2025 Free Community Outdoor Summer Programs
Looking for fun, FREE activities for children, youth, and families this summer? These safe, supervised programs are great for making new friends and learning new activities.
Parents can bring their children to both structured and open play opportunities, featuring games, arts, crafts, entertainment and educational experiences; Youth can learn leadership skills and critical thinking in our LEAD programs; And Calgarians of all ages can stay active and have a blast at our mobile skateparks, nature activities and tennis/pickleball courts.
Visit calgary.ca/FREE to learn more about scheduling, locations, and programs being offered in your community.
Programming Details:
Stay n’ Play | children ages 3 - 5 years + adult
These safe, supervised programs help children and adults make new friends and stay active through a play-based learning environment. Participants engage in games and activities that they can use on their path to a healthy and active lifestyle. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Programs run Monday to Friday. Sign up on-site. Walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
Park n’ Play | children ages 6 - 12 years
These safe, supervised programs help children make new friends and learn. Games and activities are designed to encourage them on their path to a healthy and active lifestyle. Programs run Monday to Friday. Sign up on-site. Walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mobile Adventure Playground | children + adult
Join our onsite play ambassadors for a self-directed, drop-in program. We provide loose parts and natural materials to inspire active and creative outdoor play. Parents are encouraged to stay and watch their children’s imaginations soar in these adventure spaces.
LEAD | youth 11 - 17 years
LEAD is The City of Calgary’s leadership certification program. Youth will learn to develop and practice leadership skills while earning credibility, recognition and opportunities in the community that will strengthen their leadership skills. Participants are required to complete a practicum experience that will enhance their skills further in a hands-on practical way, with the support of City staff. Pre-registration is required. Register online at calgary.ca/lead or call 403.268.3800.
LEAD 2.0 | youth 11 - 17 years
LEAD 2.0 is The City’s next step leadership program for youth. Graduates of LEAD can enhance their leadership skills, exercise their critical thinking, develop job skills, and discover the positive impact they can have in their community. Participants must have completed LEAD or Nature LEAD to be eligible to register for the program. Pre-register by emailing socialprograms@calgary.ca.
Mobile Skate & Scoot Spot | family/all ages
Check out these free drop-in wheeled sport opportunities. Fun for both beginners and skilled in-line skaters, skateboarders and scooter users of all ages. Skate and scoot monitors are on site during the indicated hours and can provide tips and tricks. Helmet and waiver are required.
Skate Spot Skateboard Lesson | children ages 6+
Be introduced to skatepark etiquette while learning new skills like balancing, pushing, stopping, turning, kick flips, beginner ramps and half pipes (specific sites only). Helmet, skateboard and waiver are required. Participants 6 – 17 yrs. must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required. Go to calgary.ca/free to register or call 403.268.3800.
Wetland Wonders | family/all ages
Are you ready to learn all about the wonders of wetlands? Discover why these natural spaces are important and get an up-close view of the amazing critters that live below the surface. This drop-in program runs from 10:30 a.m. until noon and 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Ralph Klein Park. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Birding Breaks | family/all ages
Experience a guided walk through the beautiful Inglewood Bird Sanctuary to learn all about the birds and other wildlife that make their home in Calgary. All ages and birdwatching experience levels are welcome! This free drop-in is offered twice on Tuesdays at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Community Nature Walk | family/all ages
Nature is all around us—even in the city! Join staff from Calgary Parks and learn about the local plants and wildlife in our communities. Through a guided walk and activities, you will explore one of the many neighborhood greenspaces within Calgary and discover the wild right in your backyard.
You can view the full schedule of dates, locatations, and programming by visiting calgary.ca/FREE
Weather-Related Program Changes
Outdoor programs are dependent on weather conditions and may be canceled if the forecast indicates unsafe conditions. This includes events affected by heavy rain, lightning or hail storms, extreme heat, poor air quality or wildfire smoke.
Some outdoor programs have designated indoor alternatives and will be moved inside when spaces are available. Look for this icon to identify locations with indoor backup options.
For the updates on weather-related cancellations, visit calgary.ca/free or call 311.