The Recreation and Culture Division offers a variety of free youth programs through city-wide initiatives and neighbourhood-based projects. These programs aim to promote physical activity, social interaction, and positive engagement. They are designed to serve youth throughout Mississauga, emphasizing accessibility, geographic coverage, and community impact.
Free youth initiatives:
- Mississauga Youth Week: (Ages 12-24)
From April 27 to May 8, 2026, the City will host free events and programs for youth and young adults aged 12 to 24.
Choose from various drop-in and registered activities to express your creativity, exchange ideas, try something new, and connect with the youth community in Mississauga!
- Sauga At Play Program (Ages 10-17)
Offers free, low-barrier recreational opportunities for youth in community settings, supporting skill development, confidence-building, and positive youth experiences in a welcoming environment. Located at all Community Centres each weekday after school Monday-Friday). NEW: Thrilled to share we are adding Skating, Fitness and Swim drop-in times a few times a week at select community centres starting this fall.
- Sauga Summer Pass (Ages 12-16)
Provides youth with free access to select recreation programs and facilities, such a Fun Swims and Fitness throughout the summer, encouraging regular participation, active lifestyles, and exploration of City services at no cost. The program has a capacity of 11,000. The program has not reached capacity.
- Play in the Park (Ages 6-12)
Delivers free, drop‑in recreational activities in local parks, bringing programming directly into neighborhoods and removing transportation and registration barriers. Programming promotes physical literacy, unstructured play, and community connection.
- Free Swim and Free Skate
The Program Delivery team ensures year‑round access to core recreational activities by providing designated free swim and free public skate times across City facilities, supporting affordability and broad participation. Occurs March Break, Summer during Drowning Prevention Week
Additionally, the Active Assist program is available to families who qualify: ActiveAssist gives residents in low-income households and newcomers with refugee status access to recreation and culture programs. Each eligible family member listed on the application will receive a non-refundable credit of $ 275, valid for one year, to be used toward recreation and fitness activities throughout the city, including swimming lessons, fitness memberships, and more. Active Assist
Collectively, these initiatives strengthen Mississauga’s commitment to youth inclusion by ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation. They also contribute to safer, healthier communities by providing structured and unstructured opportunities for youth engagement, particularly during high‑demand periods such as summer evenings and weekends.