The City of Ottawa announced that the “Play Free” program, launched in 2024 to waive fees for children 17 years and under, will continue every Saturday in 2025. The initiative will help kids benefit from physical activity and social interaction.
The free drop-in activities at city recreation facilities include swimming, skating, and gym sports. Parents will need to provide the equipment for most sports, such as bathing suits, rackets, and skates, but team activities like soccer will include balls.
Health Canada recommends that children 6-17 get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day. However, only 37 percent of Canadian children meet this goal, putting them at risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular illnesses.
Establishing healthy exercise habits at a young age provides children with a strong foundation for an active adult life, as aerobically active children are more likely to become fit adults.
In addition to Play Free Saturdays, the City offers financial support for recreational programs through the Ottawa Hand in Hand subsidy program. Parents or guardians are encouraged to pay a minimum of 25 percent of the cost and the City will cover the remaining balance, up to a maximum of $185 per year.
Below is a listing of the “Play Free Saturdays” drop-in activities offered by the City of Ottawa.
Drop-in swims
Free drop-in swimming sessions on Saturdays for children and youth, aged 17 and under. Fees still apply for wave swims.
View a list of recreation and community centres with pools.
Drop-in gym sports
Free for children and youth, aged 17 and under. Drop-in sports will vary by location and include activities like badminton, table tennis, basketball, volleyball and more. Fees still apply for specialized activities such as rock wall climbing and squash or racquetball.
View a list of all drop-in sports activities.
Skating
Free public and family skating sessions for children and youth, aged 17 and under. Fees still apply for specialty skates such as shinny hockey games, pick-up hockey games and figure skating.
View a list of facilities that offer skating.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca.
Photo: Courtesy Swimming | City of Ottawa