Fun and easy parent and tot activities

Written by: Stacie Gaetz

We all know that life with a toddler is unpredictable. 

It can be hard to schedule anything when you spend your days chasing a little one around the house. That is why drop-in programs are a great way to get out and connect with other families, without having to commit to a certain day and time, or spend a lot of money on a registered program.

Calgary has several fun and educational drop-in programs for parents and toddlers that will keep your little one busy and teach them (and you!) a little something along the way.

City of Calgary Recreation Centres

City-run recreation centres offer a wide variety of affordable and fun programming for parents and toddlers, including drop-in skating, family swim and tot pool hours, as well as sports drop-in schedules. 

Don’t miss out on Active Play, where you can bring your kiddo’s energy to an indoor play space. Roll, jump, throw, and balance while being creative with various active play equipment. Adult supervision is required. Ages: walking to seven years with an adult. 

There is also Kinder Room Drop-in, where you can play with your child on an incredible indoor play structure. Race through tunnels, go over a suspension bridge, and slide down slides. Adult supervision is required. 

Ages: walking to seven years with an adult.

Learn more about specific locations, dates and times and find the most up-to-date information at liveandplay.calgary.ca.

The Beach YYC

The Beach YYC is an indoor, sandy beach. It was designed with beach volleyball in mind, but is open to anyone who likes to get sandy. On certain days of the week, The Beach YYC offers children’s playtime. Bring your child, ages five and under, to spend a few hours digging and playing in the sand. All beach toys are supplied and no registration is needed. Learn more at thebeachyyc.ca.

Devonian Gardens

Grab the kids and spend some time at one of the city’s most beautiful indoor getaways. The Devonian Gardens winter drop-in programs are fun, educational programs that rotate between three themes: Coexisting with City Critters, Diverse Parks of Calgary, and Devonian Plants and Fish. This winter, your family will enjoy crafts, games, and an educational touch table, and it’s free. Learn more at calgary.ca.

Cavalry FC Regional Field House

Cavalry offers a variety of drop-in programs for parents to participate in with their children ages 18 months to three years old. 

Experience some play time with your tots at Parent + Tot Drop In. Parachutes, inflatable balls, slides, and other toys are just some of the items to enjoy with your little ones, along with the opportunity to socialize with other parents and tots. 

Much like the Parent + Tot Drop In, every week Cavalry offers the same fun opportunities to play with your tots and socialize with other parents, along with the addition of a bouncy castle at Bounce + Play Drop In. Learn more at cavsfcregionalfieldhouse.com. 

Vecova

Bring the little ones to Children's Gym Play Time Drop-In for an indoor playground and play in Vecova’s gym. Equipment may vary but includes crash mats, balls, slides, preschool toys, basic gymnastics equipment and PlasmaCars. Learn more at vecova.ca.

The Confluence

Toddler Time at The Confluence offers Friday morning fun. Join for exciting story times, age-appropriate crafts, coloring, and more for youngsters up to age five. Tickets include the event and admission to the Interpretive Centre, so you can make the most of your day out. Learn more at fortcalgary.com.

Genesis Centre 

Active Toddler Program is a drop-in opportunity for guardians and toddlers to enjoy being active together. From buggies to bouncy castles, this program has a range of activities. A parent or legal guardian is required to attend on the first visit to register the child. Direct adult supervision is required at all times and the program is for children up to age seven. Learn more at genesis-centre.ca. 

Calgary Public Library

Drop into various Calgary Public Library locations to enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays for the whole family at Family Storytime. 

Central Library hosts a special Family Storytime with Calgary Public Library staff and the Fire Chief (Fire Chief subject to availability). For a full list of dates and times, visit calgarylibrary.ca/programs.

In addition to their storytimes, 12 Calgary Public Libraries in Calgary have Early Learning Centres that support early literacy practices. Early Learning Centres are designed to be flexible, open-ended, and interactive. Features such as experiential and moveable activity centres, props, and games support play and active learning through talking, singing, reading, and writing.  Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

Don’t forget about other drop-in programs that can be found at local community halls and churches, or organized through social media groups. There are plenty of ways to get your tots out and about, and give you the break and socialization you need to be the best parent you can be. CCM

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