Play Free

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Play Free drop-in activities

Play Free is the City of Ottawa’s lineup of free drop-in activities for children and youth. The Play Free initiative is to encourage young people to participate and get active.

  • Children and youth (aged 17 and under) and accompanying adults do not pay for these drop-in activities for all of 2024.
  • Drop-in schedules vary by facility. Be sure to check the program times at each of the participating locations listed below. 
  • Register in advance where required! You’ll find this information in the schedules. 
  • Equipment may be required for some activities as detailed in the descriptions for sports, swimming and skating.
Several youths playing basketball in a gymnasium.

Swimming

Free drop-ins on Saturdays! Applies to children and youth (aged 17 and under) and accompanying adults. Wave swim not included.

Find a pool.

Skating

Free public and family skating sessions. Applies to children and youth (aged 17 and under) and accompanying adults.

View a list of facilities that offer skating.

A girl and adult skating in an arena

Play anywhere

Sites that do not have facilities to offer drop-in sports will offer some free drop-in programming opportunities throughout the year.