Holiday hours of operation & day camps

The holiday season is here, and we’re excited to share a lineup of activities, programs, and facility updates to help you make the most of this festive time. From free public skating sessions on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to exciting day camps for kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Keep in mind, our facilities will have adjusted hours during the holiday season, so be sure to check the schedule before heading out. Whether you’re lacing up your skates, signing the kids up for Rec Adventures Day Camps, or simply planning your next swim, we’ve got you covered. Read on for all the details!

Want ideas for ways to spend the holiday break? Visit our other article for 10 Tips for a Warm and Fun Winter

Free public ice skating

Join us over the holiday break for some free ice skating at arenas across Calgary.

Boxing Day: Dec. 26, 1 – 2:15 p.m.

• Ernie Starr Arena (4808 14 Avenue S.E.)
• Frank McCool Arena (1900 Lake Bonavista Drive S.E.)
• Optimist/Blunden Arenas (5020 26 Avenue S.W.)

New Year's Day: Jan. 1, 1 – 2:15 p.m.

• Murray Copot Arena (6727 Centre St. N.W.)
• Optimist/Blunden Arenas (5020 26 Avenue S.W.)
• Rose Kohn / Jimmie Condon Arenas (502 Heritage Dr. S.W.)
• Shouldice Arena (1515 Home Rd. N.W.)

Arena rules for public skates:

• A helmet is required for participants 17 years and under (a CSA-approved hockey helmet is recommended).
• A helmet is recommended for participants 18 years and over (a CSA-approved hockey helmet is recommended).
• Skates or ice cleats/grippers are required while on the ice.
• Long pants and long sleeves are recommended while on the ice.
• Children under the age of eight must be accompanied on ice by a person 14 years and older.
• Chairs, skating aids, strollers and other devices are not permitted on the ice.
• Figure skating or hockey drills are not permitted.
• Sticks and pucks/rings, tag or other games are not permitted.

Equipment rentals are not available.

Holiday break day camps — Rec Adventures

School boards are on winter break from Dec. 23 – Jan. 3. We offer a variety of fun, creative and active day camps to fill the gap while kids are on school break.

Our camps include sports, games, arts & crafts, swimming and play structures. Kids will have an unforgettable experience in a safe and supportive environment with qualified instructors.

Camps run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day and are available at both Southland and Village Square Leisure Centres. These camps are for kids 5 – 12 years old at a cost of $52.25 per day.

Register for Rec Adventures Holiday Day Camps

Hours of operation during the holiday season

We are adjusting our hours of operation over the holiday season. Find full details at calgary.ca/pools

The following facilities will be closed Dec. 23 – Jan. 1:

• Acadia Aquatic & Fitness Centre (9009 Fairmount Dr. S.E.)
• Foothills Aquatic Centre (2915 24 Ave. N.W.)
• Glenmore Aquatic Centre (5330 19 St. S.W.)
• Inglewood Aquatic Centre (1527 17 Ave. S.E.)
• Shouldice Aquatic Centre (5303 Bowness Rd. N.W.)

The following facilities will be open Dec. 24, 7:30 – 11 a.m. & Dec. 31, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. and closed Dec. 25, 26 & Jan. 1:

• Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre (4812 14 Ave. S.E.)
• Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre (89 Canova Rd. S.W.)
• Killarney Aquatic & Recreation Centre (1919 29 St. S.W.)
• Renfrew Aquatic & Recreation Centre (810 13 Ave. N.E.)
• Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre (1520 Northmount Dr. N.W. )
• Thornhill Aquatic & Recreation Centre (6715 Centre St. N.W.)

Our Leisure Centres will open on Dec. 24, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Dec. 31, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. The pool opens at 10 a.m. both days. They will be closed Dec. 25, 26 & Jan. 1:

• Southland Leisure Centre (2000 Southland Dr. S.W.)
• Village Square Leisure Centres (2623 56 St. N.E.)

Calgary Soccer Centre (7000 – 48 Street S.E.)

• Closed: Dec. 24 – Jan. 1

North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres

• Closed: Dec. 20 – Jan. 2

Arenas

Closed: Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1 except free public skate times listed above or pre-booked tournaments.