Programs, courses and registration

From swimming lessons and day camps to art classes and seniors' special events, the City of London has something for everyone. Check our cancellation page to ensure your program is running as scheduled.

      Find a program           

Register for a program


Registration

Registration for spring recreation programs is now available. Visit Play Your Way online for a full list of programs.

Registration for summer 2024 programs will be available on the following dates and times:

  • Summer recreation programs become visible on Play Your Way online on April 29, 2024.
  • Registration for adult 55+ programs will be available starting May 7, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.
  • Registration for general programs will be available starting May 8, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.
  • Registration for aquatics programs will be available starting May 9, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.

Upcoming recreation registration dates

How to register

You can register for a recreation program using one of the following methods:

  • Online at Play Your Way Online (available 24/7, 365 days a year)
  • Over the phone by calling (519) 661-5575 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding Saturdays on stat holiday long weekends)
  • In-person at the following City of London recreation and sport customer service counters:​​​​​​
    • Canada Games Aquatic Centre, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (1045 Wonderland Road North)
    • Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (656 Elizabeth Street)
    • Citi Plaza, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (355 Wellington Street, Suite 248 – south entrance off of King Street and Wellington Street)
    • East Lions Community Centre, Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (1731 Churchill Avenue)
    • South London Community Centre, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1119 Jalna Boulevard)
    • North London Optimist Community Centre, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (1345 Cheapside Street)

Frequently asked questions 

Registration-based questions
I have an urgent question. Who can I contact?

Urgent questions can be sent to to 519-661-5575  or recreation@london.ca. We will reply as soon as possible.

How do I setup my account?

Follow these steps to set up your online account:

  1. Go to Play Your Way Online
  2. Click “Signup” beside "Create your account” under the Play Your Way! Online logo.
  3. Complete all the required fields and click “Submit”.
  4. You will automatically be signed into your account.
  5. You will also receive an email with your username and temporary, system generated password.
  6. The first time you login with the temporary system generated password, you will be asked to create a new password.
  7. Once you have created your password, you will be redirected to the login in page to sign in.
  8. Sign in to your Play Your Way Online account using your new password.
  9. You should now be on your “My Info- Client List”, page where you can add credit card information and family members to your account.
  10. Once you have made your changes, click “Save”.
  11. You will be able to browse all our programs under the “Register” tab.
  12. If you are having issues creating this account, please call our customer service team at 519-661-5575.  
How do I add a new credit card to my account?
  1. Sign into your Play Your Way Online account.
  2. You should be on the “My Info- Client List” page, located on the top navigation bar. Select the family member you wish to add the credit card information to.
  3. You should now be on the “Family Member Detail” page.
  4. Search for the heading “Finance Info” located near the bottom of your client profile.
  5. Select “+ New.”
  6. Complete the required fields.
  7. Select “Save.”
  8. Your credit card is now saved on your client record for future transactions.
Is my credit card information secure?

Yes, the new software and payment processor are fully encrypted and compliant to ensure your personal information is secure.

We strongly encourage our users to choose a strong password and be diligent in protecting their personal information and account details.

Where is my personal information stored?

All personal information captured in our Play Your Way Online system (Xplor Recreation) is stored on servers located in Canada using Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Can I still register over the phone?

Yes, you can call 519-661-5575 to register over the phone. Please note that online registration is the fastest way to register for a program.

Can I register for a program if I don’t have an email address?

Yes. If you do not have an email address, you may register over the phone by calling 519-661-5575 or by visiting a City of London recreation and sport customer service counter. For information on our locations and hours of operation, please view the 'How to register' section above. Please note that online registration is the fastest way to register for a program.

Do I need to have an account to search for programs online?

No. You can navigate through our online registration and booking system to look for programs without having an account or being signed in. You will only be prompted to sign in or create an account when you register or book a program or service.

How do I search for an activity online?

Use the search function in our online registration and booking system to look for programs by keyword, service, age, day of week, and date range.

Alternatively, you can navigate through our programs and activities by area of interest.

How do I register for a program online?
  1. Sign in to your Play Your Way Online account and select the “Register” tab located on the top navigation bar.
  2. Search for a program by using the categories provided or use the filter options on the left to narrow down your results.
  3. To select a course, click “Book”. This will bring you to the course details page.
  4. After confirming the information is correct, click the “BOOK” button to add the course to your cart. You will need to select the family member you wish to register by checking the box next to their name and clicking “Next”.
  5. You will be taken to the Fees and Extras page. If the program has already started, you will see both the full price of the course and the pro-rated price that you will be charged. Select the appropriate fee if necessary. Click “Next” to proceed.
  6. When you are ready to check out, select your payment method. You can add a credit card or pay with your credit card on file. If you have a gift card, you can enter it now.
  7. Review that all information is correct and click “Place My Order”.
What will happen if I try to register for an activity that is full?

You will not be able to register for a course that is full, but you can be added to the waitlist if the option is available.

If a spot opens for that activity or additional sessions are added, you will be contacted by email. You have until the end of the next business day to claim a registered program spot (for example, swimming lessons or day camps).

You have until the end of the current business day to claim a drop-in program spot (for example, aquafit or lane swimming).

If we have not heard from you within the specified timelines, you will be removed from the pending spot in the program.

Please call 519-661-5575 or email recreation@london.ca for information about courses for which you are waitlisted.

How do I know when I have successfully registered for a program or activity online?

You have successfully registered for a program or activity when you click the “Place My Order” button on the payment screen and see the thank you page.

The registration confirmation and transaction receipt will be automatically sent to the email on file.

You can also print your registration confirmation and receipt from the thank you page and/or add the event to your calendar.

You can always review your transaction history on the “My Info- Client List” page.

How do I access my registration confirmation from my account?

To view, reprint or email your registration confirmation, please follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to your Play Your Way Online account and select the “My Info- Client List” tab located on the top navigation bar.
  2. Select the applicable family member registered in the program you want the registration confirmation for.
  3. Scroll down and select the “Schedules” heading which appears after the emergency contact information details. For easier viewing, select “Switch to List View” to display all current registrations for the client.
  4. Find the program you wish to receive an email confirmation for.
  5. Select the “Actions” link and then “Print”. The registration confirmation document will open, and you can select “Email” or “Print.”
  6. You will receive a pop-up notification noting the email was successfully sent.
How do I withdraw from a program online?

You can withdraw from a program up to the start of the program without penalty.

  1. Sign in to your Play Your Way Online account and select the “My Info- Client List” tab located on the top navigation bar.
  2. Select the applicable family member you wish to withdraw.
  3. Select the “Schedules” heading which appears after the emergency contact info details.
  4. For easier viewing, select the “Switch to List View” to display all current registrations for the client.
  5. Find the program you wish to withdraw from.
  6. Select the “Actions” link and then “Withdraw”.
  7. Select your refund method. Note: if you did not pay by credit card online, your only option is account credit.
  8. Select your reason for withdrawing and click the “Withdraw” button to complete transaction.
  9. You can now print or email your withdraw confirmation for your records.
How do I search for facility availability online?
  1. Sign in to your  Play Your Way Online account and select the “Our Facilities” tab located on the top navigation bar to view all rental options.
  2. Rental options that you can book online are listed under the facility booking section. These include facility bookings for activities such as last-minute ice, court rentals, garden plots and picnic sites.
  3. Select the facility type you’re interested in for a full list of available options.
  4. Click the “Choose” button to view facility hours, fees, features and availability.
  5. If your chosen timeslot shows ”Reserve,” you can proceed with the online booking. If your chosen timeslot shows “Call to Reserve” please visit the recreation rentals page on london.ca to submit a facility rental inquiry form.
  6. For online bookings, add the number of people attending, choose a timeslot in the calendar and click “Reserve”. Scroll down to review the information and click the second ”Reserve” button.
  7. Choose the family member who is booking the facility and click “Next”.
  8. Please review the terms and conditions, check the box to agree, and then click “Next”.
  9. Once you have confirmed that the rental details are correct, click “Next”.
  10. When you are ready to check out, select your payment method. You can add a credit card or pay with your credit card on file. If you have a gift card, you can enter it now.
  11. Review to confirm all information is correct and click “Place My Order”.
  12. Once your order is placed, please review the Facility Rental Contract agreement.

 Troubleshooting your Play Your Way online account

I previously had a registration account with the City of London, but I can't sign in.

If you have an inquiry about your previous account transaction history or account balance (before March 2020), please call 519-661-5575 or email recreation@london.ca. To create a new account go to the Play Your Way Online.

I have an account, but I cannot see the course I registered for.

There is a possibility of having multiple accounts using different email addresses. If you think this might be the case, please call us to investigate at 519-661-5575.

I have entered my credit card information, but I cannot adjust or delete it.

If you need to update or remove a credit card that is stored on your client page, you will need to contact us at 519-661-5575 for assistance.

If you are having difficulty replacing your current credit card with a new card or updating your account with the correct credit card information prior to registration, contact us right away. You can add multiple credit cards to your account and then simply contact us at your earliest convenience to remove or deactivate any stored card(s).

I’m not seeing new information in my Play Your Way Online account.

Google Chrome is the recommended browser to ensure the best customer experience when accessing our recreation programs and services online.

Why can’t I see my family members after I just added them?

You will need to logout and sign in again to see your added family members, which will be located under “My Info”. If you proceed to register for a course or purchase a membership, your family members will appear in your list.

 

Program-based questions
I have an urgent question. Who can I contact?

Urgent questions can be sent to to 519-661-5575  or recreation@london.ca. We will reply as soon as possible.

What are the City's withdrawal and refund policies?

In any instance where the City of London cancels a recreation program, a full credit or refund will be issued.

1. Registered Programs - Withdrawal & Refund Policy

Section 1.0 applies to all registered recreation programs including (but not limited to): Learn to Swim Programs, Aquatic Leadership, First Aid Programs, Learn to Skate Programs, Community & Seniors’ Centre Programs, Day Camp Programs and Storybook Gardens Programming.

The effective date of any withdrawal is the date the request is received by Recreation & Sport Customer Service, regardless of whether a participant attended the program.

  • For withdrawal requests made before the start of the program your account will be credited in full. Customers can withdraw online before the start of the program.
  • For withdrawal requests made after the start of the first class until the end of the program for compassionate reasons, you will be credited amount of remaining balance after a per class fee for program dates that have already occurred (regardless of attendance) have been deducted. All requests for compassionate withdrawals after the start of the program will require you to contact our customer service office at 519-661-5575.

2. Drop-In Programs - Withdrawal & Refund Policy

Section 2.0 applies to all drop-in (one time) programs offered at any City of London recreation facility.

  • For withdrawal requests made prior to the start of the program, your account will be credited in full. Customers can withdraw online before the start of the program.
  • No credits or refunds will be issued for withdrawal requests made after the start of the program, except in extenuating circumstances as approved by a supervisor. All requests for withdrawals after the start of the program will require customer to contact our customer service office at 519-661-5575.
When will recreation programs be offered, and for what ages?

Recreation program opportunities will be available for Londoners of all ages, including a selection of children, youth, adult, and older adult program options. Programs will be scheduled at community centres and arenas across the city and will include a selection of daytime and evening participation options. 

What is the cost of the recreation programs?

Costs vary by program. Please refer to Play Your Way online for pricing. Play Your Way financial assistance is available for those who qualify (see below).

Do I need to bring anything to the program or wear anything specific for the program?

Floor Hockey – A CSA approved helmet with face mask is mandatory for ALL children AND parent/caregivers.  Participants are required to supply their own fitted helmet and will not be allowed to play without one.  No outside sticks will be allowed and will be supplied by the City of London.

Fitness and Yoga – Please bring your own mat.

Children’s Art – Please wear clothes you are prepared to get messy.  Unless stated in the description/alert and or confirmation text, all other supplies are included.

Adult Art – Unless stated in the description/alert and or confirmation text all supplies will be extra.  The list of supplies will be on your receipt or you will be contacted by instructor prior to the first class or provided a list on first day of program.   Fees for supplies will vary by class chosen.

Rock Climbing – All equipment is supplied.  Please wear comfortable clothing and clean running shoes.

Sports – Please wear comfortable clothing and indoor non marking running shoes.

Tennis/Badminton/Pickleball/Squash – Bring your own racquet.

Music – Bring you own instrument based on the class you registered for (ie. Guitar, Ukulele).

PLEASE NOTE:  The City of London is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items belonging to participants or spectators.  Please secure your items and leave valuables at home.

Will my outdoor program run if it is raining?

Programs will run rain or shine unless the weather is severe. Some programs may also be cancelled if the Middlesex-London Health Unit issues a heat alert. Participants will be contacted by phone and/or email if the program is cancelled.

For family programs, is it mandatory that the parent/caregiver participate in the program? Do my child and I both have to pay a fee for the program?

Yes, children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver who is at least 16 years old.  Parent/caregiver will be expected to participate with their child. The majority of our family program fees cover the cost of one child and parent/caregiver to attend unless otherwise stated at the description level.  Some programs have options to add another child for an additional cost shown on the program description.

You can register additional children online, by phone or in person.

If the program requires both child and parent to pay a fee it will be indicated at the description level.

Do I need to attend all classes for all leadership programs (LIT, Babysitting) to get my certificate?

Yes, you must attend all classes in order to receive your certification.  No exceptions.

Do I need to pass an exam/test in order to get my leadership certification (LIT, Babysitting)?

Some of our classes require you to write and pass an exam to get the certification.  Instructor of classes will advise passing grade depending on the course taken.

Do I need to bring my own partner for couples dance classes and ballroom dancing?

Yes, you must have a partner and the fee is per person.

 

Register online

Now you can register for courses, purchases memberships and book facilities from the comfort of your computer or smartphone with Play Your Way Online. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Create your account today to access this online service.

View up-to-date program and facility information, which makes planning a breeze.

Play Your Way Online


Play Your Way funding

The City of London’s Play Your Way Fund offers financial support to low income Londoners and families who want to access recreation programs and activities offered by the City. Once approved, funding can be accessed for the next 12 months, up to a maximum of $300 per person.

Learn more


City of London Recreation Gift Card

A City of London Recreation gift card is a pre-paid cash card that you can use to pay for purchases at a variety of City of London recreation facilities including City of London pools, community and seniors' centres and Storybook Gardens. In addition, these gift cards can be used for payment through Play Your Way online for program registration and membership purchases. It is a quick and convenient way to pay! Please note that we are unable to reload gift cards. Those who would like to reload a gift card will be required to purchase a new gift card once their balance is zero dollars.  

Frequently asked questions
Where can I purchase/reload a City of London Recreation gift card?

These can be purchased at the following locations:

  • Citi Plaza, Parks and Recreation Office (355 Wellingtion Street, Suite 248)
  • Canada Games Aquatic Centre
  • Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre
  • East Lions Community Centre
  • Hamilton Road Seniors' Centre and Community Centre
  • Kiwanis Seniors' Community Centre
  • North London Optimist Community Centre
  • South London Community Centre
  • South London Community Pool
  • Storybook Gardens
What if I do not have enough on my City of London Recreation gift card to pay for my entire purchase?

​The balance of your gift card can be put towards your purchase and the remainder can be paid by cash, debit, VISA or Mastercard.

What happens if I lose my City of London Recreation gift card?

​Please treat your City of London Recreation gift card like cash!  The City is not responsible for lost or stolen gift cards.

Can I check the balance on my City of London Recreation gift card?

​Yes.  You can check your balance in two ways:

1.  Visit any of the participating City locations with your gift card and a customer service staff member will assist you.

2.  Call 519-661-5575 and have your gift card number available.

How do I reload my City of London Recreation gift card?

​Visit one of the participating City locations with your gift card to reload it or call 519-661-5575 to pay by credit card.

Does my City of London Recreation gift card expire?

No. 

Can I redeem my City of London Recreation gift card for cash?

No. 

 

Access 2 Card 

The Access 2 Card provides people of all ages and types of permanent disabilities who require the assistance with access to participate in recreational activities with a support person. The card can be used at all City-owned indoor and outdoor pools, recreation centres, arenas and community centres, soccer fields and baseball diamonds, municipal public courses and Storybook Gardens.

The Access 2 Card holder (the individual with a permanent disability) pays the regular admission or program fee for City programs. The Access 2 Card holder also receives one free or discounted admission for their support person to participate. Click here for more information on the Access 2 Card. 

Apply or renew your Access2 card


ACT-i-Pass

London’s Child & Youth Network, along with their partners, are happy to offer the ACT-i-Pass to Grade 5  students in the City of London for the 2023-2024 school year. By using the pass, Grade 5 students (plus 1) will have free access to skating, swimming, different sports, rounds of golf and other activities.

View the ACT-I-PASS Schedule


Suggest a new program

The City of London provides affordable and introductory programs focused on recreation, sports, and leadership. We welcome new program suggestions related to arts and crafts, cooking, dance, fitness, and sports.

Submissions can be received year-round, and will be reviewed during the months of January and July of each calendar year. Please note that we only consider programs focused on sport and recreation. Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, we will only follow up with those we wish to pursue further.

Submit a new program suggestion

Last modified:Monday, March 11, 2024