Riley Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Riley Park?
What makes it 91% Kids-Friendly: Kids love the large wading pool, modern playground and open lawns for cricket, and shaded tables help parents, but water area and change-rooms close after Labour Day each year.
Positives:
- Free family activities: Access to the pool, playground, rock garden and concerts is free.
- Shaded picnic spots: Mature trees offer cool resting areas near playground and pool.
Challenges:
- Seasonal closures: Pool and fountains close after Labour Day; washrooms close in October.
- No onsite lockers: Bring a waterproof bag to store keys and phones near the pool.
What is Riley Park?
- A municipal urban park in Calgary’s northwest quadrant featuring open lawns, mature shade trees and a formal rock garden
- Amenities include a seasonal wading pool with adjacent spray features, an outdoor fitness circuit and a children’s playground
- Recreational infrastructure encompasses a cricket pitch, a bandshell and an on-site concession stand
What is so special about Riley Park for with kids?
- Free shallow wading pool ideal for kids ages 3–12
- Playground with diverse equipment and musical instruments
- Shady picnic areas under mature trees
- Seasonal summer concerts at the bandshell
- Junior cricket clinics and casual matches in the park
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A mid-morning or afternoon visit gives kids time to splash, play and picnic without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Riley Park
Splash in the wading pool:
Cool off in the shallow pool and spray features.
Tip: Bring water shoes and a change of clothes; no lifeguards are on duty.
Play on the playground:
Enjoy slides, swings and outdoor xylophones and bongos.
Tip: Pack a ball to extend play on the open turf next to the playground.
Picnic under shade trees:
Use picnic tables or spread a blanket on the grass.
Tip: Bring your own food and drinks; water fountains are seasonal.
Explore the rock garden:
Walk along flagstone paths through flower beds and large rocks.
Tip: Teach kids to spot local plants and insects.
Watch or join junior cricket:
Catch a free junior cricket clinic or local match.
Tip: Check Calgary & District Cricket League for clinic schedules.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Riley Park
- Go on weekdays: Visit Monday to Friday morning to avoid weekend crowds.
- Use mobile parking app: Pay metered parking by app to avoid running to the meter.
- Pack a picnic: Bringing your own food saves money and avoids concession lines.
Reviews of Riley Park
Patrina M
Love this park, we visited while in Calgary. Awesome for kids of all ages, you can picnic, swim or play on sldes just to name a few. There are also benches and lifeguards on duty. The changing rooms and washrooms were also clean. No dogs are allowed, the place is also well maintained, with free parking on Sundays and holidays. That's always a welcomed plus. This is somewhere i will definately v...
Colette Pelletier
A beautiful walk in the summer, great bike paths, and amazing view in the winter months. I watched the sunrise in the winter leaving work on my night shift. The full moon was amazing as I heard to work.
Bharat Shah
This is a beautiful park in the vicinity of downtown, Calgary. It has plenty of trees, grassy ground, benches to enjoy shade or sun, and a paved trail to enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling. The park has a children play ground with lots of equipment to amuse children of diverse interests, and It is always buzzling with children. The park has a city and district cricket league established in 1908, a...
Khaled Hasan
A nice and cozy park close to DT. It has lots of open space to spend some good family time. There is a splash pad as well during the summer. Children play ground area is also nice.
RC
A smaller park not too far from downtown in the NW. It is perfect for families and anyone who wants to relax in the sun, but it's not big enough for biking or going for a walk. It's quite pretty. There are flowers, a wading pool, The Calgary & District Cricket League (founded 1908) and now the Riley Park Bandshell. I definitely recommend it (as long as you're okay with lots of people).
When is the best time to visit Riley Park (Calgary, Canada)?
The wading pool and spray park run mid-June to Labour Day. Water fountains and washrooms open May to October. Summer concerts at the bandshell happen on weekends.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Street parking (2 hours) | CAD 6 |
| Concession snacks and ice cream | CAD 20 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 26 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Riley Park
Address: 800 12 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 0S2, Canada
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About Riley Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 403-268-248910 BEST nearby Activities
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