Looking for something to do this Good Friday that won’t drain your wallet? The City of London just announced they’re hooking residents up with a full day of completely free activities across multiple community centres on April 18.
From roller skating to science workshops, the city’s community centres are transforming into entertainment hubs for the holiday. Whether you’ve got kids to entertain or just want to shake up your long weekend routine, there’s literally something for everyone.
The Full Lineup Is Actually Stacked
Each community centre is offering its own unique mix of free programming, making it possible to hop around the city for different experiences throughout the day.
At Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre, you can hit up family badminton and open gym from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., get your face painted between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., or cool off with recreational swimming from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Science enthusiasts should swing by for the workshop running from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., while dance lovers can catch a Zumba class from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The East Lions Community Centre is also bringing heat with family badminton starting at 9 a.m., recreational swimming sessions at both 10 a.m. and noon, and a Just DANCE party from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. They’re even hosting a special Weavers and Spinners Art Activity from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for those looking to get crafty.
Roll Up To Some Retro Fun
The North London Optimist Community Centre is where it’s at if you’re trying to channel your inner roller disco queen, with roller skating sessions at 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Just note that registration is required for these sessions, unlike most other activities. They’re also offering tennis (registration required), cards, and both adult and family volleyball later in the day.
For the south end crew, South London Community Centre has family open gym, crafts, and a science workshop on deck, plus pickleball for ages 12 and up from 1:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Swim, Stretch, Create
If swimming is your vibe, you’ve got options at multiple locations. Beyond the sessions at Carling Heights and East Lions, the Canada Games Aquatic Centre is offering recreational swimming from noon to 2:30 p.m., while South London Community Pool has two morning sessions at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.
For those who prefer dry land activities, Byron Optimist Community Centre is hosting family yoga from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by badminton and crafts in the afternoon.
The best part? No registration is needed for most activities—just show up ready to play. The only exceptions are the roller skating and tennis sessions at North London Optimist Community Centre, which do require you to register ahead.
For the complete schedule of Good Friday activities, check out the city’s website at london.ca/goodfriday.
The Shaedon Sharpe Basketball for Youth program will also be running as usual at Carling Heights from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.