Play Groups

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.

Group Bricolo in French for parents and toddlers - Fridays at 10 am at the Centre culturel francais de l’Okanagan, 702 Bernard Ave. Phone 250-860-4074 for more info.

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 1370 KLO Rd. Suggested donation fee is $2.00. For more information, call Pam at 250-861-2978.

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.

YMCA/YWCA drop-in Playgroup - Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 am - noon. Parent and tot playtime. Designed to encourage your children to interact with other children in a fun, non-threatening environment with the support of Mom, Dad or both. For ages 1 month - 5 Years

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 10:00 am at different neighbourhood parks. 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.