Play in the City of Calgary

Play in the City of Calgary

Play is fundamental for the well-being of our children’s mental and physical health. More than ever, it is crucial to emphasize the necessity of our children’s right to play. Playing helps children foster peer relationships and gain confidence. Our programs give children the time, freedom, and space to play in convenient natural spaces near our homes. Some of our programs have evolved due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Did you know that free play for children has a myriad of benefits? Through play children can cope with feelings of anxiety, depression, confusion, loneliness and gain a connection with the natural world around them. Many children face challenges such as inactive behaviours, over-planned schedules, and parental concerns over safety that many believe are reducing their chances of enjoying healthy and active lives.

Calgary Play Charter

Our goal is to create various play opportunities throughout Calgary with the help of the organizations that signed the Calgary Play Charter.

The Play Guides​ are available to help municipalities and organizations increase play in their communities. They are based on the experiences of The City of Calgary, which, since 2016, facilitated the creation, signing, and ongoing implementation of the Calgary Play Charter as well as the development and implementation of a Mobile Adventure Playground.

Download the 2024 report on the current state of play in the City.

Play opportunities for children

  • Adventure Play at Home

    There are all kinds of ideas for kids to experience Play at home. Check out the Adventure Play at Home themes for activities and challenges to try!

  • Nature Play Spaces

    Alternative playgrounds that use natural elements such as sand, water, wood, landforms, plants and boulders to inspire active and creative outdoor play, and connect people, young and old, to nature.

  • Mobile Adventure Playgrounds

    Dynamic spaces that contain a variety of materials and loose parts such as boards, tires, tape and cardboard that children are free to use to build, demolish, assemble and change their environments as they desire.

  • Community Playgrounds

    With over 1,100 playgrounds to manage and maintain, The City of Calgary work with community groups as improvements are needed. A new Community Playground Workbook is available as a starting point.

  • YYC Plays

    YYC Plays is a group of organizations working together to show the value of play and the impact it has on our city.

  • PlayBins in parks

    Our new PlayBins are treasure chests filled with games, recreation equipment, fun activities and so much more.

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