Looking for summer fun? Let’s Play in the Park is back

Free outdoor program encourages children to stay active, make friends and enjoy a summer of play.

Entertainment and activities | June 26, 2026

As summer begins and school lets out for the season, many families are looking for affordable ways to keep their children active and connected to their community. Starting June 29, Mississauga’s Let’s Play in the Park program is returning to 14 neighbourhood parks across the city, offering free outdoor recreation opportunities for children. The program helps children stay active, build friendships and develop important life skills through play. The goal is to promote fitness and make summer fun and easy to enjoy, with activities offered weather permitting.

Let’s Play in the Park is a free, supervised drop-in program for children ages 6 to 12. No registration is required, making it easy for families to join activities close to home. Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Program details

What

Children can take part in a variety of activities including organized games, sports, crafts, theme days and special events hosted in local neighbourhood parks. The program provides opportunities for children to stay active, make new friends and experience the benefits of outdoor play in a safe, welcoming environment.

All activities are supervised by qualified City staff who are First Aid Certified and trained in the HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development, helping to ensure participants enjoy a positive, inclusive and safe experience throughout the summer.

Supported by The PepsiCo Canada Foundation since 2015, Let’s Play in the Park helps keep recreation free and accessible for families. Children can spend the summer playing, moving, creating and connecting with others in neighbourhood parks across Mississauga. The program is also supported by the Jerry Love Children’s Fund, which has helped cover the costs of recreation and leadership programs for children from low-income families since 1985.

When

June 29 through the end of summer. Programs run between 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Program dates and times for each location varies. Be sure to check each park for specific details.

Where

Let’s Play in the Park will be offered at 14 locations across Mississauga:

Who

Children ages 6 to 12.

Cost

Free, drop-in program.

Why

Outdoor play is an important part of healthy childhood development. Beyond encouraging physical activity, it helps children build confidence, creativity, independence and co-operation skills while strengthening their social connections. Programs like Let’s Play in the Park create spaces where children from diverse backgrounds can come together, develop friendships and build a stronger sense of belonging within their neighbourhoods.

Supported by City staff who are First Aid Certified and trained in the HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development, children can enjoy positive recreation experiences in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. In a time when many children spend more time on screens, outdoor play programs give them opportunities to get moving, explore their neighbourhoods and enjoy time with friends.

The program also makes recreation more accessible for families who may face challenges joining organized activities. By offering free programming in parks across the city, Let’s Play in the Park provides an accessible option for families, including newcomers to Mississauga who may be looking for opportunities to connect with their community, meet other families and discover recreational activities available close to home.