Things to Do before Summer Ends
Looking for fun ways to wrap up summer 2025 in Chestermere and Langdon? Whether you want a local day trip, lake adventure, bike ride, or family game night, there are plenty of activities close to home. From Calaway Park thrills to hidden nature trails and the best ice cream shops, here are some family-friendly things to do before school starts.
Spend a night outside.
Pitch a tent in the backyard for a local camping feel. Roast marshmallows, try spotting the Big Dipper, and tell the kind of “scary” stories that end in giggles. Bonus: no long drive home if you camp at home.
Play a full game of Monopoly.
OK, it doesn’t have to be Monopoly (those games can last longer than winter). Try Catan, Uno, or even a homemade trivia night. With school just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to crown a family game-night champion.
Go visit that park you’ve been “meaning to.”
Maybe it’s Elliston Park in Calgary, Langdon’s Iron Horse Fields, or one of Chestermere’s playgrounds along the lake. Haven’t been out to Fish Creek Provincial Park in a while? Make it happen before September sneaks up. And if you want to go further:
Big Hill Springs (Kananaskis, ~34 min): easy trails, a sweet waterfall, picnic-ready
Ann & Sandy Cross (SW Calgary, ~33 min): 4,800 acres of peace for intentional nature time
Troll Falls (Kananaskis, ~1.5 h): family-friendly trail with a waterfall you can reach without melting
Get to the water.
In Chestermere, that means the lake. Rent a paddleboard, pack the sand toys, or just float on an inflatable flamingo until your fingers get wrinkly. Calgary’s Bowness Park paddleboats and Sikome Lake are also close enough for a mini day trip. Yes, the Chestermere Lake water quality warning is gone.
Take a long bike ride.
Chestermere’s pathway system winds all over the city, and Langdon’s flat roads make for an easy family ride. In Calgary, check out the Bow River Pathway.
Eat more ice cream.
Because there’s no such thing as too much. Make it a family challenge: try a new spot every week until school starts. Stop for ice cream at La Diperie in Chestermere or take a drive out ot Cochrane for some MacKay’s Ice Cream.
Spend a Full Day at Calaway Park
Sure, the park doesn’t stay open past bedtime, but you can still make a marathon day of it. Ride the roller coasters, eat the mini donuts, and squeeze in one more spin on Timber Falls before the gates close at 7 pm. It’s the perfect way to cap off summer break, tired kids guaranteed.
Be a tourist in your own town.
Check out Calgary Zoo’s Wild Canada exhibit, take a wander through Studio Bell, or stroll through Inglewood like you’ve never been before. In Chestermere, visit local shops and restaurants you’ve been meaning to try. Langdon locals, when’s the last time you went into Calgary for a museum day? Or hop on a quick road trip to:
Cochrane Historical Museum (~42 min): bite-sized, friendly history
Okotoks Erratic (~38 min): giant glacial boulder that’s both weird and awesome
Grassi Lakes (~1 h 38 min): colourful water, waterfall, and options for all energy levels
Go back-to-school shopping.
Whether it’s new kicks at CrossIron Mills or stocking up on school supplies at Staples in East Hills, kids love choosing their “first day” outfit. Then tuck it away until schoolstartst; it builds the excitement (and saves you the last-minute scramble).
Because let’s face it: summer never feels long enough. Make the most of the days we have left before backpacks replace beach towels.