Here are some quick, simple suggestions for family fun in Calgary

1. Take a walk on the Natural Side, have a fresh-air adventure in the wilds of Calgary! Calgary offers families a chance to explore the wilderness without leaving the city: Nose Hill: The City's largest natural prairie grasslands with a view of the mountains and Calgary's skyline. Douglas Fir Trail: In Edworthy Park you can walk a self-guided tour on this forest trail which offers a mountain environment inside the city! Inglewood Bird Sanctuary: This lagoon and riverine forest is a popular bird-watching spot and you can walk it as a self-guided tour. (other wild places: Beaverdam Flats, Bowmont Park, Weaselhead).
   
2. Calgarians are blessed with one of the most extensive recreational multi-use pathway systems in North America and it is Calgary's number one recreational facility. There is something for everyone, so grab your bicycle or your walking shoes, pack a picnic and explore this wonderful system. Here's a great pathway tour for all ages. Pearce Estate (Sam Livingstone Fish Hatchery) to Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. The round trip is approximately 4 kilometers. The Pearce Estate is located off Blackfoot Trail at the north end of 17A Street S.E. The Bird Sanctuary is located at the east end of 9th Avenue SE There are great picnic areas at both ends of this trip and washrooms. There are bicycle stands at the Bird Sanctuary, so you can park your bikes and walk around. There is also a new Interpretive Centre. Caution: The pathway crosses 9th Avenue and carries on south, so be prepared to stop and look for any vehicles before proceeding into the Sanctuary parking lot.
   
3. Family Golf: Richmond Green Par 3 golf course now caters to families. The course features more relaxed tee times, special family prices, marshalls to supervise play, a kids menu and walk-on or reserved tee time booking options. Club rentals available. Call 974-1820 for more information
   
4. Miniature golf is great fun all year-long. Check out Bowness Park, Kart World Family Fun Centre, Paskapoo Greens (beside COP), Prairie Winds, Tee to Green Sports or Target Greens Golf Centre.
   
5. Dust off the rackets and find a tennis court, doubles anyone?
   
6. Rev up with a few laps of Go karting, at Laser Quest, Laser Trek, or Paintball & Laser Tag Adventure.
   
7. Have an adventure - downtown. Hop the C-train and visit the fish at the Devonian Gardens or visit the Glenbow Museum, Chinese Cultural Museum, Calgary Science or the Calgary Police Interpretive Centres. How about a plus 15 tour, a walk through China Town, Prince's Island, or ride up the Calgary Tower?
   
8. Free story times are offered at branches of the Calgary Public Library, and select Chapters and Indigo Book Stores, call for times.
   
9. Go fly a kite! Calgary has some excellent kite-flying parks including North and South Glenmore, Nose Hill, Riley, Carburn, and East Calgary Regional parks. The only park where kite-flying is prohibited is Prairie Winds Park in the northeast. Kite-Friendly Parks:
   
   
   • Bowmont Park - Off Silver Valley Blvd. & Silver Crest Dr. NW
   • Bowness Park - 8900-48 Ave. NW
   • Carburn Park - Off 18 St. at Rivervalley Dr. to Riverview Dr. SE
   • Confederation Park - Access off 10 St. N. at 24 Ave. NW
   • East Calgary Regional Park - 17 Ave. & 60 St. SE
   • Edworthy Park - Access north on 45 St. SW to Spruce Dr. SW
   • Fort Calgary - Access off 9 Ave. between 6 St. & 7 St. SE
   • North Glenmore Park - Access via 37 St. SW or Crowchild Tr. South
   • Nose Hill Park - Off 14 St. between John Laurie & Berkshire Blvds. NW
   • Prince's Island Park - 1 Ave. & 4 St. SW/Memorial Dr. & 3 St. NW
   • Richmond Green - Access off 33 Ave. & 25 St. SW
   • Riley Park - 800-12 St. NW
   • River Park- Off 14A St. between 38 Ave. & 50 Ave. SW
   • Shouldice Park - Bowness Rd. & 56 St. NW
   • South Glenmore Park - Access off 90 Ave. & 24 St. SW
   • Stanley Park - 42 Ave. & 1A St. SW
     
     
10. When all else fails, find a nice patio, favorite restaurant, or favorite coffee shop and take a breather.