Families can once again access free supervised summer activities through the City of Oshawa’s neighbourhood Playground Program.
The Oshawa playground program is now operating at 16 parks across the city and will continue until August 21. Children can participate in games, sports, crafts, songs and group activities organized by trained Play Leaders.
The program provides families with a free local recreation option during the summer break. Activities take place outdoors and are designed to encourage children to stay active, develop social skills and spend time with other young people in their neighbourhoods.
Advance registration is required before children can participate.
Oshawa Playground Program Offers Two Age Groups
The program is divided into sessions for children ages three to five and children ages five to 12.
Children between three and five can participate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A parent or guardian must remain at the park, actively supervise the child and participate during the session.
Programming for children ages five to 12 is offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Additional afternoon sessions run Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Parent or guardian supervision is not required for this older age group.
Families must register for individual locations and dates through the activeOshawa registration system. Spaces may be limited, and some sessions can reach capacity before the program date. Registration listings show sessions at parks including Galahad, Sandy Hawley, Greenhill, Alexandra, Kedron, Cordova Valley, Sherwood, Margate and Connaught.
Parents should review each registration listing carefully because park schedules and available spaces may vary.
Children Should Arrive Prepared for Outdoor Activities
The City recommends that children bring sunscreen, a hat and a filled water bottle each day.
Activities may be adjusted when high temperatures or poor air quality create health concerns. During heat alerts, Play Leaders may move programming into shaded areas, organize less strenuous activities and provide more frequent water breaks.
Families should check City of Oshawa recreation updates before attending, particularly when severe weather, wildfire smoke or other outdoor conditions could result in a cancellation or schedule change. The City’s recreation page includes a service-disruption section for program and facility updates.
Participants should also wear comfortable clothing and closed footwear suitable for running, games and outdoor crafts.
Community Credit Union Sponsors Free Program
Oshawa Community Credit Union is the presenting sponsor of the summer program under a three-year agreement valued at $45,000.
The sponsorship supports free playground activities at 16 locations. The credit union also entered a separate five-year, $100,000 naming-rights agreement for the pool at Delpark Homes Centre.
The Playground Program began as a smaller pilot initiative in 2023 and has since expanded to additional parks and age groups.
The Oshawa playground program allows children to take part in camp-style activities without requiring families to pay a registration fee. However, advance enrolment remains necessary so staff can manage attendance and supervision levels.
Families can find available sessions and register through activeOshawa. Program information is also available through the City of Oshawa by calling 905-436-3311, extension 2033, or emailing playgrounds@oshawa.ca.
The final day of programming is scheduled for Friday, August 21. Parents should confirm their selected park, session time and registration status before attending.
