's help.
• WINSPORT - Season passes on sale now! Your pass gives you access from Saturday, June 21* to Monday, September 1, with full use of our freeride and technical terrain.
• MT. NORQUAY - Early-bird 25/26 Season Pass & Kids Snow School Programs sale - up to 50% off, sale ends June 1st.
• SPRUCE MEADOWS EPIC WEEKENDS - Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of our June and July tournaments! Buy your General Admission ticket (starting at $5 for kids/seniors and $15 for adults), to get unlimited access to: Movie Nights at the Meadows, Music at the Scotiabank Stage, and Kids Zone!
• CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES is calling for one million new donors as demand for blood and plasma rises sharply across Canada. Find Calgary donation locations and learn more: blood.ca
• Support BB4CK at The CORE to help fight child hunger in Calgary — donate snacks or $4 to provide a lunch for a student in need.
• BUMP Mural Tours - Discover Calgary's vibrant street art on an official guided walking tour led by BUMP Festival.
• FOOD BIKE TOUR - For the love of biking and cooking the Food Bike Tour is a fun way to learn the art of cooking, sample new and exciting foods from different food venues while at the same time biking and exploring the amazing urban life of the city’s central neighborhoods.

SPRING EDITION

We’ve packed the Spring Issue of Calgary’s Child Magazine with everything families need to make the most of the season.

From day trips and spring fun to expert parenting advice, and inspiring local stories, this issue is blooming with ideas.

Pick up your free copy at over 600 locations or flip through the digital edition now! Read it here!

SUMMER CAMP & PROGRAM SPECIAL EDITION PULL-OUT

Start Planning Your Child’s Best Summer Yet!

Summer is so close, we can almost taste the popsicles! Calgary families, are you ready to make it unforgettable?

Our Summer Camp & Program Special Edition is bursting with 100+ amazing camps—from arts and sports to STEM, nature, and more!

Read it here!

coming soon - summer edition

Our Summer 2025 Edition is the must-read guide for parents looking to make the most of every moment.

From last-minute camps and local adventures to the launch of our exclusive Fall Education & Program Planner pull-out, we're covering everything families need to plan an unforgettable summer and a smooth back-to-school season.

Find it online and on stands everywhere soon!

• Cricut Joy Xtra™
• Calgary’s Best Walks
• Playmobil Disney Sea Collection
• Staples Kids Travel Pack
• OmniFizz by Drinkmate
• Shnuggle Baby Bathtub

Calgary's Child is excited to offer the chance for you to win one of two sets of four tickets to the June 11 Sesame Street Live! Say Hello interactive on-stage production at the WinSport Event Centre!

Don't miss this limited opportunity to accompany the children in your life and share in the music, laughter, and energy that have been synonymous with Sesame Street for over 50 years.

Put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!

Beloved characters set to perform are Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, and more.

Tickets for the 6 p.m. start time are just $35 and are available here on the WinSport website. Deadline to enter is June 6, 2025. Contest code: Say Hello

Packed with our trusted tips, expert parenting advice, family fun ideas, and comprehensive listings from the past year, this guide brings everything parents love about Calgary’s Child together in one place.

Inside, you’ll find school, class, camp, and program listings, seasonal family fun, birthday ideas, new baby and tot essentials, local attractions, parenting support, retail spots, and so much more!

Find it online at calgaryschild.com, read it here and pick it up on stands all over Calgary!