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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:

 

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Parent and Tot Group - Tuesdays from May 8 - May 22 (10-11am) at the First Lutheran Christian School on Lakeshore Road.  Join them in the nursery for some stories and songs.  FREE for everyone.

Parent & Child Program - Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at Cameron House, 2339 Richter Street. A gentle introduction for young children (18 months+) and their parents/caregivers to a small group environment. A time for parents to share the joys of parenting and to strengthen the parent and child bond. Outdoor and indoor play, circle time with songs, rhymes and stories, shared snack, bread baking and simple crafts to celebrate the seasons. Cameron House operates as part of the Kelowna Waldorf School offering parent and child programs as an introduction to Waldorf education. For more info contact Heidi at 250-764-7544, leave a message at Kelowna Waldorf School 250-764-4130 or email CameronHouse@KelownaWaldorf.org.

Strong Start Program - a free drop-in early learning program for children aged 0-5 years who are accompanied by their parents or caregivers. The program is intended to fill a niche for children who are not attending childcare and are in the home with their parent or other caregivers. When you join them you may:

Each program is facilitated by a Licensed Early Childhood Educator.  For more information please call or visit any of the Centres.  The Centres are open on a first come, first served basis on days that school is in session.  All Programs run Monday - Friday 8:45 - 11:45 (except where noted below). Locations are as follows:

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

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 10:00 am - 12:00 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.

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.  Or visit us on Facebook.  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.
 

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We organize many activities for you and your little ones.  There are Park Playdates,  Beach Playdates, Sample Classes (Music, Sign Language, gymnastics and more) and weekly walks. 
For more information check the Calendar or go to: KNP Activities

INDOOR SOCCER PLAYDATES

The KNP.com Indoor Soccer Playdates run from September - April

Our Indoor Soccer Playdates are finished for the season.  They will resume in September.

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
Drop-in Fee payable to Kym as you enter the field.

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Play Groups