Galt Gardens Playground
July’s Playground of the Month is Galt Gardens!
In 2023, a new playground opened in the downtown core. Located adjacent to the Rotary Centennial Fountain in the SE corner of the park, the space features inclusive and accessible play equipment, rubber surfacing, a plaza space and park furniture.
We asked a local family to check out the playground and let us know their thoughts!
Let’s Play Tag! A Timeless Playground Classic
Tag is one of the oldest and most beloved playground games—fast, flexible, and full of energy. When we asked kids what made July’s Playground of the Month so much fun, they quickly told us: “It’s a great place to play tag!” The concept is universal—one person is “it,” and the others run away. The first person tagged becomes the next “it.” No equipment, no setup, just space to move and a few friends to chase.
Popular Tag Variations for Playgrounds
Tag is easy to adapt, which makes it perfect for different ages, group sizes, and playground layouts. Here are a few fun versions kids can try:
Freeze Tag: When tagged, a player must freeze in place. They can only move again if another player “unfreezes” them by tagging them back.
Shadow Tag: Instead of tagging someone’s body, “it” steps on another player’s shadow.
Tunnel Tag: When tagged, players freeze with their legs apart. They can be freed if someone crawls through the “tunnel.”
Line Tag: Great for painted playground surfaces. Players must stay on the lines or paths—no running off-route!
Classic Freeze Tag
Freeze Tag is a go-to favourite for the playground. It adds teamwork and strategy while keeping things safe and fun.
How to Play:
One player is chosen to be “it.”
The others run away and try not to get tagged.
When “it” tags someone, they must freeze in place like a statue.
Any free player can unfreeze a frozen teammate with a gentle tag.
The game continues until everyone is frozen or until a timer runs out and a new “it” is chosen.
Why it Works for Playgrounds:
Freeze Tag encourages kids to move through climbing structures, around slides, and across open space in creative ways. It also allows everyone to keep playing—even if they’re frozen, they’re still part of the action.
Next time you’re at the playground, take a cue from our July Playground of the Month testers: Play a round of tag, and rediscover the joy of a classic.