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Did you know libraries are for more than borrowing books, CDs, and movies? Passes to local museums and attractions are also up for loan! In partnership with local organizations, the Greater Victoria Public Library gives library cardholders the opportunity to enrich mind and body with hands-on experiences at cultural institutions and recreational centres. Examples of passes available: Butterfly Gardens, Maritime Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, Robert Bateman Centre, Saanich Recreation, Royal BC Museum, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. If don't have a library card yet, don't worry, they're free! Just visit any GVPL branch.
Tseycum HeadStart Program is a program that supports activities focused on early childhood learning and development for First Nations children from birth to age six and their families. This includes pre and post natal support, cultural development programs, parenting and education programs and workshops, infant and toddler development programs, health screening, monitoring and referrals, fitness and nutrition, exercise, yoga for kids, Afterschool and Breakfast programs and literacy support.
Branches of the GVPL are located across Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula, the West Shore and Sooke. Each location has a children's section, as well as drop-in storytimes for families. Library cards are free and you can take home books, dvds, cds for your family.
Sidney/North Saanich Branch located at 10091 Resthaven Dr., Sidney
Panorama Recreation offers a wide variety of recreational and general interest programs at many different locations throughout the municipalities of North Saanich, Central Saanich and the town of Sidney.
We offer a variety of educational and parenting support opportunities. At the Peninsula Early Years Centre, you can connect with programs in support of children's health & development or with our Outreach Workers for questions about ages and stages you might have. We also have our Child Passenger Safety programs in support of safe travels while in a vehicle and the Play & Chat Packs program in support of language development. Located at 1649 Mt. Newton Cross Road, Saanichton. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peninsulaearlyyears
It's never raining at kindergym - our indoor playground. Featuring ride-on toys, a mini bouncy castle, tumbling mats, slides and more, join us for some open gym free-play fun! Parent participation is required. Drop-in for $5/child & $2/sibling, or purchase a 6-session pass for $27.00. Takes place at the Greenglade Community Centre, 2151 Lannon Way, Sidney BC
For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes and puppets. Drop-in; space is limited. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Check their website for other special events and programs for children/families (0-5 years). Located at the Central Saanich Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library, 1209 Clarke Rd. Brentwood Bay, BC
Bring your littlest ones to the library for stories, songs, rhymes and movement. 0-5 years. Check their website for other special events and programs for children/families (0-5 years). The Sidney/North Saanich Library Branch or the Vancouver Island Regional Library is located at 10091 Resthaven Drive, Sidney BC
Registered drop-in. A free, fun program of favorite nursery rhymes and songs that help develop young children's language skills. This program also provides connections and support for parents and caregivers. Multiple locations in Brentwood and Sidney. Contact slorimer@beaconcs.ca for registration.
Come visit us for coffee, the chance to connect with other families and time for your child to play and do activities. Our Outreach/Resource Workers are available to assist with questions about ages and stages or specific needs to your early years family. Takes place at 1649 Mt. Newton Cross Rd, Saanichton BC. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peninsulaearlyyears/
Drop-in and enjoy weekly play time with your little one, and meet other families. This program offers information, discussion and support during this active stage of life and learning. Takes place at 1649 Mt. Newton Cross Rd, Saanichton BC. Follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/peninsulaearlyyears
Offers a friendly, weekly drop-in setting for new parents to connect. Families gain information about parenting, child development and community resources through support and discussion with the facilitator and guest speakers. Takes at the Peninsula Health Unit, 2170 Mount Newton X Rd., Saanichton, BC. Follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/peninsulaearlyyears
Families and caregivers can drop in to explore play with their children. StrongStart supports the development of young children, consistent with the goals of the BC Early Learning Framework. StrongStart Centres located at Brendwood, Lochside and Sidney Elementary schools. Contact Lisa Kinshella with all inquiries.
We strive to support the healthy growth and development of Aboriginal children, youth, and families. The Aboriginal Early Intervention Services Team includes the Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP), the FASD Key Worker, and the Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program (ASCDP). The Aboriginal Early Intervention Team provides support to families living on or off reserve in the South Vancouver Island Region, which includes the 9 local First Nations (Tseycum First Nation, Tsawout First Nation, Tsartlip First Nation, Pauquachin First Nation, Beecher Bay First Nation, T’sou-ke First Nation, Pacheedaht First Nation, Songhees First Nation, and Esquimalt First Nation) Métis, and Urban Aboriginal community. VNFC is located at 231 Regina Ave. Victoria
Pacific Centre Family Services Association is dedicated to maintaining outstanding services for the people we work with through education, counselling and creative programming. Locations: Centre for Wellbeing, 324 Goldstream Ave, Colwood; and 6672 Wadams Way, Sooke.
Whether you enjoy a stroll in the park, a swim in the pool, playing soccer with friends, or a round of golf, West Shore Parks & Recreation has programs and facilities for everyone. West Shore Parks & Recreation is governed by the West Shore Parks & Recreation Society's Board of Directors made up of representatives from the City of Colwood, the City of Langford, the District of Metchosin, the District of Highlands, the Juan de Fuca Electoral area and the Town of View Royal. Each municipality contribute, through tax requisition, toward the operation of the parks and recreation facilities. Located at 1767 Island Highway, Victoria.
SEAPARC is pleased to offer a variety of program options for 4 months to 5 years. Programs include a licensed preschool, social programs, sports, swimming and skating. Located at 2168 Phillips Rd, Sooke.
The MFRC has resources to meet the unique demands of raising children in the military lifestyle. It’s about getting quality care, support and resources in an environment that understands the lifestyle. Services include: Parenting support, child care, literacy programs, counselling, etc. The Colwood Pacific Activity Centre is located at 2610 Rosebank Rd, Colwood.
Community parks and trails are yours to enjoy, and a legacy for future generations. While visiting, please respect the private property next to the parks, trails, viewpoints, and ocean accesses and leave no trace of your visit or the visit of your dog. Leave the treasures that you find, including wildflowers, for others to enjoy.
We have plenty to offer children of all ages. Books, stories, games, crafts, audiobooks and more! Located at 2065 Anna Marie Rd., Sooke
For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes and puppets. Drop-in; space is limited. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Located at the Juan de Fuca Library, 1759 Island Hwy. West Shore Recreation Centre Complex.
This is a great way for daycare children to enjoy play-based activities with arts & crafts, snack time (care provider provided), and circle time. As a Care Provider, you can connect with our Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Consultant to receive extra information and ideas. Located at the Sooke CCRR, 100-6672 Wadams Way, Sooke.
Sooke Family Resource Society offers the following groups in the Sooke/West Shore communities: Parent and Tot Drop-In, Parent Discussion Group and Family Support Group. See calendar for drop-in schedule
School District 62 offers StrongStart drop-in programs for children 0 to 5 and their caregivers. Programs are offered at Beecher Bay, Colwood Elementary School, Hans Helgesen Elementary, John Muir Elementary School, Ruth King Elementary School, Millstream Elementary School, Port Renfrew Elementary, and Willway Elementary School Please note that School District 62 Strong Start drop-in programs are closed over the summer.
A time for toddlers and their grown-ups to play and visit! Riding toys, balls and tunnels will keep your little one active as you both enjoy a social time. For children 6 months – 5 years. Takes place at the Downtown Y, 851 Broughton St, Victoria.
Children will be introduced to gymnastics and dance activities focusing on stability and locomotor skills. Classes will incorporate gymnastics equipment as well as beginner level dance steps and sequences. Takes place at the Downtown Y, 851 Broughton St, Victoria.
Join us in the Downtown Y gymnasium with your children to enjoy our toys and sports equipment. All ages -Children under the age of 10 must be supervised by a caregiver, aged 16+. The Downtown Y is located at 851 Broughton St, Victoria.
For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes and puppets. Drop-in; space is limited. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Hosted by the Greater Victoria Public Library, at various locations across Greater Victoria.
For babies 0-15 months and parent or caregiver. Learn songs, rhymes and fingerplays to use with your baby every day. Drop-in; space is limited. Hosted by the Greater Victoria Public Library, at various locations across Greater Victoria.
Enjoy a delicious meal, meet new friends, and have a great time at the Mustard Seed Family Centre, 625 Queens Ave.
This program will provide a place for families with children (aged 0-12 years) to network and support one another. We do crafts, art, games, reading and other activities, and a light dinner is provided. Takes place at James Bay Community Project, 547 Michigan St. Victoria.
Drop-in early learning program where your child will explore and play with you in an environment that is friendly, safe and inspiring!. You will meet other families and get to share in the excitement of your child's early learning experiences. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver while attending the program. Nutritious snacks are provided. StrongStart Learning Centres are located at the following schools: George Jay Elementary, McKenzie Elementary, Macaulay Elementary, James Bay Community School, View Royal Elementary, Craigflower Elementary. Visit the website for more information.
Come enjoy home cooked meals by donation. All families welcome. The dinner will provide a healthy meal, ideas for easy meal preparation, access to food resources as well as a social time to bring families together, supporting them in spending quality time together while alleviating the pressure of preparing an affordable meal. Planned play activities will provide opportunities for one-one parent support. Takes place in the gymnasium at Fernwood Community Centre (please enter through the gym doors around back), 1240 Gladstone Ave. Victoria.
Join the Oaklands community for dinner and games! Meet your neighbours, share a meal, and have a laugh while playing cards and board games. Located at the Oaklands Community Centre, 2827 Belmont Ave. Victoria
Come enjoy meal with your kids! There will be activities and games for all ages. Fun for the whole family - pool, air hockey, arts and crafts, and games! There is also an outdoor playground for those who are interested. Located at Oaklands Community Centre, 901 Kings Rd. Victoria.
This program offers a time to connect with your baby through songs and rhymes, while connecting with other parents and developing new skills through various early parenting topics. Located at Esquimalt Rec Centre, 527 Fraser St, Victoria (hosted by Esquimalt Neighbourhood House)
Mother Goose promotes language development, social skills, and attachment. Through joyful interaction in songs, rhymes and movement you will find tips to soothe and comfort your baby, and develop a network of friendships and support. Includes a parenting discussion and topic each week related to early parenting, child development and parent self-care. At the Esquimalt Neighbourhood House, 511 Constance Ave. Victoria.
This is an opportunity for young children and their caregivers to meet and play in an informal atmosphere with toys, and books. Snacks provided. Free, caregivers must participate. At Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Rd. Victoria.
Families are invited for a delicious dinner prepared by staff and volunteers every Thursday evening. After dinner, stay and have a play in the family centre after dinner. Assistance with set-up and clean-up is appreciated. Dinner is served at 5pm. $2/family. At Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Rd. Victoria.
Enjoy singing, movement, reading and fun with your little ones. The program encourages child development through singing, movement, stories and bonding between child and caregiver. Please note this is a structured program and caregiver participation is required. Free. At Burside Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Rd. Victoria.
Get the wiggles out with this new interactive program that includes games, movement, and fun! The program includes organized games, movement, exercise, and free play. Best suited for ages 2–4 years; all children under 5 years are welcome. Caregiver participation is required. This program runs September to June, and closes during the summer. Free. At Burnside Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Rd. Victoria.
For dads and male caregivers of babies 0-12 months. The group is facilitated by Michael Deloughery. Michael is a father of four and has been facilitating groups for parents since the 1970s. Through this experience he has witnessed the benefits that come from a parent simply expressing what is real for them and being truly heard. He also knows first hand how difficult this can be for many men in the beginning. Drop-in, $2. Located at Mothering Touch Centre, 975 Fort St. Victoria.
For mobile, exploring babies and toddlers, 9 to 18 months. Discussion surrounds learning, eating, sleeping and how to have fun with our children. Drop-in, $2. Located at Mothering Touch Centre, 975 Fort St. Victoria
Group for you with your newborn (up to 4 month maximum). A chance to meet other new parents and discuss the challenges of parenting a newborn. Our usual topics in this group are feeding, diapering, comforting and the changes we are experiencing in ourselves. Drop in, $2. Located at Mothering Touch Centre, 975 Fort St. Victoria.
Explore the challenges and joys of parenting young children over lunch. Programming will include shared food and group discussions. Limited on-site childminding will be available. Located at the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association, 1300 Fairfield Rd. Victoria.
A drop-in program for trans, gender variant, and Two-Spirit Individuals in the south island area. A safe space to come together, share, create, and support. Last Thursday of every month, 6pm-7:30PM, at the Victoria Public Library, 1st Floor, 900s block group meeting rooms. Contact Marshall Kilduff at the number below.
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