Parent & Baby Playgroups in Ottawa
*List last updated November 2023
As you begin your adjustment to parenthood, you may eventually want to expand your and your little one’s network. Having no extended family around me, no friends of mine on parental leave at the same time, and very little support system, Ottawa baby playgroups and Moms groups were a life line for me after my first daughter was born. It’s a way to meet other parents at the same stage of life, obtain resources on various parenting topics, and frankly, they can provide an awesome opportunity to just get the heck out of the house.
Some groups run on a drop-in basis meaning you can pop in and out as you need to based on your schedule or whatever’s going on that day in your life. While some are informal get-togethers, others are more structured and provide specific services or information, which means that they may expect more of a commitment or there may also be a fee attached.
I’ve tried to compile as comprehensive of a list as possible that covers different neighbourhoods in Ottawa and interests. If you know of one and it’s not listed here, please send me a message and I’ll be happy to add it below.
Children’s Village of Ottawa-Carleton
Located on Churchill Ave, this group is geared towards parents with infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers. They even have a special drop-in group on Mondays for multiples! “Parents and providers can join in the fun with the children, share ideas and experiences with others attending, and also consult with our friendly, experienced and knowledgeable staff who facilitate the play sessions.” (Ottawa Centre)
EarlyON Child and Family Centres
Coordinated by the City of Ottawa, EarlyON Centres operate out of several schools, as well as local community resource centres, every day of the week. From birth to age six, these popular groups that I attended often, provide free programs and services to parents and caregivers, including play time, crafts, school readiness info and community referrals. Bilingual services available at some locations. (Ottawa East, Centre, South & West)
Multiple drop-in play groups for various ages every weekday. On Monday and Friday afternoons, they have dedicated baby time for 0-12 months. (Ottawa West)
Fitness With Jules has been offering “strollercise” and yoga classes for Moms and babies for several years now. This one is especially great when the weather is not nice but you need to move. This is a free drop-in program based at St. Laurent Shopping Centre three mornings a week. (Ottawa East)
Their flagship Mom & Baby program is a semi-structured group program that allows you to meet other Moms with their babies, socialise and learn about new topics each week in a casual environment. They also offer a variety of programming for kids of all ages. Advanced registration and payment is required. (Ottawa East, Centre & West)
In addition to being on of the EarlyON drop-in locations mentioned above, Mothercraft provides workshops and classes throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period, infant feed support groups run by experiences lactation consultants and public health nurses, and an in-person and virtual postpartum support group for Moms. I frequented Mothercraft many times when my first was born due to the variety of caring, comprehensive programs provided. (Ottawa Centre)
Ottawa Public Library Babytime
Another fav of mine when my kids were babies, Babytime is offered at multiple locations all over the city and in some rural areas for babies 0-18 months and their caregiver. French and English groups are available. This is an opportunity to meet other parents and babies in your neighbourhood and enjoy a story and some sing-alongs. Registration is required in advance for some locations. (Ottawa East, Centre, South & West)
Starr Gymnastics Baby Playgroup
While you might think that gymnastics and babies seems like an odd fit, this was my fav playgroup when I was on parental leave with my youngest. Perfect when I just wanted to escape the house and socialise with others in a fun setting. And let me tell you, if you have an energetic early crawler and walker like I did, those foam mats and infant climbing structures are quite welcome! For babies 0-12 months and a caregiver. Pre-registration recommended but not required. $5 per session. (Ottawa East, Centre & West)
For military families, these free drop-in provide kids 0-5 and their caregiver an opportunity to connect and share as a community, as well as engage in some fun. (Ottawa South)
