Play Free

Play Free is the City of Ottawa’s lineup of free drop-in activities for children and youth in 2023. The Play Free initiative is to encourage young people to participate and get active.

• Children and teens (17 years of age and under) do not pay during the dates listed below. The dates are different for each category. 
• 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. 
• A free weight and cardio summer membership for youth is also available.

Dates 

• Swimming – Saturdays, June 3 to December 30 (wave swim only included on June 3) 
• Museums – June 24 to September 3  
• Skating – Daily from September 16 to December 23

Saturdays from June 3 to December 30 – Free drop-ins! Wave swim not included.

Daily from September 16 to December 23 – public and family skating sessions will be free for children and youth. View a list of facilities that offer skating.