Playing Together in Winnipeg

Lindenwoods Play Group starts Thursday, October 8th, from 6 to 8 pm

At the Gym in Van Walleghem School
1 Princemere Rd, Winnipeg

We all know our kids need opportunities to move and play through the year.  Sometimes it can be hard, however, to find a setting that’s safe and comfortable for our children and for ourselves as we engage them in play, especially in winter.

Here’s an idea, if you live in the southwest Winnipeg area.  A parent in that neighbourhood is looking for families to join her as she starts a play group on Thursday evenings in Lindenwoods, at the mini-gym at Van Walleghem School, on Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There is a rock climbing wall, two balance beams, lots of large mats for jumping on, and the ladder type climbing wall that goes up to the ceiling. Her son is 5 (ASD) and my daughter is 2, so she is hoping to have a place where they could play together on this type of equipment, in a somewhat structured setting, and with other kids. 

The idea is to have a few organized activities, like warm up and cool down exercises at the start and end, but other than that it would be free play on the equipment that is available. It would be on a drop-in basis, no fees, and parents have to stay and supervise their kids.

If you’re interested, let us know through the Contact Form on this website and we’ll pass on the message and get you more information, or join us in our Facebook group for weekly invitations.    

If you’re not in that area, but like the idea, here’s a couple more:

• Check out your local community club.  Other parents have worked together to offer opportunities for young children – a great example is the Oxford Heights Playspace in Northeast Transcona on Wednesday mornings.  They put out gross motor toys like balls, ride-ons, and a trampoline in a gym, so it’s great for kids who need to move.  They also have a Facebook page.
• PACE is a Winnipeg group organizing social activities for children and youth with autism and their families.  You can visit their website or Facebook group to see what’s going on with them.
• For older kids, OHEYS runs a day camp in the summer, and during the school year offers a pool group and games club.