The article considers the activity of the society involved in the problems of school education, spiritual and physical upbringing of the young generation, in particular the organization of children’s summer playgrounds in the late XIX - early XXth century. Originally, the playgrounds were aimed at physical development of children through games and exercises. In subsequent years the sites were the place for classes on the development of logical thinking and creativity among children. In the Altai district the organization and financing of the children’s summer playgrounds were controlled by local charity organizations - the Society for the Care for Primary Education. In Barnaul the sites functioned in the Nagornaya and Zaichanskaya schools, in the garden at the Folk house in Dunkina grove. In Biysk the playground functioned near the “Olga garden”, and in Novonikolaevsk - in the “Pine grove”. Under the guidance of teachers, the children were engaged in physical exercises and games. Classes in sculpting, sewing and drawing developed creative skills of the pupils. Reading books and tours expanded the horizons of children. Playgrounds were held for the organization of the leisure of the children from low society level.