As fall approaches finding activities to do indoors with your kids is important to help you get out of your house (and maintain your sanity). Having programs that are affordable and FREE definitely helps too! Here is a list of 75+ FREE drop-in programs around Edmonton for little kids.
Free Drop-In Programs Around Edmonton For Little Kids
St. Albert
Super Kids at St. Albert Centre
Enjoy free kids activities with a new theme every month.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: In St.Albert Centre, outside of Hudsons Bay
When: 9am-11am on the last Thursday of the month
More information
St. Albert Public Library
Join free drop-in programs such as storytime, dance, and more!
Where: Forsyth Hall at St. Albert Public Libray
When: Various days and times depending on the program
More information
North Edmonton
KidsPLAY at Londonderry Mall
Drop-in playgroup where kids can enjoy a morning of fun including crafts, games, storytime and more
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: In Londonderry Mall East Court in front of Tip Top Tailors
When: 9am-11am on the third Thursday of the month
More information
Playtime Drop-In
Children can explore a variety of toys and play areas set up by the staff. These centers may have various themes (e.g., a “farm” or “circus” theme, seasonal related activities, a “having fun with things from the kitchen” day, etc.)
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Kara Too – #108, 5606 134A Avenue
When: Every Tuesday morning, 9:30am-11: 00 am
More information
Creative Play & More
Each week includes some sensory play activities that encourage children to use their five senses and movement to explore and discover.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: KARA Family Resource Centre – 6717 132 Avenue
When: Every Tuesday morning, 9:30am-11: 00 am
More information
Drop-in Fun
This group is for families with young children. Come together to learn, interact, and connect with other families in the community. Topics and resources relevant to participants’ specific needs and interests are explored. There are fun crafts, songs, music, stories, and other special activities.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Dunluce Community Centre – #9, 11930 162 Avenue
When: Every Thursday morning, 9:30am-11: 00 am
More information
Twist and Shout
Explore physical movement with your little one. Try dancing, running, hopping, and other different activities.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: McLeod Community Centre, 14715 – 59 Street
When: Thursdays 10:00am – 11:00am
More information
East Edmonton
Parkdale Playtime
Come play, learn, and laugh with us at Parkdale Cromdale Community League! Meet other families in the community while you and your children engage in fun and interesting activities!
Ages: 0-2 years
Where: Parkdale Cromdale Community League, 11335 85 Street NW,
When: Tuesdays 10:00am – 12:00pm
More information
Stay and Play
Visit one of our indoor play spaces to enjoy fun activities with your children and meet new people in your community! Snacks are provided.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Various locations in Northeast Edmonton (McLeod Community Hall, North East Early Years Site, Rundle School)
When: Monday-Thursday at various times depending on the location
More information
Central Edmonton
Kid Space at Kingsway
Bring the kids for some free activities in the community space at Kingsway Mall.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Main floor by Starbucks.
When: Every Wednesday – 9am-11am
More information
Tots Play
Come and play with your baby or toddler at Norwood Centre! We will sing songs, read books, play with toys, and explore!
Ages: 0-2 years
Where: Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre, 9516 114 Ave
When: Wednesdays 9:30 am – 10:30 am
More information
Stay and Play
Enjoy activities with your children and meet new people in your community.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre, 9516 114 Ave
When: Mondays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
More information
Baby Bunch Cafe
A safe and positive place to learn and play with your baby and make new friends!
Ages: Under 1 year
Where: Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre, 9516 114 Ave
When: Thursdays 2:30pm-3:30pm
More information
Jumping Gym Time
Run, jump, climb, and move with your child in our play space. We will have games and activities that build strong muscles!
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre, 9516 114 Ave
When: Fridays 9:30am – 11:00am
More information
Preschool Playtime
Come and explore child and explore activities such as singing, reading, playing and discovering.
Ages: 3-5 years
Where: Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre, 9516 114 Ave
When: Wednesdays 10:30am – 12:00pm
More information
South Edmonton
Tot Time Mill Woods Town Centre
One the first Tuesday of every month Mill Woods Town Centre will be offering family-friendly events & programs that will focus on having fun, being active & showing creativity.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Inside Entrance 2 next to Co-Op
When: 10am-12pm on the first Tuesday of the month
More information
Mommy & Me
Moms of all walks of life and stages of motherhood are welcome to join us weekly. During this two hour session, hands-on play experiences and parenting information will be provided by the family support coordinator.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Primrose Resource Centre – 6811-92a Ave
When: Tuesdays 10:00am – 12:00pm
More information
Daddy & Me
Dads, Stepdads, Grandfathers, Father figures, and any other males serving a parenting function are welcome to join us biweekly.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Primrose Resource Centre – 6811-92a Ave
When: Every second Wednesday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
More information
Purposeful Play
In this program, you get a bit of structure as well as free play. The program starts with a circle time where we sing songs and dance for about 20 min. Snack is then handed out and while everyone enjoys eating and talking there are experiences set up for children and parents to engage with together.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Primrose Resource Centre – 6811-92a Ave
When: Thursdays 10:00 am – 11:30 am
More information
Sing, Sign & Explore
In this program, we will explore sign language together by singing songs and doing fingerplays with signs incorporated into them. After our songs, there will be time to interact with toys and experiences.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Primrose Resource Centre – 6811-92a Ave
When: Every Second Friday 10:00am – 11:30am
More information
Meaningful Mess
The program includes various art and sensory experiences to help promote/facilitate children’s creativity, sense of wonder, exploration and curiosity.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Primrose Resource Centre – 6811-92a Ave
When: Every second Wednesday, 10:00 am – 11:15 am
More information
Busy Bodies
Is your child full of energy? Bring them to this exciting program where they will practice moving their bodies through fun games and activities to develop their physical literacy. Caregiver participation is required and encouraged.
Ages: 2-6 years
Where & When – Thursday 9:30 am – 10:30 am at Grandview Community League
Where & When – Tuesdays 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Lendrum Community League
More information
Let’s Have a Playdate!
This unstructured program is designed to help your child develop their creativity, exploration, and social skills while supporting your childís development through play. Please bring a healthy nut-free snack for your child and we will provide coffee/tea.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where & When – Mondays 10:00am – 11:30 at at Westbrook
Where & When – Tuesdays 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm at Summerside
Where & When – Fridays 10:00am – 11:30 at Millbourne
More information
Little Explorers
Find new ways to play, using upcycled and unique materials that are not typically used in a play setting. Open-ended play and experimentation allow children to express themselves freely and creatively. Come explore with us!
Ages: 2-6 years (siblings welcome)
Where & When – Wednesdays 10:00am – 11:30am at Millbourne
Where & When – Thursdays 10:00 am – 11:30 am at Westbrook
More information
Music & Motion
Dancing, skipping, singing and moving is a recipe for a happy little one!!! Children love to express themselves through music and movement. This program offers children ages 2 to 6 years an opportunity to move freely, express themselves through play & song and support their development in a fun and engaging way.
Ages: 2-6 years (siblings welcome)
Where & When – Mondays 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Pleasantview Community League
Where & When – Fridays 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Southwood Community League
More information
Rhymes That Bind
Parents will learn songs, fingerplays, and simple movement games with their infants and toddlers, as well as discover new ways to bond in a supportive peer environment.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Westbrook
When – Wednesdays 10:00 am – 11:00 am
More information
Rhymes, Songs & Storytime
Rhymes, Songs & Storytime is a fun and interactive program that includes stories, musical movement, rhymes and creative props to go along with them.
Ages: 1-3 years
Where & When – Mondays 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Mill Woods Town Centre Mall: Mill Creek Room
Where & When – Fridays 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Summerside
More information
Once Upon A Time
Storytelling is the art of bringing a book to life in the minds of children and in adults. Join us each week as we share classic childrenís stories and bring those stories to life through crafts, activities and art.
Ages: 2-6 years
Where: Millbourne
When – A 4-week program Tuesdays 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
More information
Ooie Gooie Friday Fun
Join us once a month for an afternoon of messy play and sensory exploration. This program gets messy so come prepared to have fun and leave the mess with us! You will go home with a sample of our creations and the recipe so that you can recreate the experience again at home. *4-week program
Ages: 2-6 years (siblings welcome)
Where: September 27th at Knottwood, October 11 at Westbrook, Nov 22nd at Summerside & December 13th at Millbourne
When: 2:00pm-3:00pm
More information
Discovery Time
Play, discover, and explore! Join us for science, books, art, and sensory experiences. New activities each week!
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Hairsine Community League, 3120 – 139 Avenue
When: Fridays 10:00am – 12:00pm
More information
Daddy and Baby Time at EPL
Enjoy a special bonding time for babies and their male caregivers. In this relaxed environment, you’ll learn songs and rhymes that help support your baby’s development.
Ages: Up to 18 months
Where: 145 Whitemud Crossing Shopping Centre, 4211 – 106 Street
When: Tuesdays 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
More information
West Edmonton
High Park Coffee Playgroup
Come on out to the High Park Community League on Thursday mornings at 10:00 am to meet other parents in the city! We want to create a fun place for your kids to play through the winter as well as build community with other parents in the neighbourhood. Everyone is welcome! As this is something new that is just starting up and we haven’t sourced a bunch of toys, please bring along some toys or games for your kids to play with while we’re there. We’re really looking forward to meeting you and your kiddos!
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: High Park Community League building at 11032 154 street
When: Friday mornings from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
More information
Grandparents Morning Out
An interactive DROP-IN playtime where grandparents can explore various activities with their grandchildren. Facilitators plan play environments that encourage learning through simple interactions and experiences.
Ages: 0-5 years
Where: Cabrini Building, 16811 – 88 Avenue
When: Mondays 9:30 am – 11:30 am
More information
Come Play With Me
This DROP-IN program is very much like a Stay & Play, but for younger children. Facilitators plan activities and a circle time based on Infant/Toddler Development
Ages: 0-3 years
Where: LaPerle, #29 – 9606 – 180 Street
When: Mondays 9:30 am-11:30 am, Tuesdays 12:30pm-2:30 pm, and Wednesdays 9:30 am- 11:30 am and 12:30 pm-2:30 pm
More information
Baby Babble
Join Parent Link Staff for a fun morning out. We will explore Baby Sign Language, Rhymes and Singing, Infant Development, and more!
Ages: Under 1 year
Where: 19815 – 45 Avenue
When: Mondays – 10:00am – 11:00am
More information
Stay & Play
An interactive DROP-IN playtime where parents and caregivers can explore various activities with their children. Facilitators plan play environments that encourage learning through simple interactions and experiences.
Ages: 0-5 years
Where & When: Cabrini Building 16811 – 88 Avenue on Tuesdays 9:30 am-11: 30 am
Where & When: WECC 10030 – 167 Street on Tuesdays 9:30 am-11: 30 am
Where & When: Cabrini Building 16811 – 88 Avenue on Wednesdays 9:30 am-11: 30 am & 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
When & Where: Cabrini Building 16811 – 88 Avenue on Thursdays 9:30 am-11: 30 am
More information
Baby & You
This DROP-IN program is for expecting parents and Moms and Dads with young infants. A chance to get together and discuss topics such as Pregnancy, nutrition, infant development and safety. Activities may include crafts, rhymes and songs.
Ages: non-mobile infants
Where: Cabrini building 16811 – 88 Avenue
When: Tuesdays 1:00pm-2:30pm
More information
All Across Edmonton
C.O.W Bus
Drop-in program at various times + locations across Edmonton during weekdays. The program encourages parents to read to babies and preschoolers set in a comfortable and fun space.
Ages: 0-6 years
Where: Various locations across Edmonton
When: Various times depending on location
More information
Sing, Sign, Laugh and Learn at EPL
In this inclusive class, offered in collaboration with the Edmonton Early Intervention Program, parents/caregivers will interact one-on-one with their child while learning strategies to engage their child and enhance their child’s communication and development through repetition, visuals and movement.
Ages: 0-3 years
Where: Various EPL locations
When: Various times depending on location
More information
Sherwood Park
Help Me Build My Brain Workshop
Join us Friday mornings to learn about how you are building big brains in little people by engaging in play experiences with your child!
Ages: 0-5 years
Where: 3 Spruce Ave, Sherwood Park
When: Friday mornings from 10:00am-11: 30 am
More information
Strathcona County Library
Free programs which include baby lap time, family storytime, toddler time, and more.
Where: 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
When: Various time depending on what program you’re looking to attend
More information
Are there other FREE drop-in programs that I’ve missed? Send an email to [email protected] to have it added to the list.
[…] have it added. Looking for more ideas on what to do with the kids during the day? Check out these FREE drop-in playgroups around Edmonton! There are over 75 to choose […]