Parc Jean-Drapeau is kicking off its summer season with tons of free family-friendly events at its beach. As of June 21, Jean-Doré Beach will be open to the public and is offering discounted rates, special events and days with special themes. Kids get free admission to the beach every Wednesday with the purchase of an adult ticket, as well as free kayak and sand castle-building lessons with Parks Canada every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 23 to Aug. 27.

During the days with special themes, families can enjoy free kayak and canoe lessons, workshops for kids with Rythme FM animators, inflatables and sand castle-building competitions. Admission is free for children under 13-years-old and $9 for adults.

On June 25, the festivities kick off with the Foam Party from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be bubble soccer, face-painting and tons of activities in the water. For more information, click here.

On July 23, there is a Christmas theme day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can meet Santa Claus and participate in the water activities as a choir sings holiday tunes. For more information, click here.

Bring your cowboy boots to the beach on Aug. 27 for a Western Party, which will feature a mechanical bull and line-dancing lessons in addition to the water activities. For more information, click here.

Reopening this year is Aquazilla, a giant inflatable obstacle course on the water where kids can slip and slide on the climbing towers, monkey bars, wiggle-bridge and more. Aquazilla will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Children must be at least 6 years old and those under 9 years old must be accompanied by an adult. All participants will be required to wear flotation vests. Admission for children ages 6-12 costs $12 for the first hour and $8 for every additional hour.

Admission to Jean-Doré Beach is free for children under 2 and costs $4.50 for children 3-13 years-old before 4 p.m. and $3 after 4 p.m. Season passes for ages 3-13 costs $24 and family passes (for two adults and two children) is $99.

The beach will be closed on July 19 and Aug. 19 and will open at noon on Aug. 26. All scheduled events are subject to change in the event of poor weather.

There will be a free shuttle bus service at the Jean-Drapeau metro station that will take you to and from the park. Kids aged 6-11 can ride public transit to the park for free during certain hours as part of the Family Outings Program.

For the full beach schedule, click here.