The City of Brantford offers free and fun programming for children

BRANTFORD, ON – There’s no better time to get out and play with free and fun in-person programming for children and youth. Healthy Kids Brantford and EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer a variety of activities and programs for children of all ages throughout the year.

“Free in-person activities and events for children and families are back!” says Michelle Connor, Manager of Children’s Services and Early Years, City of Brantford. “EarlyON Centres are open for in-person drop-in play for children 0-6 and their families while children ages up to 14 can explore a wide range of outdoor Healthy Kids activities and events.”

Children and their families are invited to reconnect with nature this summer with free outdoor programming and activities through the Nature is Best passport. There’s a chance to win prizes for participating, including a $50 Walmart gift card and three Healthy Kids swag bags valued at $25. Activities include playing in a splash pad, building a bird feeder, participating in Harmony Square programming and much more. Learn more and participate at Brantford.ca/NatureisBest. Become a Healthy Kid and Healthy Family by visiting the Healthy Kids calendar at Brantford.ca/HealthyKids to discover free programs and activities throughout the year

“Learning to connect with others is vital to a child’s development,” says Karen Bulmer, Service Manager of Child Development, Child and Family Services of Grand Erie. “That’s why we and our EarlyON partners are proud to offer multiple EarlyON centres throughout Brantford and the County of Brant for children and families to come together to ask questions, learn, and have fun.”

EarlyON centres offer free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old to learn and explore through art, music, physical movement and sensory play to build imagination, language, social relationships, growth and development. The free play-based programming includes messy art, science experiments, storytelling and music while connecting with other families. EarlyON centres are staffed by professionals trained in early childhood development who can answer questions and make connections to other programs and supports.

Family Gatherings are free Indigenous-led EarlyON programs that focus on Haudenosaunee culture including a variety of crafts, learning how to speak Mohawk and Cayuga and circle time with songs and games. All families are welcome to attend in-person Family Gatherings programming located in Harmony Square at Unit 105. Registration is required in advance by calling 519-720-0488.

Come play at EarlyON. Programs and locations can be found on the EarlyON calendar at Brantford.ca/EarlyON.

About Healthy Kids Brantford

Healthy Kids Brantford works with over 200 community partner agencies and businesses to offer free programming, contests and challenges that promote physical and mental health, build self-esteem and encourage community involvement. Children ages 0-14 are encouraged to make healthier choices through physical activity, nutrition and imaginative play. Programs include the Healthy Kids Passport to Health, Be Healthy Be You, Celebrate Culture and more

About EarlyON Family and Learning Centres

EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old. You can learn and play with your child, meet people and get advice from early childhood professionals.

- 30 -

Media Contact:

Kelly Page | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-759-4150 ext. 5779 | kpage@brantford.ca