Fun for your littles

Do you have a wee one at home? Do you like to treat them to some fun, but are stuck as to where to take them other than to your local park or library? There are lots of fun, low-cost or even FREE things to do in the city with preschoolers! 

A little gem of a place that I discovered with my first born was the Childreach centre.  I was initially looking for French playgroups for my daughter, since we were going to be putting her into a full-French school when she turned 4.  One of the playgroups (found through the OEYC website, which is great too) was located at Childreach centre.  I decided to take my little one and see how she would like it.  I think I enjoyed myself more than she did!  This place offers a full play area for children - every center you can imagine is there - the kitchen/dress-up area, blocks, trains, cars, art center, water/sand table, a place for mama's to sit with their tiny ones and nurse comfortably, with lots of toys and chairs and little playthings for babies under 1. There is also an area with tables and highchairs and kitchenette where you can store your food if you'd like to feed your little one there, plus a microwave for easy heating. Cubbies for storing your things... so much amazing stuff in one centre! And ALL FREE!  Everything is pristine, and well kept.  The overseers only ask that you stay with your child - it's not a drop-off program. And you must sign in and sign out as you enter and leave.  It is a great place to meet up with other mamas and their babies for a chat, and for your littles to interact and play with others. 

Going back to the playgroup, I would bring my daughter (and my coffee) and come a bit early before the playgroup would start and let her roam around the room, maybe create a piece of art (that was her favourite center). Then, the ladies running the playgroup would call all the littles into a room in the back and they have a sing-a-long, story telling and some playtime all in French.  This still happens once a week (I take my son now), and is great for kids from ages 0 up to 5.  Childreach also offers other organized playtimes.  You just have to check out their calendar and see what you would be interested in attending. 

Another great bonus about this place is their toy libary.  You heard me!  Feel like getting your babe something new to play with but aren't sure you want to invest the $$ to get it for them? Borrow it here! They have a giant selection of toys, puzzles and books you can borrow for up to two weeks.  There is a nominal fee to pay for a membership to use this service, but it's good for an entire year.  You can check to see what you'd like to borrow either ahead of time online, or while your little one is playing in the center, browse through their binders filled with pictures and descriptions of a toy, puzzle, game or book. 

I highlighted this place in my blog post today because I really find that it is an amazing resource for moms that just want to get out of their daily routine and enjoy some fun and friends in a safe and happy environment, but there are lots of other fun things you can do with your tot in this city.  I'll list a few more things below:

The London Public Library
If you click on the title, you'll be taken to the events that go on for children at the Public Library, all over the city.  Some things require registration but lots of the story times are drop-in. 

The Spectrum Program
This program offers tons of activities for everyone in London.  You have to sign up to use their online registration program, and most programs for the Spring session have already begun but that doesn't mean you still can't join (check to make sure there is still availability!).  Most programs do require payment, but the price is definitely a great deal.

The Boys and Girls Club
This place offers tons to do for kids of all ages.  Family fun is for children ages 3 and up. Check out the link to see what they have to offer - they update this regularly so don't be surprised if you see different events posted weekly. 

Indigo (North London)
Did you know that Indigo (formerly Chapters) has events every so often that cater to little ones? They recently had an American Doll event, Paw Patrol, and a Story time too. Check their Facebook page (under "events") and see if there is a fun event for your little one to go to - always a great excuse to grab a Starbucks for yourself while you're there ;)

Mom's Club of London (Ontario)
There are lots of fun things to do in the city with your munchkins! And if the above activities don't fit the bill, try organizing a playgroup yourself with local mamas on the MCL (Moms Club of London)Facebook page - this is a new Facebook group dedicated to moms in London and there are 3000+ moms on here (including myself)!  I will be doing an entire blog post about this amazing group in the near future!

Now get out there with your little and have a great time on this gorgeous February day.  I hope some of these links give you some inspiration! As ever, feel free to post below with any great places you know of.

Have a great day, London.