Less screen time, more “green” time: Mississauga encourages families to head outside this summer

It’s time to trade in blue light for natural light, replace notifications with the sounds of nature and play physical games and sports. June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM), and it helps kick off a summer season filled with outdoor activities for the entire family.

Spending time outside and living in the present moment can help improve your overall health. There are plenty of ways to spend quality time in the city, consider the following activities:

Play in the Park program

Playing in the park has many benefits for children – from encouraging imaginative play, learning how to co-operate and being physically active. If you’re looking for ways to keep kids busy, consider Mississauga’s Play in the Park program. This is a free, supervised, outdoor program for children aged 6 to 12 years old. Children will participate in fun recreational activities including organized games, sports, crafts, themed days and special events in local neighbourhood parks.

All of the programs are supervised by qualified staff trained in HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development and Emergency First Aid.

Accessible playgrounds

You can filter Mississauga parks online by selecting the amenities you’re looking for. Parents/guardians looking for an accessible playground can use the filter to find a playground near them.

Find more information about the six accessible playgrounds in the city and other amenities listed online.

Read more about the features that help make Mississauga parks barrier-free.

Spray pads and outdoor pools

It’s almost time to open the outdoor pools for the season! Before you visit your local pool, follow these tips to help ensure you and your family have an enjoyable swim.

Don’t feel like swimming? Find a spray pad near you.  A spray pad, also known as a splash pad, is a zero-depth water play area designed for children to splash and cool down.

Enjoy a picnic

You don’t always need a blanket or a cooler to have a picnic, find a picnic table and enjoy fresh air while enjoying your favourite treats. Change up your everyday lunch or dinner routine for a park with a view.

Consider visiting:

• Erindale Park
• Huron Park
• Jack Darling Memorial Park
• J.C. Saddington Park
• Lakefront Promenade
• Lakeside Park
• Meadowvale Conservation Area
• Mississauga Valley
• Paul Coffey Park
• Richard’s Memorial Park
• Streetsville Memorial Park

To book a picnic space for your large group, visit the online booking for our open-area picnic and sheltered picnic spaces. If you plan on barbecuing, follow safety tips from Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services.

Attend our Garden Day event

Interested in learning more about gardening opportunities across Mississauga? Stop by Riverwood on June 28 from 10 a.m. to noon to learn more about this unique park, stewardship opportunities and participate in fun art activities.

A park tour will be offered at 10:30 a.m. and exhibitors will be onsite from local horticulture groups – there are plenty of people to learn from!

Take a look at our event listing.

Learn to fish

Interested in fishing but not sure if you’re doing it right? Participate in an informative two-hour long session at Lakefront Promenade and Lake Aquitaine Park. There will be multiple dates and times open for registration. Residents will learn how to fish and will be provided with necessary equipment including reels, bait, a life jacket and sunglasses.

Please note that children under the age of 18 must be registered by and accompanied on site by an adult.

Register online on Eventbrite to secure a spot today!

Lakefront Promenade Park – 155 Waterfront Trail, Mississauga, ON L5E 3G9

• June Registration
• July Registration
• August Registration

Lake Aquitaine – 2750 Aquitaine Ave, Mississauga, ON L5N 3K5

• June Registration
• July Registration
• August Registration

Cycle your way into Bike Month

June is also Bike Month. To celebrate, the City is offering cycling activities all month long. Get a bike tune-up, learn about cycling safety, join a community ride, participate in the bike challenge and cycle to school.

Learn more about scheduled Bike Month events.

While making your summer days memorable, remember that safety still comes first. Prepare yourself accordingly: carry a refillable water bottle with you, apply sun protection, stay indoors during extreme heat events and protect yourself and your pets against ticks.

Visit mississauga.ca/parks and mississauga.ca/recreation for more ideas on how to keep yourself active this summer.

Tags

• Parks and Forestry
• Recreation and Sports