Services
Services
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Are you looking for an EarlyON drop-in playgroup?
Are you looking for an EarlyON drop-in playgroup?
How to Use the Incredible Playgroup Finder!
How to Use the Incredible Playgroup Finder!
Use one or more of the filters (day, time, age, area, language, and provider) to find the perfect playgroup for your needs. The interactive map (we recommend sharing your location) can be used to show the location of all the playgroups that fit your search terms. You can also use the map to search the playgroups offered at a specific location. The map also provides directions to help you find your way.
Use one or more of the filters (day, time, age, area, language, and provider) to find the perfect playgroup for your needs. The interactive map (we recommend sharing your location) can be used to show the location of all the playgroups that fit your search terms. You can also use the map to search the playgroups offered at a specific location. The map also provides directions to help you find your way.
Specialized Playgroups (Infant, Multiples, CHEO, NAC)
Specialized Playgroups (Infant, Multiples, CHEO, NAC)
Infant Playgroups
Mothercraft Ottawa (475 Evered Ave):
Drop-in Playgroup Monday 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM (for children who range from birth to 12 months.)
Drop-in Playgroup with CHEO Thursday 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (for clients of CHEO or families who have concerns about their child’s development.)
Children's Village (333 Churchill Ave. North):
Drop-in Playgroup Every Tuesday + Thursday 1:30pm - 3:00pm (for children who range from birth to 18 months)
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (1365 Richmond Rd):
Wednesday Infant Time: 1:30pm-3:30pm. (for children from birth until they are walking)
Infant Playgroup Monday 1:30pm-3:30pm (for children from birth until 18 months)
Multiples Playgroups
Children's Village (333 Churchill Ave. North):
Infant Playgroup for parents and caregivers of multiples on Monday, 1:30pm to 3:00pm.
CHEO Playgroups
The Infant and Child Development Program is for families with children who are referred to and/or are receiving service from CHEO Children’s Treatment Centre (CTC). Consultation with CHEO staff, strategies, resources and information will be available. The Learn and Playgroup is offered to children from birth to 6 years old. Please confirm availability and eligibility with the contact person.
Locations are in Barrhaven, Kanata, Cenral, Vanier. Please visit this link for detailed contact information
National Art Centre
National Art Centre (1 Elgin St.)
The National Art Centre offers a variety of fun, family-friendly groups.
Toddler Tuesdays (10 AM): Drop in and participate in singing, dancing, games, story time, and more! Ideal for children aged 18 months–5 years. For more information on Toddler Tuesdays, please consider exploring their website: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/37664
You can discover additional opportunities and explore different programs that the National Art Centre provides by clicking this link! https://nac-cna.ca/en/discover?category=243&gad_source=1
Community Health Centres in Our Area
Community Health Centres in Our Area
What Is a Community Health Centre?
What Is a Community Health Centre?
A community health center is an organization that provides various services to the community. Some of the services that may be offered are:
Primary healthcare
Preventitave Services
Health education
Support services
Early ON drop-in playgroups
Parent supports
Hilson EarlyON is in the Carlington Community Health Centre service area, but most child and famly programs are available to any Ottawa resident regardless of address. Some programs that you must live in the service area to access include: medical visits, social services and food bank.
900 Merivale Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 5Z8 (613) - 722 - 4000
Prenatal and Breastfeeding Support
Programs and information sessions to prepare you for the arrival of your baby, support about feeding your baby, plus drop-ins, programs and one-on-one consultations for parents of young children.We are here to support YOU and your family.
EarlyON Child and Family Centre
EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free programs to parents/caregivers and their children from birth to six years of age. These centres welcome all families to participate in quality programs that help strengthen adult-child relationships, support parent education, and; foster healthy child development.Carlington offers a wide range of programs targeted to children, youth and teens. From school readiness programs for children starting kindergarten, to homework clubs, after-school programs and drop-ins.
The Annavale Headstart is a full-day preschool program for 2 to 4 year-olds. Full subsidies are available for families who qualify.
1365 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2B 6R7 (613) - 820 - 4922
It might take a village to raise a child, but it takes that same village to support the parents!Early Learning and Parenting Workshops
Have you ever wished you had a child development “expert” to help you as a parent? At Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre we have a team of registered early childcare educators, a registered nurse/lactation consultant, and a registered dietician who run workshops on lots of parenting and child development topics. Some are just for parents, while other workshops are for children and parents to play and learn together.Leaping Lizards After School Program
The program is for children entering junior kindergarten through to their seventh birthday. The program is open to Ottawa West-Nepean residents and is offered out of Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic School at 2860 Ahearn Avenue.The Headstart Child Care is an enriched play-based program where children, families and educators can explore, question and learn together. The program operates in two large classrooms with a large outdoor space for children to be able to connect with nature.
Toys aren’t just for keeping kids busy and having fun. Toys actually help children grow and develop many skills like reasoning, fine motor, language, etc... That’s why PQCHC offers a free toy lending library.
EarlyON Child and Family Centre- Playgroups
Young families need spaces and opportunities to gather together to explore, play and learn together. Our Early ON centre is the place to do that.We know pregnancy and having a new baby can be both exciting and maybe a little daunting. We are here to help you get off to a great start.
Eccles Branch: 55 Eccles St, Ottawa, ON K1R 6S3 (613) - 238 - 8210
Eccles Branch: 55 Eccles St, Ottawa, ON K1R 6S3 (613) - 238 - 8210
Rosemount Branch: 30 Rosemount Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1P4 (613) - 688 - 1177
We want to help you prepare for your baby's arrival! Join our online session for fun activities, yummy snacks, and pregnancy tips and tricks. We’ll talk about:Rosemount Branch: 30 Rosemount Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1P4 (613) - 688 - 1177
- Healthy eating and safe exercises for mom
- Communicating with baby
- Car seat safety, child-proofing and more
Learn everything you need to know about feeding your baby from 3 to 12 months. Our Community Dietitian will cover a variety of topics including:
- When and how to first introduce foods to your baby
- Key nutrients for growing babies
- Tips for healthy eating habits for life and avoiding ‘picky eating’
- Learn how to make your own baby food
- Updated allergy guidelines
- Take home recipes, handouts and taste samples of homemade baby food
Nanny Goat Hill Nursery School and the Queensway Preschool offer full-day spaces for children aged 15 months to 5 years. Programs include enriched early childhood education, parenting support, and speech and language assessments.
Queensway- Monday - Friday: 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Nanny Goat Hill nursery school- Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Come play, learn and expand your repertoire of French songs all while meeting other parents!
Wednesday & Friday: 9:00am - 11:00am
Meal time stress? Picky eaters? Learn tips, tools & stratgies to create healthy, happy eaters for life. Workshop is run by our Registered Dietitian. Workshop is virtual (Zoom) and free to attend for anyone living in the Ottawa area.
Playgroups and Parenting Support
Interactive, age-appropriate activities including songs, crafts, stories, and games for children from birth to age 6 and their parents and/or caregivers to learn through play. Playgroups run at several locations in our service area in English, French, and Mandarin.Click here for their schedule.We accept referrals from family physicians and nurse practitioners for prenatal care. We would be pleased to share antenatal care with any physician or nurse practitioner who would like to remain involved during the pregnancy, or alternatively take over their care from the second trimester on.
Venez apprendre un répertoire de chansons francophones tout en rencontrant de nouveaux amis avec Kimberly chaque lundi matin de 10h -11h.
Need tips and tricks for breastfeeding? Have questions about your baby’s development? Our lactation consultant, dietitian and early childhood educator is here to support you!
Mondays: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Breastfeeding support is available from our lactation consultant. Lactation consultants are breastfeeding specialists who teach mothers how to feed their baby. They also:
- Help with painful nursing, latching difficulties and low milk production
- Provide access to breast pumps and teach mothers how to store breast milk
- Help mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding after returning to work or school
Our lactation consultant is available by appointment and also provides individual breastfeeding classes. They also attend our weekly Well-Baby Drop-In alongside an early childhood educator.
Ottawa Public Libraries & Their Programs
Ottawa Public Libraries & Their Programs
18 Rosemount Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 1P4
Drop-in Programs
Drop-in Programs
Stay n’ Play on Saturday starting at 10:00 am. Drop-in and have fun playing at the Rosemount Public Library.
Tuesday Morning and Afternoon Babytime at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. Drop-in and enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs for babies who range from birth to 18 months and their parents or caregivers.
Bilingual Story Time on Thursday starting at 10:30 pm. Drop-in and enjoy a bilingual learning experience!
281 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa, ON, K2A 3W4
Tuesday Babytime at 10:30 am. Drop-in and enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs for babies who range from birth to 18 months and their parents or caregivers.
Family Storytime on Thursday and Saturday at 10:30 am. Drop-in and enjoy stories, rhymes, and puppets for children and their caregiver.
Toddler Time on Wednesday at 10:30 am. Drop-in and enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes for toddlers and their caregivers.
120 Metcalfe St. Ottawa, ON, K1P 5M2
Pyjama Storytime at 6:30 pm on Thursday. Wear your comfy pyjamas, bring along your favourite stuffie, and come drop in for a cozy time! Stories, rhymes, and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver.
Babytime on Monday at 10:30 am. Drop-in and enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs for babies who range from birth to 18 months and their parents or caregivers.
Stay n Play on Friday and Monday at 10:30 am. Drop-in and have fun playing at the Main Public Library.
Family Story Time on Thursday at 10:30 am. Drop-in and enjoy stories, rhymes, and puppets for children and their caregiver.
Additional Opportunities
You can discover additional opportunities and explore different programs that the Ottawa Public Library provides by checking out their event calendar: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event-calendar
Toy Lending Library
Toy Lending Library
475 Evered Ave., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1Z 5K9
The Toy Lending Library at Mother Craft is open for half an hour following each of the playgroups. Please refer to Mother Craft’s most recent calendar in order to confirm the correct times. https://mothercraft.com/venues/ontario-early-years-centre/
1365 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2B 6R7
Parents, caregivers, and professionals can either book an appointment or drop-in at the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre in order to borrow toys for babies and children up to six years old. Please refer to the centre’s most recent calendar in order to confirm the correct times. https://www.pqchc.com/services/toy-lending-library
420 Cooper St. Ottawa, ON, K2P 2N6
Families can book an appointment through phone (613-233-4443 ext. 2511) or email (parent-child@centretownchc.org) with Centretown Community Health Centre in order to borrow a variety of age-appropriate toys for babies and children up to six years old. Please refer to the Centretown Community Health Centre’s toy library webpage in order to confirm the correct times. https://www.centretownchc.org/programs/toy-lending-library
75 Hemmingwood Way, ON K2G 5T6
Members of Centrepointe Childcare Services may make an appointment in order to choose from the toys available. (Membership is free!) Toys can also be viewed in a web-based catalogue. Please refer to the Centrepointe Childcare Services toy library webpage in order to confirm the correct times. https://centrepointechildcareservices.com/services/toy-library/
300 Goulburn Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1C9
The Parent Resource Centre toy lending library provides children with the opportunity to bring toys home for a two-week period. Drop by the Parent Resource Centre to sign up! The hours of operation are from 11:00 to 12:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 11:30 to 1:00 on Saturdays. For more information, please visit their website. https://www.parentresource.ca/resources
Recreational (Gym, Skate & Swim)
Recreational (Gym, Skate & Swim)
KinderGYM
Hintonburg Community Centre 1064 Wellington Street West Ottawa
Open on Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am! Caregivers or parents can enjoy a full-sized gym and a dance studio with their child. In order to attend kinder-gym, you must register by going through their website!
Caldwell EarlyON at the Carlington Community Health Centre 900 Merivale Rd
Drop-in gym time is open from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Mondays and Tuesdays! Caregivers or parents can get active in the gym with their children who are between birth and 6 years old. You must register by emailing.
EarlyON@carlingtonchc.com
GYMNASTICS
Starr Gymnastics (1140 Morrison Dr.)
Drop-in and enjoy a padded gym, obstacles, and trampolines for children between the ages of 1 and 5 for only $10. Parents are required to supervise their children at all times during the hour. Pre-registration is recommended due to capacity limits! Drop-in playtime is open on Monday at 11:30 am, Wednesday at 9:00 am and 10:15 am, Thursday at 9:00 am, and Friday at 9:00 am and 10:15 am.
For more information on Starr Gymnastics’ drop-in playtime, please refer to their webpage: https://www.starrgymnastics.ca/programs-drop-in-playtime.php
For more information on scheduling for Starr Gymnastics, please refer to their webpage: https://www.starrgymnastics.ca/schedule.php#schedule
Kanata GymnoSphere (430 Hazeldean Rd. #7)
Drop-in and get active in the gym! Open for children of various age groups depending on the schedule. Throughout the entire gym, kids can play freely while being watched over by their parents. Drop-in playtime is open from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 12:00 pm, for children between the ages of 1 and 10 years old. Baby drop-in playtime is open on Monday and Friday from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm for children between the ages of 0 and 18 months.
For more information, please refer to the Kanata Gymnosphere website: https://www.kanatagymnastics.ca/drop-in
Pre-register online to reserve your spot at www.kanatagymnastics.ca
SKATING
Tom Brown Arena- Drop-In Skating 141 Bayview Station Road
Public skating is available for community members on Saturday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and on Sunday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Reservations are not required.
You can discover additional skating opportunities and explore different programs that Tom Brown Arena provides by exploring their website: https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/facilities/place-listing/tom-brown-arena#section-9650a6e0-7ade-47f4-963f-e7b45275d399
JA Dulude Arena- Drop-In Skating (941 Clyde Avenue)
Public skating is available for community members on Tuesday from 11 am to 12:00 pm, Wednesday from 11 am to 12:00 pm, Thursday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, Saturday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and Sunday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Family skating is available on Saturday from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and on Sunday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
You can discover additional skating opportunities and explore different programs that the JA Dulude Arena provides by exploring their website: https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/facilities/place-listing/ja-dulude-arena#section-38355469-7c50-48b4-b5de-2283a78ab01b
SWIMMING
Plant Recreation Centre Drop-In Swimming 930 Somerset Street West
Drop-in and enjoy swimming with your family! Reservations are not required. Drop-in swimming is open from Tuesday 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, Thursday from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, Friday from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
You can discover additional sport opportunities and explore different programs that the Plant Recreation Centre provides by checking out their website: https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/facilities/place-listing/plant-recreation-centre#section-f68f70cf-bb94-4c72-a2a9-67730db24779
Dovercourt Recreation Centre Drop-In Swimming 411 Dovercourt Ave
Are you looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend a couple of hours? Enjoy casual swimming with your family in a warm leisure pool at the Dovercourt Recreation Centre! Children may swim for free on Saturdays! Clients are required to book and prepay swims in advance on their website. Family swim time is on Monday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Tuesday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, Saturday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and Sunday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Open swim time is on Wednesday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday from 7:00 am to 8:00 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
You can discover additional opportunities and explore different programs that the Dovercourt Recreation Centre provides by checking out their website: https://www.dovercourt.org/drop-in-swim/
Food Banks/Centres
Food Banks/Centres
We are committed to the ideal that no one in our region should ever have to struggle with hunger. With this in mind the Ottawa Food Bank collects and distributes food to community food programs, who then provide it to those in need.
We are a proud member agency of the Ottawa Food Bank. We provide fresh and non-perishable food and essential supplies to neighbours living in the areas bounded by the Ottawa River, Island Park Drive, Dovercourt Avenue and Broadview Avenue.
You can book your grocery appointment using this link: https://www.westbororegionfoodbank.com
2SLGBTQI+ Community Supports
2SLGBTQI+ Community Supports
2SLGBTQI+ Support Resources
Family Services Ottawa (312 Parkdale Ave.)
“2SLGBTQI+ Around the Rainbow” provides education, counselling, and support services to 2SLGBTQI+ families and individuals. Their objective is always to improve 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion in all environments.
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