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Activities for parents & young children

We have done our best to compile a lit of all the amazing activities for parents with little ones under 3 in Yellowknife.  Is there something we missed or that needs to be updated?  Please email us at info@momsboobsandbabies.com!

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Playgroups 

The following organizations host regular playgroups in Yellowknife with toys, equipment and fun activities for young children:

 

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Mama & Bebia Nezi Ts’eda Program

This program is a free drop-in program for all First Nations and Metis mothers/fathers or guardians residing in Ndilo, Dettah, and Yellowknife. It is also open to all expectant mothers at the Vital Abel Boarding Home, including expectant and new moms, breastfeeding moms, and parents with children aged 0 to 3. Participants learn about healthy eating habits for expectant and nursing mothers; early childhood development; and prenatal and postnatal health and education through discussion, activities and cooking classes. Classes also include traditional teachings from Elders, making healthy meals to take home, arts and crafts and one on one ongoing support as needed. For more information please contact Melissa Sangris at 920.2925.

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City of Yellowknife Recreation

The City of Yellowknife offers a variety of activities, both on a registered and drop-in basis.  These include:

  • Ruth Inch Memorial Pool (lessons, diaper fit, splash and swim, family swim etc.)

  • Fieldhouse

    • ​Play together drop-in classes (0-4 years old) 

    • Track (stroller rentals available)

    • Indoor playground (0-5 years old, 2 and under play for free) 

  • Skating rinks

  • Public Library (toddler story time and other family activities) library@yellowknife.ca

    • The library has a great children's area with a creative play station, duplo, colouring, and of course many books and tables for little ones - free of charge!  Two programs are available for children under 3 of age (see https://yellowknife.ca/en/living-here/Programs.asp for up to date program offerings.

    • 1000 Books Before Kindergarten: Yellowknife Public Library and the NWT Literacy Council invite all parents and caregivers to take part in our free program. We challenge you to read 1000 books to your child before they start kindergarten. If you commit to reading one book a night with your child, you will have read 365 books in one year, 730 in two years, and 1095 books in three years! To get started, check out the program instructions and print off a reading log https://www.nwtliteracy.ca/sites/default/files/resources/1000_books_before_kindergarten_log_sheet_1-100.pdf or pick up a copy at the Yellowknife Public Library.

 

The "Recreation for All" program ensures that recreation passes are available for all families. For more information about City of Yellowknife recreation programs and fees, visit www.yellowknife.ca

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Bella Dance Academy

There are a few different classes for children under the age of 3. For more information see www.belladance.ca, or email info@belladance.ca 

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  • Parents and Tots - An interactive creative movement class designed to allow parents to assist the very youngest movers through their first dance class experience! This dance class focuses on developing hand and eye coordination, balance, rhythm, musicality and flexibility. A parent and child interaction allows children to feel comfortable in a structured classroom atmosphere and prepares them for the mini movement classes in the future.

For more info visit http://www.belladance.ca/parent--tots

  • Mini Movement - Focuses on heightening the child's abilities in creativity and expressions, and developing a sense of self. Classes will emphasize fun while introducing pre-primary technique to enhance balance, rhythm and musicality in a relaxed environment. 

For more info visit http://www.belladance.ca/mini-movement

Music Classes
The following groups offer regular music classes. Please contact them directly to find out about scheduling and what is being offered. 
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Fitness for Mom and Baby

Mom and baby fitness classes are sometimes available, connect with the following fitness studios to enquire:

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Postnatal Classes

Free classes offered for parents of babies under 1 year offered at the Baker Centre Mondays 1:30 - 3:00 September - June.  Share experiences with other parents of young ones on a variety of topics.  Classes are facilitated by Yellowknife Public Health staff and Moms, Boobs and Babies volunteers.  See the schedule on our home page, or for more information call Yellowknife Public Health at (867) 920-6570.

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Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (Museum)

The museum features lots of child-friendly exhibits safe for children to explore with many local animals and birds, airplanes, a tipi, and a popular kids dress-up and play area.  It is free to visit the museum and there is a café on the top floor.  www.pwnhc.ca

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Skating (Public)

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  • City of Yellowknife Indoor Rinks

There are public skate, parent and tot, and family skate times offered through the City of Yellowknife - regular city recreation admission fees apply.   Updated schedules are available through the City of Yellowknife https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/getting-active/schedule-skating.asp

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  • Yellowknife Outdoor Rinks

The City of Yellowknife also maintains five outdoor ice rinks.  Watch for notices about the opening and closing dates as they vary each year.

  • Jeske Crescent Park

  • School Draw Park

  • Forrest Drive Park

  • Tommy Forrest Ball Park

  • Frame Lake (access from 49 Avenue near City Hall)

  • Tommy Forrest Ball Park and Frame Lake also feature a skating oval

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Yellowknife Skating Club 

Offers a Pre CanSkate program (ages 2-4). Pre CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun,

participation and basic skill development. Based on Sport Canada’s long-term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity.

www.ykskatingclub.ca or call 867-445-6021.

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Yellowknife Speed Skating Club

Offers a Learn to Skate program (ages 3- 5)  A program for beginning skaters where skaters learn balance, coordination, and basic skills through games. Parents are encouraged to come on the ice and share the fun. http://ykspeedskating.com/programs/lts/

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Ski Parents

The ski club offers a ski parents program. Different timing is established for the group each season (e.g. Tuesday mornings at 10am). Parents meet at that time and half the group goes skiing first while the other half watches the kiddies and then they switch. Usually you get about a 45-minute ski and are heading home around 11:45. Contact Kerry Wheler to be put on the email list for this season: kerrywheler@gmail.com

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Yellowknife Climbing Club

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The Yellowknife Climbing Club offers family climbing time every second Thursday 10:00 - 12:00, every second Saturday morning 10-12, and is also open evenings. It is located at 113 Kam Lake Road. One guardian for every child under 5 required. Books and toys for younger siblings available. Drop in fees apply. For more info, see: https://www.facebook.com/YkClimbingClub/

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Yellowknife Gymnastics Club

Programs and drop-in classes for children under three are listed below.

For more information and an up to date schedule, visit www.yellowknifegymnastics.com or call (867) 920-7771.

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  • Drop-in Classes

  • Tumble Bugs - 30 minute program for children ages 12 to 24 months, with parent participation. Designed to introduce toddlers to the basics of movements and the gymnastics environment. (Registration required)

  • Tiny Tots - 45 minute program for children ages 2 to 3 years, with parent participation. Designed to introduce toddlers to gymnastics in a fun, structured environment.  (Registration required)

  • Tumble Tykes - 45 minute program for children ages 3 to 5 years. Tumble Tykes will have the opportunity to explore all the equipment, including bars, balance beams, trampolines and foam pit all on their own!!!  Tumble Tykes may have a parent participate only if necessary and just for the first week or two. If they are not ready to be on their own, we recommend registering for Tiny Tots. (Registration required)

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