For Canberra families feeling the pinch with the ever-rising cost of living, finding something to do with young children that is both affordable and genuinely worthwhile can feel difficult. But across the ACT, free playgroups are offering families something that can be surprisingly hard to find: a place to play, connect and meet other families without the hefty price tag.
For many parents and carers, playgroups are about much more than just keeping little ones occupied. It’s an opportunity for their children to build confidence, explore new activities and practise social skills, while adults get the chance to meet other families, make friends and build their own community and support networks. For parents and carers on a tight budget, those who are new to Canberra, or those simply looking for a welcoming place to spend a morning, a local playgroup can provide an important feeling of connection.
Canberra has a range of inclusive playgroups for the little ones that are free or low-cost, and that cater to different ages and needs.
ACT Playgroups
ACT Playgroups runs many different groups all over the Canberra region. Their groups include outdoor groups, such as Paint and Play. These are held during the school term and designed for children up to five years old. They are free to attend.
PlayConnect+ is a valuable group for children aged up to eight years old with disability and/or developmental concerns, their siblings, and their families and carers. These groups offer both free play and structured activities such as music, stories, fine motor activities and sensory play. This free program also includes holistic family support, offering information and advice about other relevant services that may be helpful for families.
You can see the full range and locations of playgroups hosted by ACT Playgroups here.
Rainbow Families
Rainbow Families is the leading voice for LGBTQ+ families in Australia. They are committed to connect, support, celebrate, empower and advocate for LGBTQ+ parents and their families at every stage of their life.
Seahorse Playgroup is a free local playgroup for LGBTQIA+SB families. Registration is required and there are two groups a month. Each group is a different activity in a different location, which is great for kids and parents or carers who like to change things up regularly. From craft to dress up to swimming, Seahorse really puts effort into planning a broad range of activities.
You can find out more about Rainbow Families here.
Woden Community Service
PEEPS Playgroups are free, and support early childhood development through meaningful play in an educational setting. Located in Evatt, Denman Prospect, Lyons, Taylor and Red Hill, these groups run through the school term.
Find more information about PEEPS Playgroups here.
Libraries ACT
Story Time and Sensory Story Time are shorter sessions based around reading, rhyming and songs for children aged between three and five years old. These bite-sized groups are located in different library branches in the ACT. The Sensory Story Time does require registration, but both groups are free to attend.Â
You can find the times and locations here.
Capital Region Community Services
Play and Explore, above Aldi at Belconnen Westfield is a free weekly drop-in playgroup based in Belconnen shopping centre for children up to five years old. Operating in ACT School terms, and with monthly themes, this group aims to connect community with age-appropriate and interactive activities. You may find a range of creative activities, story time and music, dancing and puzzles.Â
Find more information about Play and Explore at Belconnen Westfield here.
Community Playgroup at Western Foreshore Playground is a free weekly playgroup during school terms that focuses on nature-based play, short walking adventures and sensory exploration. The group recently moved there from John Knight Park, so families who have attended before will find it at its new spot. As this group is outdoors, please remember a hat and sunscreen! No registration is required, you can just drop in!
More information about Community Playgroup at Western Foreshore is available here.
Canberra has no lack of playgroups and there are often more popping up, providing extra support where it’s needed, including catering for accessibility and disability.
We would love to hear your favourite playgroups below!
