July 2017
A 30+ degree heatwave blasted Calgary last week and it drove my family to find a place to cool down. Nothing beats an outdoor pool for kids in the summer and we love Riley Park. Riley Park has a humongous wading pool with an island in the centre, lots of trees for shade and a nearby playground – the perfect trifecta to keep kids busy, parents happy and everyone staying cool.
The Riley Park wading pool is maintained by the City of Calgary and offers flush toilets, water fountains and a concession stand in case you need a popsicle or a water gun. Riley Park pool is open from 5 am – 11 pm there is no cost, just pull up a blanket or chair. There is free street parking if you are willing to walk a few blocks or paid city parking in the lot adjacent to the pool.
After the kids were completely water-logged, festival music drew us across the field – it sounded like there was a fun party nearby. The music was being played by a couple of kids banging on bongos and xylophone musical toys at the playground. The large playground on the west end of Riley Park offers a wide-range of climbing fun for toddlers to tweens. The wobbling egg and the full-support swing seat were a huge hit with my daughter, as well as the bongos.
A big-kid baby swing!
challenging climbing fun for the big kids
It doesn’t matter how fabulous or progressive playground equipment can be, nothing beats climbing over logs and fallen trees.
Dr Seuss in the Park
If you head to Riley Park on Saturdays during the summer between 11:00 am and 3:30 pm your kids will be able to catch a story and enjoy some crafts at Dr Seuss in the Park, hosted by volunteers from the University of Calgary Student Union.
Riley Park Contact Info:
Where: Hillhurst Community
Address: 800 12 St. N.W.
Hours: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
Website: www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks
