While summer is often associated with visions of happy, carefree days spent in the sun, many parents across Calgary and area dread July and August. With school out and day care options limited for low income parents, it can be tough to find resources to help keep kids safe and productive for the next two months.
Summer can also mean a learning loss for some kids, especially those from lower income families, and especially in math and reading scores. These gaps can have a serious impact on a child’s future learning and development so to help make sure kids are safe and active, here is a list of free resources with events taking place across the city:
- City of Calgary Free Activities – includes the mobile adventure playground and community mobile skate park
- Calgary Public Library Summer Kids Guide – includes drop in family story time, firefighter story time, and story time with a YYC princess at library locations across the city
- 17 (almost) free activities to do with your kids this summer via I Can For Kids
- Calgary’s Child Magazine has tons of great resources online including an Event Calendar and a Summer Camp and Program guide
If you have access to a computer, the following resources can help stop learning loss in the summer months too:
- Calgary Reads Resources – tips and tricks to help kids become lifelong readers! And all Calgary Public Library cards are free!
- Summer Resources via Education.com – you can search by grade, subject and topic to help narrow down resources for your child
If you need to be connected to parenting and family programs, dial 2-1-1 to be connected to a range of services and support throughout Calgary and area 24/7. Or head to www.ab.211.ca to connect via chat.