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 municipal 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 on weekdays this summer.
Drop-In Park Programs in Edmonton & Area:
FEATURED Green Shack Shows by Edmonton Arts Council
July 2 to August 30 | 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.
City of Edmonton Green Shack Program
July 2 – August 22 | 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. 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 spray parks 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! FOr more details, click here.
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 Stay N’ Play
July 2 – August 16 | Find games, activities, and nature-based fun in City of Leduc parks this July & August with the PARKS Stay N’ Play 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 more details, click here.
Leduc County Park & Play
July 2 – August 15 | Have some extra fun at Leduc County playgrounds this summer with the drop-in Park and Play program. Get out and discover a new playground, join in the FREE activities, crafts, and games, and earn stamps towards some great prizes! Day and evening programs available. For more details, click here.
Storytime in St. Albert Botanic Park
Mondays May 6 – August 26 | Join the St. Albert Public Library on Monday mornings for Storytime in St. Albert Botanic Park. Drop-in for some storytime fun and explore the gardens every Monday from mid-July through August. Everyone is welcome – no registration required! For more details, click here.
City of St. Albert Cruisin’ Clubhouse
July 2 to August 22 | 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 details, click here.
Big Lake Summer Nature Program
 July 2 – August 30 | 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 to enjoy a variety of guided activities focused on a unique theme each week throughout the summer! Pre-registered programming takes place twice daily on weekdays at 10-11 am & 2-3 pm; Drop-in activities from 9 am – 3 pm between pre-registered times. For more information, click here.
Family Nature Nights with Nature Alberta
July 24 & 31, August 7, 14 & 21 | These events require pre-registration, but are completely free to participate in. These themed family events run select Wednesday nights at different 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.
Summer in the Park – Beaumont
July 2 to August 22 | The Summer in the Park free drop-in program returns to Beaumont parks this summer beginning July 2, 2024! On weekdays kids age 6 to 13 are invited to drop-in and enjoy games, crafts, and themed activities with the enthusiastic team of Summer Leaders. For more details, click here.
Spruce Grove Pop-Up Playground
July 8 – August 23 | The City of Spruce Grove is offering FREE drop-in summer programming at rotating parks and playgrounds this July and August. The Pop-up Playground program will feature themed activities, crafts, and games for added summer fun at the playground each weekday. PLUS the last week (August 19-23) promises to be extra special with the addition of bouncy castles, sparkle tattoos, face painting, and a balloon artist! For more information, click here.
Strathma Explorers
July 3, 17 & 31, August 14 & 28 | Join the Strathcona County Museum & Archives this summer for exciting science adventures with the Strathma Explorers series on select dates in July & August! All ages are invited to come discover the natural world while enjoying special programming from the friendly and knowledgeable Strathma team. For more information, click here.
