(Last updated: March 26, 2025)
Here’s the scoop: these parent-child drop-in centres are completely free. They are funded by public dollars and operate by strict provincial guidelines.
But here’s the thing: These hubs are independently operated in Toronto. Their quality, cleanliness, services, and support can vary wildly. Each centre is also responsive to its anchor community’s needs, which adds to the variability.
Both of us founders remember bleary-eyed early days when we thanked the parenting gods for our free EO drop-ins. We joined looking for a break but walked out with life-long bonds with other moms, caregivers and tots.
At Mamakin HQ, we’re gathering intel on the EarlyOn Child and Family locations that our mom-friends like and rely on.
(Click HERE to find an EarlyON Centre in Ontario near you.)
| EarlyON Centres and What Mama Said… | More Info | Calendar | Notes / Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Creating Together EarlyON Child and Family Centre** |
https://www.instagram.com/creatingtogetherearlyon/
****“Great place for kids and parents, the staff are great. The facilities are pretty nice with a lot of arts & crafts and play structures to keep the kiddos occupied for hours. I always struggle to get my toddler to leave.” - Jola B. | Neighbourhood: Parkdale
📍 **1342 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K
📞** 1**-** 416-537-1004
Monday - Thursday: 9:00AM - 2:30PM Friday: 9:00AM - 1:30PM Two Saturdays a month: (see Calendar) 10:00am – 2:00pm Sunday: ****Closed
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vFJ8UxZAYLwq8sZSA | 🗓️ https://creatingtogetherparkdale.com/calendar | Hours source: https://creatingtogetherparkdale.com/contact-us
Creating Together aims to support parents and caregivers with children aged 0 to 6 by providing early childhood development programs and family support. They aim to be the leading family resource center in the South Parkdale community and collaborate with partners to offer accessible programs and services that promote early learning and development. | | **College-Montrose Children's Place - Artscape Youngplace - CMCP Main EarlyON Child and Family Centre**
“Coming here has been really good to me and my baby! It’s an incredible space, spacious and with lots of toys and mats for little ones to work on their tummy times, crawling and walking! Staff is friendly and approachable. Not to mention the other amazing moms and dads we have the opportunity to connect with! I highly recommend it!” - Carolina L. | Neighbourhood: Queen West / Trinity Bellwoods
📍Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw St Lower Level 2, Toronto, ON M6J 2W5
Note: Please use the Shaw entrance only.
📞 416-532-9485 ext 221 or 416-532-8100
⌚📅 (updated March 26, 2025) Mon: Closed Tues: 9:00AM–12:30 PM, 1:00–3:30PM Wed: 9:00AM–12:00 PM, 2:00PM - 6:00PM Thurs: 9:00AM–12:30PM, 1:00–3:30PM Fri: 9:00AM–1:00 PM Sat: 9:00AM–3:00PM Sun: Closed
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HRbqZownRGWei5yw9 | 🗓️ https://www.cmcp.ca/program-calendar/ | Hours source: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HRbqZownRGWei5yw9
Play and Learn Family Drop-in Interactive parent and child activities, including early literacy, arts and crafts, and math and science activities
Programs for children, parents and caregivers Activities include reading, rhyme and song circle, school readiness and family literacy, nutrition program and drop-in information and referral on child care, child development, health and social services support for parents/caregivers of children with special needs resource library child care registry | | More Than Child’s Play
“This centre serves a diverse population. It's clean, comfortable, and from time to time receives unsold kids clothes from big retailers to donate. I've scored several pieces of brand-new Zara and H&M toddler pieces, for free.” -Real Anonymous Mama | Neighbourhood: Parkdale/Little Tibet
📍Floor 2, Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre, 220 Cowan Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 2N6
📞+1-416-516-3917
⌚📅 Mon: 10:00AM-3:00PM (Program Room)
Tues: 10:00AM-11:30AM (GYM Program, Sept-June); 12:30-3:00 (Program room) **** Wed:*10:00-3:00(Program room) ***12:30 start time every Last Wednesday of the Month ***
Thurs: 10:00AM-11:30AM (GYM Program, Sept-June); 12:30-3:00 (Program room)
Fri: 10:00AM–2:00PM
Sat, Sun: Closed
https://maps.app.goo.gl/53bE4KcA7dxz6KHD7 | Click here to view More Than Child’s Play Calendar. | “More Than Child’s Play (MTCP) is a Family Resource Centre. MTCP (formally called A Mothers Place) was initiated in 1982 as an outreach program project of Creating Together, a family drop-in centre in Parkdale. At the time, the area was very much characterized by low income, high unemployment and high infant mortality. The objective was to establish a support group for low-income, socially isolated, single-parent families and to provide programming for preschool children.” | | **Parkdale High-Park EarlyON Child and Family Centre**
“People are friendly and welcoming. I can only speak on baby time (0-12 months program). There’s lots of fun and new toys for baby to try. It’s also great for baby to meet other babies and socialize in a very safe environment.” -Pinky C.
“This is the 3rd EarlyON I’ve been to with my little one and definitely our favourite! The staff are so friendly and the place is huge and clean. Circle time was run efficiently and lots of fun. There were even snacks for the parents! Highly recommend.” -Dawn C. | Neighbourhood: Junction
📍2918 Dundas St. West Toronto, ON M6P 1Y8
📞 1-416-762-3700 ext. 6104
****⌚📅 Mon - Tues: 8:45–11:30AM, 1:15–4:00PM Wed: 1:15PM - 6:00PM Thurs - Fri: 8:45–11:30AM, 1:15–4:00PM Two Saturdays a month (see Calendar) 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m., 1:15–4 p.m. Sunday: ****Closed
****https://maps.app.goo.gl/2c8gVqjs7EBG2XmW7 | 🗓️ https://childdevelop.ca/early-years-child-care-services/earlyon-centres/earlyon-calendars/ | Hours source: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2c8gVqjs7EBG2XmW7
Parkdale-High Park EarlyON CFC offers programs and services to engage parents and caregivers, including early learning, literacy programs, building adult-child relationships, Public Health-led programs, access to a Toronto Public Health nurse, community resources, and referrals for specialized services. | | **St Helen’s EarlyON at Mary McCormick Recreation Centre**
https://www.instagram.com/cmcptoronto
****“This EarlyOn is on the smaller side that others my little one and I have visited, and their schedule and programs are more limited, but love that it is within an amazing recreation centre that is super family-friendly!” - Real Anonymous Mama | Neighbourhood: Little Portugal
**📍Mary McCormick Recreation Centre, 66 Sheridan Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6K 2G9
📞 1-**416-532-9485 ext 221
⌚📅 (updated: March 26, 2025) Mon: 9:00AM - 12:00PM, 1:00PM - 3:00PM Tues: 9:00AM - 2:00PM Wed: 9:00AM - 12:00PM, 1:00PM - 3:00PM Thurs: 1:00PM - 5:00PM Fri: 9:00AM - 12:30AM Kinder Gym Drop-in Sat - Sun: Closed
****https://maps.app.goo.gl/wTzAUVqKMzH54ywp9 | 🗓️ https://www.cmcp.ca/program-calendar/ | Hours source: https://www.cmcp.ca/program-calendar/
St. Helen’s Family Drop-in Drop-in with your Toddlers/Preschoolers (16 months to 6 years old) to: - Engage in early learning activities with your children
St. Helen’s Family FRIDAY Kinder-gym Drop-in Join us Friday mornings in the Gym at Mary McCormick Community Centre for drop in Kinder Gym (0-6 years). We have free play in the gym from 9-11:00 then a 30 minute parachute circle time until 11:30. In the gym we set up bikes and trikes, balls, blocks and activities with a large mat area for infants and new movers. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 416-532 9485 ext 221 | | **EarlyON at Dr. Rita Cox - Kina Minagok**
“EarlyON at Dr Rita Cox in south parkdale!!! My son has been going since he turned one and my only regret was not going sooner 😭 This one stands out as my son gets to experience being in a more class room setting, and the teacher there Ms. Tina is so hands on and goes above and beyond with nurturing and guiding my son and I, so he is school and life ready! I also love all the bonds I have created, and feel closer and so connected to my community more than ever 🥹” via IG comments 🥰 | Neighbourhood: Parkdale
📍EarlyOn at Dr. Rita Cox - Kina Minagok Public School, 100 Close Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 2V3
📞1-416-394-2104
⌚📅 Mon: 9:00AM–2:00PM Tues: 9:00AM–2:00PM Wed: 9:00AM–2:00PM Thurs: 9:00AM–2:00PM Fri, Sat, Sun: Closed | “Free. No pre-registration required. Drop in any time during program hours.” | “ Dr. Rita Cox - Kina Minagok Public Schoohas an EarlyON Child and Family Centre, a free program for parents and caregivers with children from infants to 6 years of age. Please come and visit the centre any time during program hours; it is a place where children can play, explore and learn and enjoy a nutritious snack. You will make connections with other families and receive information about programs and services in the community.” | | **(Main Street) EarlyOn Family Resource Connect Centre**
https://www.instagram.com/dcchomecarefamilyresource/
****”Today was my first visit to the Early On Centre! It was so clean and neat! Jennifer, Peggy and staff were wonderful and very helpful! Everyone was so kind to my sons and I! My boys had an amazing time!” - Dana Lee | Neighbourhood: Upper Beaches
📍184 Main St, Toronto, ON M4E 2W1
📞+1-416-690-0102
⌚📅 Mon: 9:00AM–3:00PM Tues: 9:00AM–3:00PM Wed: 9:00AM–3:00PM Thurs: 9:00AM–3:00PM Fri: 9:00AM–11:30AM Sat, Sun: Closed
https://maps.app.goo.gl/M2m6uErTjfCrwJjV9 | 📆https://daycareconnection.net/family-resource-centre/programs/ | “We are located at 184 Main Street, Toronto, on the North-West corner of Main Street and Gerrard Street East, directly across from the Ted Reeve Arena." | | **Bloor Street The Children’s Storefront EarlyON**
https://www.instagram.com/childrens_storefront_toronto/?hl=en
****”Such an amazing free resource. We’re so lucky to have access to this. Very welcoming and comfortable. Lots of other parents to chat with while the kids explore new things. It’s nice to have an unprogrammed drop-in for those of us who prefer an unscheduled day.” -Lindsey Dickie | Neighbourhood: Christie Pits
📍826 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L9
📞+1-416-690-0102
⌚📅 Tues: 9:00AM–5:00PM Wed: 9:00AM–5:00PM Thurs: 9:00AM–5:00PM Fri: 9:00AM–2:00PM Mon, Sat, Sun: Closed
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9S4YfVZ6gVvnTPWF7 | 📆 https://childrensstorefront.com/ | | | Davenport-Perth EarlyON Child and Family Centre
”I cannot say enough good things about this Family Centre. The staff are professional, caring, warm and friendly. The environment is welcoming and set up perfectly for children to play, explore and learn. Amazing all around and thank you for providing your services!” -Santy Restrepo
”Very kind staff but the place is very dirty because everyone enters with their shoes on. I have been to many earlyons and the rule is to take off your shoes because there are babies who still want to crawl. My sons outfit which was white got grey after leaving the centre. I dont recommend it to moms with 1 year olds. Although they have a section for 0 to 14months thats clean but its very small and my son wanted to explore other sections too.” -Ghazal Bina | Neighbourhood: Davenport
📍1900 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M6N 1B7
📞+1-416-588-3755
⌚📅 Mon: 9:30AM–12PM Tues: 9:30AM–3:30PM Wed: 9:30AM–12PM Thurs: 9:30AM–3:30PM Fri: 9:30AM–12:30PM Sat, Sun: Closed
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bcof5Wyx6SGr4CHX7 | 📆 https://www.dpnchc.ca/earlyon-child-and-family-center (scroll down)
PDF Schedule | “The Davenport-Perth EarlyON Child and Family Centre is a welcoming and inclusive place where parents and caregivers can bring their young children to play, explore, sing, and connect with others.” | | EarlyON at St. Anthony Catholic School (Bloor St W & Dufferin St) | Neighbourhood: Dovercourt Village
📍EarlyON at St. Anthony Catholic School, 130 Shanly St, Etobicoke, ON M6H 1L9, Canada
📞+1-416-393-5210
⌚📅 Monday - Friday: 9:30AM–1PM Sat, Sun: Closed
EarlyON Facilitator: [email protected]
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HVxznyKDdyj7rAYU8 | 📆 PDF Daily Schedule | | | EarlyON at Pauline Junior Public School
| Neighbourhood: Dovercourt Village
📍EarlyON at Pauline Junior Public School, 100 Pauline Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 3M8
⌚📅 Monday - Friday: 9:30AM–12PM Sat, Sun: Closed
https://maps.app.goo.gl/k8R6KkqDgFCrm9BK8 | 📆 https://www.dpnchc.ca/service-page/earlyon-family-fun-time-pauline-p-s | “Ages 0-6 years.
Join us for a fun and interactive play program. Children and their parents/caregivers can access a variety of activities to play and learn together. You will also have opportunities to connect with others or speak to staff about your child's development or parenting needs.” | | Mothercraft EarlyON at 32 Heath Street West | Neighbourhood: Yonge and St. Clair
📍32 Heath St W, Toronto, ON M4V 1T3
⌚📅 Monday: (0-6 yo) 9:30 – 12:00 pm; (Baby) 2:00-4:30 pm; (Preschool) 3:00-5:30 pm
Tuesday: (Baby & Preschool) 9:30 – 12:00 pm; (Baby) 2:00-4:30 pm; (Preschool) 2:00-4:30 pm
Wednesday: (Baby) 9:30-12:30 pm; (Preschool) 9:30-12:00 pm; (0-6 yo) 2:00 – 6:00 pm; (Music for Everyone) 5:00-5:30 pm
Thursday: (Baby) 9:30-12:00 pm; (Preschool) 9:30-12:00 pm; (Family) 2:00 – 4:30 pm
Friday: (0-6 yo) 9:00 – 12:00 pm
Saturday: (0-6 yo) 9:00 – 12:00 pm
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1goww7fXU3BFfzKx7 | 📆 https://mothercraft.ca/earlyon-child-family-centres/ | “Mothercraft EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer the following FREE services: • Early learning and literacy programs for parents and children. • Programs to help parents and caregivers in all aspects of early child development. • Programs on pregnancy and parenting. • Links to other early years programs in the community.” | | Mothercraft West EarlyON (St. Clair Ave and Bathurst) | Neighbourhood: St. Clair and Bathurst
📍646 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1A9
⌚📅 Thursday: (0-6 yo) 9:30 – 12:00 pm, 2:00-4:30pm Friday: (0-6 yo) 9:00 – 12:00 pm
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LhQNGNLKEWqB1fARA | | | | Mothercraft EarlyON at Oakwood Library | Neighbourhood: Rogers Rd and Oakwood Ave
📍341 Oakwood Avenue, York, ON M6E 2W1
⌚📅 Monday: (0-6 yo) 10:30 – 12:30 pm
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1YGZtJm3rqbjUwi59 | | | | **Lambton EarlyON Child and Family Centre**
| Neighbourhood: Lambton (York)
📍3735 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6S 2T6
⌚📅 Monday: 9:00AM - 5:30PM
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uJmL6UjTy6ha2iY59 | | Gooch/Lambton location runs the EarlyON program on Mondays. The rest of the week, the United Way runs a Family Resource Program.
Gooch Family Resource Program - 3735 Dundas Street West Tuesday: 9:00AM - 3:00PM Wednesday: 9:00AM - 3:00PM Thursday: 9:00AM - 3:00PM |
What are EarlyON Child and Family Centres?
“EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free programs to parents/caregivers and their children from birth to six years of age. These centres welcome all families to participate in quality programs that
Qualified professionals can help families and caregivers find support, get advice, make personal connections and access a network of resources.”
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