Free to Play gets local kids outdoors


This past summer, Hamilton Community Foundation distributed more than $275,000 to nine local organizations, as part of Free to Play, an initiative of Community Foundations of Canada, designed to build a movement of outdoor play for children across the country. 

These grants helped kids in Hamilton get outdoors in a variety of ways: 

Outdoor Fun in the Sun from Dundas Youth Chaplaincy 

Many families do not have vehicles and public transit options are limited, so youth are often limited to nearby parks and trails within walking distance of home. Guided by interests identified through monthly Youth Council meetings, Outdoor Fun in the Sun provides free, twice-weekly outings to destinations such as conservation areas, parks, pools, hiking trails, and nature attractions, giving youth opportunities to explore their city, stay active, and spend less time on screens. By connecting more than 300 young people with new outdoor experiences, the program supports their confidence, well-being, physical activity, and healthy development while offering families access to enriching summer opportunities at no cost. 

Bike for Mike 

This project transforms underused gathering spots along school routes into vibrant, play-focused spaces where children and families can connect, explore and build community. Through the use of placemaking materials, the initiative creates welcoming meet-up locations that encourage children to walk or wheel to school while enjoying opportunities for free, spontaneous play. By providing time to pause, space designed for creativity and social interaction and the freedom to play independently, the project fosters confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.  Together, these playful community hubs promote healthy development, social cohesion and a more connected, child-friendly neighbourhood. 

Wild & Free Garden Play from The Children’s Garden Project Canada 

Wild & Free Garden Play brings the magic of unstructured outdoor play to Hamilton’s Children’s Garden, creating a welcoming space where children can build, dig, splash, imagine and explore. Through regular play sessions in Gage Park, kids are free to follow their curiosity across nature-inspired play zones designed for construction, mud and water play and creative adventures. Supported by trained facilitators, children develop confidence, resilience, problem-solving skills and meaningful friendships as they take safe risks and learn through play. Just as importantly, the program creates opportunities for families to connect, build supportive relationships and discover the value of outdoor free play together.  

Recess Action Plan at Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board 

This project transforms recess into a more inclusive, engaging and empowering experience for students by creating a school culture where play, leadership and belonging thrive. Through the L.E.A.D. Recess program, students are trained as peer leaders, conflict resolvers and play facilitators who help younger children connect, participate and enjoy positive playground experiences. By balancing guided social interaction with plenty of opportunities for independent play, the program helps children build confidence, communication skills and problem-solving abilities while reducing social isolation and conflict. As students develop leadership and independence, they become more capable of navigating challenges on their own, supporting their overall well-being and contributing to happier, healthier school and family environments. 

MusicSparks: The Talking Tree at Culture for Kids in the Arts 

This program invites young children and their caregivers to discover the joy of music, movement and outdoor play in neighbourhood parks. Designed for children ages 1 to 4, the program encourages little ones to follow their curiosity through free exploration of instruments, dancing, running, listening and imaginative play. Guided by the sounds of nature, from rustling leaves to singing birds, children engage with the outdoors in creative and meaningful ways while building confidence, coordination and social connections. With no pressure to perform and plenty of freedom to choose how they participate, MusicSparks creates a welcoming space where families can connect, children can explore at their own pace and outdoor play becomes a joyful celebration of creativity, curiosity and community. 

Connections Club from Hamilton & District Extend-a-Family 

This program creates safe, inclusive opportunities for children and youth with developmental delays to enjoy the benefits of outdoor play. Through twice-weekly outings to local parks, trained staff provide the supervision and support that many families, caregivers and support workers find challenging to offer on their own. Participants are encouraged to play freely, build communication and social skills, develop confidence and self-awareness and form meaningful connections with their peers in a welcoming community setting. At the same time, families benefit from valuable rest time, knowing their children are engaged in fun, enriching outdoor experiences that promote belonging, independence and healthy development. 

Bellmoore’s Circle of Learning and Wellness at Hamilton Foundation for Student Success 

Bellmoore School’s Circle of Learning and Wellness is a welcoming outdoor space that brings learning, play and connection to nature together in a unique and meaningful way. Inspired by Indigenous knowledge, the space features a turtle-back design with 28 sitting stones and native plantings that reflect the seasons, directions and wellness teachings of the medicine wheel. Students can gather for storytelling, explore the natural environment, engage in hands-on learning and enjoy unstructured outdoor play in a calm, inclusive setting. The Circle of Learning and Wellness helps children build confidence, strengthen their well-being and develop a deeper sense of belonging while also creating a valued gathering place for families and the wider school community. 

Nature Kids from Green Venture 

Nature Kids helps children discover the joy of exploring, creating and playing outdoors through free, hands-on programs that connect them with nature year-round. Held on Green Venture’s unique EcoHouse property and surrounding natural spaces, the program encourages children to climb trees, build with natural materials, explore trails, garden, splash through puddles and embrace outdoor adventures.  By removing barriers such as cost, access to outdoor gear and transportation challenges, Nature Kids ensures more children can enjoy safe, enriching outdoor experiences that support their well-being, spark curiosity and foster a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. 

The Sunshine Group at CityHousing Hamilton 

This project helps children and youth living in CityHousing Hamilton communities discover the joys of outdoor adventure by removing barriers that often limit access to nature and recreation. Through free trips to local destinations such as conservation areas and the Royal Botanical Gardens, participants have opportunities to explore new environments, build confidence and connect with their peers. The project also enhances on-site play spaces to create safe, welcoming areas where children can play freely and regularly. By providing supervision, inclusive programming and access to outdoor experiences at no cost, the initiative supports physical and mental well-being, encourages social connection and helps young people develop a lifelong appreciation for nature. For many participants, including newcomers to Canada, these experiences open the door to discovering and enjoying the outdoors in every season while fostering a stronger sense of belonging within their community.