Playgroups and more in Old Ottawa East

by Brie The husband was a stay-at-home dad for a year between my return to work when the girl was one and my maternity leave with the boy. I remember asking him what he was going to do with her all day. Having a toddler to look after is a lot busier than staying at home with a baby!  I even looked for and found a few playgroups close by and presented him with the options.

He said he didn't need them. He said he would sign up for a playgroup on one day and then the rest of the time they would just hang out.

That didn't last long.

Playgroups soon became their favorite activity. It was a way for the girl to play with other kids her age and for the husband to talk to other people his age. They started going to various playgroups every day of the week. His favorite, and mine too once I started maternity leave with the boy, was at the Old Town Hall at 61 Main street.

The playgroup starts with free play for the kids. There are lots of toys and a small play structure. A table is set up for crafts and another for kids to sit and eat their snacks at. Circle time has them sitting quietly signing and then marching around the room signing. At the end of the playgroup the ride on cars come out. The girl was always waiting at the door as they were wheeled into the room.

The playgroup is open to kids from zero to five and is running on Mondays and Wednesday during the Spring session. Instead of offering a playgroup on Fridays this session they have introduced a new program called Parent Playtime.  Childcare is provided for kids aged 19 months to five years while the parents work on projects of their own, like scrapbooking, writing or knitting. I have registered the boy for this five-week session from  May 21 - June 18 and I am looking forward to it!

The Community Activities Group for Old Ottawa East runs programs for kids and adults out of the Old Town Hall. They have some great classes for older kids, like martial arts, robot building and soccer. I am most interested by the  Parent's Night Out they have introduced. Parents can register their kids age 5 to 13 for a games/ movie night on April 30th or June 4th and then go out for a night on their own. If only my kids were old enough!

The Community Activities Group in Old Ottawa East is located at 61 Main Street. Registration for playgroup is required and costs $35 for one day per week per child; siblings over 12 months of age are $20 per child. Siblings under 12 months of age are not required to register and are free. Parent Playtime runs for five Fridays from May 21 to June 18 and costs $20 per child. Parents' Night Out is on April 30 or June 4 from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m and costs $12 for the first child and $7 for siblings.

Playing at playgroup: one mom's favorite Orleans playgroup

by Tiana My favorite playgroup is held at Divine Infant School in Orleans.  There are four locations that offer the same program but I have only visited this one.

What I love about it is that it is very family like.  There is a good mix of regulars and a 'rotating cast' of visitors.  When I was home on maternity leave I went there nearly every day.  There are other groups closer to my home, but they have policies that limit the number of visitors per week and they were also not quite as awesome as this one.  When we started going to playgroups my son was very shy and he would cling to me the entire time, but he felt totally at ease the very first time we went to this one.

This group is a little more low-key than some of the more rambunctious playgroups I've been to. There is a set schedule which generally goes; free play - snack time (healthy snack provided!!! total bonus) - independent book time - circle time - free play/music - lunch (bring your own) - free play/music.  About twice a week independent book time is replaced by Gym Day and everyone goes into the gym for running games, ball play, parachute time and other games.

While I was taking my son there, I had the opportunity to observe a couple of home daycare providers care for the children in their charge and to build a rapport with them.  I was planning on going back to work and had a lot of anxiety about the large daycare centre we had gotten into using the City's child car waiting list.  Thankfully, the woman whom I felt was the best fit with my son, and whose kids already were friends with my son, was able to become his daycare provider. 

Even though I'm back at work, my son still goes to this playgroup a couple of times a week and he tells me about his friends that he made back when I used to go with him and also about the new friends he's making along the way.  Sometimes when I'm sitting at my desk I wish I could be back there hanging out with him and that group of parents.  It's such a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Tiana is the mother of a very vocal 22 month old Bobby Hurricane. She also blogs at Sassy Red Head.

Gymboree Play and Music - Playgyms

by Vicky If you are looking for a place where your kids can burn off some energy on a rainy day, you must check out a Gymboree Play & Music. They offer developmental classes for kids ages 0-6 years, but they also have lots of drop in sessions for free play, and it's nearly impossible not to have a good time here.

Kids can play on many different structures, slides, rocking horses, bounce on huge inflatable tubes and balls, shoot some basket balls, hide in nooks and crannies, or under parachutes and in tunnels. The boldly coloured equipment is rearranged every two weeks, so it's always different. There are baskets of bean bags, balls, bells and other toys to play with too. Upbeat and lively music is always kept on. Basically it's a juiced up indoor playground that's better than any trip to the candy store. The equipment, toys and bathrooms are also cleaned and sanitized nightly. The only thing missing is a coffee bar for parents, but with a Tim Hortons around the corner you could always bring a coffee with you.

I have to say, I'm slightly biased because I used to work at Gymboree. But I've met many friends and their kids there for playdates and it's been pretty unanimous that the kids love it and are sufficiently worn out by the time we leave. It's well worth the $8! If you join Gymboree, you can attend as many Play gyms as you want as part of the $40 membership.

I would say that the Playgyms are ideal for children 10 months - 5 years. You don't need to worry if they aren't walking yet, because most of the equipment is padded and is really great for developing gross motor skills. Joel was a late walker, so the bumpy ramps and slides were great for helping him build up strength in his legs and also confidence. By the time Joel turned 3, he had pretty much exhausted all that Gymboree had to offer, but that was partially due to the fact that I worked there and he got to enjoy playing several times a week, on top of his weekly class.

The schedule changes seasonally, so you should check it out often. If you are looking for a little more structure, you can always sign up for a free 45 minute class. When you do check out a Playgym, make sure you ask for a Gymbo stamp on your way out the door!

Gymboree is located in Orleans, but it's not easily visible from Innes Road (I missed it the first time I tried to go). It's tucked in behind Stereo Plus.

And here's a tip - once your kids have experienced Gymboree, you won't be able to drive by it without them insisting that you go in and play!

Vicky is mom to a 3.5 year old boy Joel and nine month old girl Mieka. She also blogs at Some kind of Wondermom.