Parenting Resources in London Ontario
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Whether you are a new or experienced parent, there are so many great resources for you and your kids in London and Area. I have only been a mom for 15 months but I wish I had this list of resources before my little one was born! Here is my comprehensive list of resources, programs, classes, and information for anyone raising a little human in London. I am positive I am missing some great things on this list, so let me know and I might have to do a follow-up post!
(Note: Many of these descriptions I have copied directly from the company websites and are not my own words.)
View larger map for colour points
Pregnancy and Postnatal Support (Yellow Points)
Babies Naturally and Braveheart Parenting- Childbirth education, labour support, breastfeeding support and parenting classes. Babies Naturally offers a $10 drop-in breastfeeding support clinic on Friday mornings from 9:30-11:30am at their location 1124 Gainsborough Rd, Unit 10.
Vesta Shop in St. Thomas - A fantastic natural parenting store and Parenting Centre that provides breastfeeding education and support, mom-to-mom support, prenatal education, and exercise classes for the community of St. Thomas and London. See all of their programs.
Rebirth Wellness - Provides classes, wellness services and education for pre and postnatal women and families. A place where new moms and moms-to-be can come together in community to connect with others, share experiences of motherhood.
Babeeze in Arms - A Doula centre that provides health professionals and expectant parents with relevant information and a social forum to explore childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting information.
La Leche League (locations vary -not on map) - LLL Canada encourages, promotes and provides mother-to-mother breastfeeding support and educational opportunities as an important contribution to the health of children, families and society.
La Leche League (locations vary -not on map) - LLL Canada encourages, promotes and provides mother-to-mother breastfeeding support and educational opportunities as an important contribution to the health of children, families and society.
Mommy Connections (locations vary -not on map) - provides educational and social connections for the modern family before baby and beyond. A great resource to meet other mothers in the mom-to-be and mom and baby groups.
Momstown London (locations vary -not on map) - early education programming and mama support delivered both online and in-person. A great way to connect with other moms in the community.
Middlesex-London Public Health (locations vary -not on map) - Public health resources for families and children, parenting classes and well-baby clinics. The Just-Beginning class is a free 4-week program for first time moms with a baby 0-6 months of age. It is an excellent way to meet new mothers in London.
Parenting and Family Literacy Centres (Red Points)
A free drop-in program for children aged 0-6, located inside a public school classroom. Activities include story-time, gym, free play, music and more, plus free snacks! There are three locations in London, and one in St. Thomas (see blue points on map).
Locke's Public School, St. Thomas
Find all PFLC locations in Ontario.
Ontario Early Years Centres (Green Points)
Ontario Early Years Centres are places where parents and caregivers can: take part with their children in a range of programs and activities; get answers to questions; get information about programs and services that are available for young children and their families; talk to early years professionals, as well as other parents and caregivers in the community. There are three locations in London (green points on map).
Merrymount, OEYC - London Fanshawe: Website
Family Info Website covers all the information about OEYC centres, child care, etc in London and Area.
Find all OEYC locations in Ontario here.Places to Play (Purple Points)
The Little Gym - experiential learning and physical development center for kids ages four months through 12 years.
Kidscape - A 10,000 square foot indoor learning and activity centre, with a three storey play structure and separate area just for kids 3 years and younger. They offer year round PD Day and holiday camps, workshops and a 1500 square foot ceremic studio.
Adventures on Wonderland - Indoor playground and family entertainment facility. The Wee Ones play area is free for children under 1. Ages 1-3 is $4.95.
London Children's Museum - A hands-on museum that focuses on the educational and social development of children from infancy through age twelve. Explore three floors full of interactive exhibits, activities and programs that encourage children and their grown-ups to play together and learn together.
4Cats Art Studio - offers art classes, art history, art parties, art supplies and party planning for children and adults.
C.L.A.P. with Claire (not on map) - a music program that encourages children to create, learn and play. The parent/child interactive format allows children to develop a love of music while spending quality time with their parents.
City of London Recreation (locations vary -not on map) - many recreation opportunities are available through the City of London such as aquatics, skating, sports fields, day camps, and much more! Check out the Spectrum catalogue for recreation programs and activities for all ages!
London Children's Museum - A hands-on museum that focuses on the educational and social development of children from infancy through age twelve. Explore three floors full of interactive exhibits, activities and programs that encourage children and their grown-ups to play together and learn together.
4Cats Art Studio - offers art classes, art history, art parties, art supplies and party planning for children and adults.
C.L.A.P. with Claire (not on map) - a music program that encourages children to create, learn and play. The parent/child interactive format allows children to develop a love of music while spending quality time with their parents.
City of London Recreation (locations vary -not on map) - many recreation opportunities are available through the City of London such as aquatics, skating, sports fields, day camps, and much more! Check out the Spectrum catalogue for recreation programs and activities for all ages!
London Public Library (Not on map)
Your local public library is a fantastic place to take children. Most branches have a kids zone with a train table and toys. Each location offers programs such as family storytimes and books for babies.
Find your local library branch here.
View the program calendar and narrow the search field by location and type (children).
Online Connections
There are also many ways to connect with other parents through London Facebook Communities. Here are some of my favourite:London Babywearers and FSOT - A closed Facebook group with great online discussion on babywearing and carriers For Sale or Trade. The monthly meetings are a great way to connect with like-minded parents.
Forest City Cloth Diapering Mamas - A place for London Ontario and surrounding area mama's or papa's to buy/sell/trade cloth diapers, or environmentally friendly products. A great resource to ask any cloth diapering questions.
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