Nature and outdoor programs

Nature and outdoor programs

Learn about the wonders of nature in Calgary’s parks and open spaces. Our outdoor programs introduce participants to birdwatching, hiking, outdoor survival skills, and plant and animal identification. The skills learned will prepare you for a lifetime of enjoying the outdoors anywhere.

Benefits of nature and outdoor programs

A fun, interactive, learning adventure where friendships are built and new skills are learned while developing:

  • Independence
  • Resiliency
  • Curiosity
  • Communication, problem solving and decision-making skills
  • Good stewardship habits
  • Ecoliteracy
  • Pride in our parks and natural spaces
  • A sense of identity and community

2024 spring & summer registration dates

Registration for spring & summer programs, classes and day camps:

  • Summer day camp registration is open
  • Program and class registration is open
  • Certification registration registration is open

Ensure your Live and Play account is ready on registration day by logging in and verifying your information is up to date. Get ready to register.

Registration will open:

  • 6 a.m. — Online (virtual waiting room opens at 5:30 a.m.).
  • 8:30 a.m. — By calling the Customer Service Centre at 403-268-3800 (option 1).
  • During business hours — At any City-operated Aquatic & Recreation or Arts facility.

Upcoming facility closures

Programs, classes and swimming lessons will not be offered at the following facilities while they undergo repairs:

  • Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre: closed this spring and summer.
  • Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre: closed this summer.
  • Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre: closed this summer.

Types of nature and outdoor programs

You can register online or by calling 403-268-3800.

  • Birdwatching courses

    Out birdwatching courses will introduce you to some of the 270+ species of birds that call Calgary home. They include visits to some of Calgary’s natural areas and are led by birding experts.

    Ages: 7+ years

    Prerequisite: None

  • Nordic Pole Walking - Adult

    Nordic poles turn a walk into a total body workout that will enhance your core, posture, joints and confidence.

    Age: 18+ years

    Prerequisites: None

  • PD Day Camp – Outdoor Adventures

    Students on school break will enjoy this unique, single-day outdoor program that will introduce them to a variety of sports, nature education and outdoor survival skills. Activities may include snowshoeing, hiking, archery, animal track identification, fire building, orienteering and more. This learning experience takes place outdoors with access to indoor space for continued learning. 

    Age: 5 - 8 and 9 - 12 years

    Prerequisites: None

  • Outdoor Series - Try it

    In this 2-hour “Try-It” session you will learn what our Outdoor Programs have to offer, without the commitment of an 8-week program. Activities can include orienteering, archery, canoeing, games, fire and shelter building, and more.

    Ages: 5 - 8 years

    Prerequisite: None

  • Spring Outdoor Series - Multisport

    This unique outdoor program will introduce participants to a variety of sports, nature activities and outdoor survival skills. Activities may include snowshoeing, hiking, archery, animal track identification, fire building, orienteering, nature games and loose parts play. This is an interactive learning experience in the great outdoors!

    Ages: 5 - 8 years

    Prerequisite: None

  • Outdoor Series - Golf

    This unique outdoor program will offer a one-hour golf lesson led by a Golf Pro, as well as a variety of sports, fundamentals of nature education and outdoor survival skills. This is an interactive learning experience in the great outdoors!

    Ages: 5 - 10 years

    Prerequisite: None

About our nature and outdoor program Instructors

Our trained and knowledgeable instructors build a relationship with your child and foster a safe emotional and physical environment.

Staff are certified in Intermediate First Aid and CPR, High Five® Principles of Healthy Child Development, and receive additional City of Calgary training.

Bird watching instructor

What are nature and outdoor programs like?

Filled with activities that will help your child learn more about themselves, others and the world around them. Depending on the program, your child can expect to:

  • Explore in an outdoor setting.
  • Learn about natural habitats.
  • Identify plant and animal species.
  • Develop skills in things like, birdwatching, shelter building, map reading, orienteering, fire building and archery.

Programs are typically 2 hours long.

 

Come prepared

  • A refillable plastic or metal water bottle.
  • Any necessary medication or medical equipment (such as an epi-pen).
  • A light snack (nut free).
  • A backpack/bag.
  • Weather-appropriate clothing like gloves, hats, boots, footwear, sweater/jacket, etc. 

How to dress for the weather guide.

Dressing kids for winter guide.

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