Heading to the nearest park or playground has always been one of the best ways to pass a nice summer day! These days it is even easier to keep the kids entertained during your visit to the park thanks to several free Drop-In Park Programs provided by local parks and rec departments and other local organizations. Find playground games, sports, craft activities, live shows and more in our great list of options below – all you need to do is show up and join in the fun! Find something nearby or use it as an opportunity to explore new playgrounds this summer.
Drop-In Park Programs in Edmonton & Area:
City of Edmonton – Green Shack Program
Looking for fun this summer? Think GREEN! Just find an Edmonton park with that familiar green building and you’ll have an excellent resource for games, crafts, sports and other fun activities. Qualified and enthusiastic program leaders are there to help kids 6-12 have lots of active and creative fun from July 4 to August 24, 2023. For more details, click here.
Green Shack Shows by Edmonton Arts Council
This summer there is even more to love about the City of Edmonton’s Green Shack program thanks to a partnership with the Edmonton Arts Council and the introduction of Green Shack Shows! Throughout July and August you can experience live drumming, puppet shows, circus acts, and so much more! For more details, click here.
epl2go Pop-up Library in the Park
Edmonton Public Library’s fleet of epl2go Literary vans are packed and ready to bring free reading based activities and fun right to your own neighborhood. This summer, find an epl2go Pop-up library in several different playgrounds and sprayparks across Edmonton. For more details, click here.
Summer Play Mobs in the Park
Join the Family Futures Resource Network mobsters this summer for fun activities including bubbles, chalk and parachute! The Summer Play Mobs in the Park run throughout June, July and August and are a great opportunity for ages 0-6 to get out and enjoy some additional fun on your visits to various Edmonton playgrounds. Just look for the Family Futures flags at the designated park to join in on the fun!
Town of Devon Summer Shack
Drop-in to the Devon Summer Shack to enjoy games and crafts centered around a new and exciting theme each week. Ideal for ages 5 and up, this guided, unstructured program is the perfect spot to meet new friends and keep the boredom at bay. For more details, click here.
City of Leduc PARKS Program
Find games, activities, and nature-based fun in City of Leduc parks this July & August with the all-new PARKS program! Children aged 6 to 12 are invited to join program leaders in designated parks on weekdays to enjoy FREE and fun programming with neighbourhood friends. For those not aged 6 to 12, ‘Family Fridays’ offer the opportunity for everyone to get in on the fun with special all-ages activities.
Summer in the Park – Beaumont
The Summer in the Park free drop-in program returns to Beaumont parks this summer beginning July 4, 2023! On weekdays kids age 6 to 13 are invited to drop-in and enjoy games, crafts, and activities with the enthusiastic team of Summer Leaders. For more details, click here.
City of St. Albert Cruisin’ Clubhouse
Cruisin’ Clubhouse is back and invites children aged 5 and up to drop-in to local St. Albert parks all summer long to join in the fun! Games, arts and crafts, and water activities are just a few of the exciting activities that are planned during this free programming led by caring and qualified program staff. Bring a snack and dress for messy fun! For more information, click here.
Family Nature Nights with Nature Alberta
These events require pre-registration, but are completely free to participate in. These themed family events run Wednesday nights at select park areas in Edmonton. Experience tree IDing, wildlife tagging, birding, pond dipping, chasing bugs, and touching trout! Come out with your budding naturalist to experience nature, learn something new, and create some fun memories. For more information, click here.
Strathma Explorers
Join the Strathcona County Museum & Archives this summer and go on exciting science adventures with the Strathma Explorers series! All ages are invited to come discover the natural world at various urban locations throughout Sherwood Park while enjoying special programming from the friendly and knowledgeable Strathma team. Dates: June 15 & 29, July 13 & 27, August 10 & 24, 2023.
Big Lake Summer Nature Program (St. Albert)
The Big Lake Environment Support Society (BLESS) invites you to join the Big Lake Summer Nature Program at Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park. Register ahead or drop in at the Nature Centre on weekdays (June 26 – August 25, 2023) to enjoy a variety of guided activities focused on a unique theme each week throughout the summer!
