This summer, Green Shacks have reopened around the city to keep kids entertained until the end of August.

Sports, music, drama, and art are just a few of the activities that kids can participate in, and every week, activities will be based around a fun theme — last week was pirate week. Additionally, kids can suggest games they’d like to play. At Alberta Avenue Park, “Cannonball” is a popular playground game. 

Activities and games are geared towards kids between six and 12 years old, but younger children are also welcome if they are accompanied by a caregiver. 

After a slow start in July due to delays in receiving police background information checks, most of the Green Shacks are up and running again. This marks a return to pre-pandemic Green Shack programming, says Christopher Webster, the communications and engagement representative at the City of Edmonton. 

“In 2020, the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues offered a handful of drop-in opportunities similar to what the City offers in its Geen Shack programming,” says Webster. “[And] in 2021, the City offered Green Shack programming to 234 sites — staggered start throughout July as we encountered numerous challenges hiring staff and in receiving police information checks.”

This year, 237 sites are open across the city, including locations at Alberta Avenue, Norwood Square, Delton, Eastwood, Elmwood Park, Spruce Avenue, Parkdale, and Westwood. 

Brayden, a Green Shack leader at Alberta Avenue Park and Norwood Square, says his favourite part about leading activities at the Green Shacks is spending time with the kids. “The community is really good too,” he adds. 

New this year are Green Shack Shows, partnerships between the City and the Edmonton Arts Council, to bring more entertainment out into communities. The shows will include live drumming, puppet shows, circus acts, and more. Some organizations putting on shows include Sangea Academy, Kaybridge Puppets, the Great Balanzo, SocaFit & Friends, and more. For more information on Green Shack Shows, see edmontonarts.ca/events/.

“These shows run at many locations during the summer when the regular Green Shack program is being offered,” says Webster. Most Green Shack locations will host a Green Shack Show at some point this summer. 

Later this summer, kids can work together to decorate their community Green Shack doors with artwork. City staff will vote on their favourite Green Shack door throughout the city and crown the reigning community Green Shack. 

There’s no excuse for boredom this summer! Check out your local Green Shack for summer fun. 

Green Shack Locations and Times 

Alberta Avenue: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm

Norwood Square: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm

Delton: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Eastwood: 2:30 – 5:30 pm

Elmwood Park: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Spruce Avenue: 2:30 – 5:30 pm

Parkdale: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Westwood: 2:30 – 5:30 pm

See edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/green-shacks for more information.