Drop-In Recreation Programs

This program has ended for the season and will return in October 2026

Public Skating is a fun and energetic activity to try with friends or the whole family.

Use of Skate Aids are not permitted. Please see our Beginner Skate and Parent & Tot skating programs for ice time with use of Skate Aid

Public Skating is not a ‘learn to skate’ program (see Beginner Skating). There is an expectation that those planning to participate have a basic skill level. Or, in the case of children, they are being assisted by a person on skates that has basic skating ability. 

Exclusion Dates: 

Skates are not provided and helmets are encouraged. 

Skating admission is based on rink capacity

PUBLIC SKATING RULES

1.     Everyone on the ice must wear skates.

2.     Listen and adhere to the skate patrols at all times.

3.     Remain off the ice until after the Zamboni doors have been closed.

4.     Smoking, chewing gum, eating food or drinks on the ice is strictly prohibited.

5.     Racing, horesplay, tag games, skating backwards or figure skate maneuvers are not allowed.

6.     Skate in a controlled manner and in the same direction as all other skaters. Do not use your cell phone while skating.

7.     Standing along or sitting on top of the board is not allowed.

8.     Respect skaters in training.

9.     For safety reasons the carrying of children is not permitted.

10.   Wheelchairs are allowed on the ice, provided they are in control at all times by a competent skater.

11.   Use of a helmet is strongly recommended.

12.   Failure to adhere to these rules is reason for removal from the premises.

13.   Skate aids are not allowed.

This program has ended for the season and will return in October 2026.

Beginner skating is a dedicated time for those new to skating or those looking to come with a partner to practice basic skills in an environment that is not intimidating. Skate aids and trainers are allowed. This ice time is unsupervised and unstructured. There is an expectation that anyone who is a beginner is assisted by a person on skates that has basic skating ability. 

Exclusion Dates: 

Parents and preschoolers can have fun and be active during this open skate time.  See below for cancellation dates. 

Spring 2026 Session:

Wednesdays: April 1 - May 13

Fridays: April 10 - May 8

Exclusion dates: May 6

Note: One parent or guardian must remain on the ice at all times. Parents skate at no cost.

For your safety, skates must be worn on the ice.

Helmets are strongly encouraged.

Skate aids are permitted. Chairs and strollers are prohibited.

Turf Tots is an indoor drop-in activity that allows children between the ages of 0-5 years space to run, develop their gross motor skills and use equipment provided the Recreation Services Division and the Essex Power Fund such as crawl tunnels, foam blocks, and sports equipment. There is no instructor, so parent supervision is mandatory. Play is at your own risk.

Turf Tots is offered from October 15, 2025 - June 5, 2026

Exclusion Dates: March 27, April 3, April 6, May 18

No Turf Tots on the following dates: 
 

Sunday "Funday" Turf Tots!

This program is sponsored by:

Parents or guardians can skate with a young child, allowing them to practice hockey skills like passing and puck control in a family-friendly environment. Unlike traditional public skates, Parent and Tot sessions allow the use of sticks, pucks, and specialized skating aids, but full hockey equipment is not required. Helmets and gloves are strongly recommended for everyone.

Spring 2026 Session;

Tuesdays: April 7 - May 12

Fridays: April 10 - May 8

Exclusion dates:  

Note: One parent or guardian must remain on the ice at all times. Parents skate at no cost.

For your safety, skates must be worn on the ice.

Helmets are strongly encouraged.

Skate aids are permitted. Chairs and strollers are prohibited.

Drop-in Youth Skating is an open skate time for youth to have an opportunity for physical activity and time to practice skating - an ideal program for families and educators who offer home-schooling and learning pods during the day

Note: Unlike Public Skating, Youth Drop-in Skating is not staffed and is skate at your own risk. This is not to be used for pick-up hockey, sticks and pucks are not allowed.

Spring 2026 Session:

Tuesdays: April 7 - May 12

Thursdays: April 2 - May 7

Exclusion dates: 

Parents or guardians can skate with their children, allowing them to practice hockey skills like passing and puck control in a family-friendly environment. Unlike traditional public skates, these sessions allow the use of sticks, pucks, and specialized skating aids, but full hockey equipment is not required. Helmets are required. This program is not meant for scrimmages, games, or drills. No slap shots.

Spring 2026 Session

Mondays: April 13 - May 11

Tuesdays: April 7 - May 12 (no skating May 5)

Thursdays: April 2 - May 7

Note: One parent or guardian must remain on the ice at all times with anyone under the age of 13.

For your safety, skates must be worn on the ice.

Helmets are required

Skate aids are permitted. Chairs and strollers are prohibited.

Exclusion dates:  May 5

Open skate time for figure skaters only. See below for exclusion dates.

Spring 2026 Session:

Wednesdays: April 1 - May 13

Thursdays: April 2 - May 7

Fridays: April 10 - May 8

Drop-in High School Skating is an open skate time for youth to have an opportunity for physical activity and time to practice skating.

Note: This is not to be used for pick-up hockey, sticks and pucks are not allowed.

Dates: February 10 - March 31. No Skating March 24

Cancellation Dates: March 24

Bring your friends and start a pick-up game. This program is unstructured and unsupervised.

Sticks and pucks are not provided. Helmets are required.
See below for cancellation dates.

Spring 2026 Session:

Tuesdays: April 7 - May 12

Thursdays: April 2 - May 7

Friday: April 10 - May 8

Senior Public Skating is an open skate time for adults over the age of 60.  See dates below for cancellations.

Spring 2026 Session:

Mondays: April 13 - May 11

Wednesdays: April 1 - May 13

This session is offered for free thanks to funding provided by the Seniors Active Living Centre grant through the Province of Ontario

Practice hockey skills like passing and puck control in a senior-friendly environment. Unlike traditional public skates, these sessions allow the use of sticks, pucks, and specialized skating aids, but full hockey equipment is not required. Helmets are required. This program is not meant for scrimmages, games, or drills. No slap shots.

Spring 2026 Session

Mondays: April 13 - May 11

Wednesdays: April 1 - May 13

This session is offered for free thanks to funding provided by the Seniors Active Living Centre grant through the Province of Ontario

For your safety, skates must be worn on the ice.

Helmets are required

Skate aids are permitted. Chairs and strollers are prohibited.

Exclusion dates: 

Drop-in pickleball takes place outdoors at the Libro Centre on the new Amherstburg Pickleball Courts.

View the available Open Play court times below.
Courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and there is no fee. 

Courts are open for the season from April 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026.

Drop-in and play Ultimate Frisbee from January 6 - May 27

This program is unsupervised and unstructured, and equipment is not provided. Children under 13 require an adult to be present.

Exclusion Dates: 

Families can enjoy free play with soccer balls, Nerf equipment, blocks, dodgeballs, and other recreational activities. This program is sponsored by Pathway to Potential (P2P)

Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian

Join Zachara for Friday morning drop-in yoga. Benefits include increased balance, strength, flexibility, range of motion and stress reduction. All abilities welcome and accommodations can be provided.

This program runs from October 17 - June 5

Exclusion dates: January 16, January 23, March 20, May 29

Building stability, strength, and calm from the chair

Taught by Registered Reflexology Therapist and Yoga Instructor, Sarah Fischer. This program is funded by the province of Ontario's Seniors Active Living Centre grant.

Winter 2026 Session: January 5 - March 30

 Cancellations Dates: February 16 and February 23

Join us for a gentle practice that combines mindful movement with intentional pause. This class is suitable for everyone who enjoys a mat class with a slower flow and poses that can be adapted to meet you where you're at. Bring your own mat and a blanket, if you'd like.

Winter/Spring 2026 Session: January 6 - June 23

Exclusion Dates: March 17

Building stability, strength, and calm from the chair

Taught by Registered Reflexology Therapist and Yoga Instructor, Sarah Fischer. 

Winter 2026 Session: January 13 - June 23

Exclusion Dates: March 17, May 5

Unite breath, mind, and body in this all-levels yoga class. Mindful movement and intentional pause are combined in sequences that help you find moments of presence and calm while building flexibility, stability, and peace of mind.

Spring 2026 Session: March 25 - May 27

Exclusion Dates: May 6

Come get your groove on (and your cardio up!) with chair yoga dance! This class begins with calming breathwork, then moves into a gentle yet energetic flow set to good time tunes. Suitable for both new and experienced chair yoga dance practitioners, great dancers, and folks with two left feet!

Spring 2026 Session: March 25 - May 27

Exclusion dates: May 6

Join us for a yoga fit class that develops range of motion and builds strength gently by combining yoga with the use of light weights and resistance bands. With a focus on functional movement, this class helps build confidence and strength to support you with your goal to stay active and live life fully!

Please bring a yoga mat and a set of light hand weights

Spring 2026 Session: March 5 - June 3

 Exclusion Dates: March 19, May 28

Spring 2026 Session: April 8 - June 24

No class June 3rd