PLAYGROUPS
If you are a parent with a new baby and you are feeling a little isolated or experiencing cabin fever and you would like to meet other parents in your neighbourhood than a playgroup is the answer. For fun and a break from your normal routine, you may want to join a community playgroup or start one of your own.
A playgroup is when parents/caregivers gather with their children once or twice a week to play together. The benefits of joining a playgroup for both the parent and the child are numerous:
- meeting new friends
- gaining new skills
- sharing ideas
- learn about sharing and co-operation
- experience new activities
Central Okanagan Family Resource Program & Parent Talk - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:30-11:30 am. Martin Ave Community Centre, FREE. Also offered at the Martin Avenue Community Centre is Parent Talk which is an opportunity for parents to talk to each other and participate in a workshop while the kids are looked after by qualified childminding staff. Parent Talk is offered Fridays from 9:30-11:00 am. For more information on Parent Talk please contact Michele Hucul at mhucul@thebridgeservices.ca.
Lake Country Playgroup (ages 0 - 5 years) - Mondays 9:30 - 11:00 am at the Lake Country Boys & Girls Club (3130 Berry Road). Enjoy quality time with your child in a fun and stimulating environment. Parent supervision required. $2 per family. In the gym. For more information 250-766-5277
Creative Kids (ages 0 - 5 years) - Tuesdays 9:30 - 11:00 am at the Lake Country Boys & Girls Club
(3130 Berry Road). This program will offer a variety of centres where your child can explore with their hands and minds. Emphasis will be on art activities, small motor development and social skills. $3 per family. For more information 250-766-5277
Making Connections - Fridays 9:15 - 11:15 am. Drop-in program for parent/caregivers and children under age 5. A time of bonding through music followed by coffee and discussion for the parents and supervised playtime for the children. First United Church on Richter and Bernard. Admission is by donation.
Mats ‘N Chats Parent/Child Gym Time - Wednesday mornings at 8:45 - 10:00 am & 10:15 - 11:30 am. An hour long gym time for parents and preschoolers. Mats and equipment will be set up. Held at the First Baptist Church at 1309 Bernard Avenue. Suggested donation fee is $2.00. For more information, call Pam at 250-861-5425.
Tiny Blessings - Thursdays 9 -10:30 am. For new and expecting moms to build friendships and support. The community is welcomed to join with them at Willow Park Church at 439 Hwy 33. For more information, contact Dale at 250-765-6880 ext. 112.
Family Play Time (ages Birth - 5 years) in West Kelowna - Mondays & Fridays 11:00 am - 12:30 pm at the Webber Road Community Centre (2829 Inverness Road, West Kelowna) Moms, Dads, Caregivers and children are invited to drop in for some social interaction with other parents and playtime for kids. A great way to meet new people and spend some quality time with your child(ren)! Activities are unstructured and may include a craft, gym time, circle time with stories and songs and best of all many toys to play with. No program. For more information 250-762-3914
Family Play Time (ages Birth - 5 years) in West Kelowna - Wednesdays 11:00 am - 12:30 pm at the Lakeview Heights Recreation Centre (960 Anders Road, West Kelowna) Moms, Dads, Caregivers and children are invited to drop in for some social interaction with other parents and playtime for kids. A great way to meet new people and spend some quality time with your child(ren)! Activities are unstructured and may include a craft, gym time, circle time with stories and songs and best of all many toys to play with. No program. For more information 250-762-3914 No Program March 23rd or 30th).
Family Play Time in Rutland (ages Birth - 5 years) - Mondays 9:30 - 11:00 am at the Rutland Boys & Girls Club (355 Hartman Rd) Moms, Dads, Caregivers and children are invited to drop in for some social interaction with other parents and playtime for kids. A great way to meet new people and spend some quality time with your child(ren)! Activities are unstructured and may include a craft, gym time, circle time with stories and songs and best of all, many toys to play with. For more information 250-765-3345.
MACC Parent and Tot Drop-In Gymtime - Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Once a month we offer an evening parent-tot program open gym led by Dave. A pre-school craft, games and music are provided. Held at the Martin Ave. Community Centre Boys & Girls Club (1434 Graham Street, Kelowna).
Toddler Talk at the Webber Road Community Centre (2829 Inverness Road, West Kelowna) Okanagan Boys & Girls Club staff along with occasional professional guest speakers will provide an educational workshop for parents and child minding for children. For details on upcoming workshops call 250-768-3049
If you know of a playgroup not listed above or would like to start a playgroup and have it added to this list please contact us. Please also visit our Forums page to meet other local Moms. This is another good way to organize playgroups.
Each playgroup is different as it shapes itself to the meet the needs of its members and its community. Playgroups often meet in churches, schools or community centres or at members' homes. In warmer weather they may meet at parks or beaches.
Kelowna has quite a few community playgroups as well as privately organized playgroups. Most are offered for free. If there is a fee associated with a playgroup however we will advise you of the amount.
You will find information about community playgroups which are suitable for new parents following.
KELOWNANEWPARENT.com Playgroup
We organize a weekly playdate at a local park which allows parents to meet other parents, get some fresh air and let their kids play (or sleep or lay on a blanket, depending on their age). So bring your babies, toddlers or older kids to our weekly Playgroup.
We meet Wednesdays at 9:30 am at different neighbourhood parks (weather permitting). This is a great way to explore some of Kelowna’s great neighbourhood parks that you might otherwise not visit. Come for as little or as long as you like. Email kymbanting@shaw.ca to register for our Playgroup. We will send out an email detailing the current weeks park location. Look forward to seeing out you at the park.
INDOOR SOCCER PLAYDATES
The KNP.com Indoor Soccer Playdates will run once/month from October - March
The next Indoor Soccer Playdate will be held THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9TH from 10:00 - 11:00 am
Come on out and have fun playing soccer with your little ones at the CNC (Capital News Centre) indoor soccer fields. Bring a ball for your little ones and indoor shoes.
Suitable for kids aged 0-4 years
Cost: $5/family (not per child). Payable to Kym as you enter the field.
