5 Ways to Keep Kids Active This Summer Without Leaving the Community

When summer arrives, every parent starts looking for ways to keep the kids active, entertained, and off their screens. The good news? If you live in The Orchards, adventure is never far from home.

From cooling off at the spray park to exploring scenic trails and participating in free community programs, The Orchards is designed to make summer easy, fun, and full of opportunities to create lasting family memories. Here are five ways your family can enjoy an active summer—without ever leaving the community.

1. Make a Splash at the Spray Park

Nothing says summer quite like cooling off at the spray park.

Located within The Orchards Club House, the spray park is a favourite destination for families on warm afternoons. Kids can run, splash, laugh, and burn off energy while parents relax nearby or catch up with neighbours.

Whether it's a planned outing or a spontaneous stop after dinner, it's one of the easiest ways to enjoy a summer day close to home.

2. Discover a Playground Adventure

Just steps from the spray park, children can climb, slide, swing, and imagine their way through hours of outdoor fun.

Playgrounds encourage creativity, confidence, and active play while giving families another great reason to spend time outdoors together. Pack a picnic, invite friends, and turn an ordinary afternoon into a mini adventure.

3. Explore the Community Trails

The Orchards features kilometres of scenic walking and cycling trails that weave throughout the community, connecting parks, ponds and beautiful green spaces.

Thanks to the Orchards Residents Association's new bike rental program, residents can borrow bikes and head out to explore everything the community has to offer. Whether you're teaching the kids to ride, enjoying an evening family bike ride or taking the dog for a walk, the trail network makes it easy to stay active close to home.

Looking for the perfect way to wrap up your adventure? Ride over to Orchards Centre for an ice cream at Dairy Queen or cool off with a slush from the Co-op Gas Bar. It's a simple outing that feels like a summer tradition, without ever leaving the neighbourhood.

4. Join the Green Shack Program

Looking for even more ways to keep the kids active this summer? Head to Circle Park, where the City of Edmonton's free Green Shack Program brings games, crafts, sports, music, and outdoor fun to the heart of the community. Designed for children ages 6–12 (with all ages welcome), it's a great way to stay active, meet new friends, and enjoy the outdoors.

The Orchards Green Shack is located at:

Circle Park
4155 Orchards Drive SW

Hours:
Monday–Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Visit the City of Edmonton Green Shack Program to learn more.

5. Enjoy Endless Recreation at The Orchards Club House

Summer at The Orchards doesn't end with the spray park and playground. The Orchards Club House keeps families active all season long through a wide variety of programs, camps and community events designed for every age.

One of the most popular offerings is the Ultimate Summer Camps, where children ages 6–11 can enjoy themed weeks filled with outdoor adventures, sports, STEM activities, baking, art, science, filmmaking and more. Residents receive exclusive pricing on camps and many other programs offered throughout the year, making it easy to keep kids learning, active and having fun all summer long.

More Than a Place to Live

At The Orchards, summer isn't just a season - it's a lifestyle.

With beautiful parks, an exciting spray park, scenic trails, bike rentals, free Green Shack programming, and an award-winning Residents Association, it's easy for families to stay active, connect with neighbours, and make the most of every sunny day.

If you're looking for a community where everyday life feels a little more fun, The Orchards is ready to welcome you.

Come explore our show homes and discover why so many families are choosing to call The Orchards home.