Being a new mom can be lonely, and if you have recently moved to a new city – even lonelier. When I became a mom I discovered just how important baby and toddler drop-in playgroups are, not just for children but for moms who need to talk to other adults too! Since moving to Ottawa I have used a lot of the drop-in playgroups around the city, and I have been blown away by the quality of these resources. I know this list doesn’t (and couldn’t possibly) include all of the drop-in programs Ottawa offers, but here are a bunch of my favourites. I hope this list helps some of you new parents and not so new parents get out there and find a drop in playgroup that works for you!

Parent and Family Literacy Centre

The Parent and Family Literacy Centres are amazing drop-in playgroups offered at different schools throughout Ottawa. These free programs offer fun, play-based activities within a school setting for parents, grandparents and caregivers with children birth to six years old.  I loved attending the Cambridge Street Community School location with my children. There are dedicated baby areas with baby toys, while other areas with crafts and everyday includes a story time and snack. Most days the gym was also opened to let the kids run around and play with the balls and gym equipment. It was such a saviour for those long winter months, and a really great spot when you are dealing with a toddler and a baby. You can find the Parent and Family Literacy centres at the following locations:

• Cambridge Street Community Public School – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Carleton Heights Public School – 9:15 am – 2:15 pm
• Charles H. Hulse Public School – 8:45 am – 1:45 pm
• Featherstone Drive Public School – 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
• Hilson Avenue Public School – 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Queen Mary Street Public School – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Severn Avenue Public School – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
• York Street Public School – 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

Children’s Village of Ottawa-Carleton

The Children’s Village is located at 333 Churchill Ave North in Westboro Village. It is a lovely drop-in playgroup for children from birth to 5 years of age that operates from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am – 11:15 am. I have really enjoyed going here with both of my kids. The centre provides a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere where children can join in free play, daily crafts and song time, as well as a nutritious snack.
No registration required – doors close when maximum capacity is reached (which is 25 children.) Public: $3 per visit per family/group.

Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group

This drop-in playgroup is located at the Glebe Community Centre at 175 Third Avenue. The The Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group drop-in indoor playground is for ages 1 to 5 years old and runs Monday – Friday from 9:15 – 11:00 am. It costs $6 drop-in. Parents, caregivers and preschoolers are invited to participate to play indoors. Adults are responsible for supervising their own children and for set-up and take-down of all toys and equipment, and there are a lot of fun small cars and toys to play with. On Tuesdays and Thusdays, children and adults will enjoy extra activities like crafts, circle time, stories and music. Newborn siblings are welcome!

Mothercraft Ottawa

Mothercraft Ottawa is located at 475 Evered Ave and in addition to running a daycare, they offer great drop-in playgroups and support services for parents and children. The programs are all free for parents and caregivers of children aged 0 to 6 years old. Each day the playgroups and services offered are different – some in English, some in French, somedays in is just a postpartum support group for parents with babies up to 12 months. They also offer breastfeeding support groups. To check the up to date schedule visit their website online and download the pdf

Centrepointe Childcare Services

Centrepointe Child Care Services offers free-of-charge drop-in playgroups at 75 Hemmingwood Way. The programs are for children ages 0-6 years old. The programs are run Monday through Saturday, with the occasional Sunday. The times differ from day to day, so you want to check out the full schedule on their website. Caregivers, parents and children can expect to enjoy crafts, dramatic play, puzzles, imagination toys, circle time and a kitchen area for snacks.

Ottawa Parenting Resource Centre

The Ottawa Parenting Resource Centre is located at 300 Goulburn Private in Sandy Hill. The Parent Resource Centre offers a range of drop-in playgroup times, some with and English program and others in French. They also divide up some drop-in times for caregivers only, parents only and other times which are open to all.

Ottawa Library Programs

Ottawa Public Libraries offer some wonderful drop-in programs. There are so many awesome story time and language based programs at the many different locations. You can search out the library nearest to you online to see what they offer and on what days. We have had some wonderful experiences with their toddler story time and crafts.

Gymnastics Drop Ins

I have written about some of the great gymnastics drop-in playgroups before HERE on the blog, but let me refresh some of these playgroups and drop-in times where the kids can burn off some energy!

• Starr Gymnastics – with three locations around the city, Starr offers an awesome place for toddlers to crawl, walk, climb and jump around. The drop-in price is currently $5 a child and is offered for kids ages 1-5 years old. Starr also runs a FREE baby playgroup for children ages 0-12 months a few times a week. Head to their website to find out the schedule and locations.
• Ottawa Gymnastics Centre – located in Westboro, this is a legit gymnastics training facility with great classes, and a few drop-in times for ages 5 and under. It is $5 drop in charge, but there is a $30 registration and insurance fee the first time you go. Drop-in times are Monday 12-1pm, Thursday 11-12 pm and Friday 9:15 -10:15 am. It can get busy, so get there right at the start to guarantee your spot!
• Kanata Gymnosphere – this Kanata gym offers drop-in programs almost every day of the week. On Mondays from 10-12 pm there is a baby time for children 0-12 months which is FREE, otherwise drop-in costs $7. Check out their website for a list of dates and times.

Toddler Games Ottawa

Toddler Games is located inside Archery Games at 1860 Bank St #3b, Ottawa. Toddler Games Ottawa is a non-profit organization that offers a drop in playgroup aimed at children from age 1 to 4 years old. The drop in promotes healthy active living by incorporating sports at an early age. The playgroup is located in a large, fenced-in and turf-lined arena. It is open Mondays and Tuesdays. Cost is $4 a child, with children 12 months and younger are free.