Mealtime Tips for Toddlers & Let’s Make a Spooky Themed Healthy Snack! (Kars)
Join us during our Kars Playgroup for a fun caregiver-and-child session featuring practical mealtime tips/snack ideas for toddlers. Together, we will also create a spooky-themed healthy snack that little ones will enjoy!
Ages and Stages Development Check In: One on One Sessions with Certified EarlyON Professional
Come explore your child’s development: Book a one on one session with our certified EarlyON professional who is trained in the Ages and Stages Questionnaire/Developmental Support Plan through the Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion and the Hospital for Sick Children Toronto.
What do these sessions look like?
You can book an individual time slot for you and your child. Come and play in our EarlyON space while discussing your child’s development. An Ages and Stages questionnaire will be available to fill out before or during the session. You and our certified staff will create a developmental support plan together to help support your child and focus on current and developing skills. Resource and Referral support is available as well. Please click here to book.
Who are these sessions for?
Parents with children 0-6 years old
Parent’s who are looking to learn more about if their child is on track developmentally, how they can support their child’s development or parents who may have concerns about their child’s development.
Parenting in Ottawa Drop In
Parents can meet in person with a Public Health Nurse to have their babies weighed, discuss their child’s growth and development, receive parenting guidance, receive breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, get connected with community resources and more.
Who can attend:
Expectant parents
Parents and guardians of children from birth to six years of age
No appointment necessary. Clients can drop in during the clinic’s hours. Clients do not need OHIP coverage to receive services. Consultations with a Public Health Nurse may be limited to 15-20 minutes.
Bonjour & Bouge! Circle Time en Français!
Join an RFC EarlyON Educator and other families for a morning of French Circle Time where we will sing songs and enjoy interactive circle time activities together. This French-immersion/bilingual program is a wonderful opportunity for children and caregivers to be introduced to and exposed to French in a fun, welcoming environment. No French language experience is necessary—everyone is welcome to participate!
Shake, Watch & Breathe: Make Your Own Spooky Calming Jar Caregiver & Child Workshop (Osgoode)
Join us during out Osgoode Playgroup for a hands-on sensory jar session where families will create their very own spooky calming jar to take home! Explore how watching, breathing, and connecting with a trusted adult can support children as they navigate big feelings.
Hooray for Pumpkin Play!
Join us for our annual Hooray for Pumpkin Play Outdoors only at our Metcalfe Location 9:30AM-11:30AM! Come join us for a variety of pumpkin themed activities AND decorate your own pumpkin to bring home.
Enjoy crafts and activities inside the Metcalfe Library as well starting at 10am!
Holiday Closure
Rural Family Connections will be closed from December 24, 2026 to January 3, 2027. We will reopen on January 4, 2027.
Shake, Watch & Breathe: Make Your Own Spooky Calming Jar Caregiver & Child Workshop (North Gower)
Join us during out North Gower Playgroup for a hands-on sensory jar session where families will create their very own spooky calming jar to take home! Explore how watching, breathing, and connecting with a trusted adult can support children as they navigate big feelings.
Parenting in Ottawa Drop In (Greely)
Parents can meet in person with a Public Health Nurse to have their babies weighed, discuss their child’s growth and development, receive parenting guidance, receive breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, get connected with community resources and more.
Who can attend:
Expectant parents
Parents and guardians of children from birth to six years of age
No appointment necessary. Clients can drop in during the clinic’s hours. Clients do not need OHIP coverage to receive services. Consultations with a Public Health Nurse may be limited to 15-20 minutes.
RFC Closed
Rural Family Connections office, EarlyON Programs and the Metcalfe Nursery School are closed on October 12.
Mealtime Tips for Toddlers & Let’s Make a Spooky Themed Healthy Snack! (Greely)
Join us during our Greely Playgroup for a fun caregiver-and-child session featuring practical mealtime tips/snack ideas for toddlers. Together, we will also create a spooky-themed healthy snack that little ones will enjoy!
Parenting in Ottawa Drop In
Parents can meet in person with a Public Health Nurse to have their babies weighed, discuss their child’s growth and development, receive parenting guidance, receive breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, get connected with community resources and more.
Who can attend:
Expectant parents
Parents and guardians of children from birth to six years of age
No appointment necessary. Clients can drop in during the clinic’s hours. Clients do not need OHIP coverage to receive services. Consultations with a Public Health Nurse may be limited to 15-20 minutes.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day
Today we honour Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Check out our Resource Page for parents of young children in Ottawa who want to learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, support children in understanding it, and find local events/resources.
Discovery Nature Walk & Story Time Outdoors (Greely)
Discovery Nature Walk & Story Time Outdoors 10am-11am followed by indoor playgroup 11am-12pm @ the Greely Community Centre. The walk will take place behind the Greely Community Centre on the trail. *Indoor Playgroup will only take place at 11am on this day.
Bonjour & Bouge! Circle Time en Français!
Join an RFC EarlyON Educator and other families for a morning of French Circle Time where we will sing songs and enjoy interactive circle time activities together. This French-immersion/bilingual program is a wonderful opportunity for children and caregivers to be introduced to and exposed to French in a fun, welcoming environment. No French language experience is necessary—everyone is welcome to participate!
Make Your Own Calming Jar Caregiver & Child Workshop (Kars)
Shake, Watch & Breathe: Make Your Own Calming Jar Caregiver & Child Workshop alongside Kars Playgroup from 9:30am-11am
Join us for a hands-on sensory jar session where families will create their very own calming jar to take home! Explore how watching, breathing, and connecting with a trusted adult can support children as they navigate big feelings.
Parenting in Ottawa Drop In
Parents can meet in person with a Public Health Nurse to have their babies weighed, discuss their child’s growth and development, receive parenting guidance, receive breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, get connected with community resources and more.
Who can attend:
Expectant parents
Parents and guardians of children from birth to six years of age
No appointment necessary. Clients can drop in during the clinic’s hours. Clients do not need OHIP coverage to receive services. Consultations with a Public Health Nurse may be limited to 15-20 minutes.
Special Guest: Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre Presentation
Special Guest: Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre Presentation - Join us outdoors at our Greely Playgroup from 10am-11:30am for a special interactive presentation to learn about feathers, binoculars and birds.
Playdough Lab - Make & Take Caregiver and Child Workshop (Osgoode)
Join us during our Osgoode Playgroup and get ready to squish, roll, pinch and create! Families will explore the many ways playdough supports fine motor development, creativity, and sensory exploration while enjoying hands-on play together. Each family will also make their own playdough to take home and continue the fun!
Playdough Lab - Make & Take Caregiver and Child Workshop (North Gower)
Join us during our North Gower Playgroup and get ready to squish, roll, pinch and create! Families will explore the many ways playdough supports fine motor development, creativity, and sensory exploration while enjoying hands-on play together. Each family will also make their own playdough to take home and continue the fun!
Parenting in Ottawa Drop In (Greely)
Parents can meet in person with a Public Health Nurse to have their babies weighed, discuss their child’s growth and development, receive parenting guidance, receive breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, get connected with community resources and more.
Who can attend:
Expectant parents
Parents and guardians of children from birth to six years of age
No appointment necessary. Clients can drop in during the clinic’s hours. Clients do not need OHIP coverage to receive services. Consultations with a Public Health Nurse may be limited to 15-20 minutes.
RFC Closed
Rural Family Connections office, EarlyON Programs and the Metcalfe Nursery School are closed on September 7th.
Indoor Playgroups Resume!
Indoor Playgroups resume as of August 31! Check out our new September to December 2026 Playgroup Schedule.
Teddy Bear Picnic at Osgoode Village Park!
Join us for a special Teddy Bear Picnic at our Osgoode Village Park Playgroup! Bring your favourite teddy bear or stuffed friend and enjoy a morning of outdoor play, teddy bear-themed activities, songs and stories. Pack a blanket and come ready for some teddy fun!
Last Day of Playgroups in the Park
Friday, August 28 will be the last day of Playgroups in the Park. Join us starting August 31 for Indoor Playgroups.
Special Guest: Ottawa Police Visit in the Park!
Come meet a police officer and explore a police cruiser at Osgoode Village Park 10 AM - 11 AM on Friday August 21, 2026.
Parenting in Ottawa Drop In
Parents can meet in person with a Public Health Nurse to have their babies weighed, discuss their child’s growth and development, receive parenting guidance, receive breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, get connected with community resources and more.
Who can attend:
Expectant parents
Parents and guardians of children from birth to six years of age
No appointment necessary. Clients can drop in during the clinic’s hours. Clients do not need OHIP coverage to receive services. Consultations with a Public Health Nurse may be limited to 15-20 minutes.
Instruments in the Park!
Join us for a morning of music-making and creativity at our Instruments in the Park playgroup at Kars Recreation Centre Park! Children and caregivers will have the opportunity to explore a variety of musical instruments and create their own instrument to take home.
Pinecone Bird Feeder Make & Take in the Park!
Join us for a morning of outdoor exploration at Joe Rowan Park in Metcalfe! Children and caregivers will have the chance to do a nature scavenger hunt, explore the park, and create a pinecone bird feeder to take home and hang outside for local birds to enjoy.
RFC Closed
Rural Family Connections office, EarlyON Programs and the Metcalfe Nursery School are closed on August 3rd.
Bubble Play in the Park
Join us on Wednesday, July 29th for Bubble Play at North Gower Recreation Park! Families will have the opportunity to explore different bubble themed play stations and learn how to continue the fun at home!
Ages and Stages Development Check In: One on One Sessions with Certified EarlyON Professional
Come explore your child’s development: Book a one on one session with our certified EarlyON professional who is trained in the Ages and Stages Questionnaire/Developmental Support Plan through the Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion and the Hospital for Sick Children Toronto.
What do these sessions look like?
You can book an individual time slot for you and your child. Come and play in our EarlyON space while discussing your child’s development. An Ages and Stages questionnaire will be available to fill out before or during the session. You and our certified staff will create a developmental support plan together to help support your child and focus on current and developing skills. Resource and Referral support is available as well. Please click here to book.
Who are these sessions for?
Parents with children 0-6 years old
Parent’s who are looking to learn more about if their child is on track developmentally, how they can support their child’s development or parents who may have concerns about their child’s development.
Sensory Jar Make and Take in the Park
Join us on Tuesday, July 21st , at our Greely Community Centre Park playgroup for a fun sensory jar activity! Families are invited to explore a creative, hands-on sensory experience as they build their own sensory jars using different materials. This is a great opportunity for children to engage their senses and practice fine motor skills.
Parenting in Ottawa Drop In
Parents can meet in person with a Public Health Nurse to have their babies weighed, discuss their child’s growth and development, receive parenting guidance, receive breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, get connected with community resources and more.
Who can attend:
Expectant parents
Parents and guardians of children from birth to six years of age
No appointment necessary. Clients can drop in during the clinic’s hours. Clients do not need OHIP coverage to receive services. Consultations with a Public Health Nurse may be limited to 15-20 minutes.
Yoga in the Park with Laura Mei
Please join us at Joe Rowan Park in Metcalfe for Yoga in the Park with Laura Mei from 9:45am-10:15am. Yoga in the park is a fun way for children aged 2 - 6 to be introduced to mindful movement and meditation with sun on their faces and grass under their feet. No yoga mat required - wear comfortable clothing.
Parenting in Ottawa Drop In
Parents can meet in person with a Public Health Nurse to have their babies weighed, discuss their child’s growth and development, receive parenting guidance, receive breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, get connected with community resources and more.
Who can attend:
Expectant parents
Parents and guardians of children from birth to six years of age
No appointment necessary. Clients can drop in during the clinic’s hours. Clients do not need OHIP coverage to receive services. Consultations with a Public Health Nurse may be limited to 15-20 minutes.
Last Day of Indoor Playgroup
Wednesday, June 24 will be the last day of indoor playgroups. Join us starting July 6th for Playgroups in the Park!